Meeting the Neighbors and Alliances
Bilskirnir-class mothership
Thor's Hammer
Supreme Commander Thor frowned as he read the briefing for his latest assignment given by the Asgardian council. He was to be the escort of an Asgardian delagation to the galaxy known as Avalon by the people they once knew as the Ancients. Once there they will meet up with delegations from the Nox, the Tollan, and the Tok'ra, and from there the group will then set sail towards a world known as Terra. To eventually meet the people responsible for bringing down the Goa'uld Empire and assuming that they were the ones responsible to begin with.
It was that last bit that gave Supreme Commander Thor doubts and second thoughts about this task. Little is known about the planet other than it was first settled by the Ancients who first used this planet as a template for their countless Terraforming projects across the galaxy. The Asgard never precisely knew what drove the Ancients to use Terra as their main template for their numerous Terraforming projects. They had a feeling it had something to do with their apparent attachment to their homeworld, provided the Ancients themselves never exactly told them about their homeworld to begin with. This gave the Asgard race an inking idea that something terrible must have happened that forced them to abandon their homeworld initially.
What that was, the Asgard never really got around to asking, and combined with the collapse of the Alliance of the four great races and the disappearance of the Ancients, in general, have left that question unanswered. But that hasn't stopped Asgard from visiting the planet to find out. Referring to the Earth as Midgard the Asgard visited the world countless times over the past tens of thousands of years. They were instrumental in influencing the human culture of the Nordic area of the Earth while at the same time investigating the whereabouts of the Ancients.
They eventually left as they found out the remaining Ancients had Ascendanted into the higher planes of existence. Leaving the humans behind to advance themselves without their aid. It's been more than twenty thousand years since then and now there was that itching curiosity from the Asgard to know how far the humans of Terra have advanced since their last encounter with the Asgard. And it was a curiosity that Thor would like to know himself. Judging by the supposed rumors flying about their strength shown during their attack on the Goa'uld capital world and subsequent destruction. It was believed that these humans were now incredibly advanced, presumably on par with them and the Nox. There was only one way to confirm this theory, for sure. Is to go directly to Midgard and find out themselves.
As such, the Asgard battlegroup consisted of several Asgardian Motherships, Chariots, Crusiers, Scouts, Transports, Bombers, and Science vessels. They departed the Asgard capital world of Othala located in the galaxy of Ida to the Avalon galaxy. Where they would rendezvous with the Nox, Tollan, and Tok'ra ships, before heading directly to Midgard, as the Asgard fleet sped away in Hyperspace to their destination, Supreme Commander Thor took the time to reread the briefing. Just to get a better understanding of the situation that they will be heading into.
As Thor read the documents he was interrupted by his friend Heimdall, one of Asgard's best geneticists. He was also joined by other Asgard scientist such as Hermiod and Freyr who was present as well.
"Worried about this next assignment, Thor?" asked Heimdall.
Thor shook his head, "No it's just I'm surprised, it is very unexpected to see this sudden turn of events. Once the great and powerful Goa'uld empire has been destroyed, and now all of a sudden we have this human power arising out of nowhere. It is a lot to take in my old friend."
"No exactly nowhere, Thor," said Heimdall. "We have visited their planet since more than twenty thousand years ago. A lot can change during that time, and it is a lot of time for advancement to take place. Our scientific community and the council have concluded that they could be as advanced as our race with the time given to them these past tens of thousands of years."
"I suppose you're right, but correct me if I'm wrong. Wasn't this sector where Midgard is located, devoid of entirely all habitable worlds?" Thor asked.
"Yes, you're right?" said Heimdall, "The sector of this part of the galaxy is indeed devoid of all habitable worlds. However, it is filled with a plentiful supply of resources which would incentivize some form of exploration if not limited colonization. However, such efforts would probably be small, if not a very difficult, and an expensive endeavor."
"I see," replied Thor, "It is strange for sure to see such a pristine world left alone so far from the nearest habitable world, surrounded by a sea of dead lifeless worlds and toxic moons. That is for sure, It is strange that the Ancient didn't bother to terraform the planets near Midgard as it would have been easier to surround Midgard with a habitable world and work out from there. I guess they had their reason for this."
"Well, there is that theory the Ancients wanted to keep Midgard, or Terra as they call it, pure from any foreign containments," suggested Hermiod. "I believe the entire sector was devoid of all habitable worlds was their way to enforce a quarantine zone to prevent any such foreign containments from infecting that prestigious world."
"Nothing comes in and nothing gets out," added Freyr. "The Ancients had always loved that planet. To the point, they even treat it as their homeworld. It goes to say how much they miss their old home and whatever happened to it."
"So in this case, what do you expect to find when we arrive in Midgard?" Thor asked the scientist before him.
"An advanced society," said Heimdall, "That is what we expect to find for sure. They are the only candidates within Avalon with the potential of being left alone by the expanding Goa'uld Empire to be able to advance their technologies without interference. It is only natural we find an advanced civilization."
"But then the question remains," remarked Hermiod, "Are they friends or are they foes? Are they friendly or are they hostile? That will be the main concern that we face. Judging by the rumors about their encounter with the Goa'uld. It's safe to say, they will be paranoid that is to say for sure. Our sudden arrival within the planet's boundary may trigger a hostile response from them. This is why I suggest we first stop ourselves hundreds of light years from the Star system and then send in probes to check the system out."
Thor nodded, "Good call, we don't want to make these people think that we're hostile. Judging by what we know, they have limited contact with intelligent alien life. A First Contact that just happened to be with the hostile Goa'uld Empire. To ensure the success of this mission. We need to come up with a plan to ensure First Contact will be a success. Do any of you have any ideas?"
"Being open and honest is one way to start," suggested Freyr, "Consider their encounter with an Alien civilization was the Goa'uld. It is expected that they will be hesitant and wary of any newly contacted civilization. Therefore, we must be open and honest with these people."
"Agreed, it is my thoughts exactly so," said Hermiod. "We tell them who we are, tell them our civilization and its general location. We explain our society and our culture, and from there we hope that by doing this. The Humans of Midgard would open up to us and allow for the diplomatic talks."
"Very good then," replied Supreme Commander Thor, "By any chance, do you think we could establish an alliance with them?"
"That is an interesting thought," said Hermiod, "But...why do we need an alliance all of a sudden?"
"You already know why, Hermiod," Thor answered, "We will need the aid of others if we are to survive our decline and eventual extinction. The genetic degradation of our clone bodies and the failing war against the Replicators have all but drained our strength to continue our civilization. It is only a matter of time before our people go extinct. Therefore, as a secondary task given by the Council on this mission. Our goal is eventually to ally with these humans, with the eventual hope that we will prevail against the odds. The council is currently looking into all options at this point. This seems like the best bet so far."
"But Thor, with respect, even if we do get this alliance set and in stone. How useful would they be in solving our problems?" asked Heimdall. "We have been trying for the last tens of thousands of years or so. What makes you think that they will eventually prevail where we have failed?"
"Moreover, they are still quite new compared to our civilization which has been spacefaring for more than a hundred thousand years with access to a repository of knowledge from the Ancients. We have been fighting the Replicators and our genetic degradation for thousands of years now. And with the Replicator being nearly unstoppable despite all our best efforts and the best of the best technologies we could offer. They are still coming. We once had a grand fleet ranging more than a hundred thousand ships, now all that is left is a husk of our great navy. Since the war started, we went from having hundreds of thousands of ships to less than five thousand! So what made the council think that they could help us? Has the situation gotten so bad to the point we are in dire need of aid?" asked Hermiod.
