Chapter 4: The Search for Ramius
With his Goa'uld persona, Hauron, fully realized and his weaponry skills finely honed, Nick set forth on the next phase of his audacious plan: finding a minor Goa'uld target. His gaze settled on Ramius, an independent minor Goa'uld Lord. Ramius's status as an independent Goa'uld, unaligned with any System Lord, made him an ideal target for Nick's takeover. This independence reduced the risk of exposure as an imposter in the vast , locating Ramius was akin to searching for a needle in a cosmic haystack. The galaxy was vast, and Nick lacked the gate address to Ramius's domain. This vital information was not something he could stumble upon easily.
Realizing the enormity of the task, Nick understood that to find Ramius, he needed contacts or information that could point him in the right direction. After scouting multiple gates adresses he found one where he could potentially gain some intel. The town close to the stargate had a bustling bazaar, where traders, mercenaries, and various underworld figures gathered. He discreetly asked questions, made subtle inquiries, and offered his assistance in various capacities, all while keeping his true intentions veiled.
He reached out to a contact he had cultivated over days of discreet inquiries—a shrewd and resourceful trader known only as Solan. Solan had deep connections in the Goa'uld-controlled territories and was known for his ability to procure vital information. Nick meets Solan in a dimly lit corner of the local tavern, where the air is heavy with the scent of spiced ale and the murmur of hushed conversations.
Nick leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Solan, I've heard you're the man with the knowledge—the man who can find what others can't. I need something very specific."Solan raised an eyebrow, his eyes shrewd and calculating. "Specifics can be found, for a price. What is it you seek?" Nick's voice dropped to a low, confidential tone. "I need the gate address to Ramius's domain." Solan's eyes narrowed, studying Nick intently. "Ramius, you say? That information doesn't come cheap, my friend." Nick reached into a small pouch, producing a glinting handful of gold coins, and slid them across the table. "Consider this an earnest token of my commitment to our agreement. There's more where that came from once the task is complete."Solan's gaze never wavered from Nick's. He picked up a coin, examined it briefly, then nodded. "A good start. I'll get you what you seek but i need a couple days"Nick nodded in agreement. "Then we will meet again in five days, Solan."With the deal struck, they parted ways, each disappearing into the shadows of the tavern.
Five days later Nick retuned to the planet to meet Solan. Solan had chosen a quiet, secluded corner of the same tavern for their meeting. As Nick approached, he noticed Solan sitting there, a faint smile playing on his lips. It's the smile of someone who holds valuable information.Nick takes the seat across from Solan and leans in, his eyes locked onto the trader's. "Do you have it?" Solan nodded and reached into the folds of his cloak, producing not one, but two small pieces of paper. He slid them across the table toward Nick. "The gate addresses you seek. Obtaining these wasn't easy, my friend." Nick's fingers brushed the papers, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. He pocketed the papers and looked back at Solan with a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Solan."Solan leaned back in his seat, eyeing Nick with a sly grin. "Two gate addresses, my friend. That's twice the effort for me. I believe some extra compensation is in order."Nick hesitated for a moment, weighing the value of the information against the additional cost. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Very well, Solan. Your efforts deserve the extra gold." With a satisfied smile, Solan accepted the additional payment.
Nick stated, "With our business concluded, I have another matter to discuss. I require skilled warriors to stand by my side, protecting and assisting me in battle. I am prepared to pay for their services." He added, "Furthermore, if you can arrange for these warriors to join me, there will be additional gold in it for you." Solan nods, understanding the gravity of Nick's request. He agrees to assist in finding a team of mercenaries for him.
A day later he introduced Nick to a group of ten battle-hardened fighters willing to join his cause for the right price. They became Nick's comrades-in-arms, and together, they ventured to a remote planet to train and prepare for the impending assault on Ramius's stronghold.
Nick gathered the mercenaries in a makeshift tent. Their leader, a burly and battle-scarred veteran named Kaldor, sat at the head of a metal table. Kaldor's piercing eyes bore the wisdom of countless battles, and his grizzled beard added to his imposing presence. Nick cleared his throat, addressing the assembled fighters. "Thank you all for joining me on this mission," he began, his voice carrying the weight of his determination. "Our target is Ramius, an independent minor Goa'uld Lord. He's holed up on the planet Seraphis, and our goal is to infiltrate his stronghold and take control of his domain."
