Hello to everyone reading.

Thanks to those of you who continue to read these works, or comment; it makes this even better knowing other people enjoy what I write. Thanks to all of you for being patient waiting for more chapters; I will defiantly start into series 4, but that will be next year. Please Enjoy...

SGU s03 e14

Human

Aboard the Asgard ship The Samantha, Commander Ra'toli, Asgard D.J sat with Asgard O'Neill, his partner Ursini Commander Birateni (pronounced Bi-ra-ten-é), along with Supreme Commander Thor. Several other members of the re-formed Asgard High Council were also in attendance; Lya of the Nox was presiding over the gathering while an Ascended Lady was also present. It was a passionate discussion being held in the Milky Way Galaxy in the orbit of the Nox home world. Seated at the round table that had once belonged to Merlin, the group of highly intelligent beings assessed the Tau'ri journey of becoming the fifth race.

"Supreme Commander Thor, do you believe the Tau'ri are ready for what awaits them?" asked Lya of the Nox;

"General Jack O'Neill is currently working within his world's governments on ways to announce the presence of other races to the population. We have concerns about the Tau'ri's deep seeded belief systems, some of which do not allow for others in the galaxy or universe; many wars on Earth have waged over these ideals since their inception. It may take many years for the population to accept the presence of other galactic life; scientists have been trying to communicate to the masses about the probabilities, of other sentient beings in the galaxy and universe far exceeding zero" Thor's reply was direct and to the point.

Lya of the Nox turned to the Ascended Lady for the next comment "Lady of the Ascended, is there anything you wish to add?"

The Ascended Lady present wished to remain nameless as she was not ready to fully reveal herself yet, even to the Asgard. She was a beautiful woman with grey-blue eyes, long brown hair, and athletic physique, who would appear to us in her early forties; as an Ascended Being her real age could be counted in millennia. She spoke in soft enlightened tones with a boundless compassion and unconditional love in her voice;

"Their journey on Destiny has been watched by me and others; we are impressed by their ability to overcome difficult situations without resolving to use force. They handled the situation with the Terestay race well, even after making their own mistakes. Commander Thor, you have taught the Tau'ri on matters concerning other races; but never on meeting unevolved races of who know nothing of stargates or interstellar travel. I know they looked toward your teachings to understand the powerful position they found themselves in."

Thor nodded "Your words are kind, Lady of the Ascended; Commander O'Neill was very impressed with the Tau'ri conduct in that situation; it would have been difficult for any of us to resolve the issue while onboard Destiny, with the ship's limited technology."

Ursini Commander Ra'toli spoke next "Although we are not part of your galaxy, we are a part of the technology you wish to share with the Tau'ri. We have now perfected the intergalactic drive unit you wish to install in the new hybrid ships of the Asgard/Tau'ri; I believe they are called the Enterprise Class?"

Thor replied "That is correct; there is something of value we require of the Tau'ri first, although I believe they will respond positively."

A member of the Asgard High Council interjected; "Supreme Commander Thor, it is this Councils request that this line of conversation cease in the interest of the Asgard; I apologise to all seated here, but this is a confidential matter between the Asgard and the Tau'ri. It should have no bearing on allowing the availability of the new drive technology to be given freely." The Councillor continued before sitting down "All of you will be made aware of the situation at the assembly on the Tau'ri home world; once again, I apologize from the Asgard High Council."

Lya of the Nox affirmed "We respect the Asgard's privacy on this matter. High Commander Ra'toli, is there anything you wish to add?"

Ra'toli stood and surveyed the faces at the table "The Ursini has found the Tau'ri to be compassionate and intelligent beings. We have learned much about their culture and history from the Asgard, and I have personally enjoyed their company onboard Destiny; I have been permitted by the Ursini World Command to allow full access to the new intergalactic drive device, to be incorporated in the design of the Enterprise Class vessels. We believe one of these vessels could intercept Destiny within a few days, to offer supplies and safe passage home for those who wish to leave."