"I hate to agree, but my colleagues have a point," said Freyr, "I think we are placing too much bet on this group of humans being capable of helping us. What is the rationale the High Council is working off of here?"
"Their inherent primitiveness," explained Thor, "You see, the high council has come to this conclusion that the primitiveness found in the younger races, is the key to solving our woes. They have come to believe that the primitiveness which we have lost in our earliest history, is because we believed that these traits were deemed primitive, barbaric, and uncivilized for our society. Is the only way to defeat the Replicator's threat once and for all. It is believed by the Council traits, such as ambition, warfare, brute force, competition, etc. This is what we need to beat the Replicators. Unfortunately, we have lost such traits thanks to the rapid development of our civilization along with subsequent advances in culture and technology into something 'civilized' and as such we were forced to look elsewhere."
"And that elsewhere is the humans from Midgard then," Heimdall finished. "You believe that because they are the newest spacefaring civilization out there, the council believes that they may have kept those traits?"
Thor nodded in response, "Exactly so, the high council hopes to utilize these people to aid us in the war. That was the plan they laid out the moment they got the word that a new spacefaring human nation was discovered. We can no longer think beyond our comfort zone, but they can at least that what we think. It is believed that they could still retain this desired trait."
"I see, then that would make sense why the council would desire this relationship after all," nodded Heimdall, "We Asgard are so intelligent, that our first instinct when faced with an unforeseen problem is to build a hyper-complex gadget — this means that we as a people would be caught flat-footed when the best solution is simply to get a brute force solution and swing our way out of a problem."
"Exactly so," said Thor, "The council hopes that these people would offer us a brute-force solution to our problem. It is a long stretch, yes, but if we could achieve even a single victory. Then I will gladly take it."
"Then what about the genetic degradation issue?" asked Hermiod, "Won't they be too primitive to help us solve this issue anyway? And besides we have been trying to solve this problem for tens of thousands of years. So it's pretty doubtful that they can do anything to help."
"We will get to that point later on," Thor replied, "Right now, dealing with the Replicator threat is the top priority. As it is the short-term threat that will see the destruction of our race."
"Acknowledge," replied Heimdall, "Is there anything else you would like to mention beforehand, Supreme Commander."
"No, that will be all," said Thor, "We'll meet again on the bridge once we have arrived at our destination in the star system. For now, rest and use this time to plan, my friend. That will be all."
"Understood, Thor," replied Heimdall, as he and the others took their leave.
Leaving the Supreme Commander alone on the bridge to contemplate their plans and goals. He knew that the High Council was desperate for something to change the tide of the war. The latest news from the frontlines didn't exactly give him much hope for any success in the long run. He had his doubts, that is for sure. Hearing bad news one after the other during the long war against the Replicators gave him no hope that the Asgard would ever defeat them once and for all. As such, he was skeptical at best about the attempt. Nevertheless, with the hope of victory fading fast, he knew that attempting to contact the humans of Midgard was their option of last resort. For better or worse, things will never be the same again.
...
Sol System
Asgardian, Nox, Tollan, and Tok'ra Combined Expeditionary Fleet
It has been three days since the Asgard departed their galaxy for their mission to the Ancient world of Terra. It took a while at first, the Asgard had to wait for the Nox, the Tollan, and the Tok'ra to arrive first at the rendezvous point. Owing to their contemporary Hyperdrive systems, which were in many ways many magnitudes slower than the Asgards themselves. After all the attendees had rendezvous at the rally point, the combined fleet soon made their way to their intended destination.
Joining Supreme Commander Thor on the bridge were the three Asgardian scientists and the delegation of the three races, who come as representatives of their people to make contact with the people of Midgard. The same mysterious people who toppled the more than fifty thousand-year-old Goa'uld empire, as suddenly as they left. They were currently on the bridge of the Asgard mothership to get the first glimpse of the people they were about to make contact with. Considering that they were the representatives of this meeting. It was decided to have all the representatives show up together as one as a showcase of unity.
Not only to show these people that an alliance with different races could be possible but also to create an incentive for them to join the alliance as well. It was to say at least an attempt to communicate with these people. Considering that their first experience with an alien civilization was hostilities. The combined delagation, after a long and drawn-out debate, decided that they needed to show these people that they were peaceful and cooperative. As the fleet moved closer to the boundaries of the Sol System, the Nox ambassador Lya, decided to strike up a conversation with Thor to ease the tension of the anticipated First Contact attempt.
"Supreme Commander Thor," Lya started.
"Ambassador Lya," said Thor, "I hope the accommodation on my ship is suitable for you. We don't exactly bring guests onboard our warships. But due to the nature of the ongoing situation back at home, we were forced to improvise an 'amenable' enough accommodation for the ambassadorial staff with the given ships that we have. I hope the accommodation that was given to the delagation won't cause you and your people any trouble."
"The accommodation on this ship is perfectly fine, Thor," Ambassador Lya thanked, "Comparing our accommodation on this ship and to how we live generally. We Nox have mostly chosen to live the simple primitive life with minimal reliance on advanced technologies. The accommodation on this ship is more than enough to suit our needs. But, thank you for asking."
"I see, well Then I am happy to hear that," replied Thor, "We don't often engage in diplomatic relations these days, not since the time of the Alliance of the Four Great Races."
"I understand," said Lya, "We too have not engaged in such acts. Our isolationist policies and our extreme belief in pacifism have led us to relearn the art of diplomacy. It's only natural when you spent the last thousands of years without contact with any spacefaring civilization."
"Understood, moving on, so what are your thoughts on the people we are about to make contact with?" Thor asked. "I assumed you have some agenda regarding your race's interest with these people."
"Rightfully so," answered Lya. "Our Elders want to know where they stand in the galaxy. They want to determine whether or not they could be a force of good or they could be a force of Imperialistic dominating evil, such as the Goa'uld. The Elders would want to know so that they can determine whether or not they are a threat and how we could respond."
"I wasn't aware that the Nox were planning to abandon their long-held belief in their pacifistic stance," exclaimed Thor. "What prompted your people to suddenly choose this course of action?"
"It is not abandoning, Thor, but more of a reconsidering of our current stance," explained Lya. "In recent years our encounter with an ever more hostile and provocative Goa'uld Empire has forced us to rethink our isolationist and pacifist stance and as the Goa'uld continue to advance technologically thanks to the likes of System Lord Anubis. We currently find ourselves in a position where our stealth technology and our pacifistic stance may no longer be enough to protect us. Henceforth, our current actions right now are to find new allies to work with and have a common goal and interest that is in line with our policy."
"I see," nodded Thor, "And you believe these humans could potentially be your ally then?"
"That's right, although that potential 'ally' remains to be seen through their actions," said Lya. "Until we know more, this potential alliance remains only as a concept."
"Understood Ambassador Lya," replied Thor, "Anyways, it would appear that we have arrived. Just wait right here Ambassador, there seems to be a situation occurring at the moment. One that I must attend to."
"Yes Supreme Commander," replied Lya. "Please do as you must."
Nodding in response, the Supreme Commander quickly left the Ambassador and walked up to his fellow crewman as they worked the console of their station.
"What seems to be the problem?" Thor asked the bridge crew in question.
