In the briefing room the discussion had been going for some time between the two groups, on one side sat Sebas Tian and Demiurge with Shizu standing behind them, while on the other side were Carter, Davis and Woolsey. They had talked about their respective worlds and universes, although the Sorcerer King's representatives already knew much more than what had been disclosed by the Earthlings. Thanks to the daily reports submitted by Pandora's Actor and his adventurers, Doppel-Rodney's insights and a group of Hanzo tailing the exploration team since their release in the New World, the knowledge about this universe had already filled several folders in Nazarick.
After some civilities, both Sebas Tian and Demiurge had started to extract from their inventory, items from their homeworld. The Earth's delegation had seen the method on the security camera before, but they learnt that all their guests had this ability and seeing it with their own eyes was much more strange. The scene was almost comical when seemingly out of thin air, was invoked a succession of ingots, a stack of various potions and in the end scrolls, wands and runic items. Unsurprisingly, all of those objects were stamped with the Sorcerer Kingdom symbol, the same that was also on the new spaceship side.
After demonstrations and explanations about their functioning, the table was covered with what would appear as treasures; Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite, purple Healing potions, green Haste ones, orange Strength ones and a couple more others. The wands looked more impressives, with ten charges each, the spells sounded promising, [Fireball], [Iceball] and [Lightning]. The scrolls had been demonstrated with [Create Water] and [Destruction Water], before a dozen of various spells from tier one to three were named and given, including a [Summon Angel] and a [Summon Undead], both of the third tier, completed by three fifth tier [Raise Dead], the lowest level of resurrection spell. Curiously, the humans had been less interested than Demiurge thought they would be by the potential revival, even before the limitations of the [Raise Dead] spell were explained. Finally there were some examples of runic items; a few weapons with various elemental effects, a couple of rings that prevented poisoning and wristbands that improved health and its regeneration.
"We all agree that all these samples and gifts are amazing Mr Demiurge and we will study them carefully. However there is still a problem, the fact remains that even if we believe you when you are saying that our team is not held captive, our ship is still destroyed and you stole the inter-universe device" said Lt-Colonel Davis.
"Let's say the device that you confiscated" corrected Richard Woolsey wishing to remain diplomatic "I hope we will be able to keep this meeting civil and productive".
"Like I explained, it was unfortunate that your team approached us covertly and were mistaken for a threat. It might be possible to repair your ship but I doubt it, we are however ready to find a way to return it or to compensate you for it and I am sure that we will be able to negotiate something on the basis of the products we have brought" answered Demiurge with a wide smile that never left his face since the start of the discussion and making a gesture toward the table that was littered with items. "We couldn't be certain that your team was who they said they were without checking ourselves and since we had to improvise a solution, it would have been unwise to bring them back on our first voyage considering the risks involved. Since this first attempt had been a success, the Sorcerer Kingdom will be happy to bring them back in a next travel"
"And what about the device, what is your position on the matter?" Asked Davis "We know that one of you must have it or else you couldn't be here".
Both Demiurge and Sebas exchanged a look before the royal butler spoke, it was the first time that he pronounced a sentence besides short politnesses "Since you are a space capable civilization disposing of warships, it had been deemed too dangerous to give it back to you for the time being. The conditions for its return will have to be negotiated directly with our King, Ainz Ooal Gown."
"Looking at the ship you used yourself, I don't know if I can agree with this argument. You are obviously yourself technologically advanced and also know the location of our homeworld" Carter interjected "I'm not sure we can take the risk".
For a moment everybody in the room tensed, realizing the implications of what had been just said. But pulling up his glasses, the guardian continued in a joyous tone, seemingly ignoring the threat "Not only have you already explored and understood much of your galaxy when we haven't, but there is more. The reason for our presence and the reason for us being a lesser threat to you that you would be to us, are the same. This first ship that I built has a flaw, its speed".
