Here's the next chapter for you all, questions will be answered and others will be asked. Note: Sergeant Major Richards is the property of DaniWilder, so thanks for letting me borrow him.

I intend to look at all reviews and try to clear up any questions you may have, so if you have any stick them in your reviews and i will try to answer them without giving the game away at the start of each new chapter.

As some of you may have guessed there will eventually be new ships being built. The tricky part is coming up with appropriate names which is very important, so if you have any suggestions send them in and the best will become the names for the new BC - 305 class ships.

Review Responses

Shadows-of-Realms: You will find out about Caldwell shortly. As for Harmony i can only apologise for the confusion but i guess that is the result of having to make up a name for a planet. That fog should clear by the end of this chapter though so all i can say is keep reading.

Keltona – Coalition Council Meeting - Present

"You are late actually," said Shiana. Although if her tone was anything to go by she was more annoyed that they had shown up at all.

"Sorry about that, for some reason we didn't get the regular memo, but we thought we would swing by on the off chance." He looked around at the assembled group. "Looks like we were lucky."

Dimas raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I am sorry to hear of that. But we will make sure that it does not happen again."

"I am sure it was merely an oversight, possibly due to your absence last month," added Kelore. Clearly he was fishing for information while trying to point out he had nothing to do with it.

"We must apologise for that," said Woolsey. "We had a matter to deal with that took up much of our time and forced our absence, but it should not happen again."

"We are glad to here of that," said Harmony, smiling at the group.

"I hope this matter has not caused you any serious problems," said Ladon. He was no fool, as he knew that anything that weakened the Tau'ri strengthened the Genii's position in the Coalition.

"Nothing we couldn't handle," said Sheppard. "However we would like to give a demonstration that we still have the ability to fight the Wraith as promised."

"What sort of demonstration?" asked Dimas.

"With your permission we'll take you up to our ship and intercept some cruisers," said Sheppard. "If you are willing to come then please stand."

The first to stand were Harmony, Dimas and Kelore. Ladon followed quickly after and most likely he was eager to see what he could gleam from the demonstration. Finally Shiana, after seeing the other members of the council rise and realising she would have to go along with this, rose from her seat. But despite this she was clearly hesitant about doing, no doubt because she simply did not trust them.

"Wonderful," said Sheppard, before tapping his earwig. "Beam us up."

In a flash of light they disappeared and reappeared on the Weir's large forward observation gallery, chairs and table included. Even though they all knew of the Tau'ri's seemingly magical technology they were still surprised to suddenly find themselves in outer space. Seeing someone suddenly appear was one thing, but experiencing it first hand was another. Before they even had time to ask questions the view of open space disappeared as the ship entered hyperspace.

"It'll take us about an hour to reach our destination, in the mean time I suggest that we continue with the meeting," said Woolsey.

Hearing no objections he took his seat and continued, "Then shall we begin?"

Throughout the meeting several issues had been raised and dealt with, mainly these involved who could supply what items that people required, and in the case of medical supplies this gap was usually filled by the Genii and Tau'ri. However some matters arose regarding relocation of peoples to other planets after rather vicious and repetitive cullings by the Wraith. The issues of planets being allowed to join the Coalition however would have to wait as they had arrived at their destination.

Sheppard and his team arrived back at the observation deck just as they came out of hyperspace. Before them was just empty space, but the ship turned around on its axis as if they were expecting something to happen and were turning to get a better view.

They didn't have to wait long as, on their left and just a little a little below them, a hyperspace window opened and five Wraith cruisers emerged in an spear head formation, at 500m long and with their organic arrow shaped design they were an intimidating sight. The surprising thing was that the Wraith made no attempt to alter their heading or, for that matter, showed any signs that they were acknowledging the Weir's presence in the systems outskirts.

"Why are they not attacking us?" asked Shiana angrily. Clearly she suspected some sort of allegiance between the Tau'ri and the Wraith cruisers.

Ladon however was happy to show his superior knowledge, gleamed from past dealings with the Tau'ri, and said, "Because they cannot see us, to the Wraith we are completely invisible." He turned to Sheppard for confirmation.

