Here's the next chapter for you all, questions will be answered and others will be asked. Note: I only own what characters i create, the names and places i invent and the ships and vehicles i seem to be designing in droves for this single story.
Please review and i will respond. Or alternatively post in the thread for this story in my forum. .net/topic/84023/35075481/1/
Review Responses
AlexanderD: I thought that a little humour was due and i am very glad you enjoy reading this so much. I thank you for all your help with future planning and hope you enjoy this new chapter. It may not be as much of a thrill ride as some of my previous ones but its necessary to lead to some very interesting events.
Shadow of Realm: What is coming next? Plenty. I have plans and i thank the kind folk who helped me make some of them possible, you know who you are and will be credited accordingly.
stark40763: You are absolutely right it is strange, and you're not the only one who thinks so.
The silence lasted for several minutes and for all that time the trio's faces were a mixture of surprise, confusion and what did he say? Eventually McKay asked the question.
"They experimented on you?"
"Not me personally although I did donate a small genetic sample for research purposes," Durra replied calmly.
"They wanted to experiment on you and you let them?" he asked disbelievingly.
"They did," said Frey, just as calm.
"I can't believe this," he muttered in a wilting voice.
"Is there a problem?" asked Durra.
"Well look at this way," said Sheppard, equally surprised. "What would you say if you thought we let the Asgard screw around with our genetics?"
Durra and Frey exchanged glances.
"I think there is some confusion here," said Durra hesitantly.
"You think?" McKay muttered sarcastically.
John shot Rodney a glare. "Why don't you walk us through it?"
"I think that would be best," added Thor.
Durra glanced at Frey.
"Do you want to explain or should I?" he asked
"I'll let you start," replied Frey.
"Very well. When we first met the Vanir they were still struggling to find a solution for their genetic degradation problem. For years they had been secretly gathering genetic samples from humans, looking for a potential cure to their problem. On some occasions they would clone an individual but very rarely. When they met us they offered us a deal, they would provide assistance to our scientists and share some technology in exchange for genetic samples of large numbers of our people. Some of which were cloned from those samples but without a consciousness."
"So no humans were actually experimented on?" asked Thor.
Durra hesitated before answering.
"One individual could be deemed as being experimented on," said Frey.
When no further information was offered he decided to press for details.
"How exactly?" asked Thor.
"I can assure you we had the best intentions when we performed the procedures," began Frey.
"Procedures?" cut in Thor.
Frey looked hesitant so he turned to Durra for support.
"How much can I tell them?" he asked.
"You need his permission?" asked McKay bewildered.
"Yes," Frey replied curtly. "The patient has rights to confidentiality."
"Patient?" asked Sheppard.
They couldn't wait to hear this one. Thankfully Durra decided to chuck Frey a bone before he started feeling more harassed.
"You can reveal the details of the procedures as we'll have to show them the records anyway to prove there was no crime committed, just don't reveal the name. His face was kept out of the records for his own sake."
"Don't worry my friend. Your people did a fine job and none are more grateful than he is," he added encouragingly.
"You can't reveal the name?" asked McKay. "Don't tell me, doctor patient confidentiality right?"
"Sort of," replied Durra. "But mostly because he went through hell and it's not something he likes to talk about. That and he doesn't want people to look at him differently because of it."
"Before this individual we had only performed minor operations on clones," began Frey. "Mostly these involved replacing organs with those that had experienced the same genetic degradation as is present in our own species to see if certain strands of DNA would be more resilient. Other experiments had involved replacing organs and other parts of the body with those that had been grown in a lab in an attempt to completely to wipe the slate clean as it were. This case however was not so simple."
"The individual in question was involved in an accident during an experimental weapons test," continued Durra. "The details are still a little unclear but we believe that the weapon experienced an overload and the fuel cell ruptured. His limbs and his chest were splattered by the fuel and when the weapon exploded the fuel was ignited."
The trio winced and even Frey and Durra looked a little peaky at the anecdote. It wasn't hard to work out what had happened next but nevertheless Durra continued.
