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Chapter 25: Adjustments

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Interlude: The more things change, the more they stay the same, or do they?

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Prolet was the logical starting point for developing one of Perun's worlds. The local population was both small and accustomed to the presence of humans from Earth.

Security-wise, the place was as good as we could hope for, barring a world the Goa'uld didn't know existed. As far as the galaxy at large was concerned, the planet was on the far end of nowhere and had nothing of value. Anyone bothering to dispatch naval forces to Prolet was unthinkable. The Stargate was a choke point that could be held against any reasonable attack.

US personnel already established basic infrastructure as part of our government's trade deals with Perun, which could be expanded and used as a jump-off point for further development. Another factor for recommending Prolet was the personnel on-site. They could begin surveying the immediate area for construction sites and materials that could be utilized for building more basic infrastructure and housing.

After meeting the officer in command and the specialists in place, we began working on plans to facilitate the first critical steps in developing and settling the planet.

Captain Samantha Carter, US Air Force, answering questions in front of the US Congress

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CJO (Colonel Jack O'Neill): There was a culture shock. One thing became clear soon after we arrived on Slavna Zemq, Senator. Perun's efforts to uplift his people were relatively recent. That wasn't something he or his soldiers were hiding from us, and it was clear that such developments were new on his fringe worlds from the moment our personnel began working on alien worlds months ago. However, it was clear that this was also the case in his capital. This is indicative of the larger picture. Until whatever "Ascension" Lord Perun keeps mentioning changed him, he was a regular small fish, almost certainly operating like the Goa'uld he warned us about.

DEW (Dr. Elizabeth Weir): My talks with Lord Perun's High Priestess, Ishta, were enlightening. While her account was biased and can't be taken at face value, it is further evidence of the nature of the Goa'uld. It was roughly when Lord Perun contacted us that his forces discovered that the System Lord Ba'al was moving in for an attack on the domain of the System Lord Kali, whom Lord Perun was a vassal of until recently. The fact that Lord Perun's troops could not only stand up to but defeat the superior forces of a System Lord was what made him known to the galaxy at large and brought him to the attention of Ra.

CJO: The implications are clear. Lord Perun's 'ascension' happened not too long ago. If we consider his independent efforts to uplift his people are anything to go by, I'll give it a few years at the most. That's just enough time to retrain and get better equipment for the forces he deployed against Ba'al. A combination of surprise, underestimating the enemy, and Lord Perun doing what he does can explain the rest.

SAI (Senator Alex Ingram): Lord Perun doing what he does, as you charmingly put it, Colonel, is why we are having this hearing. Can you elaborate?

CJO: We are giving context, Senator. There are things about Perun that don't make sense. It is clear this is because we lack context and sufficient information. We do know that even now, Perun is not a power the rest of the Goa'uld are concerned by. Yet, he has an absolute military advantage compared to Earth as a whole. Even the weakest Goa'uld in charge of their own territory are expected to have at least a single warship. That would allow them to dictate terms or destroy civilization as we know it if they deem it necessary. We want to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or that people take our report out of context.

SAI: That is understandable and commendable under the present circumstances. Please continue, Colonel.

CJO: A few years ago, Perun had only about forty thousand Jaffa under his command. Until his 'ascension' and concerted efforts to make them some of the finest soldiers in the galaxy, they would have been the equivalent of a third-world force built with regime preservation in mind. Lack of heavy equipment and an anemic air force were crippling weaknesses. Even now, with an industrial world that can build multiple warships simultaneously, Lord Perun is still struggling to fully mechanize his troops. Thousands of Goa'uld across the galaxy are comparable to Perun's former position. Their ground forces would still be extremely dangerous and challenging to take out. The events in Tacoma and Moscow are proof of that.

SAI: Yet, you are telling us that Lord Perun's armies aren't as powerful as some people led us to believe. Is that the case, Colonel O'Neill?

