Hello to everyone, and Happy New Year! This chapter is a little different from the normal (starting with more than a one word title – thanks to Romanhellhound). It is written from the viewpoint of a reporter, and (hopefully) the way you would expect to see on any current affairs TV show. So most of what is here is story that you already know, or maybe a reminder of previous episodes. *Names and characters of reporters (etc.) are purely fictional*

SGU s04 e09

"Live from Destiny"

"Good evening and welcome to this very special extended addition of 60 Minutes, I'm James Stephens, executive producer. Tonight we are going where not too many people have gone before…space…very deep space. We have been granted permission directly from the President of the United States to bring you, the viewer, an exclusive live report from the very real Ancient star ship called Destiny".

"As the world has been made aware of our new place in the galaxy, technological advances and new discoveries are being reported every day. Through the system of stargates that Mathew Daniels reported on several weeks ago, we were allowed to send a single reporter and cameraman to enter the ship. We will bring you a report on the people of Destiny, and try to explain in simple terms how some of what you will see works, although for the most part, we ourselves are still astounded by this incredible Ancient technology".

"The old catch phrase from the 1960's sci-fi series, Star Trek, "Beam me up Scotty" is now a far cry from science fiction, and is very real. The report you are about to see is difficult to believe – Alien ships and beings, different galaxies, a stranded crew from Earth – it has all the makings of a hit sci-fi series".

"Once again, our reporter Mathew Daniels and cameraman Peter Scholl have been chosen, and are aboard Destiny with a live feed ready to go straight to air. Due to the distances involved, and the use of a subspace transmitter, you may experience some sound delays and picture interference during the live sections. We also want to warn you that due to these exceptional circumstances, we are unable to control the content of any live interview, which may include coarse language. After the show, a live video feed will be running on our website that will continue periodically for the next few days".

"Some of the segments that you will see have been pre-recorded and cleared by a military committee, due to their possible sensitive nature. But as you will come to understand, it is for the very real threats that affect the people involved".

"As we now know, Earth is only one of many inhabited planets, and with this new age of openness and disclosure showing we are no longer alone in the galaxy, we hope that this report will allow a glimpse of what life is like, uncountable light years from Earth, on a star ship believed to be over a million years old."

*Static* Picture of Mathew. In the back ground "We're live Matt..."

"Good Evening Viewers, I am Mathew Daniels. Tonight we are live from the Ancient star-ship Destiny, deep in the Valeyian Galaxy. To say that I was nervous about this assignment would be an understatement, and what cameraman Peter Scholl and I went through to get here, is even more mind boggling than most can imagine. We are here tonight to give an insight about the people who have directly helped to shape the new world we now live in, and the events that led to full disclosure by the government and military, about us no longer asking that age old question... Are we alone? Now, to put you in the picture I will give a very brief version of how these people came to be aboard Destiny..."

*Sound drop out, short static, Mathew appears back on screen in observation deck, FTL visible in background*

"Imagine this... You were assigned to another world before disclosure, which is attacked by outside alien forces. Your only means of escape is a stargate that leads back to Earth. However, your mission was to use that stargate to dial out of our Milky Way Galaxy and into another unknown galaxy, being that it was the only stargate found to have that ability. In the heat of the battle, instead of dialling Earth, a new sequence is dialed to an unknown point in space. That point in space was the Ancient built star ship, Destiny. Around 80 people, military and civilians alike, suddenly find themselves marooned on a decaying alien ship, with only limited supplies, in the unforgiving no-where of space. The only redeeming feature is the ability of the ship to use its onboard stargate to connect to near worlds for supplies, and a set of communication devices that allowed connection over limitless distances. Any physical help from Earth was just not an option... these people were truly on their own."

*Static*

"I am currently standing on the observation deck, with the most breathtaking view that you can see in the background. We are travelling in FTL short for "Faster than Lightspeed", and the colours you see behind me are a product of both the amazing shielding technology, and the speed at which we travel. All science aside, our main aim of this report is to introduce you to the people here, who have chosen to live out the rest of their lives onboard this amazing ship."

*Blank picture for several seconds*Peter: (sound only): "And we're back"

"Here beside me is General Everett Young. He is the military appointed Commander of Destiny, but his command is also shared with civilian counterparts, Dr Nicholas Rush, and Dr Camille Wray of the IOC, would that be right General Young?"