"The fuel was quickly set alight and burned with such intensity that it had burned right through to the bone by the time we got the fire out. His limbs were…well lets just say they had most of the tissue missing…you'll see what I mean when you look at the images but I recommend not eating beforehand. Luckily most of the fuel on his chest was confined to the upper chest and the protective gear he was wearing provided some resistance otherwise it would have gone right through his organs. The organs received some damage but the external tissue was almost completely destroyed and his skeleton had been weakened."
"Our medical staff were on standby during the test and were able to put him in stasis quickly enough to keep him alive," resumed Frey. "As Admiral Durra said the damage was extensive. Aside from his internal organs, there was little of his own tissue left undamaged from the neck down. While we kept him in stasis we could keep him alive but short of cloning the subject there was little we could do to have him walking around again. Part of our alliance with the Averians stated that we would never clone one of their people for the sake of extending their life. This clause was added because we lack the resources to clone large numbers and neither party wanted favouritism to decide who gets to live longer. In our case cloning was a means of survival of our species but the Averians were not in such a desperate situation. We were left with three options; keep him in stasis, let him die or attempt a risky procedure that could save his life and further our own research at the same time. We revived him and gave him the choice, luckily he had suffered such significant nerve damage that he could barely feel pain anymore, and he chose to try the experiment knowing that it would take a long time and much pain on his part. Our first step was to strip away any damaged tissue that we could while the organs were given time to heal. His entire skeletal structure had been greatly weakened and was very fragile so we also lined his bones with plates to support them. At the same time we took samples of skin tissue which we were able to artificially grow over a long period of time. However the skin tissue was in preparation for a later stage, first we had to replace the tissue that had been destroyed which was no easy feat. Eventually however our scientists were able to compose a synthetic fibre that would serve as a suitable substitute. Veins, arteries and capillaries were replaced with lab grown samples although, as I am sure you can imagine, this was little more than patch work as they would no longer be necessary for the limbs. An artificial nervous system was incorporated into the subjects existing nervous system and attached to the skin so that he could still feel through his arms and legs. Once the skin was placed over the artificial tissue we constructed over much of his body he was practically identical to the way he was before. A few weeks of intensive therapy and he was using the new limbs with ease."
"He was extremely grateful when they were able to re-grow his reproductive organs," said a chuckling Durra. "He was actually quoted as having said those we the bits he missed the most."
The humans all laughed at this and even the Asgard and Vanir cracked a smile.
"So he's the only one?" enquired McKay.
Durra nodded.
"The only Averian, unless some of the Vanir have opted for the procedure?" he said, looking at Frey questioningly.
"No," he replied shaking his head. "The purpose of the procedure was to restore extreme levels of damage without compromising the patient's genome. Since no Vanir has received any significant injuries in a long period of time we have not had to apply the technique to ourselves. However I suspect all our research will now be defunct if our brothers decide to share their own research with us."
The question was unasked but Thor still answered.
"I wouldn't be so sure," he countered. "All your research will prove to be invaluable."
If Frey had an eyebrow he would have raised it.
"How so?" he asked curiously. "Your current form bears similarity to our species ancestral form. Surely that means you have made great strides in correcting any genetic degradation you may have suffered from in the past."
Thor shook his head.
"No I'm afraid not. This form is not organic, but an android body which holds my consciousness. Our own research into curing our genetic degradation was a failure. Eventually it progressed to the point where our clone bodies were no longer capable of holding our consciousness for an extended period of time."
"I'm sorry to hear that," replied Frey sympathetically.
"Do not concern yourself it is not as bad as it seems," replied Thor encouragingly. "In these forms we will have an eternity to solve the problem. It many take many years but eventually we will find the solution."
"Will you share your research with us?" asked Frey hopefully.
"You are our kin," replied Thor as an answer.
"What if we wished to remain independent as a people?"
Thor frowned.
"That could provide some difficulty."
Frey sighed.
"I thought as much."
But Thor brightened as an idea struck him.
"The high council may not be willing to simply give away our research. However they should agree to an exchange. In exchange for our own genetic research as well as the android body research you can give us your genetic research as well as the data from rebuilding a human body from scratch."
"And what of the future?"
"Independence will be allowed, we cannot ask you to give that up when you were essentially abandoned. However if you are guilty as a people or suspected to be of crimes then actions will be taken as they were today."