CJO: There is an excellent case to be made that Lord Perun's ground forces are not impressive regarding their size, training, or available equipment compared to their numbers. Given anything resembling technological parity, I would bet on most NATO armies to take them on and win. That makes Lord Perun no less dangerous. From what I've learned, Lord Perun has no intention of actually occupying Earth. Hence, the state of his ground forces is moot in that regard. He did not invade and conquer Earth with his Jaffa, Senator. All he had to do was park a yacht in orbit.

DEW: Most of those Goa'uld are of no consequence as far as their liege lords are concerned. Each System Lord has hundreds if not thousands of people serving them in Perun's former position, who are below notice. Yet, every one of those Goa'uld has a Ha'tak at their disposal capable of laying waste to a world like Earth. This is the reality we now operate in, Senators. We aren't even a small fish in shark-infested waters. Right now, we are a tiny stumbling block to be stepped on if anyone save for Lord Perun notices us. From all we have learned over the past few weeks, we were fortunate that Lord Perun was the one to find us. He was right on that front.

SAI: Doctor Weir, do you recommend we back Lord Perun in the coming war beyond what he requires of Earth?

DEW: Senator, if Lord Perun doesn't emerge from the war in a position of strength that ensures he can shield us, it is only a matter of time before the new owner of this part of Ra's territory investigates Earth. At that point, we are all dead. That is something I can state beyond a shadow of a doubt.

SAI: We are getting off-topic. Later, you can tell us more about Lord Perun's military, world, and culture. We need to know what else you learned of Lord Perun first.

CJO: I was first introduced to the basic training facilities and program that Lord Perun's Jaffa underwent the day after arriving at Slavna Zemq. They are as good as any I've seen or experienced here on Earth and also new. It was clear that Lord Perun had a limited number of trainers to train or retrain his military, and virtually all of them had been personally trained by him. He also created the current training regiments used by his Jaffa. I can't stress this enough, Senator: you don't get to do this without institutional experience or spending a long time in trial and error to figure out what works and what doesn't. That, of course, raises even more questions about our new Lord and master.

DEW: We are shooting in the dark here, Senator. Our best theory based on what we have seen and experienced is that Lord Perun is an example of what the Goa'uld were thousands of years ago before their empire took firm control over the galaxy and stagnated due to long-term stable leadership and lack of outside pressures to force it to change. We are unsure how to reconcile Lord Perun as we know him and how he acted for thousands of years before his 'Ascension.'

CJO: That 'ascension' part is about to be very significant. We were there as observers when Lord Perun dealt with the Jaffa on his new worlds, who were sabotaging his uplift efforts. He was making a point. It was not what we expected either…

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CJO: Culture shock. Oh, boy, was there a lot of that… Much of what we take for granted simply doesn't exist in Lord Perun's world. It makes sense, too, because before he began shaking things up, they were stuck in the ancient past and kept there on the penalty of death. There is little entertainment we can recognize, no press as we know it, and we can't forget the religious angle. I am from the Air Force. It is no secret that we are the most religious branch of the military, relatively speaking. I've trained beside, flown with, and fought alongside airmen and operatives who take their faith deadly seriously. That didn't prepare me to see how religious Lord Perun's society is. These people live and breathe their religion. For them, Lord Perun is a benevolent God who delivers on what he promises. I can not stress this fact hard enough…

from the Senate hearings concerning Disclosure and the United States deals with Lord Perun

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Part 5

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Lady Lyda confirmed she will use the Enterprise to deliver satellites in orbit. The ancient transport ship is in reasonably good condition and safe for short trips beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Associated Press

Representatives of all space agencies worldwide will gather this Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the formation of a united Earth agency to oversee the construction of orbital infrastructure, the exploration and development of the Solar system's resources, and lay down the foundations for regulation and control of space travel.

Euronews

Scientists and engineers from all over the world head for Colorado Springs to participate in joint research and development programs headed by Lady Lyda. Security in and around the city remains in the hands of the Colorado National Guard, something that will not change in the foreseeable future.

USA Today

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Varanasi
Perun's Domain
Milky Way Galaxy

"Double-check your gear!" Prime Vladyzlav ordered. "Lord Perun is watching us tonight! There can be no mistakes!"

