13

Record keeping time: it has been a while, but I haven't given up yet.

First, we will get a hint about the High Priest of Scorpia and his nefarious plans. Second, a reminder. This story is more about the relationship between the Colonials and the Race rather than SGC. They are the glue in which the Colonials and the Race revolves around. I am going in an entirely different direction so hold on.

It has been along time now but I haven't given up yet. I've been busy for a while. So here are some answers.

First, We see what happens with the High Priest of Scorpia and some of his secrets are revealed. Also a reminder, this story is not about the SGC as much as it is about the relationship with the Colonials and the Race

M0remOK: Thank you for the kind comments. One Iblison point coming up.

Mundanebeast: I haven't really dealt with the Colonial concept of the soul and who has one or not. I could see chapters on the Colonial and Race concepts, but it would drive people crazy. I have discussed this in another story and will continue to do so there as the Soul Hunters delve into the concept of the soul and the afterlife or lack thereof in the B5/ST crossover.

Chloe: I have not abandoned you.

Yorkie Rose: Thank you very much. Coming up I will start focusing of Adama, Iblison and the members of the Race in Makaria sector. Things are heating up there, causing problems for everyone, with the UCW watching in the background.

On with the story. To everyone, thank you.

Chapter 30

Worldwar ETB

Caprica

(Translated-Language: Colonial standard-Caprican)

Several minutes passed before President Goesel reasserted control. The leadership representing the twelve plus worlds were going around in circles. The people were tired, and nerves already frayed were close to tearing themselves apart. Dealings with an independent Earth was nothing like they imagined. It was apparent to all but the most hardcore members that the Thirteenth Colony of legend wasn't what many wished it was., But Truth be told, it was no less so than the Colonies dealing with each other, Endlessly going around in circles served no purpose but to foment animosity between his people, a quorum who were frightened and stubborn, traveling along a dark and unknown path, a dangerous combination during these times.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we've spent enough time debating both the pros and cons in the challenges we now face. Thank you for your opinions, inputs, and suggestions."

Everyone stared at him, waiting for him to make his statement. Many of the representatives looked anxious and wary. The others were openly curious and even hostile as they waited for him to continue.

"We've all had our say, and both sides have expressed valid points we will have to discuss in minute detail later when we meet again this week. I will be frank. Time is the enemy, and time is something we do not have in abundance." President Goesel paused as everyone focused on his next words. "This is an uncomfortable conversation. It reflects the challenges we will face now and in the future. The Colonies of Kobol have enemies! Ladies and gentlemen of this divine and ordained government, we cannot hide in this chamber debating the same things over and over while pretending that those same enemies might somehow magically go away. Many of us in this room are focused on the Apellai as though they are the true enemy here. I don't believe this is true. They simply offer us a convenient excuse. But we still, after several years, do not know the facts about them. We need more information on them. Our discussion has a direct bearing on what the vice-president has to say next. Once he gives his report, then we have a decision to make. Mister Vice-President."

All eyes shifted to the tired-looking man. He straightened, determined not to look weak as he gave his presentation.

"Mister President, members of the Religious Synod, and representatives of the Quorum. My report is extensive, so I will summarize my findings. A written, detailed report is available, and a copy will be given to everyone after this meeting concludes. My visit to Earth and to our new colonies gave me a new perspective. My staff and I were both encouraged and disheartened by the things I witnessed. I will focus on my observations of Earth first.

"A point, in fact, esteemed members. Earth is more advanced, and less advanced than the Colonies. Their history is one both of strife and survival. There are places of extreme poverty and riches coinciding together.

"Because the people live in one planet and have only just begun expanding to other worlds, their political, religious, and cultures are more complex than anything we have experienced in the Colonies. These facts were detailed by their own diplomats, and I am confirming those reports. They are a complicated people."