Frey nodded.
"I understand, and thank you."
"In regards to future projects that may arise from the exchange I would personally recommend full collaboration on all projects. We cannot afford to simply go our separate ways, not with our people's futures at stake."
"Will the high council agree to such a thing?"
"I think with my support it will be possible, and if the Tau'ri also supports this action then it has a great chance of success," he added.
"Will you support an alliance?" Frey asked the two humans.
The two humans nodded in reply.
"Of course we would like something in return," added John.
"What do you want?" questioned Durra.
"If the data checks out then an alliance between our peoples," replied Sheppard.
"The Asgard high council will most likely request a similar alliance," added Thor. "Such an alliance would serve to solidify your claim as an independent people."
"Would you like to form an alliance with our people as well?" asked Durra.
"Yes," Sheppard, Thor and McKay replied together.
"Then I think we should get you a copy of that data to peruse," said Durra.
"Indeed," added Frey. "The files are available to view from any terminal. I will provide you with full access to all data records."
Hours later and the three had finally finished looking at the data files regarding all Vanir experimentation. While Rodney and Thor had been delving deeper and deeper in the archives looking for evidence of tampering or hidden files John had been watching the video records, all of which had been about the legendary patient the Vanir had fixed. From a scientific point of view the multiple procedures performed had been fascinating, a display of highly advanced technology and creative genius coming together to perform a medical miracle. From the human perspective it was absolutely shocking to see, words cannot accurately describe the state the unfortunate man was in and the agonising pain he must have been in. It tore at the soul just to know the man was fighting to cling on to life, to watch as he struggled to get his new limbs to obey his command. And yet you marvelled at the way he never gave up, how he forced the messages from his brain to travel along with the electronic nervous system and the artificial muscles to submit to his will. You would even be tempted to join the people on the final video and celebrate as the man displayed the ability to run, jump and even perform a series of forward handsprings.
"Words cannot describe," said Sheppard with a grimace as he finished watching the final video.
Rodney and Thor, who had been taking periodic glances at Sheppard's monitor, nodded their heads in agreement.
"It's no small miracle that he even survived long enough to be put into stasis," said Rodney.
"He was lucky," said Thor. "And it took an impressive amount of work on both his part and the Vanir for his recovery to be made possible."
"So what have you guys found?" Sheppard asked.
"There is a vast amount of data present but what I can tell there claims appear to be true," said Thor. "A large number of genetic samples are being stored but any human clones are being kept in stasis. All readings indicate that the clones have no consciousness and records of past data readings show no evidence of any clones having so much of an active brain wave."
"I've looked for any signs of data tampering," said Rodney. "From what I can tell the records have not been altered and there are no indications that any have been deleted or removed from the system."
"So they're legit?" asked Sheppard.
"It would appear so. Although I suspect the high council will request that a number of our scientists check the data before an alliance is signed between our peoples," said Thor.
"So it looks good, but it all comes down to the final confirmation," summarised Sheppard.
"Seems like it," said McKay. "Still at least we know the Averian's seem to be on the level."
"Yeah," said Sheppard. "It was just like we were told, they asked the mans permission before turning him cyborg and even offered him the alternatives."
"Just think how many people back on Earth that kind of technology could help," said McKay. "All of those amputees that could be walking around again."
"Unfortunately it is not that simple Doctor," said Thor. "The procedure alone nearly resulted in the loss of his life, not to mention the difficulty his system faced adapting to it. Until the technology is refined then I would not recommend it being used on a living subject. The Vanir got lucky in what was an experiment to begin with."
"Bet your people would be interested in continuing the experiment though Thor," said Sheppard with a grin.
"Indeed," agreed Thor. "The melding of organic and technology could very well prove to be the solution for our genetic degradation problem."
"So lets bottom line this," said McKay. "You need to talk to the high council and get their approval and we need to talk to our bosses and see about arranging a visit to the Averian's for talks."
"Indeed," agreed Thor.
"All right lets get to it," said Thor.
"Have you come to a conclusion," asked Durra.