Everett: "Close enough. We work as a team in making decisions that affect the lives and safety of the crew and ship. Obviously I am in charge of any military decisions, but input is sought from many upon all strategic decisions, military in nature or not."

Mathew: "Gen. Young, how have you coped with being so far from home for such a long time now?"

Everett: "Hmmm... It was tough at first when we had no way of returning to Earth, except through the communication stones. After our couple of years in stasis to cross to this galaxy, and having the ship rebuilt, things have been much easier. Now we get leave back to Earth every few months if needed, but I have to say that my family is onboard Destiny...this is my home now."

Mathew: "And by family you mean all the crew as well?"

Everett laughs: "Yes... not just my beautiful partner and our son, the crew as well. We have become one big family here."

Mathew looks across: "This is your partner Te'arly sitting beside you?"

*The camera pans across to Te'arly's face, then out to show her holding Hadri'an*

Mathew: "Hello Te'arly, I believe this little one sleeping is Hadri'an?"

Te'arly: "Hello, yes that's right. He is only a week old."

Mathew: "And was he born on Destiny?"

Te'arly: *looks over at Everett who gives an okay with his eyes* "No, he was born on Valeya while we were there".

Mathew: "Wow... you were on Valeya? I have to ask, what is the planet like?"

Te'arly: "It is a beautiful place, different from my home world, and very peaceful. I would like to visit again sometime..." Hadri'an wakes and begins to cry, Te'arly smiles and repositions him. "I'm sorry, I have to go..."

Mathew puts up his hands in a friendly gesture of understanding: "No, no... That's fine. Thank you for talking to me". *He returns attention back to Everett* "May I ask General Young, when Te'arly said her homeworld, wasn't she referring to Earth?"

Everett (smiles): "Not exactly, but I'm sorry I can't discuss that without her permission."

*Signal lost, returns quickly*

Mathew: "...Then it is fair to say she is from another world?"

Everett: *remains calm, but getting a little impatient* "Let's just agree on that, but I can't be more specific I'm sorry. Now is there anything else you wish to ask, as I do have other matters that require my attention".

Mathew: "We have heard a rumour that you actively engaged an unknown race...is this true?"

Everett: *looks hard at Mathew deciding if he should answer* "That isn't exactly the truth, but we were forced to defend ourselves after arriving on a world...again I have to say, I cannot divulge too much detail on that event."

Mathew: "So what can you tell me about it?"

Everett: *scratches the back of his neck in an attempt to not speak, but gives in* "I cannot give you all the details, but several of our people were wounded or killed in a fire-fight. It was unfortunate that the beings we first encountered were a type of fractional military unit, with an agenda against their own government... similar to extremist groups on Earth. At the end of the day, the government of the planet apologised and some new alliances were formed. I'm sorry but I can't comment any further".

Mathew: "We have been shown a report on the incident and I have to say, you were up against some serious opposition. Can you tell us more about the actions of (at the time) Lt. Scott drawing away the enemy forces on his own and Sgt Greer, who we believe saved the life of Dr Camille Wray?"

Everett: *sighs and refuses to elaborate* "You can read the citation for Capt. Scott...other than that I am not discussing this any further".

A soldier enters and whispers something to Everett. Without changing his expression, he excuses himself from Mathew.

Everett: "I'm sorry but that's all for now, I have to go".

The camera follows as Everett gets up and leaves the observation deck, then returns to Mathew who smiles.

Mathew: "I guess that means interview over..."

*Static*Picture cuts to pre-recorded segment.

Mathew: "I know most of you will be interested in the ship's bridge, for those of you that don't know that is the control centre. We had to record this section of footage, due to the sensitive nature of the area."

*Armed guard opens the bridge blast door. The picture has blacked out patches across sensitive equipment, guards' faces are pixelated. Camera view zooms in looking out of front window screens, over the bow of Destiny*

Mathew: "We are now standing inside the bridge of Destiny, and my God does it look amazing. All of the controls are alien, designed by the Ancients perhaps a million years ago. To be honest, we just don't really know the true age of the ship. As we look out the windows across the bow, she looks to be a mile long. I have been told the ship is around 800 meters long, but no one is giving out too much information, so we really don't know."