"No sir, it's just...The map we have on this area doesn't seem to match what our sensors are seeing," replied the confused Officer.
Supreme Commander Thor frowned in response, "What? That shouldn't be the case, What are our sensors showing then?"
"It appears we found ourselves in a massive asteroid field that currently surrounds us, Supreme Commander," replied the Officer, "Our target destination seems to be surrounded by a massive cluster of Star systems, more than a hundred to be precise, all closely packed together. Almost like they have been brought there by some outside force. At the center of it, all appear to be...That can't be right, can it? Supreme Commander Thor, there appears to be a massive black hole at the center of it all holding all of these systems in place."
"That's wrong," said Heimdall for the first time, after he started listening in to the unfolding situation. "The map should have shown us that there was only a single Star system surrounded by other stars that should not have been that closely packed or there should be that many to begin with."
"Are our sensors working properly?" Thor asked, "It could be a malfunctioning sensor problem, a problem that could have been brought about by our most recent combat with the Replicators."
"We ran the diagnostics several times just minutes ago. All sensors are working perfectly fine Supreme Commander," replied the Officer. "And we even commence several rescan as well just to double-check. This is what we got."
"It has only been nearly thirty thousand years since we last visited," Heimdall exclaimed, turning to face Thor, "How could these people already be this advanced? This shouldn't even be possible the time scale is too short for such a level of technological advancement."
"I don't know old friend," said Thor for the first time with unease, "I am as confused as you are as well about the nature of this situation. But right now we need to decide whether or not we should-"
"Supreme Commander," called out another officer, interrupting Thor abruptly mid-speech,
"What is it?" Thor asked,
"We are detecting a series of unknown space-time anomalies," replied the Officer.
"Where is it?"
"It's...It is occurring right in front of us," said the Officer, looking up at Thor in astonishment.
"WHAT!?" exclaimed Thor and Heimdall,
But before they could react, a massive fleet of ships, presumably warships, suddenly appeared before them. Almost out of nowhere as well, from their perspective at least. This an understandable reaction, considering that the Asgard were used to dealing with races who utilized Hyperdrive for faster-than-light travel. The mere thought of somebody using an alternative was a possibility that hadn't even been considered in the slightest. Therefore, the appearance of the fleet was so mysterious to the Asgard because from their perspective. It would appear to them that these ships had suddenly emerged from the darkness of the void itself. Henceforth, their panic reaction and the confusion that followed after the fleet suddenly revealed itself to the Combined fleet of the Asgard, Nox, Tollan, and Tok'ra.
"Where did this fleet come from?" Thor asked, "How did our sensors not spot them?"
"I-I'm afraid I don't know, Supreme Commander," answered the confused and stunned officer. "We didn't detect a hyperspace window, none at all, it is almost as if it has never existed."
"Don't be ridiculous," Heimdall scolded, "If there was no detection of a Hyperspace window. Then how do you explain these ships that appear before us then?"
"Perhaps they were stealth?" the officer suggested, "It is not the first time we have encountered stealth systems of this magnitude. For one the Nox have better stealth systems than we do."
"I don't think it has anything to do with either Hyperspace or stealth technology," another officer replied.
"Explain," Thor demanded,
"What if these people are utilizing another form of FTL system," the officer in question theorized. "It would explain why we didn't detect their arrival because we and our sensors weren't trained to look for a race that used an alternative form of FTL travel to begin with. Henceforth, it explains the strange space-time anomaly we detected just seconds before their arrival."
"An...Alternative FTL...System?" said Freyr skeptically, "And in real space? That's not possible, I haven't heard of an FTL drive system that can work in real space."
"Nor have I," added Hermiod, "I always thought that Hyperdrives were the only way of faster-than-light travel."
"It appears to be not the case apparently," replied Freyr, "How did we not know of this?"
"I don't know," said Hermiod, "Perhaps, we did know before, but abandoned the concept in the early years of our history."
"But then, why would that be the case?" Freyr asked.
"Don't look at me, I am just as confused as you are as well."
As the two Asgard scientists bickered with one another about the apparent impossibility of a concept such as an alternative form of FTL travel. Thor on the other hand was conflicted. He and the Asgardian high council were aware that there was an alternative method of faster-than-light travel. The only issue was that, as far as they were aware, only the Ancients had access to and utilized this technology freely. They had negotiated with the Ancients before on acquiring this technology for themselves to study. But abandoned it when it became apparent that Hyperdrives were more than enough and efficient to get them across intergalactic distances faster than these drive systems.
As such, the whole concept of an alternative method of faster-than-light was soon forgotten by the Asgard except for a select few who were aware of the existence of the drive concept. But to see these drives in use and found across a fleet with a large number of ships could only mean one of two things for Supreme Commander Thor. Either these people had just happened to come across a derelict Ancient vessel, equipped with such drives and reverse-engineered it. Or the Ancients themselves have returned after all these years. But Supreme Commander Thor was leaning toward the latter. Because for him, this explanation makes the most sense out of the first theory.
But before he could contemplate any further, once again an alert from the bridge abruptly interrupted his thoughts on the matter at hand.
"Supreme Commander, we are detecting another one of those space-time anomalies," replied the bridge Officer, catching the attention of everyone present.
"How many?" Thor asked,
"J-just one, Supreme Commander," replied the bridge Officer, "Moreover, it's larger than any of the anomalies we detected. It's almost like-"
But before the officer could finish, it had arrived. It was a gargantuan ship, far larger than any they had seen. Sure the Asgard have seen their fair share of large ships, especially during the times of the Alliance of the Four Great Races when the Ancients were around. But these ships came nowhere close to the absolute monstrosity they were seeing now. It would appear to have completely surpassed them all in this regard. Its presence made every ship that was present on the scene, puny compared to this beast. It had a boomerang shape which gave the ship the appearance of a predator. It's two arms, or wings, connected at an angle; each wing is shaped as an airfoil section. Which gave it beauty in the design.
Most surprisingly for those observing the ship, they could see other smaller ships docked with the ship. Giving them the impression of a massive command and control type mothership.
Thor turned to the stunned Bridge crew and inquired, "H-How big is that ship, exactly?" he asked.
The officer in question quickly took a peak at his console and froze. He then slowly turned to face Thor, his expression marked by disbelief and astonishment, "Supreme Commander, the ship...Is...nearly seventy kilometers long."
Thor's jaw dropped, "I'm sorry, did you say nearly seventy kilometers?"
"That's right," nodded the officer.
"It can't be," said Hermiod, "Who are these people!?"
Thor wished he knew indeed, he'd wished that was the case. Because what they had just encountered during their mission, was about to make the situation a whole lot more complicated.
...
A few minutes prior
SFS Imperator Ark Royal-class Supercarrier
Captain Theodore Smith was bored as he sat on the Command Station with a cup of coffee in his hands as he watched the crew do their daily task in the CIC. For the past few months, his ship and his crew were stuck here back in Sol to protect against a "supposedly" alien attack following the failure of the First Stargate Expedition and subsequent First Contact disaster. As such, in light of recent events most if not all ships were sent to Sol to shore up its defenses against an alien retaliatory attack. With the existence of an alternative faster-than-light system in possession by the aliens. It was believed that by using such a drive system, they would bypass the colonies and strike directly at Sol itself.
