Another chapter done and the story progressed a little further. We're still a ways off until any serious action, but we're getting there. So, read and enjoy.
Chapter 24
Over a week had passed since the president had met with Buffy, and the man was now meeting with a number of advisors that were 'in the know', one of which was General Hammond.
"I have been thinking a great deal over the past week about the situation with the New Imperium, and I can tell you this. We seriously underestimated them, and now we're paying for it." The president sighed.
"Perhaps we should have struck against them from the start and seized their assets while they were still establishing themselves." A man wearing a black suit suggested.
"By the time we discovered their existence, their facility was too well entrenched to assault. The only way to take them out would be to bomb the facility, but that would have only led to the destruction of the advanced technology stored within." General Hammond countered. "I have to agree with you, Mr. President. Ms. Summers has demonstrated an unexpected skill for manipulation. While we were distracted by the advanced weapons and technology provided at very low costs, she managed to usurp a number of valuable alliances with other human worlds, and most importantly, positioned a close ally at the very heart of the SGC. With the recent revelations, Kendra's position in my base doesn't seem so benign anymore."
"She put that damn war machine there to make sure the SGC can never threaten them and we fell for it, just like with Colonel Maybourne." Colonel Simmons, who took over most of the NID cells and projects after Harry's fall from grace, joined in the discussion.
"What about him?" The president sighed, remembering that particular headache.
"I know firsthand just how capable and resourceful Harry Maybourne is. I've personally read his intel reports, and we can be certain that what he reported to us is not even half of what he reported to Summers. And don't forget, when the Tollan finally complete the spaceships they're building, the New Imperium will become a significant military power." The colonel replied, adding to the grim thoughts of the assembled group.
"Should we change anything concerning the presentation next week?" Hammond asked, changing the subject. In a way, he felt responsible for the whole situation considering he was the one that ordered that fateful mission in Sunnydale.
"No. For now our stance towards the Imperials remains unchanged, but in the meantime, discretely look for any possibilities we might use to curb their influence." The president sighed, feeling that this order had come a little too late.
The event that General Hammond mentioned was the demonstration of the recently completed Imperial fighter that would soon make lives difficult for the Goa'uld.
"Inquisitor Summers, Archmagos Rosenberg, welcome." General Hammond greeted the two women as they and their two escorts appeared in a flash of light on the edge of the empty runway. A number of people were already present, including a number of generals from the Pentagon and SG-1.
"Thank you, general. Shall we get this show on the road?" Buffy turned towards Willow and with a second flash, a large aircraft appeared on the runway.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the Avenger." Willow began, feeling a bit exposed without most of her gear. For this particular event, Buffy had asked her to keep her appearance mostly human, and Willow had obliged, her outfit consisting of carapace armor beneath a dusty red robe and only two mechadendrites hovering over her shoulders.
"Impressive." O'Neill commented, already salivating on the idea of taking it out for a spin.
"The Avenger incorporates technological principles from several sources to create a machine that is far more than the sum of its parts. The frame consists of an adamantium structure covered with plates of ceramite. This makes the craft's armor especially resistant to energy weapons which as you know are predominately used in the galaxy. The shape of the structure was based on the Lightning fighter used in the Imperium, but the Avenger has been somewhat modified from this design pattern." Willow began to introduce her creation.
"How fast does it go?" Carter asked, examining the sleek aircraft with a curious eye.
"The Avenger incorporates several means of propulsion, depending on whether it operates in space or on a planet. For intra-atmosphere operations, it retains the original afterburning turbofans used by the Lightning that give it superior speed and maneuverability in the air as well as a significant operational range. In space, it uses a combination of rocket propulsion and an inertial propulsion system. The Avenger also contains a relatively slow hyperspace generator which still allows it a level of mobility the Goa'uld fighters lack and it is of course VTOL capable." Willow replied. "The craft uses a plasma generator to provide power to all the relevant systems."
"What about weapons?" One of the generals asked.
"There are several different weapons systems. The first is the twin-linked lascannon on each wingtip. The second is a nose mounted assault cannon that I believe will be extremely effective against lightly armored craft like the Goa'uld Death Gliders. And finally, the Avenger has eight weapon hard points that can equip a variety of missiles for use against both ground and airborne targets. At the moment it is equipped with eight Skystrike missiles." Willow answered.
"The Avenger is normally crewed by a pilot and a gunner, but a single person can operate it as well if necessary. Also, we have designed an additional design pattern called the Vanguard which sacrifices the hyperspace engine for a shield generator. This pattern is intended as fighter support for our capitol ships. Now, shall we proceed with the test flight?" Willow concluded her introduction and thus cleared the way for O'Neill and Teal'c to head to the Avenger and begin the battery of tests that would demonstrate the effectiveness of the fighter.