"Faster Than Light travel. Usually people who are capable of building such an advanced vessel already know how to do it, but since you found a way to copy the puddle-jumper directly, you don't" realized Sam with some relief in the voice "If you are the one who built it, I'm also curious about how you did it and about some of the elements you used to do so, from what I know, it shouldn't be possible for someone using bows and sword to make such a huge leap in just a few days" she said while designating some runic items on the table.
The Earth's delegation started to realize how much the man in the red suit was enjoying these talks when he answered with a small laughter "These are just commodities available rather commonly in our world, just to prove that magic is real and that we wish to have good relations with you. The Sorcerer Kingdom has much more to offer, magic potential for creation and destruction is almost limitless, divination, invocation, evocation, necromancy and so on. We can extend life and resurrect a person, manipulate elements and energy, control weather and even gravity. What is more important, is that we are ready to share this knowledge and capacities with you".
"You realized that you didn't actually answer my question?" asked Carter sarcastically, influenced by years of work with O'Neill.
"In a way I did" said Demiurge, his smile froze a little and he looked directly at Carter, who shuddered under his gaze and realized that his teeth looked sharper that she thought before "Not only did we left our ship open for you to inspect it, but I also demonstrated some of the potentialities granted by the use of magic. I believe the man you call Daniel Jackson concluded that our evolution was different from yours, that many problems you had to solve via technology were solved in our world with spells and methods that couldn't exist in this universe. One of his examples was your problem with waste that we solved by using slimes, or even your use of electricity for lighting" he concluded by grabbing a Continual Light lamp in his inventory and adding it to the pile of items on the table.
Considering what had been said, the IOA representative found himself in a sort of familiar territory. Richard Woolsey had to negotiate with many worlds and even species in Atlantis, he understood what was going on and that the problem could be solved "I'm guessing from the things that you are choosing to omit, that all this … knowledge will have a price. Besides our friendship, what is it that you want from us ?"
Relaxing in his chair, Demiurge made a gesture for Sebas to continue, the elegant old man gently stroked his beard and announced "We wish to exchange knowledge for knowledge, magic for technology. So that the Sorcerer Kingdom may be able to explore our own universe, defend ourselves from what we could encounter and furthermore so that we can improve our industry and our infrastructure. We are also interested in having commercial ties between our civilizations, at least minerals and raw materials".
Looking at each other, the Earthlings were unsure what to answer. Of course the offer was incredibly tempting, the problem was the risks involved. It wasn't the first time they had been approached for this kind of deal, sometimes it had worked for the best and sometimes their planet had been on the verge of total destruction. However, ultimately, it wouldn't be their choice, all they could do was to make recommendations in their reports and hope their respective hierarchy will make the right call.
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In the Homeworld Command conference room, the atmosphere was particularly grim. Since the return of Atlantis on Earth, the political situation was dire and the diplomatic relations were tense since the USA officially claimed the city, arguing it was on its territory. Most of the Atlantis expedition team remained in the city and continued their work, but instead of the IOA having the last word via their appointed expedition commander, the US Air Force and the SGC were now calling the shots. They had quickly removed Woolsey from his office and Sheppard followed shortly after, replaced by administrative and technical personnel that would be more suited to a peacetime operation.
In the last weeks, the talks between the member states of the IOA and Homeworld Command had been mostly to protest the situation; the British representative, Russel Chapman and the French one, Jean LaPierre, protested the slowing down of the technology transfer and the loss of authority. The Russian representative, Konstantin Nechayev, protested the massive shift in world powers and the violation of non-proliferation treaties. The Chinese representative, Shen Xiaoyi, protested the SGC reluctance to work with her government and the loss of their brand new battleship during its first mission, blaming it on the previous Atlantis leadership's failures. Even the American representative, James Coolidge, was protesting the lack of civilian accountability and the decision that was made to keep alive, although in stasis, their prisoner from Pegasus, Todd the Wraith.
Waiting for the others to finish the last report from the USS George Hammond, Lt. General Jack O'Neill thought that even if he never had the choice, this difficult situation was still partly his own fault. It had been part of his job to deal with the IOA and the other influential groups of his world, but once he took the decision, it had been his recommendations to the US President and the Pentagon to take over Atlantis that sealed the deal. Despite the fact that almost everybody thought it had been a decision in favor of the US and its government, the truth was that he had been pushed there by the politicians.