Unfortunately, events such as the direct attack by the aliens through the Stargate, have shown SolForce High Command the aliens had other methods of attack. This created a sense of fear and unease among the public in recent days and weeks that followed. Now more than ever SolForce had stepped up its alertness, and with most of the fleet stuck at Sol ever since. SolForce High Command used the fleets to create a defensive screen and effectively turned the Sol system into a fortress. Setting the stage for a protracted siege of the system.
With countless fleets stationed at one of the many junction points within the System, ready to respond at a moment's notice if an alert of an alien incursion is detected. Once preparations were complete, now came the waiting game—the countdown until the next unknown attack. Unease and tension filled the air as the personnel of SolForce braced themselves for a massive alien invasion. But for Captain Theodore Smith, it was another day on the job.
He sat there on the command chair overseeing the crew going about their usual task and business. He expected his usual day to follow the informal schedule he had made for himself to fit in with the new normal. Wake up, breakfast, do usual duties, lunch, then back to duties, afternoon tea, more duties, dinner, last duties, and sleep. But today anything but, amid his duties, he was soon interrupted by an alert that sounded across the bridge.
"What's going on?" he asked the crew as they frantically worked their consoles.
"Our long-range Perimeter Satellites Detection systems have detected unusual anomaly followed by the detection of a fleet of warships, unknown configuration," replied his XO John Trembly.
"Where is it then?" Asked Captain Smith.
"Right in our sector, we putting it onscreen now," replied the XO.
The captain watched with interest as the PSD satellites displayed the view of the area. Showing a fleet of unusual ships that was slowly making its way to the border. The captain watched the fleet as it moved through the area. He eyed the lead ship with interest. Its design was unlike anything he had ever seen. Reflecting beauty as well as giving it the message that it was dangerous. Its hammerhead designed as well, gave it the impression of a prowling predator both equally dangerous yet at the same time beautiful.
"That's one nice-looking ship," he remarked as the vessel soared through space at incredible speeds.
"It is," the XO nodded in response, "Do we know who they are?"
"No sir," replied the tactical officer, "Our database doesn't recognize this ship. We even double-checked it just to make sure our systems were working properly."
"What? then who could this ship belong to?" asked XO Trembly confused,
"No...It can't be," said Captain Smith as he saw what was following behind the lead ship. The others on the bridge soon caught what the captain had seen too. Behind the lead ship...Was the unmistakable alien vessel from the First Contact incident. Its golden triangle-based pyramid design, built into the center of the vessel, is evocative of an Egyptian pyramid, and around the pyramid is a much larger, triangle-shaped superstructure, that wraps around the center of the pyramid. The outer structure houses the vessel's weapons. It was clear to the crew that this fleet was no ordinary human vessel. But in fact, an alien attack fleet.
Quickly springing into action, the captain soon gave his orders, "Battlestations! Alert the fleet! We have an alien incursion within our sector! Get the Fleet Admiral, and inform him the aliens have returned with a force consisting of new ships at their disposal, unknown capabilities."
"At once, Captain," replied the communications officer.
"Helmsman, prepare the ship for Interspace jump, tactical bring primary and secondary weapons online, and air command bring our air wing to operational readiness at once. Have the ships in the fleet do the same," ordered Captain Smith.
"Sir?!" replied the startled XO, "Is this necessary enough to sortie the fleet? Can't we just wait for them where we are?"
"No," said Captain Smith shaking his head, "This area is too close to our colonies within the system. We need to intercept them as soon as possible before their long-range scanners can reveal to them more of our vulnerabilities and vital targets of interest. Have the fleet sortie immediately for an intercept course. We will stop them right in their tracks."
"Understood captain," replied XO Trembly. Who began relaying his orders to the rest of the fleet.
"It just had to be that day, huh?" Captain Smith said to no one in particular as he took no notice of the unfolding chaos. His eyes solely locked on the alien vessel that was still on its present course moving deeper into the System, sailing through the void with elegance as it made its way through the core region of the Sol system. But one thing was clear to Captain Smith, the aliens had found their home and Sol was no longer safe.
...
Present time
Asgardian Biliskner-class Mothership
Supreme Commander Thor's vessel
The delegation of the alliance stood in awe and shock as the large ship arrived within their area. Whatever words they had at the moment were sucked away the moment that ship came into view. Their reaction was understandable due to the apparent fact that no one or no civilization they knew had the capabilities to build such vessels in the first place. Even if they did, it would be a complete waste of resources to spend it all on something entirely big and one that painted itself as a massive cumbersome target. But to see one in person gave them a different feeling. One of oppressed and dread as they continue to watch it glide gracefully through the void of space.
"Supreme Commander Thor," said Heimdall getting his attention, "What do we do now?"
"Quickly send them a message before they think we're hostile, and in the standard Goa'uld language," Thor ordered.
"In the Goa'uld Language?" asked Freyr skeptically, "What that even work?"
"It is believed that due to their first contact with an alien civilization is the Goa'uld. It would be understandable that they should be at least aware of the language," Thor explained, "And considering that they are this advanced, they could have already cracked the Goa'uld language. Therefore, it would be foolish of us not to use the language and attempt communication with these people."
"I see, but where do I begin to say to them," asked Heimdall,
"Let's start by informing them that we are not the Goa'uld and that the supposed 'Goa'uld' ships they see are our allies," Thor said, "Then state our intention clearly that we just want to talk with their leadership in hopes of allying with our two peoples."
"Alright, I'll get it done," replied Heimdall,
"And quickly," replied Thor, "After all, time is of the essence."
Meanwhile, on the command deck of the SFS Hammer of Sol, the first Juggernaut-type ship commissioned since the time of Sundering. Stood Fleet Admiral David Terrance and his Digitally Transcendent XO Exuberant 06 as they watch the alien fleet with interest. They had gotten the alert sent by Captain Smith to the rest of Sol High Command and had quickly decided to head for the scene to see these aliens for themselves. As they stood and watched, they observed the alien move with interest as the two fleets sat directly at one another. As if waiting for the next move or the commencement of an attack.
"This appears to be a small scouting force, Fleet Admiral," Exuberant 06 began, "It won't be enough to threaten us entirely, although that new ship is going to be an issue. As we don't exactly know its capabilities and this is a new ship the aliens have decided to bring about. Different in design as well, it doesn't match with what we know of the Goa'uld."
"So as the other ships in the fleet," Fleet Admiral Terrance pointed out, "Take a good look, only a few ships are Goa'uld make. The rest are completely different here."
"Do you think the Goa'uld may have allies?" asked Exuberant 06 curiously.
"It's not hard to believe, but yes they could very well have allies," said Fleet Admiral Terrance, "This may be a problem for us."
"A problem indeed," remarked Exuberant 06, "In that case, what do we do now, what's our next response, Fleet Admiral?"
"If it comes to it, an engagement, we'll have the Arsenal ships target the leading ships of this fleet with its entire complement of missiles," replied Fleet Admiral Terrance. "We still don't know how strong they are. Or if they are stronger or weaker than the Goa'uld. So in that case, we just do it the hard way and use everything we have at it. The hope is we find a weakness of these ships or we get an understanding of their capabilities. Apart from that, for now, following our given rules of engagement, we just have to wait and see what they will do next now that we know that they're here. If the enemy does something we will respond accordingly to the rules given to us by..."
"Sir, we are receiving a transmission from the alien," the communications officer called out, "It's in the Goa'uld language! Our computers are translating it now, Admirals."