The Lady of the Ascended stood next "Thank you High Commander Ra'toli for your generosity to the Tau'ri. They understand that something is different about your older seed ships, but they do not yet know about the new Ur'torina Drive (Ursini for Dark Matter Drive). Once again, it is with heavy heart that we must deny any interference with the Tau'ri onboard Destiny, especially that of returning their people home...the Ascended do not take this decision lightly of non-interference, there are greater challengers afoot for her refugee crew."

Asgard D.J stood next "We are of the understanding that an Ori Warship is tailing Destiny; this is of great concern to the Tau'ri aboard Destiny. As we have become aware there are other factions of Ori that were in different Galaxies, unaffected by the Ark of Truth. Although you have allowed us to upgrade their shielding and weapons capacity, an Ori class ship is still difficult to defeat in battle even for us... we believe the upgrades on Destiny have the capability to destroy an Ori Warship; however we are unsure of the total sum of power consumption that could cost, putting Destiny at risk if another Ori Warship intervened." Even Asgard D.J was feeling very concerned, but had more to add:

"The Lucian Alliance has acquired illegal access to plans of the prototype Ur'torina Drive, having already adapted a version to one of their Ha'taks. We believe it will not be long before more will follow; their main goal is to capture and control Destiny..."

Lady of the Ascended looked compassionately at D.J allowing her warmth of unconditional love to engulf the Asgard Commander "Then in your heart you will do what is called for should the need arise."

Lya of the Nox again spoke "We will resume these talks with the Tau'ri present soon. Now to matters of Atlantis, under Tau'ri control..."

Meanwhile back on Destiny:

"What the fuck was all that about?" Screamed Adam Brody in confusion;

Nick put his hands up in a slowing gesture "Easy Dr Brody...you saw that with your own eyes; they are more advanced than any other race we have encountered, even the Ancients."

"But he just waved his hand and the gate opened...it didn't even dial! How did he do that...and then he talks to you like he owns the place?" Adam was speaking for all that were watching.

Dr Rush smiled and gently placed his hands on Adam's shoulders "Please Adam...it's ok; sooner or later we were bound to meet a race that was incredibly advanced beyond what we could understand. Judging by what he did they have mastered all forms of Quantum Mechanics, which could enable them to manipulate virtually anything they wish; this is an extraordinary find for us. This race has advanced well beyond the Asgard or Ancient's level of understanding of the known universe..."

"So…we should just follow what he said to you?" Adam's words rang sarcastically with Rush.

Amanda and Chloe walked over with several others now in front of the gate; Amanda spoke softly to calm Dr Brody "Not even Destiny knew about this race, no one has ever mentioned them before..."

Chloe looked at all of them "General Young seemed to trust him, and so does Dr Rush...maybe we should too?"

"Ah! Alright...but if the ship is attacked, don't say I didn't warn ya! Adam walked off in a huff.

Amanda held Nicks hand to get his attention "He said the Ori would be powerless against them; how could that be?"

"I don't know Mandy...that's what Everett will be trying to find out..." They headed back to the bridge to see Destiny's course.

The away team stepped out of the stargate and into a utopia; it was a massive city of buildings similar in design to Atlantis, floating in the air above pristine mountains and forests. In the distance they could see an ocean of deep blue; awaiting them were two women impeccably dressed in robes of sapphire blue and shimmering dark red. Eli's jaw fell open at the sight of the two Goddesses' in front of him, until Ginn gave him a quick discrete jab in the ribs with her elbow bringing him back to ground.

Castell introduced their guests to his partner "This is my partner Valhalla..." as he gestured toward the Goddess in blue; "And this is our Daughter Robina..." Castell then introduced everyone standing there without asking their names, getting them all correct.

"Everett, by now you would be wondering how we get from this platform to the city, yes?" Asked a smiling Castell

Everett smiled and joked back "Amongst other things...I guess you're going to have to show us"

Castell looked him over "Perhaps the Tau'ri race is not ready just yet to understand all that is here; but you have the potential to advance far beyond what any of you could imagine...please Robina, show them the bridge..."