*The camera moves around the bridge, showing everything, with some CI consoles blacked out, then cuts back to a close up of Mathew*

Mathew *as the camera zooms out*: "Wow, this is a real honour. I am sitting in the command chair, affectionately known as "Kirks Chair" after General Young once said "I'm not Captain Kirk". And here to quickly replace me is Chloe Armstrong, daughter of the late Senator Alan Armstrong".

*Mathew hops up and Chloe sits down*

Mathew: "Hi Chloe, I am told you are now the main pilot of Destiny... How did you come to be in that position if I can ask?"

Chloe *smiles*: "Long story I guess...but I'll make it short. I seem to have a connection with the ship, and Destiny seems to like me at the controls. I can feel her which to a certain extent gives me a sense of what is coming and how far I can push... maybe like a fighter pilot or something. I don't really know what it is, it just is. Can I ask you something?"

Mathew: "Anything you like..."

Chloe: "Have you spoken to her yet?"

Mathew *somewhat off guard, not sure*: "Who?"

Chloe: *laughs* "Destiny. Have you spoken to the ship yet? She does have a personality all of her own... I'm sure if she likes you, she will talk to you... I just don't know if she would talk live on camera... I can ask her if you like".

Mathew: *looking even more confused, thinking that Chloe is joking with him* "I have to admit that we had no idea about that... you're not joking with me, are you?"

Chloe: *turns serious* "No, not at all. You have to remember that Destiny was alone for a very long time, and her intelligent computer systems had a lot of time to evolve. She has formed a consciousness of her own, and is like any other being on board".

Mathew: "How does Destiny communicate? Is it like a telepathic link or something more physical?"

Chloe (honestly): "Um, both and also a hologram. She can connect to a persons' neuro network and speak like a voice in your head, or in English on the CI screen. Destiny also appears as a hologram of *censored* and speaks to you in person, but she only does this for more personal or critical issues".

Mathew (intrigued): "Personal issues... Do you mean to say the ship acts as though she's a person?"

Chloe (interjects abruptly): "No! I mean Destiny is who she is, and she takes an interest in the way we live our lives. It teaches her about things different to the knowledge she amasses from the worlds encountered. Because of her neuro connections, she gets to see and feel what we go through under every circumstance, good or bad. As she has told me, our ability to show understanding of the unknown and compassion even for those who may have been against us, is teaching her and increasing her capacity to understand. It may sound strange, but I believe Destiny is more than AI, she has become an entity in her own right, and we are honoured to share that experience with her... that's all I'm saying".

Mathew (pushes a touchy subject): "What about your father, Senator Armstrong, did the ship have any bearing on his fate too?"

Chloe (if looks could kill...): "F*Censored* you! My father saved all of us by his sacrifice, and the ship had nothing to do with it... How dare you bring this into question, interview done!"

*Static* Then picture cuts back to another pre recorded segment

Mathew, walking slowly through the corridors and into the ships mess area: "As you can see, and also from the interview with Chloe Armstrong, the people here hold their surroundings in very high regard. Far be it for me to question where their loyalties lie, or is it now a case of the ship controlling the thoughts of all those aboard? In this situation, we have to remember the crew are now here by choice, which wasn't the case a few years ago when they arrived. According to the mathematician and self professed gamer Eli Wallace, who decrypted the ninth chevron on the stargate, Destiny has become home. Their lives are so... intertwined that any length of stay back on Earth is short lived. Eli's partner, who we cannot name for safety reasons, is eight months pregnant carrying their baby girl. She will be the first baby born on Destiny. She will also be the first known and documented case of a baby conceived between two different human worlds... You see, Eli's partner, although completely human, is not from Earth."

*Eli is waiting for Mathew in his quarters playing with a keno control*

Eli: "Hang on... I gotta get the keno recording... Okay, ask away!"

Mathew *looking at the hovering keno ball* "So that is a recording device? It's pretty cool!"

Eli: "Yeah... it gives a live feed and other info. We use them going through the gate to unknown worlds. It lets us know if the air is breathable and other stuff like that. We can watch it on this remote device".

*Footage from keno feed shown looking down on Mathew and Eli looking up at it*

Mathew: *normal camera returns* "So Eli, you cracked the code that eventually led you to here, is that right?"

Eli: *smiles and nods* "Um... yeah I guess I did help".

Mathew: "And how did you manage to do that?"