After the conclusion of the tests, plans were made to deliver the two completed Avengers to a USAF base, with more to follow as they were completed.
Overall the presentation went well, even though Buffy could see that the generals gave her a wary eye. Dismissing the matter for the moment, Buffy was eager to return back to the base and see the results of another vehicle test.
The techpriests had pushed themselves hard, and had managed to complete not just the Avengers, but a Thunderhawk as well, and said ship was sent on a trip to New Cadia that very morning.
"Did the ship perform well?" Buffy addressed the ship's crew once she was back.
"All systems performed optimally. Inquisitor Maybourne sends his thanks for the supplies we have delivered." The pilot replied.
"What did Harry send back?" Buffy asked.
"A dozen Jaffa for Dr. Novak and a number of Battle Sisters. We are currently reloading the craft for a second run."
"Excellent. I want everything marked for New Cadia delivered as soon as possible. Shall we see what Dr. Novak is up to?" Buffy turned to Willow.
The first thing anyone noticed when they entered Dr. Novak's lab was the strong smell of antiseptic, mixed with the lingering scent of blood, and when the two women entered, they could see Dr. Novak examining a disected Goa'uld larva, while behind her, two servitors were cutting up a Jaffa. From the look in his eyes, he was still alive even though his torso was open wide. A second Jaffa was tied to another examination table, shivering slightly and drenched in sweat.
"Inquisitor, Archmagos, welcome. I must thank you for these specimens. I was starting to run out of projects to run." The woman grinned as she pulled out an organ from the larva and brought it to one of the scanning machines.
"What are you working on?" Willow asked.
"I am conducting an examination of the Goa'uld parasite to fully determine its physiology. This also allowed me to observe the effects of the parasite's removal from a Jaffa. Finally, I am conducting a vivisection to fully determine the differences between humans and Jaffa as well as the precise effects the Goa'uld they carry has on them. Once I am done, I will be able to formulate a viable replacement for the parasites. I shall use the rest of the specimens to determine which solution will be the most effective." Dr. Novak explained calmly while the servitors she controlled remotely began to extract the Jaffa's various organs as the man finally died.
"Inform me the moment you have a usable drug or if you require more specimens." Buffy told the Magos and walked out, while Willow remained to discuss Lindsey's work.
As the next few days promised little excitement, Buffy decided to use the opportunity and visit New Cadia.
The feeling of pride she felt when she stepped out of the Thunderhawk was intense and quite justified as she stared at the sprawling complex that had spread across the barren valley in the last few months.
"Lady Inquisitor, this is an unexpected pleasure." Harry greeted her, and Buffy noticed out of the corner of her eye everyone in the command center sit up a bit straighter.
"I found myself with some free time and I decided to take a tour of your fine facility." Buffy grinned.
The complex was indeed quite impressive, and it said a lot about Harry's competence and skill. There were several sectors, all serving to prepare the future servants of the Imperium for their future duties. New Cadia served as the primary training facility for all non-Terran Imperials, with the most promising candidates being sent to Earth for further training. The first group of buildings were used by the Battle Sisters and the Ministorum priests, led by Sister Superior Abigail Cole and Cardinal Larry Blaisdell respectively. Of course, due to the need for a proper command chain, a lot of people that had joined had received rather impressive ranks and titles, which were both a burden and a blessing, as those saddled with the sudden weight of responsibility had to prove themselves capable of enduring it. Buffy had made it very clear she wouldn't tolerate incompetence or abuse of power, and so far, the people she had picked seemed to handle the weight of duty well.
Abigail was a bit young, having just turned nineteen, but she was very focused and dedicated, having been rescued from an abusive home by the Watcher recruiters. She held Faith in very high regard and worked hard to prove herself. She also had a rather friendly face and a soft voice that Buffy felt would help with the novices recruited from Goa'uld slave markets.
Larry was a bit of a surprise choice, but since the fight with the mayor he seemed to have undergone a personal revelation and had embraced the Imperial Cult with zeal that was almost as strong as Xander's. It was in fact Xander's recommendation that Larry be chosen as Cardinal when Buffy discussed the topic with him. So far, Larry had handled his duties well, providing for the spiritual needs of the whole complex and overseeing the training of priests, preachers and missionaries on a rapidly expanding scale. He knew full well the scale of the task that awaited the slowly expanding Ecclesiarchy and he was determined to be ready for it.
The Mechanicus adepts were handled by Oz, who was thoroughly exploiting the fact New Cadia had no moons and thus quite easily avoided his werewolf curse. When Buffy had entered the complex, he was busy explaining some technological concept to a large group of adepts who were so engrossed in the subject they didn't even notice her presence. Deciding to let them work, Buffy walked out to take a look at the final sector.