They watched in awe as a pathway materialised in front of them with a wave of Robina's hand:

"How are you doing this?" asked Eli completely spellbound

"Young Eli, the bridge was always there...but your mind is not yet able to see it without help"

Eli looked at Castell with another astounded facial expression "You guys have mastered Quantum physics; seriously?"

The smile returned to Castell's face "Yes Eli, one of many things we have learned to master; shall we go?"

They walked off the platform of the gate and across the bridge to the city. In the space of what felt like ten steps they reached the other side.

Ronald stopped abruptly on the other side of the bridge "What the... the city looked like it was miles away, yet we've barely taken ten steps?" Greer was unsure of this place already.

Valhalla explained "The overpass has a Quantum gate a few steps in from both sides; our city is about fifty of your Earth miles from the stargate, with an optical illusion of being closer. It is designed to discourage gate travellers from entering without our permission; like yourselves, they cannot see the bridge."

The end of the path was sealed with what seemed to be glass panels, with a double doorway leading to the city streets. Castell placed his hand on a round plate in front of the doors; they opened with a flash of white light to a room they could see beyond the glass. Te'arly squeezed Everett's hand tightly afraid of where they were going, causing him to ask;

"That wasn't there a moment ago..."

Robina answered him this time "This is our Great Meeting Hall...our doorways are similar to the stargate and jump to where we need to be next. It is very helpful when one is in haste to be somewhere..." she motioned to them to enter.

Walking through the crew found themselves standing in an entrance foyer to a large room, with a round table that they could see through the clear glass doors. The Design of the room was similar to some Ancient decor with three dimensional octagonal gold patterns on brown metallic walls; light seemed to be falling from the roof as though millions of fibre optic strands were hanging down. Suddenly more and more people turned up with welcoming expressions and gestures toward Destiny's crew.

Castell and Valhalla opened the doors and asked Everett and his people to come in and sit down; there was no trickery with the doors this time as they passed through and sat where Valhalla kindly directed them.

MSgt. Greer said to Lt. Scott "These are the kindest aliens I think we have ever met..." with a disbelieving grin on his face.

The other Valeyian people moved in and sat in what seemed to be no particular order; Castell stood and began:

"Thank you all for coming; this is an important day for all of us..." Everyone clapped for a moment then fell silent.

"We, the people of Valeya bid warm greetings to the Tau'ri from Destiny; it is an honour that our two races should meet." Castell looked at Everett with a gesture to make a comment, and he caught on quickly, standing up;

"I am General Everett Young of the Ancient Starship Destiny and the SGC of planet Earth; we offer our warmest greetings to you all, and thank you for your hospitality."

As Everett sat back down Castell arose and looked at his guests, who were a little unsure of what was happening; "Please relax my friends…we have much to discuss with you; shall we begin?" Everett nodded.

"As you have all seen, or technology is very advanced to what you have become accustom too. Yes, we have masted many of the mathematical and physics concepts, your race are still learning about; but what has brought about this meeting was your intervention with the Terestay people of this Galaxy." Castell sat down as Valhalla stood to continue.

"We admired your forgiveness to those who sought in striking toward you, and then the sharing in part of your own technology for the benefit of their race." Valhalla looked at Eli and smiled knowingly before continuing; "and your honesty in admitting a mistake…"

Eli gulped quietly and wanted to slip under the table as she continued "We are friends of the Ascended Ancients, the Asgard, Nox, and once of the Furlings who assisted us with some of our technology many millennia ago, before they too ascended."

Eli had questions almost visible on his face as Valhalla shifted her attention toward him, "It is ok to ask Eli, please don't be afraid to stand."

Eli stood and almost went blank with nerves; he took a deep breath and began "Um…I don't want to offend anyone here, but how old are you…I mean, your society?"