"We have," said Thor. "Having looked at the archives we have been unable to find any discrepancies with the story you told us. The high council will most likely check that a team of our scientists check the information for signs of tampering however it is my belief at this time that the Vanir are not guilty of any crime against the peoples of this galaxy."
"Thank you," said Frey.
"While Thor talks to the high council we would like to discuss an alliance between the Averian's and the Tau'ri," said Sheppard.
"I am not authorised to discuss such matters with you," replied Durra. "However I can contact someone who is."
"That's okay," said Sheppard. "Negotiating between galactic powers isn't in my job description either. Is there a stargate here?"
"There is," replied Frey. "I will have the address sent to your ship, since I assume you will want to contact your people privately."
"Thank you."
At the request of the Vanir and the Averian's both the Weir and the O'Neill, along with the Averian fleet had engaged their cloaks. Now Sheppard was making a subspace phone call.
"Well Colonel Sheppard," said Woolsey, having just been debriefed on everything that had happened. "You certainly know how to keep the diplomats busy."
"What can I say," replied Sheppard with a grin. "In the Pegasus galaxy you never know what you may find. Why it seems like only the other month we were getting ready to wipe out the Wraith if they didn't accept the cure, only for us to discover they had a single ruler who could make that happen."
"Colonel," replied Woolsey. "That was the other month, and I'm still dealing with the negotiations that followed. Not to mention making sure they are all being fed."
"Really? Wow, seems like a lot longer than a month."
Woolsey snorted.
"I only wish it was, all of this would be done with," he said before turning serious. "I've seen the latest reports from the Wraith scouting fleets."
"And?"
"They've discovered several more worlds that were culled to extinction."
Sheppard swore.
"It's not all that bad," said Woolsey.
Sheppard snorted in disbelief.
"How can it not be that bad?"
"From what they could tell the planets were not culled recently. I tasked the Apollo to check it out, and from what they could tell the planets were culled five years ago."
"You mean they weren't wiped out until the rest of the Wraith woke up."
"Exactly. One theory is that there was a large number of Wraith in the area that got very hungry."
"Or the Wraith base is in the area and they thought they needed to stock up on food," Sheppard countered.
"It seems likely. The planets that we already knew about are closer to our side of the galaxy than the ones being scouted."
"So the Wraith woke up, realised they could be facing a threat and decided to stock up and the latest ones are just to feed the troops."
"The new systems being scouted are starting to form a pattern. It looks like we may be finding an outline of their territory," Woolsey added.
"That would make sense. They wanted to create a dead zone around there territory so the enemy couldn't establish a forward base to hit at them from. And while they build up their forces they have the stargate to gather food."
"You think we should be checking gate addresses?"
Sheppard shook his head.
"No the Wraith could easily have just moved one to a barren planet and let the system update. Hell we've done that before just so we couldn't be found."
"So it's down to the Wraith then," Woolsey simply stated.
"Hey we can always ask the Asgard to do a few long range scans once they catch a sniff of something. Echidna wouldn't object if it keeps her children out of harms way. In the mean time you get to come to a nice meet and greet. Oh and bring the documentation we showed the Travellers about the new Wraith outlook on life."
"I'll see to it, and I'll be there in a little while."
"Admiral Durra I'm happy to report that my man should be here within the hour."
"That is excellent news Colonel Sheppard. Minister Jakose and his assistant Vanir liaison Sovaer will be here in an hour for talks. I suggest we use the Vanir city as it is neutral ground."
"Agreed. Can I assume you'll be joining us?"
"You can, yes."
"Then I'll see you in an hour."
Sitting in the Vanir conference room the Tau'ri delegates were awaiting the arrival of the Averian delegates. Woolsey had arrived on planet via the stargate a little while ago with the standard first contact information package. Since so many of the Pegasus galaxies inhabitants had learned by now that the Tau'ri were not native to the galaxy it had been decided that from the return to the galaxy all first contact missions would include a package of information offering brief outlines about the Tau'ri. No details of military value were included in the package but it still contained a wealth of information that speed along the trust process and getting to know one another. This part of the package had already been presented to the Averian's with their thanks. In addition to this Woolsey had brought along the same information package regarding the new Wraith that had been presented to the Travellers. This included the video recordings of their first talks with Echidna as well as the following encounter with the sister queen clones that resulted in their death. In the centre of the table was a small dome, the Vanir version of a portable hologram projector, a hook up to which had been provided by their Vanir hosts for use during these talks.