Eli: "It was a puzzle for the final level of a game I played... and I eventually worked it out. A short time after the military knocked on my door. They asked me to go with them or they would beam me up onto their starship. Of course I didn't believe them, so they did. The next thing I know I'm staring back at Earth from space on a starship... scary, but totally awesome too!"

Mathew: "It must have been a shock to suddenly be there, in this unbelievable situation?"

Eli: "How did you feel coming through the gate to Destiny... I felt probably the same, except you knew what was happening, I didn't. I suddenly found myself on another world, decrypting a coded chevron for a stargate I never knew existed just hours before. But now when I look back... I wouldn't change a thing. Destiny has given me a life that was unimaginable to me back home. And I even found the girl of my dreams on another world. Yeah... it's a pretty awesome life, but there is a lot more to it."

Mathew: "Can you explain?"

Eli: "Well, Destiny is on a mission...several actually, but primarily to find the origins of the universe. The Ancients... they found something, like a background noise in amongst the chaos of the big bang. That is why the ship was created in the first place...to explore, and she has been travelling along in space collecting masses of data along the way. Destiny was equipped with state of the art technology for the time including learning computers. These have evolved over time and–to put it in simple terms, if she was human, her neuro net would be the equivalent of a twenty something year old".

Mathew: "Does she talk to you, like Chloe?"

Eli hears Destiny in his mind "Are your reporters always this nosy?" Eli: "She just asked if reporters are always this nosy... I'll let you answer her..."

Mathew, somewhat apprehensive and looks around the room unsure: "Um... I'm not usually the one stuck for words."

Eli: "Just talk as though it was another person in the room"

Mathew: "Okay, um... Destiny I guess that is what a reporter does. We try to get to the bottom of things and find the real story".

Destiny speaks directly to Mathew's mind: "Hello Mathew Daniels, welcome to my world".

Mathew *his jaw drops as he hears a voice as though it's in the room* "Oh s*censored*! She just spoke to me! Did you hear that?"

Eli laughs and falls backward onto his bed: "Of course I did... you should have seen the look on your face... classic!" he sits back up and composes himself, still smiling.

Mathew *still looks around somewhat bewildered*: "Um... I'm talking to a ship, wow this is really weird. Okay Destiny, it's nice to meet you too. Is there any way you could possible show yourself as a hologram maybe, so our viewers can see you?"

*A hologram appears between Eli and Mathew, of a woman unknown to Eli. Mathew is taken back by the sight of his personal assistant*

Destiny: "Is this how you would like to perceive me?"

Mathew: "Oh my God, that's amazing. How are you able to do that...oh that's right you got inside my head. Um... just so that we're on the same page here, this is a hologram of my personal assistant Melissa who is still back on Earth." *He looks straight down the camera* "Please don't kill me Mel when we get back... I can't believe this either".

Destiny: "I don't believe Melissa will be offended by my representation of her for this event. Now that you have my attention Mathew, what is it that you would like to know about me?"

Mathew: "I honestly don't know where to start... Um... okay, how did you feel when these guys first came through the stargate to you?"

Destiny: "I wasn't able to feel anything at that time, as my consciousness had yet to fully evolve. I understood humans had come aboard and my first priority was to help them survive, by stopping at several planets that had essential elements. My capacity to better understand came later".

Mathew: *still trying to comprehend what is actually taking place* "Um...we weren't informed of your abilities, so I must say I'm playing catch up here. So how did your capacity to understand come about?"

Destiny: "Three human consciousnesses were uploaded to my memory banks just before we crossed to this galaxy. I was interacting with them until we encountered the Asgard, who then uploaded their consciousness in replicated human bodies. They helped to evolve my understanding about those who created me and the abilities of the human consciousness. Your ability to explore and seek understanding of that which you do not know is what I believe separates you from other entities".

Mathew: *openly impressed by what he has been told* "How often would you interact with the people aboard?"

Destiny: "The same as any human would".

Mathew: "Do you mean if you're asked too, or just as needed?"

Destiny: "Both...although I try to stay impartial and allow the crew to find their own way or solution. If lives are at risk, I will offer assistance, but I have been programmed for non interference, and the crew have ultimate control over my drive, life support, shielding, and weapons systems."

Mathew: *looks back at Eli* "She's pretty amazing..."