Castell stood and chuckled respectfully at Eli's innocent question "Well…now that is a good question Young Eli; personally I am about 1200 of your Earth years old…" he allowed what was just said to soak in for a moment "Our society has survived here for nearly 470 million years…which brings us to the point of this meeting. As you discovered on the planet Hadali, we are on a collision course with the next galaxy we know as Sa'turus. Unfortunately it has been gaining momentum driven by another Galaxy that it collided with only several million years ago; until then we did not perceive it as a threat."

Everett stood next and asked the most obvious question "Is you world in danger?"

Valhalla stood and fielded the question "Yes...we believe it will first have its orbit disrupted; our star will then be torn apart by an emerging black hole that has been located in the remnants of the second colliding Galaxy. This may have been the cause of the acceleration toward us" Valhalla had a slight tear in the corner of her eye.

Again Everett attended to the elephant in the room "With all due respect, you have the technology; why not just leave?"

Valhalla smiled as the tear rolled a little further down her rosy cheek; "This has been our home for so long, we do not wish too."

Eli looked at Everett and stood up saying; "I don't understand...why you would want to stay?"

Valhalla was now starting to show her sadness; Castell stood and replied "Eli, we have been here far longer than most races have been alive. In that time there have been three major asteroid impacts that have devastated the planet for many years; in which we abandoned our homes and city's fleeing to another inhabitable planet twenty light-years away. Once the atmosphere had settled we returned and rebuilt several years later, but we always came home; this is our home young Eli..." he opened his heart allowing them to feel what he felt "and we will never leave."

Everett was still standing next to Eli and made comment; "Without understand how all of you would feel as I've never been in this situation myself, nevertheless it is our custom is to encourage free will and allow people to make their own choices. We respect your decision to remain..."

Everyone seated around the table suddenly clapped and cheered at Everett's statement; they were impressed by their guest's attitude toward free will.

Castell smiled and kept going "We will not stay on the planet as disaster happens please don't misunderstand; it is time for us to ascend and be one with our children..."

All of a sudden the realisation of what Castell just said dawned on the humans from Destiny...

They were the ancestors of the Ancients.

Everett fell forward onto his hands in shock as his jaw sprung open; they had found the holy grail of humanity.

"You're the first humans!" more a statement than question, as a hush came over the table.

Castell knew this was a massive shock to the crew of Destiny, alas, they had to be told who they were sharing company with: "I am sorry to have shocked all of you by this, but we need to tell you the truth about who we are. Apart from our evolutionary ageing increase, we are nearly as human as you. Many of our ancestors left the planet some 350 million years ago using intergalactic drive technology and began seeking new worlds in different galaxies. As you know they became the Alterans settled down in another galaxy; of course, there was the divide with who you know as the Ancients and the Ori; obviously, after much searching they came across the Milky Way Galaxy and found Earth before any sentient life had evolved, settling down for a while."

Everett and Eli had now regained some of their senses with Eli asking a simple question "So, who does that make you?"

"A Valeyain" was his cheeky reply "The important thing here is not who we are Eli, but how we can help. It is true that the Ori were once a part of our race, but that was millennia ago; we have evolved ourselves and technology way beyond the ability of the Ori. We can shift our planet out of phase in normal time and space…effectively making it invisible to all, including the stargate address."

Everett had a million questions running through his head; Valhalla could see it as she smiled toward him "Ev darling, just start with the first one" speaking as a mother would to a child.

"How can you help protect us from the Ori…the Asgard has upgraded our shields and weapons, saying that we should have enough power to cut through their shields and destroy the ship…"

Castell nodded his head "This is true Everett, but it will drain Destiny's power too much leaving you vulnerable to a second attack; you won't have enough power left to run the shields. What if two Ori ship's attack, how will you defend Destiny?" He watch as Everett ran through the scenario in his head.

Everett chuckled knowing they would be defenceless "I guess we'd be in trouble…"

Valhalla and Castell both chuckled at his more than obvious answer "Unfortunately for the Ori, we will not let you fall into that position. Please don't get us wrong, the Ori are our now distant cousins; alas, for those beings of who wish freedom, they are a plague of evil. We can give you a special technology that will reduce the power drain; in turn you must make a solemn promise not to ever use it against an unequal foe. It will give Destiny ability far beyond her original design; an unfair advantage if you like."