"What is it do they want to say?" asked Exuberant 06.
"They say they're not the Goa'uld but enemies of them," the Communications officer read out the message for the Admirals and officers to hear. "They are an alliance against the Goa'uld led by the race calling themselves the...Asgard?...Huh, and consist of a race known as the Nox, a group of Goa'uld rebels who refuse the follow the way of their kin, an alien race known as the Sarita, and...This can't be right, a group of advanced spacefaring humans referred to as the Tollan."
"Did they say anything else of interest?" asked Exuberant 06, "Like why they came here to the Sol system for what purpose."
"They did," replied the Communication officer, "They came here seeking an alliance with us against the Goa'uld. After hearing rumors about us during the First Contact Incident following our destruction of the Goa'uld leadership. They believed that we could be partners of interest following this event."
"I see," nodded Fleet Admiral Terrance, turning to his XO he asked, "So, what do you think?"
"This feels like a trap sir," said Exuberant 06, "As I mean, an alien fleet suddenly jumps in without warning and suddenly when confronted, say that they're not the Goa'uld? Yeah right, this sounds like an attempt just to get our guards down. So that we could bring them to our leaders, Trojan Horse style."
"But you do forget that this 'fleet' does have ships of different designs right?" Fleet Admiral Terrance pointed out.
"True, but who is to say that these aliens are enemies to the Goa'uld?" Exuberant 06 rebutted, "We don't know a lot about them and for all we know they could be on the same side as the Goa'uld. In that case, we are right to be suspicious about them."
"Hmm...I see, In that case, we shall wait and see what our political leadership wants to do first," said Fleet Admiral Terrance turning to the communication officer, "Is the Prime Minister in line watching this?"
"Yes Sir, Prime Minister has full live coverage of the event right now," replied the Communication officer.
"Right then, we will wait for the leadership to decide how we should proceed. In the meantime, continue observation and keep weapons ready at the minimum. We don't want the aliens to do anything funny here." said Fleet Admiral Terrance.
"Acknowledge, Fleet admiral, carrying out the orders now, Sir," replied XO Exuberant 06.
"Now then, Let's see what you are up to," said Fleet Admiral Terrance to no one in particular as he watched the alien ships again with interest.
...
Present Time
Bilskirnir-class mothership
Thor's Hammer
Back on Thor's ship, the delegation was getting restless.
"Why haven't they responded yet?" questioned Heimdall as he eyed the opposing fleet with unease.
"I-I don't know," said Hermiod, "They should have gotten our message by now."
"And yet, they should have responded. So what's taking them so long?" replied Heimdall.
"Perhaps, they are still deciding whether or not we are trustworthy or not," Chancellor Travell theorized. "It would explain why they haven't responded yet. After all, the way we showed up to them, from their perspective is suspicious enough. I presumed our message to them had only added fuel to that suspicion."
"In that case, do we call it off and perhaps try again some other time? Like when there is less tension between us?" suggested Martouf.
"No," said Thor, "We can't leave now, especially considering we have tried talking to them. If we leave they will perceive this as a hostile act. So we are staying on course whether we like it or not."
A few disapproval groans and headshakes echoed throughout the delegation the moment they heard this. They were not pleased with the situation they now found themselves in. Not that Thor could blame them. The existence of the massive ship has already made this mission more dangerous than it already is. Already more than a few had suggested that they should leave quickly as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the reality of that situation made such moves impossible without considering the potential dreadful consequences that would follow from such rash actions.
"But Supreme Commander Thor," said one of the delegations from the Tollan. "These people have made their stance clear, We are not welcome here. In that case, I think it's imperative enough for us to leave at once!"
Supreme Commander Thor was about to refute his statement. Fortunately, Ambassador Lya of the Nox decided to do it for him.
"If Supreme Commander Thor hasn't made this very clear to people. We cannot leave, especially after we attempted to communicate with them," Ambassador Lya hammered the point home. "If we leave now, this action will give them the justification they need to believe us as hostile. The last thing we need is for them to think that we are part of the Goa'uld Empire."
"But we are not the Goa'uld Empire," said one of the Tollan Delegates, "We just rebelled against them! Freeing ourselves from the jackboot of their tyranny!"
"But they won't know about that," replied Ambassador Anteaus of the Nox, "As far as they know, the Goa'uld are the only alien empire out there. They don't know who we are or if we are trustworthy. Moreover, the Goa'uld is the first time they have met an alien race and to make things worse, this alien race they first met is hostile. So you must understand that they are weary of us. The last thing we need is a human empire to replace the Goa'uld and make life in this galaxy much harder than necessary. Do you want everything you work for to go to waste if we make hostilities now? Especially against these people, who have shown to us that they are extremely powerful, more so than the Goa'uld."
The Tollan delegate was silent. It would appear the point had been hammered home.
"But then Ambassador with respect. What do we do now?" asked Martouf, ambassador to the Tok'ra.
"We wait, of course, I mean seriously, there is nothing we can do at this point but to wait for their response," said Anteaus. "That's all we can do without provoking a war."
"I see," nodded Chancellor Travell replying for the first time. "I don't like it, but if they are hostile what do we do then?"
"We escape as fast as we can," replied Thor, "This ship is after all the most advanced ship in the galaxy. It should be able to provide us with enough protection, long enough for us to escape. Other than that, let's pray they're peaceful enough to let us leave with some dignity."
"Let us hope that is the case then," said Chancellor Travell. "The Tollan will be very disappointed if these people are indeed hostile."
"I do hope so as well," said Thor.
Before anyone could say anything else. An alert sounded across the bridge.
"Supreme Commander!" called out one of the Bridge Crew. "We are receiving a message from these people."
"What does the message say?" Thor asked.
"They're saying that their leaders are willing to meet with ours to establish relations between our respective peoples," replied the Communication Officer. "They will escort us to their leaders, As we speak they are preparing a wormhole passage directly to their seat of power."
"Well...Speaking of waiting, it looks like they finally responded," remarked Ambassador Lya.
Thor, however, was confused, "What do they mean by Wormhole Passage?" he thought. Surely they didn't mean a Stargate right? But then again, because these people were capable of building a ship that size. Then it would stand to reason that they were capable of creating Stargate as well. But before Thor could think further, in the space between their fleet and the fleet before them. The area ruptured, making the distinctive motion and sequence of what is seen in every Stargate every time it activated and to much of everyone's surprise. This wormhole in particular appeared without the need of a conventional Stargate.
"That is...Most impressive," said Ambassador Lya. "They can create wormholes without the need of a conventional Stargate. Even we Nox, can't create this kind of wormhole. Not even with our current technology."
"How is this even possible?" asked Heimdall, "The technology to do this far exceeds everything we know is possible. I don't think the Ancients ever reach this level of Wormhole sophistication."
"Just who are we dealing with here?" Hermiod asked.
Before anyone could respond, another alert rang out as the Communication Officer checked at the latest message sent by these people.
"Supreme Commander, these humans have given us a set of instructions for us moving forward. They have sent us a navigational coordinate directly into the Portal. How should we proceed?" The Communication Officer informed Thor.
"Helmsman take us in," Thor Ordered. "Let us go greet their leaders."
"Acknowledge, plotting a course directly to the Portal now, Supreme Commander," replied the Helmsman.
Ambassador Lya walked up to Thor with a question in mind. "Aren't we being a bit too hastily here?" She asked. "Shouldn't there be more discussion first before making such a unilateral decision?