He saw the confusion on some of their faces and continued to explain, to clarify, his initial statement. "Imagine several scores of colonials, with all our different cultures and nuances, and then add several dozen major religions into the equation. And to that, add scores of minor beliefs, all co-existing on one planet. This illustration gives you in inkling, a glimpse of the difficulties which tears at their world. We Colonials don't understand them because their experience is so unique. We have no reference points have little concept understanding who and what they are. We assume thing to be one way and they see things in a completely different light. That is not to say that there is no commonality between us. I suggest that it may take generations before our worlds fully understand each other. I also suggest we work with them, not bring them into the folds of Kobol, but to understand and accept them."

"Sacrilege!"

"No, reality. There's great beauty combined with equal amounts of misery on Earth. But they continue to prosper. I believe the reason they survive is that they are strong, resourceful, and most of all, they are ultimately human–like us. They also embraced what we feared and rejected, computer technology.

"Where we shunned it because of our creations, they have held on and advanced to an almost unimaginable degree. In only sixty years, their knowledge and understanding of computer technology far surpassed ours. Our experiences and fear made us halt our advances in those fields. Now, I am unsure if we can catch up. The Terrans did have some help, and the results are what we've all witnessed. They are expanding their knowledge at a geometric rate in directions we didn't consider. Their knowledge of AI is weak. Their knowledge in the other fields eclipses ours.

"Destroying our cylons was a wise and necessary decision for us. I have expressed our concerns about the remnants of the humanoid cylons on Earth and the Race are protecting and offering sanctuary. He sighed. "I don't. They will heed my warnings." Straightening, he stared into the eyes of the audience. "What some of you don't know is that they warred with other artificial intelligences. The Earthers fought and survived that crisis. The Earthers are stubborn, but again, they had outside help, allies who helped them and, in turn, were helped by them."

The vice-president had everyone's attention. "There is a question that all of us have asked ourselves, why them? I think I have an answer to that riddle.

"The Terrans discovered the stargate first, learned its secrets, and traveled the galaxy. They made enemies and friends; powerful ones who helped them become what they are today. Confronting the Goa'uld made them strong, and their war saved the Colonies from obliteration, all because they found the stargate first. The Ashtorath fear and hate the Earthers because of what they did to the System Lords of old. However, both sides are now working together, fighting against this common enemy we all face. The goa'uld consider them the first people, not us. Although I am loath to say it, I have concluded that they are not the Thirteenth Tribe. The evidence presented to me, and the ambassadorial staff, is irrefutable to those with opened eyes." The crowd looked uncomfortable while waiting for him to continue. "They are not our Thirteenth Colony," he repeated. "Evidence shows that the humans of Kobol originated from Earth," and he held his hand up to keep everyone from erupting.

"Evidence suggests that populations from Earth were transplanted to Kobol. The Earthers, and the Tollians originally believed that the Goa'uld were responsible, however, further studies and information from the Asgard suggest otherwise. Our transplant was done by another, yet unidentified race. The scrolls suggest that life began out there. That is true. The scrolls are not wrong," he hastened to add, "but they are not complete and if we wish to know our history, then we need to begin a search for it. Whether the Earthers are part of us or we are them, isn't as important as what they are doing for us now.

"Earth has agreed to an initial military exchange as a show of good faith. Their tech companies are also willing to work with us. Several of our corporate entities have traveled to Earth and are already completing the first of many contracts and associations with the Earth and UCW. We have several things that they want from us, and we should exploit this for all its worth, while we can.

This will be an economic boon for both our civilizations. What you may not know is that there are only a few unenslaved, human populated worlds at our level of civilization existing in the galaxy. We have the largest free hum in the galaxy. Notice that I used the term free civilization. We have forty-five billion people in the Colonies and we're getting larger each day. Earth has about eight billion living in one world. There are many sub-tribes of Earth, if I can use that term. These sub-tribes were taken by the Goa'uld from Earth and transplanted on dozens if not scores of habitable worlds. The Tollians, by our definition, are considered a sub-tribe of Earth. As are most of the others in the UCW," Willius told the audience. "We are, as I've said, one of the most advanced civilizations in the galaxy. Just because we are, we should not pat ourselves on the back. Our worlds escaped extermination by the whims of the gods. We should be dead or slaves, and that is what would have happened if the Goa'uld had found us. We attacked earth but their actions against the system Lords and their Ashtorath successors effectively saved us. I have always made my opinions about the Earthers clear. I am not an Earth lover. They are brash, arrogant, and flaunt their technological superiority in our faces, but we need them.