Everett smiled "Out here, who else would we face more powerful than the Ori?"

"We haven't found anyone in that category yet; that doesn't mean there isn't… the universe is unbelievably enormous, even for us" finished Castell.

Robina stood "I have the technical knowledge to install the required systems in Destiny, who is now on route to us as we speak and will be here shortly. We will land her at the city port for the upgrades, and your crew are welcome to spend a sometime with us and enjoy all we have to offer. I'm sure Dr Rush will have many more questions for us all." She paused for a moment before continuing "This technology will take some time to explain, but I am certain Eli and Dr Rush will begin to understand it quickly; I will ensure a full help menu will be installed as well. There is a failsafe with this unit, similar to the systems found on Atlantis…you will be required to have a specific gene to operate the system; these are different to the Ori gene pool, rendering them unable to operate the systems…indefinitely."

Everett was happy but somewhat sceptical "Suppose the Ori force one of our crew to use it against us?"

"You have to remember how clever Destiny is…she will know if someone is under duress and won't allow the system to operate; as you have found out Destiny reads your thoughts, and she has taken quiet a liking to you all. Speaking of which, I believe she is about to enter the atmosphere and land; did you know the ship had that ability?"

Eli looked at Everett and shrugged his shoulders "I thought she did but wasn't really sure…"

With that everyone got up and moved out the door and headed back out the quantum gate; the crew followed Castell and Valhalla to greet Destiny.

Destiny entered the planet's atmosphere and slowed herself down; all Adam, Nick, Amanda and Chloe could do was watch from the bridge; since none of them seemed to have any control even after asking. Destiny answered simply "I am being directed by the Valeyian home world to land; there is no danger." The ship touched down on a massive open deck beside two other alien looking craft, about the same size as Destiny. For the first time in more than millennia, she shut down her engines and other systems; all bar the internal lights, doors and life support.

Destiny was finally allowed to rest.

Nick got straight to the point "Ok, where's the door?"

Destiny lit up a CI console with a map and message "Follow the flashing amber lights."

They all looked at each other with Adam saying "Well, this maybe it then…might be time to get off."

Nick replied "I'm sure this is not the end Mr Brody…probably just the beginning actually"

They turned and left the bridge after announcing to everyone what to do. Nick was the first person out touching Destiny's greyish coloured cold hull with a slight affectionate "tap" of his hand, before heading down the ramp.

"Well done old girl…" he thought to himself as a welcoming party formed on the tarmac.

"Greetings Dr Rush, it is an honour to meet you; please follow us when the rest of your crew catches up, General Young is waiting inside with the others."

While Nick was waiting he walked away to get a better look at Destiny on the ground. Although he'd seen her from space in the shuttle, nothing could compare to her size with the perspective of average size buildings nearby; he marvelled at the sight.

He heard a familiar voice from behind him "Holy shit this ship is huge…"

Nick turned around to see Eli standing behind admiring the same view; "You know Eli, we get to fly her…for all that mass, she is as smooth as silk; now that is the truly amazing part."

Their moment of admiration was interrupted by another now familiar voice; Castell "She is a beauty gentlemen…Dr Rush, you and Eli are required to come with me. My daughter has a lot to tell you both; it's time to go back to school…" they followed Castell through another quantum gate to a lecture room in the cities "Great School of Understanding".

Nick was in an upbeat mood meeting the most highly developed race they had ever encountered since walking through the stargate; also the fact that they were a very genuinely honest and decent people, who above all kept their feet firmly planted on the ground. Both Eli and Castell filled in the blanks about who they really were; Nick stopped dead in his tracks:

"So you mean to tell me we're part "descendants" of one of the most intelligent races in the known universe? Well bugger me!" he smiled feeling privileged. "So what is this device that will help us fight the Ori?"