"We have reached this far now Ambassador Lya," Explained Thor, "There is no turning back now, especially considering we reached this far in our attempt to talk with them. Turning back now would make these efforts go to waste."
"I see, well Then take us in, Thor," she replied. "Let us see what these people have to show for us."
Nodding, Thor soon gave the command for his ship to enter followed by the rest of the fleet to follow into the Wormhole behind them. Despite the delagation, uncertain as to what was waiting for them on the other side. They held hope that their efforts would be successful. However, despite what they have spent days preparing, it would not be enough to prepare them for what they would encounter on the other side of the portal.
...
Sol System
Core Territories
The Alien Delagation fleet, having successfully transited the unique wormhole portal soon found themselves in the core territory of the Sol system. While the delagation believed that the Humans of Sol had already shown them their technological capabilities in the form of the massive ship they were greeted with and the unique wormhole technology, different from that of the Ancient built Stargate network. These pale in comparison to what they would soon see in the core territories of the Sol system with many of the Delagation staring in complete amazement to expressing pure incredulous expression and disbelief at what they were seeing was even real, to begin with.
They had initially thought they had seen everything this group of humans was capable of. Turns out, what they witnessed initially was only the tip of the iceberg. It was a sight to see the delagation to even the advanced Nox and the Asgard in stun silence as they tried to process the sight before them. Ultimately, they failed to come up with a proper response to express their shock and disbelief. Resorting to silence as their appropriate answer.
"Um...Thor," said Heimdall,
"Yes, what is it?" Thor replied,
"Are we sure we are dealing with the Humans from Midgard?" he asked.
"I'm pretty sure we are," Thor replied, "Initial data and simulation showed that only humans from Midgard should reside in this area. I see nothing else. After all, the Ancients are supposed to be gone. Ascended to whatever realm they now reside in."
"Then how do you explain this then?" Heimdall stated, pointing specifically to the massive Ringworld megastructure around a huge G-type star. "This goes beyond what we have predicted and what we even thought was possible for a constant rate of technological development. This looks like a people who have been spacefaring for at least tens of millions of years! If not billions of years at least! Not tens of thousands."
"I-I have no idea," said Thor, equally confused and concerned. "This shouldn't be possible. What we are seeing here shouldn't even exist in the first place."
"But what we're seeing here says otherwise," Freyr pointed out. "It's either the Ancient have decided to return or we are dealing with something we once thought impossible to occur within a race. Both are not exactly promising theories if proven true."
"If it is indeed the Ancients, then we must assume that something must have happened in the Ascendant Realm that caused them to descend to the Mortal plane," Hermiod theorized. "If it's not the Ancients but the humans of Midgard instead. Then we are dealing with something completely alien to what we have always thought for millennia. This means we are completely in the dark as to how we should proceed with dealing with a civilization potentially more advanced than us. Neither of which are good theories to consider."
"This means, we are in the complete dark of how we should proceed," Freyr stated, "Never before in my long life have I expected to see a civilization like this of sorts. Seeing it now in first person, I think I can see how our ancestors were in awe when the Ancients descended from the sky and visited our people during their early years. What we're seeing here is...Overwhelming."
"I agree, so what do we do now?" asked Heimdall, "Do we send a message back to the High Council and inform them of this development?"
"Ideally yes," said Thor, "The High Council would want to know about this latest development. Send the message out immediately!"
"It will be done, Supreme Commander," replied the Communication officer.
Nodding, Thor then turned his attention back to the matter at hand. "Now where were we on the trip to this...Olympus Station, their seat of Government and Capital?"
"Just pass the third waypoint, Supreme Commander," Replied the Helmsman. "We should be coming up to it in about a few minutes."
"I guess, we should get ready then," said Thor, turning to the Nox ambassador standing with them, just to take in the sights before their eyes. "Ambassador Lya, the delagation should prepare themselves for arrival."
"R-Right," said Ambassador Lya flustered, as she forcibly tore her gaze away from the massive Dyson sphere megastructure she was just staring at to look directly at Thor.
"Are you alright?" Thor asked the ambassador.
"I'm just a bit stunned as you all are," Ambassador Lya replied, "What we're seeing here seems impossible to believe and yet here we are. And looking at the rest of the delagation I guess everyone is...Just amazed at what we're seeing. I never seen anything like it, even during the time of the Alliance of the Four Great Races."
"You and I both," replied Thor, "We the Asgard are equally amazed and a bit worried."
"You fear them," said Lya with curiosity.
"I think that is an understatement, Ambassador," said Thor, "With a race this powerful, potentially more powerful than us. Then comes the fear that this apparent fact will become known amongst their people. Who is to say that they will remain allies to us?"
"But we don't know that!" Lya protests, "For all we know, they could just shrug it off and remain as our staunch allies. Or even better, our protectors, etc."
"Yes, that is true, Ambassador that is a good point to mention. However, would that be the case, thousands of years into the future?" Thor asked. "If so, could we even stop them if they decided to forgo being allies to being conquerors? These are the questions that plague us, Lya of the Nox. We Asgard, no longer have the strength nor the power to enforce our protection. It was only a matter of time before our Protected Planets Treaty fell apart. It was only a matter of time before the Goa'uld would find out about this fact. We are dying Ambassador, and we only came with the hope that the humans of Midgard will be our salvation. The question is...At what cost?"
Lya was silent as she contemplated the Asgard's concerns. For the longest time now, her people were somewhat aware of Asgard's problems back in their home galaxy. From the scattered reports, about a widespread genetic degradation problem of their clone bodies. To the unstoppable enemy, they face back in their home galaxy. The Nox had some idea about Asgard's situation. But what extent and how bad these problems were, remained unknown. From what Thor was implying, Ambassador Lya could tell that these were extensive problems bordering existential.
"Why didn't you tell us about your issues?" Lya asked, "We could have helped you with your problems. After all, aren't we still allies despite all these years since the collapse of the Alliance? Our technologies could have solved your clone bodies issue."
"The council did consider it, Lya," replied Thor, "But with your race's isolation, it made things...Difficult to say at least. Your people didn't want anything to do with the galaxy. As such, our problems would be considered a little rude if not a thorn in your current foreign policy. Therefore, we never asked."
"I see," Ambassador Lya, scowled, "But still though, you could have just asked nicely. We would have been happy to help you out."
"I know that but we had other issues to deal with," replied Thor.
"And that issue is?"
"As for the second issue, there is the unstoppable enemy we are currently facing," Thor explained. "This...Force is capable of absorbing and taking our technology and turning it against us. Because of the enemies 'ability', we have been on the defense ever since. We won a few victories, but most of our engagements have been losses."
"I-I didn't realize the situation was that bad," Lya replied, in shock as to what she was being informed by Thor.
"Indeed, we underestimated the overall strength of the enemy and even ourselves regarding our capabilities," Thor said regretfully. "We were too reliant on our advanced technologies and as a result, we paid dearly for it. We had hoped that these people would have the solution we needed to win the war. We didn't ask your people due to the fears of this nightmare spreading beyond and entering this galaxy. Your people would have been completely unprepared to face this threat. As such, we didn't ask for aid from your people, to protect this galaxy from the nightmare of ours. I hope you can understand, Ambassador."
"I see," nodded Ambassador Lya, "But with these people, we are about to meet now, who are in many ways very advanced. Are you still going to go ask them for an alliance and military aide?"