"The UCW has agreed to an initial military exchange as a show of good faith. Their tech companies are also willing to work with us. Several of our corporate entities have traveled to Earth and are already completing the first of many contracts and associations with the Earth and UCW. This will be an economic boon for both our civilizations. What you may not know is that there are only a few unenslaved, human populated worlds at our level of civilization6, or greater, existing in the galaxy. We have the largest free hum in the galaxy. Notice that I used the term free civilization. We have forty-five billion people in the Colonies and we're getting larger each day. Earth has about eight billion living in one world. There are many sub-tribes of Earth, if I can use that term. These sub-tribes were taken by the Goa'uld from Earth and transplanted on dozens if not scores of habitable worlds. The fact that we are in the upper limits of civilization in the galaxy should not inflame our egos. It just makes us a larger threat to our enemies.

"Official records from both Earth and the Race confirm that the Lizardians attempted to conquer Earth." He looked amused by the shock seen across many of the people in the room. Many in the government hadn't heard of this before and for the life of him, he didn't know why. The history was in the official reports, so it was obvious most of them hadn't read those critical reports about recent Terran history. "They ran into the same resistance as we had, but e no shots were fired between the Race and Earth. They didn't get into a shooting match. The Race had documents signed by one of their ancestral emperors, deeding Earth to them, and they came to procure their property. Earth persuaded them to give up their claim without bloodshed,' he mused.

"The Lizardian Empire is essentially a peaceful civilization when they aren't trying to conquer their next-door neighbors every ten thousand years or so. Like us, they are undergoing an upheaval of its own, after encountering Earth, of course. They are a rigid people, but they are also learning to co-exist with the humans of Earth and their allies. The Lizardians are afraid of humans because of our power, and because we will not back down from them like good little potential subjects. But the UCW trusts them because they are honorable, and they keep their word. Our conquest of them and attempted forced usurping of Earth has not engendered much trust, but both are willing to extend a little trust towards us and have done so.

"I've alluded to the earlier our concerns several times about the dangers of the Cylons and AI experimentation and engineering. The Kobollian people have always believed that we were the center of the universe. We are humanity. We expected everyone to follow our lead as the rightful leaders and, dare I say, head of all that is human."

"We were wrong."

Vice-President Willius honestly expected a firestorm after those words. Instead, there was absolute silence. "The history of the galaxy is darker than we can imagine. Why the gods chose them over us, I will leave to the theologians to discover. We, however, must remember this if nothing else. We are one of less than ten civilizations of free humanity. The Tollanian are the most advanced. Earth is second, possibly third. There are others, but they are small in numbers. Earth and her allies fight to survive. They also fight for us. Instead of trying to prove we're better, even if we are." he managed to keep from smirking, unlike others in the room. "We should help them. I vote we tell them of the STD. If we don't, then we will become one of those advanced civilizations now extinct that people read about in history books."

Willius turned to his notes and studied them for a moment. Shaking his head, he continued. "Our new colonies in Makaria sector are not performing as projected. The governorship of New Picon has all but declared war on the other two colonies. They are belligerent towards the Race and Earth. Military elements of New Picon nearly fired on a Terran civilian liner transporting members of the Quorum, Earth representatives, and members of the Race as it approached Makaria station. This was a scheduled transport. Makaria station knew we were arriving and informed the CDF of our coming. This was a routine flight, one of several between UCW worlds and our colonies there. The warship knew exactly who we were and who was on the Terran star liner. Their weapons targeted us and were about to destroy the ship. The reason I am here speaking to you at this moment is because Makaria threatened to destroy the battlestar if it continued to approach on an attack profile. It was that threat which caused the battlestar to cease hostilities, explaining it away as a misunderstanding. The battlestar immediately retreated to New Picon space.