"Ladon is right. To the Wraith we are not here, said Sheppard. "Not yet anyway."

With enough raw power at their disposal and a specially built cloaking device they were able to extend a cloaking field around the entire ship. This gave them a whole new method of attack to fight the Wraith. It also allowed them to better hide their presence in a system while not having to make a retreat.

Sheppard tapped his earwig. "Colonel Caldwell you may precede."

In his ear he heard Caldwell reply, "Copy that."

The Daedalus had been in the Weir's hanger the entire trip and once she had arrived the ship had exited the hanger and moved into position, awaiting the arrival of the Wraith cruisers. Once the cruisers had arrived, they shortly received permission to attack, and attack they did.

The ship de-cloaked at the back of the arrow head formation, to the immediate surprise of the Wraith manning the cruisers. The formation immediately tried to scatter and turn to face the threat but just as they were beginning to move they realised it was already too late.

The second the Daedalus had dropped cloak she had launched a single Mark IX gatebuster nuke at the lead cruiser. With no darts to intercept or oncoming defensive fire the missile continued on unheeded until eventually it connected with the back of the cruiser. When contact was made it was as if a sun had enveloped the back of the cruiser, then as suddenly as it had appeared, the blinding sphere of light vanished and all that remained the burnt husk of a dead and disintegrating cruiser. Radiation had flooded the ship killing the crew and poisoning the very cruiser itself. Secondary explosions were still spreading along the hull of the ship ending any chance of the cruiser regenerating. But that wasn't the worst of it. The nuclear blast had reached so far out that it had also managed to touch the two cruisers flanking their ally. Both of these cruisers had already been turning in an effort to face their attacker and so had only been scorched by the blast, but even light burns still hurt an organic hull. One cruiser, quite possibly the luckier of the two, had the side of its hull burned through by the heat and radiation. As a result numerous Wraith drones had been sucked out into space before the affected area was sealed off. The other had been turning at such a sharp angle that its right engine pod was been hit, leaving nothing behind but a burnt out a stump and forcing the cruiser to veer slightly to the right at the sudden loss of thrust on one side.

Carnage had already been wreaked on the cruisers despite the fact that two had been untouched by the initial assault, but this lucky streak quickly came to an and as the crew of the battle cruiser got serious and fired the main beam weapons. Four lances of burning blue plasma shot through space at each of the remaining cruisers. Each blast had been specifically aimed and barrelled into the cruisers main power core. As the blasts hit the power cores on the ships went up in pillars of flame tearing through the hulls of the ships. If the initial damage from the plasma beam hits had been lethal the secondary explosions were fatal. The power cores eruption sent blast waves throughout the ships incinerating anything they came in contact with. When the blast waves reached the dart bays the individual darts all went up providing more fuel to the flames.

When the explosions finally stopped all that was left were small fragments of hull pieces that made up the thin debris field that had once been a small fleet of cruisers. Meanwhile the Daedalus had remained unscathed throughout the relatively short conflict, her shields raised but undamaged due to a lack of received enemy fire.

Having successfully neutralised the enemy the battle cruiser turned about and made its way back to the Weir's hanger to be given a lift back and to analyse the new systems effectiveness in combat. So far it looked like they had been working perfectly.

Back on the observation deck the members of the council were looking on in awe at what they had just witnessed. A group of 5 Wraith cruisers had been decimated in no time at all by a ship that was small in comparison. What was even more shocking was that the Tau'ri vessel had only fired a few shots to take out the entire fleet and made it that much more impressive.