After waiting for a few minutes the Averian party finally arrived, amongst them the familiar face of Admiral Durra and accompanying him were two new faces, presumably Minister Jakose and his assistant Vanir liason Sovaer. The first of the two was clearly much older with his wizened face wrinkled with smile lines and his sprouting hair and full beard a silvery grey. His companion was much younger, barely out of his thirties with short cropped jet black hair and an athletic build. His eyes were sharp, darting around the room and taking everything around him in, wary of threats, all of which suggested a wary caution and a potential military background. Clearly this man was the assistant as he was dressed much less formerly than his elder companion, wearing a one piece dark form fitting two piece suit, that had a distinctly military feel, underneath a full length black leather trench coat. His companion however was dressed in what would probably be the Averian version of formal attire, similar to a modern earth style three piece navy suit with a black shirt, except lacking the jacket and the waistcoat had sleeves. The younger man had entered the room first, his eyes having quickly scanned the room and its occupants before the Minister had entered. Given this and his presumed military background it was likely that this man acted not only as the Ministers assistant but also his bodyguard.
The presumed Minister was the first speak.
"Greetings people of the Tau'ri," he intoned, his deep voice resonating off the curved walls. "I am Minister Jakose, this is my assistant and Vanir liason Sovaer, and I believe you have already met Admiral Durra."
"Greetings people of Averia," replied Woolsey. "I am Administrator Woolsey and this is Colonel Sheppard and Doctor Rodney McKay."
"Well now," said Jakose. "Where shall we begin?"
"Actually we have a video we would like you to watch of our first encounter with a Wraith called Echidna," said Woolsey. "It will prove very important for the future."
"A Wraith?" asked Durra, suspiciously. "Are you allied with her?"
The mood quickly turned sour. Wraith worshippers were some of the most hated people in the galaxy and the suggestion, no matter how vague, that you might be members of the Wraith fan club were likely to get you lynched.
Luckily Woolsey was quick to spot the implication and tried to calm the waters.
"I can assure you that all your questions will be answered once the video is over," Woolsey replied diplomatically.
"I hope so," said Sovaer, who was no less oblivious to the mood than Woolsey.
"Doctor McKay if you would please," requested Woolsey.
Rodney tapped on his tablet and the hologram projector began to glow. As the lights in the room dimmed a two dimensional image appeared and began to play the first meeting they had had with Echidna. As the recording played out numerous emotions played out on the faces of the Averian's. Shock, surprise and sympathy at hearing Echidna's tale were all there but most prominently shock that the Wraith could undergo such a change. The image switched to show Echidna receiving the treatment that removed her ability to feed on humans and restored her ability to eat regular food. Then the image changed once again to show the Arima recovery operation, where Echidna offered her children an ultimatum and the Tau'ri displayed the power they had at their disposal. The recordings both showed that the Tau'ri backed Echidna and her cured children and also gave a small glimpse to the technology they had available to them. When the final recording finished the projection shut off and the lights returned to normal levels.
"I'm assuming you have questions," Woolsey stated simply.
"Indeed we do," said Jakose. "Have all Wraith accepted the cure?"
"Most have but not all follow Echidna. Two of her daughters have rebelled and have gathered a group of followers to them. As we speak the rest of the Wraith have begun hunting them down ever since Echidna's son was taken by the group."
"She must be very angry," Sovaer stated.
"Do you know the size of the rebel forces?" asked Durra.
Sheppard shook his head. "No but we are confident we can deal with them."
Jakose seemed to pondering something so Sovaer asked the next question for him.
"How many Wraith have been cured so far?"
"I'm afraid we cannot provide details about the Wraith that we do not have permission to give," Woolsey answered diplomatically. "However I can tell you that all those loyal to Echidna have been cured, and can no longer feed on humans."
"Can we assume that you have an alliance with Echidna?" asked Durra.
"We do."
"We would like to meet her," said Jakose, finally speaking.