"Of course," said Thor, "That remains our main top priority to accomplish. We do hope to gain their trust and support that is all. However, while we still have our doubts, we are willing to give these people a chance to prove themselves. After all, actions matter rather than words."
"I see," replied Ambassador Lya, "Anyways, it would appear that we have arrived at our destination."
"And so it would seem," said Thor, looking at their long-awaited destination of Olympus stations as it drew closer. Their fleet had finally arrived and now, the meeting of their respective peoples' had only just begun. Thor and the delagation quickly prepare themselves for the upcoming challenging part of their mission. The negotiations and diplomacy. There was so little they could qualify for, considering they had no idea what awaited them ahead.
But Thor was optimistic, a sentiment shared by Ambassador Lya of the Nox. That things will be alright, after all, what else is there to lose? As the ship slowly made its way into the dock. He couldn't help but feel a sense of hope... Fortunately, it would appear that fate will be on their side once again.
...
Olympus Station
Olympus station, commonly known as the Capital, was the political center of the Solar Government. It housed the Solar Government Parliament, the main governing body of the Unified Human nation, as well as the main Supreme Courts. It was a massive structure, greatly exceeding the scale of even the artificial planet installations, scattered throughout the inner core. With a diameter of approximately 100,000 kilometers (62,000 mi), it was a grand station, a jewel fitting to be the capital of the Interstellar human empire.
Olympus station was composed of a series of perfectly circular "platforms" arranged in a spiral along a central rod. These platforms decreased in size toward either end of the rod, with the widest central one being approximately 100,000 kilometers in diameter. Each forum was covered with a "city" of structures and buildings, whose gravity was controlled individually by specialized gravity buffer fields.
The Capital was home to the Parliament amphitheater, where the Sol-Gov Parliament engaged in debate on important matters. The amphitheater was suspended in midair, attached to the rest of the capital by bridges, anti-gravity gondolas, and lift tubes for individual Members of Parliament. During Parliamentary proceedings, the amphitheater would be decorated with display spheres showing representations of the nine original artificial star systems created by their ancestors, each carrying a tenant of their central philosophy. Which aided and laid the basic foundation and bodywork that led to the formation of the Solar Government. Near the Council amphitheater, there was a great hall and a grandiose hallway with walls decorated with countless gemstones of all kinds and diamond flakes, some of which had also been built into sculptures.
At the top of the station was the Crown. The top platform of Olympus Station, and the area which was used primarily for storage. It also houses vast libraries and archives, to store Parliament meetings and important documents. It was also here where one of the largest libraries in human history is stored. Housing the largest collections of ancient books on law and treaties dating back to the Ancient 21st century and beyond.
In the event of a large-scale attack, the capital could rotate its sections to assume a spherical shape, thus protecting the structures atop each platform from damage. It also possessed powerful energy shields and a large defensive fleet. If the capital main central AI grid system coordinating the fleet was compromised, the fleet would splinter into individual squadrons, each having specific instructions on how to deal with an attack. Despite its immense size, the Capital itself had a comparatively small population of roughly tens of billions consisting of mostly high-ranking Government officials and civil servants.
Trillions of AIs served in the capital in the Government Network, an enormous network coordinated by a Civil-class AI that answered to the Prime Minister. It was one of the most trafficked locations in the Sol System, with constant security patrols, sentinels, and transports swarming around it. Within five thousand kilometers of the structure, incoming vessels would be carefully screened by sensory fields and directed by hard-light docking nets. The Capital's system housed multiple Wormhole translocation portals that linked to many worlds across the system, as well as the Core: the main military center and base of the Solar Government.
All-in-all the station represents the pinnacle of government power, holding more power than any human government that came before. Olympus station was designed to represent that power and prestige to the masses and now the station has once again served its purpose to represent itself to the visiting aliens to its majesty. As this was going on. Prime Minister Levy watched as the aliens arrived at Olympus station from the safety of her office along with her cabinet as they observed the alien ships moving into the station's dock.
The office of the Prime Minister itself was a unique building here on Olympus station. Located in the station's city of Insomnia, the building of the office of the Prime Minister, known as the Citadel has one of the more unique designs seen in today's modern era. Designed to resemble the old Earth nation of Japan's, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
It consists of a complex of seven structures, each taking up a city block. The tallest of the three is the Solar Government Central Government Office Building No.1, a tower 48 stories tall that splits into four sections on the 33rd floor. The building also has three levels below ground. Like the original building design of which it was inspired by. The design of the building was meant to resemble an integrated circuit, while also evoking the look of a Gothic cathedral. It is the tallest government building across the Solar Government.
The other six buildings in the complex are the eight-story Prime Minister's Residence Building (including one underground floor) and Solar Government Ministry Building No. 2, which has 37 stories including three below ground. The City's Metropolitan Assembly Building, the parliament building for the National Assembly, the Senate, the Ministry and Defense Office, and the Royal Park area are for visitors and tourists. The Complex houses various facilities found in modern skyscrapers of today's modern civilization, such as an Information desk, several Elevator Lobby, a Sky-Walk, an Audience Chamber, a Guard Room for Security to ensure the Prime Minister's protection, a Conference Room, a Reception area, a Press Room, a Hall of History, Office of the Prime Minister, a Treasury chamber, Residential quarters and training room for the guards. The two panoramic observation decks, one in each of the two tallest towers of the Complex on floor 45 (202 meters (663 ft) high), are free of charge to the public and contain gift shops and cafes. The building itself was designed in the Gothic cathedral style, a reminiscence to that of the old Cathedrals of ancient times.
From the exterior to even the interior, the Citadel Government Complex resembles more of a cathedral of the distant past, rather than a modern building fitting for its time. The design choice of this building was intentional. It was to represent a time when large Gothic-like structures were the pinnacle building designs of an era where knowledge in the arts of science and technology was beginning to make a comeback following the Dark Ages, of the Middle Ages following the collapse of the Roman Empire. The building design was a great way for the people of today's modern society to connect with the past and as a way for them to understand how their ancestors and humanity had reached this point in their long history of existence.
The Citadel Government Complex was one of those buildings designed to reconnect modern humanity to its roots. Henceforth, explains why the building was designed as such. As the Prime Minister and her staff watched the aliens, there was excitement and anticipation in the air as the alien ships of their fleet finally finished their docking procedures and connected themselves to the station. All they had to do was show themselves to the rest of humanity living across the Solar Government for all to see who or what they were. It was here that the anticipation of the alien delegation's arrival made many anxious about what was to come. The period of waiting for the aliens to finally dock has only added fuel to the anxiousness as the Prime Minister and her staff watch with mixed curiosity and a little unease at the aliens. Constantly vigilant and scrutinizing their next move every second as the clock ticked away.
"What is taking them so long?" asked James Donovan, the Home Minister. "They should have finished their docking procedures by now."
"Have patience, Mr. Donovan," Prime Minister Levy scolded, "They are probably doing their last-minute preparations on what they are going to say to us. They will need all the time they can get. So we are going to give it to them."
"This doesn't make me feel better," Donovan replied, "I feel like we're just giving them the initiative."
"Diplomatic negotiations, especially of this kind and nature, have always been like this, James," replied John Krulak, Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Last-minute discussions are always a common occurrence. So in this case, instead of waiting and complaining. Why don't we make our last-minute adjustments?"