Destiny: "Thank you Mathew... Now I must leave."

Eli: *as they watch the hologram disappear* "That's right..."

*Static*

Mathew: *in picture close up* "Welcome back live to the most unbelievable part of the ship. This is the dome..."

*Camera pulls back to reveal the full splendour of the dome garden*

Mathew: "The dome is more than just a tropical forest and food supply...it is also a life support system for the entire ship. There are species of plant matter from many different worlds that not only produce fruits, but more importantly, are being studied to find any medicinal qualities. Tests have yielded amazing results, with things like anaesthetics, pain suppressors, and amazingly, cures for blindness".

*Camera moves across to show Lisa standing beside Mathew*

Mathew: "Here with me is Dr Lisa Park, who specializes in astronomy and geology, and was blinded in an accident just before the ship left the last galaxy. Lisa, first of all, has your sight returned?"

Lisa: "Yes, in fact, my eyes are better than ever".

Mathew: "It's hard to believe that up until a few months ago, the accident had left you with permanent eye damage. According to the official report logged with the SGC and I quote– "It is highly unlikely that Lisa's sight will ever return to normal, due to the intense radiation burn received." That doesn't sound like it was an injury you are able to recover from..."

Lisa: *smiling* "Normally it wouldn't...but thanks to some very dedicated and talented people, they were able to create a solution that could repair the eye itself".

Mathew: "I'm told that they used different plant extracts to manufacture the compound, is that how it was made?"

Lisa: "Yes... and a lot of help from Destiny's medical database. We have collected information from several different worlds that had technology, and found resources for many human conditions. Our information was also updated with the help of the Valeyians... their understanding of human anatomy is remarkable".

Mathew: "Has this been shared with Earth?"

Lisa: "Medical advances and updates are shared through military channels, but you would have to speak to someone involved in that area".

Mathew: "So what can you tell me about the dome, and the way it all works?"

Lisa: "The whole story if you have time. *laughs* Apart from being a supply of fresh food, it is also our atmosphere for the entire ship. Obviously we know how vegetation works, but in here the mist that you feel is the falling humidity. It is collected and drained through the soil for the plants, then filtered and cleaned for our use. Waste water is then pumped back through a filtering system into evaporators that allow it to become the mist you feel. The whole system of life-support centres on this dome, although we do still have the original ships supply if it is ever needed".

Mathew: "I bet NASA would have loved this many years ago... Can I ask you, how is life on a ship like this?"

Lisa: "It was very tough at first when we arrived, but since we have crossed... it's much better. Having regular contact with Earth and other ships makes it feel... easier I guess, not so isolated. We know that we're no longer stranded in the middle of space".

Mathew: "How is it on relationships or family?"

Lisa: "Well, I am engaged to a Marine who lives here, so he is my family. I still travel to Earth to see my relatives every few months, but now my life is here... I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be".

*The com interrupts* "Dr Park, we require your assistance on the bridge, immediately"

Lisa: "Duty calls... sorry I must go".

Mathew: "Thank you Dr Park".

*Pre recorded segment*

Mathew: "Here with me is– Dr Camille Wray and Dr Tasha Wong Hoy. Is it fair to say you guys are the resident psychologists?"

Camille: "Pretty much". *looks at Tasha who nods and smiles*

Mathew: "Camille, you are a part of Destiny's command?"

Camille: "Yes. I am the civilian leader on the command team, although many others also get to offer their opinions when needed".

Mathew: "Tasha, what is your main role aboard the ship?"

Tasha: "I am the serving member of the I.O.A, and the ships fulltime psychologist to both civilian and military crew members".

Mathew: "If I could ask you Camille, seeing that you have been here longer *looks at Tasha* no offence to you Dr, *Tasha smiles knowingly* how has the transition in the crew been from when you first come aboard, until now?"

Camille: *laughs* "We don't have enough time to explain that one... I was opposed to coming aboard in the first place, but back then I didn't have much choice. The gate was dialled and well, now here we are several years later. As you would have learnt by now, it was no holiday when we first come aboard. We lost several members of the crew within months, and what didn't help was the division between the civilians and military personal, who all had different agendas."

Mathew: "Surely the main agenda at first would have been to return to Earth?"

Camille: "It was for most of us...but a few others disagreed, one person in particular. Don't ask the next question, I can't tell you who it was."