Jek'il nodded reverently. His hands moved over his webbing, armored fingers, ensuring everything was where it was supposed to be and secured in place. Shock grenades, restraints, two breaching charges, just in case. A Zat nested right beside his chain sword. Everything was in order. Jek'il picked up his plasma gun and examined it with ease brought forth by countless hours of working at a temple supervised by Warrior Priests.

There were no issues Jek'il could see. He carefully opened up the weapon, checking the liquid naquadah power cell. It was slotted in seamlessly as it should. The indicator above it glowed green, showing that everything was all right. He sealed the weapon and checked the new modification – a Zat attachment, which would make taking prisoners much easier.

One after another, the Inquisition's first Direct Action unit members confirmed that they were adequately geared up and everything was in order.

Prime Vladyzlav gave them an unimpressed look.

"Now check the gear of your brothers while they do the same to yours!" The veteran Jaffa told them. He did precisely that by going to his second in command and examining his gear. At the same time, the younger Prime returned the favor.

A few minutes later, they were all done. The Jaffa picked up their helmets, put them on, and ensured they were properly sealed.

"Form up; the Al'kesh will be landing momentarily to pick us up!" Vladyzlav's voice got them all orderly jogging out of the barracks and forming by detachments.

Four Al'kesh emerged through the night like ghosts and quietly landed in the barracks' internal yard. Vladyzlav pointed each unit at their transport before boarding one of them.

Jek'il knew they were just one small part of the operation Lord Perun ordered this night. Their God was in orbit, bringing more loyal Jaffa to capture the traitors. He knew that even as he boarded the Al'kesh, many more bombers with Death Glider escorts were entering the atmosphere, heading for their targets.

More loyal Jaffa with combat vehicles were coming through the Chapa'ai, ready to provide support if needed.

Jek'il and the other Inquisitors were determined to ensure that such aid wouldn't be necessary. They knew their target, had a solid plan, and hopefully, the element of surprise.

It was time to put all their training and preparations to the ultimate test.

The Al'kesh's cargo compartment was quiet on the way to the target. The Jaffa were tense with anticipation and anger. They weren't flying towards a glorious battle that would see their names sung in songs by future generations. They were Lord Perun's Holy Inquisition, and their job was a dark, if necessary one.

Tonight would be the fall of traitors.

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Ahsoka enjoyed a rare warm night as Varanasi's short fall was rapidly ending, to be replaced by a wet, unpleasant winter. He was drinking hot tea with his eldest sons, discussing the Clan's future and how their efforts to make a point before Lord Perun were going.

"Rina will be of age soon," Ahsoka's eldest son spoke of his youngest daughter. "A marriage can help us strengthen our ties with some of our less reliable allies."

The Elder sipped his tea, enjoying the rich herbal flavor.

"We must be careful who we choose to formally add among our closest allies. A misstep can make people jealous and resentful for not being granted the honor of Rina's hand in marriage. I have yet to hear you explain all the benefits and potential problems my granddaughter's marriage can lead to. I won't live forever, my son. Sooner or later, you will lead the Clan, and you will have to consider all angles." Ahsoka patiently reminded his headstrong child.

His eldest was an exemplar of a Jaffa, a warrior who covered himself with glory during six campaigns. Despite that, the boy simply lacked the patience for politics. Give him a battle to plan and a host to lead against a crafty enemy, and he will excel. Pit him against the elders leading their clans to prosperity, and he was almost like a babe stumbling in the dark.

Not for the first time, Ahsoka wondered if it might be better to appoint one of his younger sons as his heir to become the next Elder of the Clan.

Rohan finished his tea and was about to speak before he frowned and tilted his head to the side. Ahsoka's other sons looked concernedly at their elder brother, followed his example, and listened. Ahsoka did the same; however, his old ears weren't what they used to be. Rohan got up and went to the edge of the rooftop. He peered into the darkness.