"New Picon has more military assets than the other two colonies combined, and Gemenon, and the more religious oriented officers and crew have flocked to Governor Iblison's call to arms. Reports from the other colonies and military forces there support my own conclusions. Iblison is trying to foment a war against the powers in that sector of space against the Colonies. The colonists are scheduled to arrive at the new colonies in approximately eight months. I recommend they avoid New Picon at all costs until his problem is resolved.

Senior Quorum member Gladius was furious and the first one to demand his questions be answered.

"I want to see your evidence as soon as possible," he roared. The man was never known as the quiet type. "I'm more concerned with their situation with New Picon. It is intolerable. I will thank Earth for bringing you home so quickly, but I want to know why is Iblison doing this? Is this a grab for power when he knows that our military escorts are coming and will take him down by force?"

"Vice-President is still presenting his report," Goesel announced loud enough to quell the thousands of questions about to assault the VP. "Please allow him to finish before we ask questions."

"I'll answer that question, Mister President. In my opinion, he is a religious fanatic. This has nothing to do with religious except as a pretext to acquire power for his own personal gain. People are following him because he is telling them what they want to hear. Many of them feel the same way as he says he believes and is using the extremists' elements as a power-base," the vice-president replied. "The more religious of our colonists currently, there are flocking to New Picon as everyone takes sides. He knows Earth will not interfere unless directly attacked. He has threatened the Race, who will respond as best they can, and then Earth will get involved. Only the gods know what the Tollanians will do." He shivered because he, like everyone else, feared the Tollanians and the super technology, and short tempers. "Earth has its own difficulties, and I believe that their war will take up many of their resources before it's over. Because of this, I believe we should reveal the existence of the STD to them and remain on Earth's good side. But back to your original question. Iblison is a fanatic, however, I also believe he has other, darker motivations. The governor needs to be removed, or I fear we'll all suffer."

"I-have to agree," Admiral Nagala hissed as his body shook from anger and fear. "But it will take time. Our forces will get there, but the ships will need refurbishing, repairs and complete diagnostics after they arrive. There are significant issues that will have to be addressed after such a long voyage. The crews will need to decompress. Makaria station was built to address this issue. If fighting breaks out, the station will be a major target. It can't protect the other colonies with its current resources and, at the same time, perform critical repairs while fighting New Picon's fleet. Another problem is, we don't want Earth to feel threatened by our buildup. They will be just as wary as we would be. The possibilities of some sort of incident occurring will grow exponentially. I also agree that we need closer ties whatever their origins. That will serve to keep such incidents from occurring, but the STD is ours. They can't have it," he snapped, reversing his decision mere moments after he'd agreed with the vice-president. The device was too important to the safety of the Colonies, and he didn't want Earth to gain possession of it.

"It's not ours," Cain growled. "We don't own it, don't control it, and this secret will tear us apart. It's a short-term gift that will become a long-term curse to our people. Tell the Terrans and when this is over, we can share. If not, then at least we'll know where these aliens are coming from. We can fight together and block off the choke point at the source. How will the Terrans respond, and I keep reminding us of this, if they find out that we kept this from them and indirectly cause the deaths of their crews and ships and their worlds under their protection?" looking around, he saw several who looked thoughtful and concerned. "Remember the Protected Planets Treaty they are responsible for? These aliens are a problem, but the Ashtorath snakes will come at us, and Earth may not lift a finger to help us. Then again, they may cancel the tech contracts and we'll be left further behind." "

President Goesel felt the wrinkles on his forehead deepened. The vice-president's report just added so many new problems that he was becoming numb to it all. The next words, however, pulled him back.