Once the Pegasus expedition back on Earth and the Wraith repelled, the IOA had decided to keep Atlantis there and taking advantage of the secrecy surrounding the whole program, began to declare the Ancient city an extra-territorial location solely under their authority. From there, they discussed the possibility of proclaiming an independent state. Considering the technology and weaponry of Atlantis, the IOA fully understood the possibility to act as if they were the planet's de facto governing body and they were delighted by the prospect.
That is why O'Neill decided to do everything he could, not only to prevent this bunch of scheming snakes to grab power, but also to send back Atlantis where it came from. At least in the Pegasus galaxy, it wouldn't be a direct threat for anyone on Earth, it could be used to keep the whole 'Wraith mess' under control, or at least, keep an eye on them and help the poor folks out there.
Jack had been pretty confident that his plan would work. The intel the Daedalus and the Apollo would bring back from their reconnaissance in force would no doubt indicate that the Wraith were still active and remained a threat. The only realistic way to install an FOB in Pegasus was Atlantis and just to make sure everyone agreed, there was the threat of leaving all the cards in American hands for as long as the city would remain on Earth.
However, like always when he came with a master plan, the whole thing was jeopardized by new events. Thanks to Daniel and his thirst for exploration, there was a delegation from not only another world, but another universe entirely. Now his plate was really full, thought O'Neill, on one side he had to juggle between the IOA and the US military and on the other side he had to juggle with protecting his world and finding a way to bring back his team.
He was considering his options, when Shen Xiaoyi interrupted his thinking, "I hope this won't be an opportunity for America to monopolize new powers. I'm sure we all agree that this is exactly for these kinds of circumstances that our institution was created, so that all of our world could enjoy the benefits of the funding we are providing".
"And I must say, this looks very promising" Continued Russel Chapman "Until now, there had been too few contacts with civilizations that not only wished to trade with us, but also had something of value to us. More so since the Ori war, almost all our off-world trading partners and allies were either destroyed or are having a hard time getting back on their feet".
"Yes I agree and besides the commerce, those magic powers seem real enough to be useful. There could be a real beneficial outcome for our populations for once, not just the military" added Jean LaPierre.
"There are also great risks involved, for the moment we have not confirmed much and our original team is still stranded on their planet" cautiously interjected O'Neill "It's true that so far, everything looks nice and all, but we still have work. We have to verify what their civilization really looks like and what their real goals are".
With a sarcastic laugh, Konstantin Nechayev made a remark with a thick accent "Yes, yes General, I am sure the SGC has a lot of investigation to do on its side, without any of our nation involved. Surely you realize that you can't continue to control everything. We won't accept a return to the time when the US military grabbed everything for themselves, especially now that we are paying for it".
"I assure you all that this is not the wish of my government. Obviously, there is still work for the SGC at this stage, but since this is a diplomatic contact, we should indeed be involved as soon as possible" said James Coolidge with a smug smile. "What is the course of action you are proposing General O'Neill?"
Checking Carter's report one more time, Jack sighed and answered "The next step should be to get back our team and check with them, we have information to verify and we have to make sure that all this is not just a plot for, let's say a disaster of some sort. Unfortunately it looks like we will have to rely on this Demiurge guy to do so".
"The report from Mr Woolsey is very optimistic, I believe that we should officially open diplomatic relations" said Shen Xiaoyi "Since their first delegation doesn't have any human amongst them, we simply can't accept any of them on Earth. If we really want to continue with this Sorcerer Kingdom, it will have to be on their planet".
With an incredulous look on his face, O'Neill asked "You want to give them more hostages in addition to our first team? We need more than their word to work with them".