The soldier camp was led by Colonel Makepeace, who was a former SGC member and Harry's number two man. It was here that Buffy once again encountered the former Initiative soldiers, being run through the training of Imperial Storm Troopers and the use of Hellguns.
"How are the newest recruits doing?" Buffy asked as she and the Colonel observed the training.
"Well, there's a reason they're using training power packs. There's a lot of bitterness and resentment in that bunch, and from what Magos Osbourne told me, the scientists are even worse." Makepeace sighed.
"Then I assume the project is proceeding as planned?" Buffy asked, alluding to a special project only herself and a select few of Harry's men were aware of.
"Yes. We have installed the devices in their beds and are transmitting the subliminal programming every night." The Colonel replied. "I have to ask though, how effective will this method be?"
"That's what we're trying to determine, Colonel. This technology is usually used by the Mechanicus to teach adepts in their sleep. Its potential for reprogramming has never been fully explored." Buffy replied.
"Then, this whole operation could be for nothing?" The Colonel frowned.
"I am hopeful, but even if it doesn't, we'll put these men to good use. After all, there are a lot of heavily defended Goa'uld worlds out there. No point in wasting the faithful when there are so many infidels at our disposal." Buffy smirked, causing a slight shiver to pass through the man. "And how are the assassins doing?"
"They have been subjected to a total mind wipe and reprogramming. Magos Osbourne assures me that the process was a success and we have begun to put the trio through the paces. Since we're still waiting for their equipment to be manufactured, we're training them in stealth and sniping. It will take some time to get them ready for field work, though." Makepeace replied.
"You mean beyond the time needed to produce their equipment? Manufacturing the stealth suits and Exitus rifles will take weeks at best, perhaps even months, depending on the workload of the Mechanicus." Buffy frowned. She needed the Vindicare temple active and out on missions in the galaxy, keeping the Goa'uld from threatening her operations.
"Well, the mind wipe might have been a mistake, ma'am. While their bodies are used to sniper activities and their minds know what to do, their movements are not fluid, and it takes them too long to perform each action." Makepeace commented.
"The mind wipe was of paramount necessity, Colonel. I will not have a Vindicare assassin go rogue on us. They're too dangerous to take that risk. This problem can be rectified?" Buffy's tone said that it better be.
"With proper training and exercise, yes ma'am. It will just take us a few more weeks." Makepeace was quick to assure her.
"Excellent. I also have a new project for you. I need a hundred Commissars trained and ready for duty within the next six months." Buffy ordered.
"A hundred Commissars? Wha…" The Colonel began to ask, but then seemed to reconsider. "They will be ready, ma'am."
"Excellent. Keep up the good work, Colonel." Buffy grinned and walked away. She spent the next few hours talking with Harry about a variety of topics until she finally decided it was time to head back.
"Welcome back, milady. I trust your trip was pleasant?" She was greeted by one of the novices once she disembarked from the Thunderhawk.
"Indeed it was. Anything happen while I was away?" Buffy asked as she began walking towards her office.
"Nothing serious milady. We received intel from our backdoors in the SGC of a possible Goa'uld on the loose on Earth, but the situation has been resolved." The novice informed her happily.
"Then the abomination is dead? How did it get here?" Buffy frowned.
"It was already here, sealed in a canopic jar, and it's not dead. Thanks to the alert, we managed to reposition our satellite and caught the creature and its ship just as it reached orbit."
"I want a full report delivered to my office within the hour. Once I've taken a shower and read it, I will speak with the prisoner."
The red-headed woman looked up from her seat on the bed in the small cell she was sitting on when the door opened and a petite auburn haired girl walked in. Despite her unassuming appearance, the red-head could see by her eyes and posture that she was in command here.
"I am Inquisitor Elizabeth Summers. Welcome to my facility, Dr. Gardner." Buffy smiled and sat in the chair one of the novices brought in for her.
"What do you want from me?" Gardner frowned.
"Well, I was reading the report on your capture, and it got me thinking. The fact you have Osiris in your head is unfortunate for you, but it does present an opportunity for me." Buffy began.
"He really doesn't like this device you've put on me, although I am very grateful. To even think of the things he made me do…" The woman tapped the Tollan suppressor device that was placed on her chest.
"You have been terribly used, and I can sympathize. Still, how would you like to avenge yourself, not just on Osiris, but on his whole vile race?" Buffy gave her a predatory smirk.
"What do you have in mind?" Gardner frowned. Just what had she gotten herself into?
"We will perform a little procedure that will completely obliterate Osiris's mind, leaving his body an empty shell. It will essentially become just another organ in your body. This way, you will be able to pass yourself as a Goa'uld while still maintaining control of your body." Buffy began.
"You want me to be a spy." Gardner stated.
"Exactly. I have someone already working on establishing himself as a Goa'uld of some importance, but the name Osiris is well known. With our support, you'll have no trouble in establishing yourself as a power in the galaxy." Buffy replied.