Kaldor leaned forward, his arms crossed over his chest. "You do realize, Nick, that going after a Goa'uld is no small feat. They're powerful and ruthless. Why would you want to challenge one?" Nick met Kaldor's gaze without hesitation. "Because the Goa'uld enslave countless humans and spread fear throughout the galaxy. I intend to put an end to their tyranny, starting with Ramius. But I can't do it alone. That's why I've brought you all here. We're going to need every bit of skill and courage to succeed."
As the question hung in the air, one of the mercenaries voiced a concern that had been on everyone's mind. "What happens after we take down Ramius? You're not a Goa'uld, Nick. The Jaffa won't follow you."
"Let me demonstrate," Nick declared, activating his voice changer concealed within his collar. He invoked his Goa'uld voice, a commanding and resonant tone that echoed with authority. "I am your God, Hauron. Your former God, Ramius, has fallen. Bow before me or face oblivion!" In the tension that followed, two of the mercenaries reacted with fear, raising their weapons as they prepared to open fire. It was Kaldor who quickly intervened, stepping forward to shield Nick. He demanded, "Hold your fire! Let him explain!"
Nick couldn't help but ponder if it might have been wiser to warn them in advance, but the situation had unfolded too quickly. "I use a voice-changing device in my collar," he explained, "that can mimic a Goa'uld's voice. Kaldor, come closer so that you can speak into it."Kaldor stepped closer to Nick, and after a confirming nod, he began to speak in a Goa'uld voice, his deep tones resonating with an eerie authority. "Greetings, I am Kaldor."
This live demonstration had a profound impact. The mercenaries slowly lowered their weapons, their expressions shifting from apprehension to acceptance. It was now abundantly clear to them that Nick possessed a formidable tool at his disposal, and he was not a Goa'uld himself.
Moved by Nick's unwavering determination and his mission to free the galaxy from the oppression of the Goa'uld, Kaldor, the leader of the mercenaries, speaks up. "Nick, we've seen our fair share of battles, but this mission of yours... it's different. We understand what's at stake here. If we succeed in taking down Ramius, you'll have our loyalty. We'll pledge ourselves wholeheartedly to your cause." The other mercenaries nod in agreement, their expressions resolute. Together, they will stand as a united force against the tyranny they have all lost someone to.
One of the mercenaries, a sharpshooter named Mara, chimed in. "What's the plan, Nick? How are we going to get inside Ramius's stronghold?" With the gate addresses in his possession, Nick knew he had options. He leaned forward, addressing the group of mercenaries with a determined look. "We have two gate addresses," Nick began, his voice steady. "One of them leads to Ramius's heavily defended capital world, Seraphis. The stargate there is protected by a formidable force.
But the other address takes us to a planet called Neferara with only about Two thousand inhabitants, around 30 to 40 Jaffa, and minimal defenses. There's only one Al'kesh stationed on that planet." Nick went on, "I've scouted Neferara using a reconnaissance drone, and I've confirmed that the stargate is guarded by only four Jaffa. We have an opportunity to strike swiftly and silently. Nick paused, letting the information sink in for the mercenaries.
"Our plan is to strike at the lightly defended planet. Our goal is to capture the Al'kesh. If that is achieved our following objective involves disabling the Stargate on Neferara by removing the control crystal from the DHD. This action will ensure that any remaining Jaffa cannot alert Ramius using the gate.
Following this, we will use the cloaked Al'kesh to infiltrate Seraphis quietly. Our journey through hyperspace will last approximately one week. We will exit hyperspace at the edge of the system where Seraphis is located and proceed under cloak at sublight speed to approach the planet while avoiding detection. Once we reach our destination, we will gather intelligence on Seraphis and strategize our next moves accordingly."
The mercenaries exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation. They were prepared to follow their new leader, their hopes pinned on the promise of a brighter future under Nick's rule.
Nick concluded, "We'll continue our training and preparations over the next few days. When we're ready, we'll make our move on Neferara, and from there, Seraphis. Remember, our goal is to free the people under Ramius's rule and put an end to his tyranny. Together, we can make a difference in this galaxy."
As the meeting adjourned, the mercenaries dispersed, their resolve unwavering as they prepared for the perilous journey ahead, ready to challenge the oppressive reign of Ramius and make a difference in the galaxy.