"I'm sure you would," said Woolsey. "However she is quite busy at the moment organising the search for her son, but I will let her know your interest."
"Thank you," said Jakose.
"You clearly trust her," Sovaer remarked.
"We have good reason to," said McKay. "She won't let those who will feed on humans live when they have a choice not to. You'd trust her too."
"Trust takes time," Sovaer shot back.
"You trust the Vanir," retorted McKay.
"I have good reason to trust the Vanir."
"And we have good reason to be suspicious of them."
"And I have good reason not to be."
"Besides the fact that you're the Vanir liason?"
"Because of the reason I am the Vanir liason."
Sheppard and Durra shared a knowing look, as did Woolsey and Jakose. They'd seen it before, two people convinced they're right and suspect the other might be wrong. Woolsey decided to break the silence.
"The Asgard are looking at the Vanir records," said Woolsey. "But for now that is not a matter to be discussed. We have seen the records and from what we can tell they are legitimate. For now there is nothing more to discuss about the Vanir or the Wraith."
"Because that is a tale for her to tell and be told in confidence," said Jakose. "Am I right?"
Woolsey nodded. "You are."
"You honour your allies by letting them reveal what they wish," said Durra with a small smile.
"And you honour yours by helping them to defend themselves from accusations," said John. "I hope you didn't reveal anything you'd like to take back."
"Do not let it trouble you," said Sovaer. "I would have told you as well if I had been here."
"I'm sure the Vanir appreciate having you as their liason," said Woolsey.
"Not as much as I appreciate the chance to be their liason," he replied.
It was an intriguing response, looking at the man they could see he truly meant his words. The Vanir had earned this mans trust, and maybe even his loyalty.
"We have given you information on our people," said Woolsey. "And we have told you about our allies the Wraith and the Asgard. Now we would like to hear about your own people."
Jakose nodded. "Very well. But there are limits to what I can tell you."
"I understand."
Unknown System
While the Tau'ri were rooting out information on the Averian past the Wraith were busy hunting down the kin that had betrayed their Matriarch, and it seemed they were getting close. In the middle of the system a single massive hyperspace window opened and ejected the Wraith scout fleet in its entirety. Eleven hive ships and ninety seven cruisers were ejected back into normal space and they immediately started to carry out the task they had been given. The sensor beams of the fleet focused together to scour the system for any signs of activity and like so many other systems they had scanned before they found nothing. This first method having failed the collective Wraith in the fleet linked their minds together and extended their senses outwards. Like spectres not bound by the restraints of the physical plane they passed through the hulls of the ships their bodies resided in, and then further still. Faster than their hyperdrive would allow them to go their collective consciousness spread out of the system in all directions, searching for minds similar to their own. Further and further they travelled their combined minds extending their range far beyond what they could normally achieve individually. Further and further, as far as they could they searched until just as they were reaching their limit they caught a glimpse of what they were searching for. Wraith minds working in harmony, obeying orders and carrying out instructions, the way a hive should function.
This was it, what they had been searching for all this time. A hive like their own but not part of their own. A rogue group that followed the commands of sister queens that had betrayed their Matriarch, their mother. Their instructions were clear and they carried them out. If they did not have the range to fully map the location of the enemy hive mind they were to call forth the rest of their kin and pool their mental powers to increase their range. While they waited they sent a message to their Matriarch that they had found traces of the enemy and were calling in the rest of the scout ships. When the two other scout fleets finally arrived they pooled their mental powers and focused in on the hive mind they had previously only glimpsed and what a sight they found.
This hive was so unlike their own so lacking in independence and the freedom of thought they now possessed. This hive was so ordered, so structured, so controlled, so dominated, so lacking in independent thought. The minds in this hive were so in sync that it was impossible to determine how many were apart of it. The only clear thing they could see were those at the top, the two dominating minds controlling everything that happened. Those and the single mind that shone like a beacon because it was not part of the hive, not subjected to the dominating will of the minds of the queens. This mind was free, free from control, full of independent thoughts and ideas, and also weakening.
The now combined scout fleet reported all this and were given instructions accordingly. Wait, watch, when the attack begins watch for enemy survivors that might try to escape and do not interfere.