"I will have to act like I really am Osiris, right? The whole killing and torture etc." The woman shivered.
"I won't lie to you. It won't be easy and I have no doubt you'll have a lot of sleepless nights because of it, but in the end, your efforts will help us in eradicating the Goa'uld once and for all and free billions of humans from their rule." Buffy used her best supportive voice, hoping to convince the woman. She had no intention of allowing Osiris to remain in her one way or another, but the opportunity was too good not to make the attempt.
"I'm not a fighter, Inquisitor." The woman spoke weakly.
"I won't throw you in the snake pit unprepared, Sarah. You will receive training and support before we send you out there." Buffy assured her.
"I will need some time to think things over." Sarah sighed. Buffy just nodded and walked out the cell.
"They are both sedated. You may begin when ready, Inquisitor." Dr. Novak commented as she began to work on the symbiote wrapped around Sarah's spinal column, injecting it with special drugs to facilitate its mental degradation while keeping it in perfect health.
Meanwhile, Buffy focused her power and sent it like a striking dagger deep into the psyche of Osiris. Buffy's mind, trained and honed to combat daemons who were far more powerful and terrifying than a Goa'uld could ever be dropped down on Osiris like a freight train, crushing its feeble defenses with contemptuous ease and obliterated all traces of conscious thought, leaving only the most basic, autonomous functions of its brain. The psychic lobotomy took less than thirty minutes, and although relatively simple, it was still quite exhausting, even for a psyker of Buffy's ability.
"It is done." Buffy said briefly.
"Confirmed. The parasite shows no trace of control over the host. The reversed neural link has been successfully grafted between it and the host. She should have full control over all of its abilities." Dr. Novak added.
"I'm glad she decided to help us. Make sure no trace of the surgery is visible. Once she's awake, run her through a complete line of tests and prepare her for a trip to New Cadia. I'm sure Harry will appreciate the help." Buffy grinned.
A few days after that eventful day found Buffy sitting in her office, reading through the daily reports when her door opened and Faith walked in, dressed in casual clothes.
"Faith? When did you come back?" Buffy was surprised, since her fellow Slayer was supposed to be on Pylea.
"An hour ago. Things are going really well on Pylea so I decided to take some time off. And then I thought, why don't I take you along for the ride?" Faith grinned.
"I'm sorry but I don't have the time. I have too much work and…" Buffy began but was cut off by Faith.
"By the Emperor, Buffy, you really need to loosen up. When was the last time you've gotten laid?" Faith snapped playfully, causing a slight blush to spread on Buffy's cheeks.
"That's none of your business, Faith." Buffy stammered.
"Come on, I won't tell anyone. I can tell it's been a while, unless…" Faith paused before her grin turned predatory. "You're a virgin. I don't fucking believe it. Miss big shot Inquisitor is a virgin."
Faith's deep, mirthful laugh was cut short as Buffy leveled a smoldering glare at the girl.
"Sorry, Buffy. You know I'd never tell anyone. But you have to admit, you've been working yourself really hard. You need to blow off some steam soon." Faith pressed on.
"Oh, alright. I guess you won't stop nagging me until I say yes." Buffy sighed and stood up.
"You bet I wouldn't. Now, to the mall." Faith struck a dramatic pose, causing Buffy to break into a brief giggling fit.
A few hours later, the two girls were walking out of the Sunnydale mall, laden with a number of bags filled with clothes, shoes and cosmetics.
"Wow, I've forgotten how fun it was to just cut loose and go on a massive shopping spree." Buffy laughed as she began to load her purchases into the car they had used to do drive into town.
"I especially liked the 'no limit' option on our credit cards." Faith added.
"Well, I think we restrained ourselves at least a little." Buffy smirked as she closed the booth of the car and walked up to the front of the car.
Just as she reached the door handle she heard a loud gunfire and felt something heavy slam into her.
AN: Sorry about that little cliffie, but I hope you'll forgive me once you see where it leads. Anyway, I decided to finally add a little scene that's been rolling in my head for the past few months. I'd like to know how many of you will get the joke.
Omake:
We join Rupert Giles in the home of his girlfriend Jenny Calendar, entering into a heated debate about Mr. Giles's fidelity towards the lovely Ms. Calendar.
"…for the last time, Jenny, there's no other woman. I just came here to take you on a date. I didn't expect the bloody Imperial Inquisition."
The door is thrown off its hinges as Buffy and Harry Maybourne rush in, dressed in full Inquisitor garb.
"NOBODY expects the Imperial Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise... surprise and fear... fear and surprise... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency... Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency... and a fanatical devotion to the God-Emperor... Our *four*... no... *Amongst* our weapons... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise... Can we do it over?" Buffy' shout is replaced by an embarrassed look at her Watcher and former teacher.