"During our occupation of the Empire, our surveyors discovered vast amounts of Tylium. This information is known to many of you, but what you aren't aware of is where our people discovered it. The Lizardian Empire controls three star systems, their own and two others. Both of those conquered hold reptilian or reptoid-like intelligent species. Their home system does not contain tylium in, but one system. The Hallessi star system has a vast asteroid field fill with the ore. That system has enough tylium to supply us for the next three hundred years. I've spoken to leaders of the Race, and they are not interested in trading with us until we settle this problem with Home being nuked. We need to find out what happened," the VP announced. "Judging from the way I was treated by the New Picon officials, I have my suspicions of Iblison's report to the Quorum. The Race wants the truth to come out, whatever it may be. The parts to create nuclear weapons were built on Home, but they had a failsafe. The main components were made on opposite sides of the planet and never completed on Home. When they were conquered by us, the lizards never rebelled, but submitted to our authority, yet a bomb was detonated immediately after our forces withdrew, killing several millions of their people. Analyses confirm the bomb used was made from their nuclear stock, but it is out of character for the Race to do this to themselves and the timing is suspect. heir royal family was almost wiped-out m allegedly by the Colonials before we left. I am not a detective, but this appears to be more than a coincidence. The Race is interested in compensation and justice."

"I will remind everyone that several of the UCW members are already in trade negotiations with the Race to obtain tylium mining contracts. Those worlds are not as advanced as Earth, but they were the ones given many of our abandoned ships left in Earth system when our military evacuated. We abandoned a lot of our ships and the UCW is making use of them. Tylium isn't as important to them as it is to us, but our abandoned ships require tylium until they are converted to whatever power source they use."

Grumbling echoed all around the room, intermingled with occasional cursing. None of them wanted to be reminded of the Terran-Colonial conflict. The numbers of ships and crews lost that day was considered by everyone as a political and military disaster of epic proportions. Hundreds of vipers and raptors were destroyed. Many more were lost and claimed by the Earthers. The crews of two medium battlestars, ten cruisers, six destroyers, two missile carriers, and one heavy command communications escort cutter damaged in the fight surrendered, and those ships were now in Earth's hands.

Most of the abandoned CDF assets were distributed to Terran allies. Although being converted, they still required tylium and would continue to need that fuel for the foreseeable future. Earth's allies would need a source of tylium, which the Race had. In abundance.

"Iblison declared that the Race is still under the authority of the Kobollians and demanded that the three colonies acquire the ore, which is rightfully ours. The Race has no rights to it because he claims our people own it by right of conquest of soulless lizards. He's claiming that the Tollians illegally usurped colonial property and forcibly evicted us from our rightful territories. Iblison is demanding the surrender of those systems, or he will, in the name of the Colonies, initiate hostilities to reclaim what is rightfully ours."

It took two seconds before the entire room went ballistic.

"He's trying to pull us into a war with the Tollanians and Earth!" Gladius screamed. "We'll get blamed for this! That madman needs to be removed from office as soon as possible by any means necessary!"

"The Makaria military can't get close to him," Cain yelled. "New Picon has more ships. How could we have let this happen right under our noses!? Priestess Livia?" he hissed.

"Don't blame me," she yelled back, all decorum blown to the wind. "The Synod had nothing to do with this! He's acting on his own accord!"

Vice-President Willius pounded his hands on the podium to get everyone's attention. "Star base Makaria, Makaria colony andPontu Nika colony are opposing New Picon's actions. The problem we face is that many of the commanders agree with Iblison and many of them believe this is a holy war against, and I quote 'this, heathen elements of the Thirteenth Tribe and the Race. That includes the entire UCW. Loyal forces will not engage unless they're forced to," he said. "If Iblison goes after the Race, then it will trigger a war with Earth and Tollians, and he knows this. If they come after him, he is threatening to destroy both colonies and the home world of the Race. He has us and he knows it!"

"Will he do this?" Nagala all but snarled.

"He almost started a war two hours not more than after he arrived at Makaria station," Cain grumbled. "Of course, he will."

"Why is he doing this?" someone yelled. "His forces won't have a chance, and he'll ruin our relationship with the UCW for generations. Only the gods know how the Tollians will react!"

Livia growled. This was more than a disaster. The reputation of the Synod was at stake. It was already in shambles, cracking at the seams. "How are we going to stop this disaster?"