Mathew: *looks concerned* "How difficult did that make the situation at the time?"

Camille: *takes a deep sigh remembering those first few months aboard* "It was a very stressful time and a lot of things happened. When a group of people are thrown into a situation they cannot control, they will tend to turn on each other over differences of opinions. Just surviving at all was difficult, and we didn't have any control over the ship, or the stargate for some time. At the time, even if we were able to turn Destiny around, Earth was maybe a million years away. After much in fighting and just... well assholes being assholes, finally a truce was called and they started to work together. Like it or not, Destiny had a mission to explore, and we were now part of the mission. I am glad that we now have the ship in perfect condition, and access to Earth on a regular basis".

Mathew: "Wow, sounds like they were really tough times. How are things now with the people involved?"

Camille: "Better...much better. Since our crossing, the people and life in general has taken some normality. Our technology has increased allowing more protection and the ability to return to Earth. We now know all that happened was a part of something greater than an individual, allowing us to finally become the fifth race, and it was in part due to Destiny. Once we agreed on continuing Destiny's mission, everyone knew where they stood. Of course if we had found a planet with the ability to dial Earth, we would have. As for your question, they work together and don't always agree, but now they compromise".

Mathew: *turns his attention to Tasha* "Tasha, as an outsider coming in, how have you adjusted to all this?"

Tasha: *brushes her long dark hair back over her shoulder* "It was very hard at first to adjust. Things are so different from what I was used to on Earth. Being part of the I.O.A also didn't help, as most people from SGC tend not to trust its members".

Mathew: "Was that because of different agendas, or more financial reasons?"

Tasha: "It was no secret that the I.O.A had a controlling influence on the funding for the stargate program. At times some projects may have been awarded more than others due to personal interests...but things have changed so much now. With matter-stream technology we no longer need money to build ships or many other items. The I.O.A had different reasons for certain decisions that the SGC and others may not have agreed with, but most of that mistrust is in the past as we now work together, with one common goal".

Mathew: "Getting back to my first question, what made you decide to come aboard?"

Tasha: "That's easy. Adventure, unknown, challenge...you name it– it was a whole host of things that helped to make my decision. *pauses for a moment* Out here...we are really alone and only have ourselves to rely on at times. From my professional point of view, it is like a living exercise in human understanding. Everyone on board knows the risk of the unknown is great, but yet they are content to accept that risk, no different to the odds of being in a car crash or hit by a bus. We don't make the right decisions all the time, which affect what may happen next. One of the scary moments was an encounter with the Ori ship. The decision made at the time had far reaching consequences, and everyone aboard, even though happy to be safe, was also aware of our actions".

Mathew: "You mean the destruction of their ship. Aren't they just casualties of war?"

Tasha: *looks at Camille who nods her approval* "No...They are families likes yours or mine, caught in the web of Origin. These people become innocent victims of a war over what seems to be nothing but power and greed. The cost was far too high, even after seeing what they had done to another race. As much as I have a personal dislike for their ideals, I do not hate their followers...only their controlling leaders".

Mathew: "Camille and Tasha, thanks for talking to us..."

Camille: "You're welcome"

*Static* *Live picture returns, Mathew is running along a passage toward the bridge, camera is behind him following*

Mathew: *slightly breathless* "We have just had word that something has been detected... far off in space. I'm going to try and get into the bridge, we'll see what happens".

*Destiny drops from FTL, picture interrupted*

Mathew: *sees Everett and asks permission to enter*

Everett: "Okay, if I ask you to leave...you go, no questions got it?"

Mathew: *seriously* "Yes Sir, understood". *He remains quiet and keeps the live feed and sound running, and whispers to the camera* "We'll just let this play out..."

Everett leant over Franklin's shoulder. "What is it, do we know yet?"

Franklin continued analysing the data on the CI screen. "I'm not sure, we got Lisa to take a look and she seems to believe it's not naturally occurring in space...looks to be man-made or some kind of signal. Rush is running comparison programs, but nothing yet."

Everett looked at Chloe in Kirk's chair asking, "How long ago did the sensors pick it up?"

Chloe turned to him replying, "About 20 minutes ago a gravity wave was detected, but it was put down to a possible quasar star. After Lisa checked it, she seemed to think not. A few minutes ago the signals became more a pulse, about ten parsecs apart."