Ladon couldn't believe what he was seeing. Even though he knew the Tau'ri had some impressive technology and that there nuclear bombs were much more powerful than their own, he hadn't expected this. Not only had they demonstrated they possessed launch capable nuclear bombs of devastating power but they had also shown that they had weapons that were even more fearsome. While he realised that nuclear missiles could be shot down and intercepted these beams of energy could not be blocked so easily and were of an equal, if not greater, power as the nuclear weapons seen. If such a ship could so easily take down a fleet of cruisers how easily would it fair against a hive? Would it be able to take on more than one? Two maybe? Perhaps even three? And this was just the one ship, and clearly they had more than one as he was currently standing on another. The possibilities of what the Tau'ri could do with such ships were frightening and awe inspiring. With such ships they could fight the Wraith on their own terms. They would not have to wait for the Wraith to approach a planet before attacking as they could hunt the Wraith down and fight them in the cold depths of space as they had done here. But despite all of this there was still hope for his people. One thing he had learned in his years of dealing with the Tau'ri was that they had at their disposal limited numbers of troops to use. But the Genii were a military society which means that a great number of their people were soldiers, especially in recent years, as many had joined in the hope of fighting the Wraith. A hope which had, in recent years, become closer to becoming a reality with their development of nuclear weapons.

Shiana on the other hand was dealing with an entirely different problem. She had just witnessed the weapons of the Tau'ri first hand and knew they were not the same weapons as had been used against her people. While she had first claimed that she accepted the Tau'ri's story that it was the Asuran's that had attacked her village she still had her doubts, just as she had doubted that they were fighting the Wraith at all. But seeing the weapons used here she realised that these were not the same weapons that had been used against her village. She realised now that they had been telling the truth when they said it was another party, the Asuran's, at work, and even though they had admitted that they had unintentionally unleashed the replicators they had at least admitted it. When she had first heard that she had thought they were merely trying to divert the blame elsewhere, but since it now seemed to be true then it proved they were at least honest people. If they were not then they would not have admitted that they were the ones who unknowingly unleashed them upon the galaxy. She might still harbour some ill feelings towards them for this but at least she knew they had not tried to deceive them and had admitted to what they did.

She turned to glance at Ladon thoughtfully. If the Tau'ri had been honest about the replicators then they may have been honest about other things as well, such as what they claimed really happened when they first encountered the Genii.

It was finally Kelore that broke the silence.

"A most impressive demonstration Colonel," he said. Finally, he thought, there is someone who can take on the Wraith.

"Your technology certainly is impressive," added Dimas.

He had always acknowledged that his own people were not as advanced technologically as others and such things that might seem wondrous to him might seem common place to others. However he knew when he was looking at something truly remarkable and this was certainly one of them, as no one in the long history of the Pegasus galaxy, save for the Ancestors, had been known to inflict such damage on the Wraith so easily.

"Yes it is," said Woolsey. "Well, now that the demonstration is over I believe we still have business to conclude. I believe that there is still the matter of acceptance into the Coalition to be considered for the Kolumnarians. Looking at the facts we have no objections to their joining, providing they abide by the Coalition rules."

One of the things that the Tau'ri insisted upon their joining was that certain rules be enforced upon the member worlds. These quite simply boiled down to not attacking each other or committing crimes against a fellow member world as well as lending aid in times of need. Another rule was that worlds had to honour their trade agreements but were allowed to refuse trade with other worlds if they so chose. The people of the Coalition knew that they could not force certain members to get along and this stopped anyone playing the 'we are supposed to be allies' card when it came to trading.

"The Larrisians also have no objections to their membership," said Harmony. Her vote of support was hardly surprising, as they were the ones who had initially suggested their membership.

"I have looked at the facts and believe that they would be a suitable addition to the Coalition," said Dimas.

"I second Dimas's testament, they would be a welcome addition," said Kelore.

"My people and I have no objections to their joining," said Shiana.

"The Genii have no objections either, some more farmers with food to offer are always welcome as the colder seasons approach," said Ladon.

"Then I believe the motion has been passed overwhelmingly and we can welcome the people of Kolumnar to the Coalition," said Dimas.

"I will see to it that the message is passed on that message to the Kolumnarians," said Harmony.

"Well if there is no other business to discuss might I suggest we partake in some refreshments until we arrive back at Keltona," said Woolsey.

By now the ship had re-entered hyperspace on a course back to the planet. Seeing no objections from the others Woolsey signalled several waiting crewmen to bring over trays laden with various fruits, cheeses and, of course, Athosian wine. As the food and drink was consumed people moved away from the meeting table to the numerous seats around the observation gallery. Eventually, as time went on, the level of formality lowered slightly, although only slightly in some cases.