The Apellai religious community considered the followers of Athena as anachronisms, something to be pitied. "I demand that you stop this disgrace immediately before he destroys us all with his insanity!"

Goesel nodded in agreement. The situation was growing worse by the hour. This wasn't a simple power play, as previously believed. Obviously, Iblison wanted to start a war between Earth and the Colonies. The question was, in the name of the gods, why?

He intended to find out before it was too late for everyone.

New Picon

The magistrate

To most Colonials of the Colonies of Kobol, High Priest Iblison of Scorpia was seen as the god's anointed, the Favored One, the Morning Star. With his natural charisma and cool demeanor, the religious leadership was widely acknowledged as a wise man, in touch with the people and gods alike. People saw him as a leader of leaders, and to some, he was more respected than High Priestess Livia Stomata or any of the other High Priests. He stood up against the Apellai and they loved him for it.

. His popularity and family heritage and wealth made him a powerful force, one not to be trifled with. That power was the reason why he was selected by the Conclave. High Priestess Stomata was cautious around him but also enamored with his power. He was selected to be the Governor of the Empire of the Race once it was subdued.

The High Priestess' opinion of him began changing when he first suggested using the lizardians for a food source. She understood his reasoning. Food was becoming a critical resource within the Twelve worlds. With the addition of the three colonies in Makaria sector, and the four worlds taken from goa'uld when the Colonials first began exploring the stargates, food production was becoming a necessity. She was still repulsed by the suggestion.

The first world the Kobollians discovered through the stargate had ample space for farming and food production, but because of its great distance from the Cyrannus system, it was accessible only through the stargate. It was unviable for massive shipping of foodstuffs.

It was also one of their great embarrassments. Most of the indigenous people of that world were dead because of disease unwittingly brought by the Colonials and the treatment by some of the more zealous religious missionaries in their zeal to convert the population. The entire Quorum was incensed. The Terrans found out and berated them for nearly a year afterwards.

Strict rules and regulations were established for contacting new worlds populated with humans. Missionary expeditions were ordered not to use force, attempting to convert the locals under penalty of long-term imprisonment. The Synod ordered all missionaries to use a gentler approach until the locals were properly acclimated into Colonial society.

The goa'uld-controlled worlds were primitive and harsh for the people, and the Kobollians needed to tread lightly. Other worlds were watching them, and they did not need to appear barbaric to the other humans in the galaxy (and especially Earth), at large. A few members in the religious community balked but were swiftly shouted down. The Twelve Colonies of Kobol were officially now the Nineteen worlds of Kobol. They were growing, eclipsing The Terran-Tau'ri in size, if not influence and power.

But they were working on it.

The conquest of the Race proved a catastrophe in more ways than one. Instead of gaining power, the Kobollians were now viewed with suspicion, and few worlds trusted them. They gained the attention of the Ashtorath and the hostility of the Tollanians.

All because of the cylons finding sanctuary under the protection of Earth,

High Priestess Livia Stomata was no friends of the Apellai. Her first assumptions about the ease of Earth's fall were considered by her one of her great political errors. The missionaries sent to Earth, instead of converting the heathens, were instead converted. Two even married monotheists and had the audacity to be happy. One had died and several others' faith were in doubt. The conclave was still in shock. How could they have been so wrong?"

Livia knew why. They were wrong from the beginning, and everything went downhill from there. She was so wrong about Iblison, and that man now threatened everything she had worked for so long. She should have known when he mentioned the Race being a food source. It kept coming back to that. It was the conclave of Priests' first warning and they all missed it.

The man was a monster.

As she thought about it over and over, she realized that she didn't know Iblison at all.

XXX

In his private study, Governor Iblison star behind his desk, sipping ambrosia and planning for the future. Things were going according as planned, but obstacles were in the way and required moving if he were to succeed. It took two generations before he was placed in a position of power, This position was by no means easy to obtain. Two assassinations and constantly debasing himself to the political and religious factions were a drain, but he had finally succeeded in the mission that his father began. The Colonies were internally weak. The cylon war hurt them, but not enough, and Iblison was displeased by how easily the Cylons lost the war. The machines hadn't bled the Colonials enough, and the plans had almost had to be placed on hold before the Colonials encountered the Apellai.