"Agreed," replied the Minister of Defense, "We could always need the last-minute discussion. So what should we be discussing then anyway?"
"Perhaps trade?" suggested the Minister of Industry and Trade, "We can establish basic relations with these aliens via trade, and from there we can expand upon this relationship further."
"I agree," replied the Minister of Science and Technology, "We could always have deals such as knowledge and technological transfer, etc. Hyperspace technology for one is an interest that my ministry is looking forward to getting their hands on."
"So do as mine," said the Minister of Defense, "Getting our hands on Hyperspace technology is a top priority for our national security. After all, we can't exactly have these alien powers running around with such technology while we don't. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire this key technology, by any means necessary."
"It doesn't have to be Hyperspace technology," added the Minister of Health, "There is also medical technology as well. Just what we could learn from them, or even better what we have missed. I imagine our cooperation with these aliens would prove fruit in helping us finally solve key medical issues to even the secrets of immortality-"
"Okay, I think we are getting ahead of ourselves, Minister," said Prime Minister Levy, "I think you made your point clear, already, Minister."
"Apologies," replied the Health Minister, "I was just excited about the technologies these aliens could bring to us."
"Apologies accepted, Minister," replied Levy, who was now directing the discussion away from all the rambling and focusing back on the topic at hand.
"Now then, we must decide what we should say first to begin our talks with the aliens," Levy stated, "We already have ideas on what we want to discuss first with these aliens. But now we have to decide on how we should begin. So does anyone have any suggestion they would like to make?"
"I believe should begin the talks with an introductory explanation and presentation of our people," John Krulak explained. "For a diplomatic meeting such as this, being our first contact with intelligent alien life. It would be wise to introduce to them who we are as a people. Where do we come from? and explain our customs and culture along with our history."
"Sounds like a good plan. Is there anything more you would like to add?" asked Levy.
"Yes, we also plan to include our history and when I mean our history, I mean all of it. Including our greatest achievement and our darkest period, especially the history of the Great Sundering," said Krulak.
"But wait, John, won't showing that part of our history hurt the meeting?" asked Levy concerned. "We are trying to establish a working relationship here. I fear that showing that may just scare them."
"It's a yes and a no, Prime Minister," explained the Minister of Defense. "While your concerns are legitimate, Prime Minister. We believe that showing this part of our history is necessary. Even the SolForce Joint-chief of staff has come to the same agreement on this matter at hand."
"How so?"
"Well, firstly we want to show these aliens that we mean business," replied the Minister, "By showing them of our dark past we show them enough that we are not a force to be trifle with. Secondly, we also want to deter these aliens from trying anything funny. We don't war with these aliens, but should they wish for war? Then they will know the kind of war they will be waging when they face us in battle. The small extract recordings of the Sundering should be enough to give them second thoughts."
"I see, moving on, is there anything else of concern you would like to mention?"
"Nothing at all, Prime Minister,"
"Good, I guess that is settled then," said Levy, her eyes perking up as she watched the live news coverage of the alien's arrival.
"And speak of the devil," Levy remarked, "It would appear that our illusive aliens have finally revealed themselves."
All heads turned towards the said screen with interest. It was here at long last the people of Sol finally caught a glimpse of their first alien. Whether it be in person within the crowd witnessing the arrival or through a screen, holographic or conventional, tuning in to the live event. Everyone was curious to know what these aliens were like and what their appearance was.
The First alien walked out from the docking gate sending echoes of shock, surprise, and murmurs amongst the crowd of curious humans who were there watching the event live as it went down in the history book as humanity's monumental event. It was a humanoid being from a humanoid race. It was somewhat tall standing approximately one meter in height, with grayish skin tones, small, skinny limbs, large heads, and black eyes. If the Prime Minister were to describe this race, then she would describe them as beings who bear a striking resemblance to the "Roswell Grays" described in countless UFO stories of the ancient past. It was a sentiment that was shared by her cabinet staff and ministers.
"Good God," exclaimed Donovan, "They are Greys!"
"Indeed," replied the Minister of Science and Technology, "To think the stories of these so-called alien encounters of the mid-20th and early 21st century could be true is...Fascinating and has provided us with disturbing implications for our kind."
"That is also another thing to add to the list of questions we want to ask," stated Levy. "I want to know exactly, how much they know about us."
"Agreed, I'll add it to the list," replied the Minister of Defense.
As the Roswell-looking alien and its brethren exited from the gate. They were followed by another race, one looking way too similar to humans. Albeit, with several key differences between their races. Firstly, they had faint gray skin color as well as grass-like hair from which branches and leaves grow. They also wore a kind of primitive clothing with colors that combined gray to gray-blue to violet and scarlet. They appear slightly shorter than average humans with a slight build and present an unassuming façade. Overall, this race appeared to be unremarkable, almost too primitive and out of place here in the minds of many people, who had a basic general idea of what an alien civilization would look like. In her opinion, Prime Minister Levy had almost thought that these people were just regular Hobos and Grifters trying to be Aliens. Rather than the other way around.
But as a trained and highly experienced politician, she knew that the unassuming façade carried by this alien race indicated that they were good at hiding secrets. And it was this fact that made her wary about this race a sentiment that was once again shared by her cabinet. As this alien race moved on, then came...The Human aliens. It was here where the major point of contention lies. From what is shown from the entrance, there appear to be two factions of "extraterrestrial" humans that came today. Judging by their clothing which shows different designs from one another.
But then again, there was no telling of which faction is entirely comprised of Goa'uld and the other not. For all they could know, the humans they see before them could all be Goa'uld to begin with. It was something worth looking into as the aliens finally made their way to the Citadel guided by the security detail sent to pick them up. Now that they were finally here. It was time to get to work.
"Alright people, the time has come," said Levy, "The alien delagation is finally here. What happens in the next few minutes will determine our future from here on out. I trust that you all have what is best for humanity?"
"Yes, Prime Minister," replied Krulak. "We're ready on your word."
"Good, now let us ready ourselves for the talks then, the future of humanity is in our hands. Remember that people."
"Of course, Prime Minister. For the glory of Humankind," saluted the Defense Minister.
"For the glory of Humankind," replied the rest of the cabinet staff.
The die was cast. The meeting was a go, as both parties braced themselves for the most important talks in their lives. Prime Minister Levy couldn't help but amuse herself with how things had changed over the past few years, months, and weeks.
"Ahh, how things have changed," she said to no one in particular as she began making her way to the meeting point where they were set to begin the initial talks with the aliens. There was no turning back now.
...
A/N:
Finally, this chapter is complete. Took me a while to write this part.
But from what you can tell the Asgard and their allies are in a bit of a shock at what they have seen with this version's Tau'ri. As such, they were not prepared to face a more highly advanced human culture. Henceforth their uncertainty about the Tau'ri's intentions.
On the other hand of the spectrum, we have the Tau'ri who are too, also suspicious of the aliens. Having arrived unannounced to the Solar System. They are unsurely correctly suspicious about the Asgard-led diplomatic fleet. Considering the failure of First Contact and the Goa'uld being the only intelligent and hostile race out there. Humanity of Sol is most definitely skeptical about peace with aliens at this point.
Only time will tell if the Asgard and their allies will be successful in convincing the Tau'ri otherwise.
Anyway, this chapter is finally done. Stay tuned for the next as we will delve into the face-to-face talk between the Tau'ri and the Asgard along with the Nox, Tok'ra, and the Tollan.