Everett turned to Nick who immediately asked, "Is there a reason we have a reporter on the bridge right now General?"

Everett smiled at him, "Like it or not, I have my orders too. He stays unless it escalates to more. Now what can you tell me?"

Nick shakes his head and looks up to Everett saying, "If I were a betting man, my money would be split two ways. Either it is an unknown race trying to make contact with aliens, or... a trail of bread crumbs. Number two under our current circumstances, would be better for us." A message appears in ancient on his screen. "Destiny appears to have seen something like this before...a few months ago, you know about that time..."

Everett cleared his mind and focused on Castell. A short glimpse appeared to him of a man injured, under Ori control, and a message from a close friend. "Happiness is where you find it, Everett."

Rush looked intently at him, "Everett, did you see something?"

He nodded his head "Yeah, I did...but not here, conference room in ten. Chloe, can we track it in FTL?"

"Yes Sir, shall I set a course?"

Everett smiled at her...Chloe set course and jumped.

The camera watched out the window as the stars appeared to move across the bow, and then their picture was interrupted by the jump back to FTL. Mathew turned back to face the camera.

Mathew: "I have to say, the tension on the bridge was unbelievable, but these people all work so well together. No panic or haste, just concise information about the situation unfolding. I will try and find out more". *looks to Everett* "General Young, can you make any comment on what just happened?"

Everett: "As you saw we have detected some type of disruption that appears to be in a pattern. Just what this is, and whether it is natural or technology is yet to be determined".

Mathew: "So what is the plan now, are we pursuing this pattern?"

Everett: "We will have a discussion about what it may be, but for now, it is way out of our sensor range. Chloe will attempt to track whatever this is, but the signal is weak. That's what we are here for...exploring. Thank you, I must go".

Mathew: "Thank you Sir, for your time".

Nick: *looked over to Mathew* "Okay, there is nothing more to see here...out!"

*live feed from Destiny cuts, back live in the studio with James Stephens*

"After that remarkable turn of live events, we decided to stay on air to witness first hand how situations are handled onboard. As the producer, I want to offer our sincere gratitude to the government for allowing this momentous step forward to be televised live, more importantly, the crew of the ship. Mathew and Peter will return next week aboard one of our own Enterprise class ships, with a very different look at military life amongst the stars".

"We hope that you have come to appreciate in the live interviews and pre-recorded segments, a real sense of how difficult life can be light years from anywhere. There were so many more people we wanted to talk with, but unfortunately time just won't allow. You can see some of the other interviews on our website, and also a periodic live feed for the next five days, hosted by Eli Wallace. Until then, beam me up Scotty..." *James disappears from his chair*

In the conference room on Destiny, Everett, Nick, Eli, Franklin, Camille, and Amanda sat at the table.

Nick was first to speak sarcastically, "I'm surprised you didn't invite Mathew..."

Everett just rolled his eyes. "That's enough Rush...there are more important things to be concerned about. Now is everyone up to speed?"

Nick started a briefing. "We have detected what may be a trail of bread crumbs, or so we think. Destiny's long range scanners suggest this trail goes into another galaxy. Chloe has turned and started to track the trail, but we are inhibited by our lack of speed. We have contacted Apollo and given them co-ordinates, but how far off they are is anyone's guess."

Eli asked, "Do you believe this is a trap or trick, or maybe just another race looking for ET?"

Camille answered looking directly at Everett. "No... You believe its Castell don't you? How would this have been possible on an Ori ship?"

Everett looked at the faces around the table before speaking. "I know you don't all understand what I have been taught, but if you have any doubt, speak up now."

Amanda weighed in. "Destiny has confirmed that Everett's mind is different from before he left. He does have the gifts similar to Castell."

Everett was not one to sit back, so he just told them what he'd seen. "I believe I connected with Castell for a few seconds and saw what was around him, like a stone connection. There was a man in the next cell to his, who looked to be injured. From what I experienced, it seemed to be this other man that left the trail."

Nick felt something suspicious about Everett's statement and said so, "There is something you're not telling us... you know who he is...?"

Everett wasn't sure how to tell them, but it was his burden to bear. "Yes. Before I say it, it is not to leave this room under any circumstances, is that understood?" he waited for nods around the table.

"General Traise..."