In one part of the room there was a conversation happening between Kelore, Dimas, Woolsey and Teyla. In another Shiana and Ladon were having a private discussion, while Ronon watched on from a distance. A little further away Harmony was taking the chance to talk to her old friends John and Rodney.

"So how's the ruling life treating you Harmony?" asked John.

"I am enjoying it, and my sister has been kind enough to keep an eye on things for me whilst I am at this meeting," replied Harmony.

"I suppose it's nice to get out on your own once in a while," said Rodney.

"Not regretting having to spend so much time with your wife are you Rodney?" said John.

"Wife?" asked Harmony, slightly startled at this revelation as she noticed the wedding band on his finger.

John winced internally, he hadn't intended for his teasing to upset Harmony. He had forgotten that Harmony had a little bit of a crush on McKay after that incident with the Genii.

"Oh right you two haven't met yet have you, her name is Jennifer. She's the Head of our medical department," said Rodney, slightly oblivious to Harmony's reaction.

"I see. So is she onboard this ship?" asked Harmony innocently. "I would very much like to meet her."

"Yes she is onboard and I'll just see if she's busy," said Rodney.

He turned away and tapped his earwig. "Jennifer can you come to the observation gallery, there's someone I would like you to meet…Okay see you in a bit."

"She'll be here shortly," said Rodney.

Sheppard didn't know whether to groan or laugh. On the one hand this could turn out to be very interesting to watch, and on the other it could end with the princess tearing into the good doctor. Of course that last possibility might be an exaggeration, but then again...At this point you just had to hope, and maybe pray.

"So I bet the Kolumnarians will be happy to hear the good news," said John.

"Indeed it is a splendid triumph that they will be apart of the Coalition, and protected from certain unsavoury characters," said Harmony. She still hadn't gotten over her dislike for the Genii. Although all things considered you couldn't really blame her since they had tried to kill her.

"I take it you'll be telling them as soon as you get home right," said John.

"Yes. I imagine they will be most eager to hear of the decision and I should not keep them waiting," said Harmony.

"Jennifer," said Rodney, suddenly. The man's eyes had instantly been drawn to his very attractive wife the moment she had entered the room.

Jennifer walked up to him with a smile on her lips and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Hi. So who did you want me to meet?"

He turned to introduce the two, "Queen Harmony of Larris." He was clearly trying to be diplomatic as he tried to make it seem like he was announcing Harmony's presence.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Jennifer. "Rodney has told me a lot about you. I would love to get a copy of that painting."

Harmony smiled, "Which one?"

"Oh I think the newer one. Rodney tells me the original means a lot to you and of course I think the Colonel is still a little embarrassed by it, he seems to be a little tense."

John was indeed tense but for reasons other than the portrait, thankfully though his fears seemed to be unfounded as the two seemed to be getting along quite well.

"So why did you marry Rodney?" asked Harmony boldly.

"Because he is kind and brave, despite what some people might think," replied Jennifer unflinchingly. "And because I love him."

Harmony smiled as she could see that Jennifer really did love Rodney.

John decided the waters were calm enough for the two of them to be left alone so pulled Rodney off to one side.

"Why don't we let the girls have alone time, eh Rodney."

"Oh sure thing."

Once they were out of ear shot John said, "Well your marriage seems to have Harmony's approval."

"Why wouldn't she approve?"

"Oh you know how it is Rodney, girls just never get over guys like you. It could cause some problems down the road," joked John.

"Ha ha. Anyway you have nothing to worry about the two of them are getting along fine."

And indeed they were, the two of them were chatting like sisters. No doubt talking about the whole temple ruins incident and other funny stories. It was for that reason that the boys decided to leave them in each others company for the rest of the trip back to Keltona. The council resumed their seats, minus Woolsey, and were beamed back down in short order. Once their guests were safely down on the planet the Weir entered hyperspace on a course for Kolumnar.