"Easy Dr Rush…all will be explained in time; this is my daughter Robina, she may look young to you Dr Rush…" he smiled at his daughter;

Robina finished his sentence "I am 600 years old…" she didn't look more than 20 "Please sit and we will begin."

The Rest of the crew had begun a tour of the city with Valhalla as their host; Castell had left the school and caught up to Everett with another incredible offer:

"Is there a small party that wishes to return home to Earth?" he asked

Everett was taken aback by the shock offer "Are you joking? There are at least thirty people who want to leave!" was his reply.

"Hmm, we can only allow five on a one way trip; sorry to put you in a tough situation, someone will need to choose" said Castell well aware that all of them would want to leave.

"Last time we had to do something like this it went badly; I had to use force, how will this time be any different?" commented Everett remembering the shuttle lotto.

Castell thought about it for a moment before saying "Perhaps the people with young children should have first preference, allowing them to return to their families."

Everett considered Castell's offer; "No, it wouldn't be fair to those left behind; I am appreciative of your very generous offer but...unless all of them can go, I will have to decline."

Castell laughed "I'll have to give you a pass on that one...very well handled Everett; you are proving to put the welfare of your crew above all else again. I understand why the Ancients like the Tau'ri so much; you have inherited many of our own traits" he gave Everett an affectionate rub on the shoulder; "Your tough facade gives way to a very warm heart indeed; any wonder Te'arly fell in love with you."

Castell walked Everett through another gate to a more relaxed looking area resembling a lounge and bar. They sat on a comfortable reclining "couch" as though they were good friends spending time together.

"Everett, I wish we were able to give you more about what is ahead for you; although we are not bound by any treaties, we do respect the wishes of the ascended. They know the Ori will be an issue and would normally not interfere; that is where we come in...We're able to give you access to a technological advantage against them, if for nothing more than our own selfishness in wanting the Tau'ri to succeed. As mentioned before, we are an old race and our planet will soon reach the end of its time too. As a society, none of us want to just become another "dot" in the universe; so with the blessing of our world I want to hand you something very special."

Everett looked intently at the incredible being before him; "What is it?"

Castell reached into his robe and produced an Ancient looking crystal tablet; "It's a key..." he said again smiling broadly waiting for the inevitable question.

Everett shook his head and smiled playing the game "A key for what?"

"Two things..."

"First; you are staring to learn that happiness is a way of life, not just a feeling:"

"Second; "It is a key to our repository collective knowledge memory, that will be installed on Destiny; not all that different from the one given by the Asgard. When the time is right, you will use this key for the benefit of your entire species; not just the humans on Earth, but Everywhere."

He handed Everett the key "Only someone with naturally occurring Valeyian genes will have the power to fully use this; but you are allowed to unlock several key areas of the database, giving access to much of our knowledge. Don't worry about when the time is right, that person will be there and know what to do; they are already aboard the ship."

Everett smiled at Castell again shaking his head "You always seem to leave me with more questions than answers...I don't know what to say about this gift; there are no words for it...thanks"

Castell just laughed before saying "Always remember the first thing that goes with the key, it is more important than you think...Oh, my wife has organized something very special for Chloe too; she'll find it in her room." He got up off the couch and reached out his hand.

Everett stood and clasped Castell's arm in friendship "Thanks...for everything"

"Please feel free to spend some time here with us, the Asgard will be calling for you soon..." they walked through the quantum door finding Te'arly waiting in a luxurious room that would put any five star hotel to shame; "I bid you fair well...enjoy a well earned break." He winked at Everett and walked out the door.

Te'arly stood there now dressed in one of the traditional robes given to her by Valhalla, looking at Everett "You have a glow about your soul tonight darling, it is the most relaxed I have ever known you to be" she stepped up and put her arms around him "they are the most amazing people I have ever met; just like you!" She kissed his neck softly.

Everett ran his hand up and down her sculptured back feeling the soft shimmering material gliding along his fingers; "Let's just enjoy the time we have here and now; I have a feeling it's the calm before the storm..."

How right he would prove to be...