"Well, it was made clear that they are to be released unconditionally whenever we ask for. Since they already have SG1 and the former leaders of Atlantis, I don't see what more they could have to bargain with". Continued the Chinese representative "All I'm saying is that if we want to have results, the sooner we send somebody to negotiate, the better. We would be certain that our interests are defended and if things turn sour, at least somebody with a minimum of authority would be there to come to an agreement".
"If the IOA acting ambassador is accompanied by an SGC team for security and technical details, SG9 which diplomacy is the speciality for example, I think the operation is acceptable" agreed the American representative.
From this point, O'Neill figured that he wouldn't be able to act as cautiously as he wanted to. Surely he could bend their arms for a time, to get things done the way it should be, but without the support of the American representative, he knew that he would lose too much political capital. He had already done so with the Ancients city and if he did it again, it wouldn't be long before he could not do his job properly. He would lose his position, be replaced by a 'yes man' from the Pentagon and his plan to send Atlantis back to the Pegasus galaxy would fall in the water.
The negotiations continued nonetheless and he was able to obtain certain precautions. Before going back to their universe, the Sorcerer Kingdom delegation and ship would be brought to the gamma site onboard the George Hammond. At least they wouldn't be able to appear directly in Earth's orbit next time and he could install a better sensor array there, to monitor the inter-universe travel. He also obtained that whatever the situation was for the 'fantasy' team and the delegation that would be sent, if the entirety of the first team wasn't back soon enough or appeared to have been manipulated in any way, the whole matter would be considered a threat for Earth and the SGC would be given free rein.
Thanks to the disaster that had been James Marrick's operation, when he recreated replicators during the mission to find the Ark of Truth, O'Neill had the last call regarding whom from the IOA would be the acting ambassador with SG9. The list was simply atrocious, exclusively people with loyalties to governments or from agencies he didn't trust, the only acceptable person available was Richard Woolsey. Jack realized that this was made on propice, he couldn't be sure if the Shen Xiaoyi faction wanted him dead or simply out of sight, but he wouldn't be able to use him as the Atlantis commander like he wanted to.
There was a chance that the IOA understood him better than he thought they were and that they played him. He would have to be more crafty in the future if he were to prevent them from taking over the world.
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Ending a first communication with the Pleiade Maid, Demiurge casted another silent [Message] toward Sebas Tian. "We have to modify our plans. I believe you are experiencing the same thing as CZ Delta and myself, are you not ?"
With a quick glance toward the small maid who remained impassive, Sebas sighed and answered "If you are referring to the fact that for some reason I'm not only losing spiritual energy, but also seem prevented from regenerating it naturally, that is indeed the case. Surely the situation is curious, but I'm not sure it justifies a change in our operation. I'm currently at about ninety percent of my capabilities, it should be good enough if force becomes necessary".
"Every time we use a spell, a skill, a capacity, or even access our inventory, we are using energy in one form or another. Both Shizu and myself have lost mana that we are unable to recover for the moment, considering our level and equipment and the fact that this phenomenon is also affecting you, this is a major issue that changes everything. The laws of this universe are more different that we originally thought, we are ill prepared for the second phase" explained Demiurge.
"I'm surprised that you are ready to renounce the creation of an infiltration cell on this world, more so when it implies renouncing one of the objectives given by Ainz-sama himself" said Sebas "You were the one that convinced me that this was the safest way to accomplish our goal of establishing ourselves in this universe".
Losing his smile, the devil argued back in a voice full of spite "This is merely a delay. We don't have the choice, the summons and the plan we prepared won't last long enough in these conditions, we couldn't know that there was a permanent magic leak of some sort here. A short term success that would endanger Ainz-sama's plan is simply unacceptable. I believe there is a way but it will require materials from Nazarick".
Sebas remained silent for a moment, obviously pondering the situation and its evolution. With a defeated look in his eyes, he answered "So be it, better a personal failure than putting Ainz-sama's plan at risk".
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Hello everybody,
Finaly here is the new chapter, I hope you enjoyed it :)
I've spent some time preparing a real storyline and will tell more about where this is going in the next chapter.
Thanks in advance for feedbacks and see you around