When the first Terran ship contacted Caprica, claiming to be from the Thirteenth Tribe, he was furious. The vessel really was from Earth, and he was relieved and removed. Iblison hadn't even needed to push the Colonial battlestar commander from attempting to take the Earth ship. The people were already primed. All it took were a few simple words.

Earth was believed a myth, but now with this revelation, and that world was added to the list. Iblison considered it a minor consideration to be removed. What he hadn't expected was the power Earth possessed. They required neutralization if the plans were to succeed.

As with Priestess Stomata, the Conclave and the Colonial people, he endorsed the planned reunification of Earth with the Colonies. It was a single world, easily pacified by the might to Colonial might. But the problem was they didn't know where Earth was located. The Cylon war ended in victory for the Colonies, the defeated Cylons fled, ironically finding Earth. Iblison and his people didn't even have to initiate a takeover, not that he knew of Earth's discovery at the time.

The reunification conflict fell apart spectacularly. It was the first of so many setbacks. Too many other sub-tribes were discovered.

The Race and its subjects seemed to be a viable distraction, but it failed. His own attempt to create hostilities, and hopefully war, between Earth and the Colonies, even at the cost of his own life, failed. The Ashtorath became aware of the Kobollians came too soon. Earth was in the way, interfering with the Colonies' destruction.

The failed conquest of the Race by the Colonials was an acceptable idea, and he tried to exploit it by suggesting certain dietary changes in the Colonial food supply. That was unsuccessful, although he tried several times to change their minds, but they wouldn't go that far. The damage to their so-called morality, and the disgust generated among the other worlds, was something he could have really exploited. Iblison, High Priest of Scorpia, Beloved of Athena, was honestly surprised by the resistance he received from the others. The plan's failure was a serious setback. For him, the occupation was a false flag operation. The Colonials wanted to use the Race as cannon fodder against Earth.

They never suspected that those lizards were going to be used by Iblison to overrun and destroy the Colonies, if the Ashtorath or Earth didn't first. He wanted them destroyed. However, much as he hated the Colonies, he hated Earth and their allies that much more. Their interference set plans back by decades. His people were going to have problems with them when they came.

His job was to keep Earth and the Colonies at odds with one another. The sacrifice of the military and colonists on New Picon, and the two other colonies, was essential. With Earth occupied with those new aliens, he was free to continue his plans. It was fortunate that the colonials had discovered the super gate and alerted the aliens to their presence, thereby drawing the Earthers and the Ashtorath into the escalating conflict, leaving him free to co initiate the final solution.

Iblison, as governor and High Priest of Scorpia and New Picon, gave him resources over the military. Those religious clowns under his command were too focused on the glorious religious crusade to come instead of using a modicum of common sense. Years of indoctrination by some of the more religious extreme conservatives worked against them and gave him an opportunity. It was so easy to use the officers and crews for his needs. The religious, military, and civilian government agreed with him. The Apellai needed a firm hand if they were to be incorporated into the Colonies properly. They wanted Earth's subjugation to the will of the gods. Iblison wanted them all dead and out of the way. He didn't have the forces yet, but they were coming. The Colonial Defense forces and civilian immigrants were seven to nine months away and when they got here, the new colonies would be nothing but ashes. Between their own conflicts and the lack of will to interfere in what was an internal conflict, the Earther wouldn't interfere.

Then they were next on the list.

He laughed.

No need to worry about the goa'uld, or the Lucian Alliance, or the unknown aliens from the super gate. It was time to make the Iblison to make their presence known and the Colonies would burn in their presence as they should have a thousand years ago.

'The Iblison were coming. "Our conquest will be achieved, father. The Colonies will suffer our righteous fury. Don't you agree?"

He laughed for real at his own joke.

TBC