A silver snake of coiled energy pierced the night and struck Rohan. Ahsoka's heart clenched at the sight. His other sons jumped up with cries of alarm.

It was too late. Al'kesh emerged from the dark, suddenly stopping above the family's compound. Ramps opened, and golden spheres fell out. Ahsoka didn't even bother standing up. He might have been old, but his mind was still sharp. This had to be Lord Perun's answer. They had miscalculated, Ahsoka thought just before the energy wave produced by a shock grenade washed over him.

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Jek'il jumped off the Al'kesh on a rooftop and ran past scattered furniture and fallen Jaffa. He knelt beside the stairway leading down into the building and took aim. One of his brothers was a step behind, preparing a shock grenade. The sphere flew down the stairs before an armored hand tapped Jek'il's shoulder. He moved, taking cover beside the entrance to the building. The light of the shock grenade illuminated the rooftop, gleaming off Inquisitors who were busy securing prisoners. They were binding the traitors, then dragging them to the center of the rooftop so a single Jaffa could watch on them all and keep an eye on the rooftop access. Doing so would allow the rest of the detachment to storm the building, joining the rest of the Inquisitors already deploying around the large compound.

More shock grenades detonated outside and inside, cutting off the startled screams of women and children. Zat blasts could be heard, as well as a few cries trying to raise the alarm.

"The prisoners are secure! Move-in!" Jek'il's commander ordered.

The young Jaffa prepared a shock grenade and threw it down the stairs. As soon as the flash of its detonation illuminated the doorway, he took point and rapidly descended, followed by more Inquisitors.

Jek'il saw a woman and two boys crumple to the floor, surrounded by a tray and broken clay cups. They were of no consequences and for the Inquisitors in the rear to secure. Jek'il moved past the bodies, looking for active targets.

A wide-eyed little girl dashed from a side door. Jek'il shot her with the Zat and winced when she collapsed and hit the stone floor hard. Nevertheless, the Jaffa followed up his training and moved towards the room the child came from.

Another Inquisitor took position on the other side of the door and prepared a grenade. He nodded at Jek'il, who nodded back, grabbed the sheet of fabric covering the door, and pulled it away. The shock grenade detonated, and the two Inquisitors rushed in its wake. A Jaffa in old armor was on the floor, obviously unconscious. The lack of a helmet did him in, Jek'il decided. He went to the fallen traitor and removed a restrains from his webbing while his brother covered him. Jek'il rolled the older Jaffa on his front and bound his arms behind his back, ensuring he wouldn't be a threat anytime soon.

They repeated the exercise with every new room they cleared, throwing a grenade before breaching. Only a handful of Jaffa with armor and weapons fell before they could offer resistance due to the lack of helmets to protect them from the shock grenades.

It soon became clear that the plan worked, and they struck with surprise, robbing the traitors of the chance to gear up and offer proper resistance. It wasn't glorious; it wasn't honorable, yet it was a work well done.

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Part 6

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"Victory", Perun's flagship

low orbit above Varanasi

Milky Way Galaxy

Compared to Ra's yacht, experiencing Ha'tak's sensors felt like looking through a blurry glass. They were still more than adequate for the task at hand. What was causing some issues was the lack of an integrated command and control system that had seen the test of battle. Even after all the training my Black Legion underwent, there were still many issues to iron out. That was why tonight was as much a training exercise as a large-scale raid to capture traitors.

I had a third of my fleet concentrated here, with Prime Iasen running the show under my supervision. Tracking all the strike groups descending through the atmosphere was easy. Coordination between them, the Ha'tak in orbit, and the Ha'tak themselves was easier said than done.

I kept watching, looking for weaknesses to be addressed, mistakes to note in the after-mission debriefings, and ways to improve everything. The low-hanging fruit would be adding more neural interface stations. These separate systems could still get data from the sensors dedicated to command and control. We would also need better communication protocols and training.

A significant reason nothing went disastrously wrong was that once deployed, each strike group didn't require a change in orders until after neutralizing their targets. Otherwise, I could see issues.

Despite that, this was a very far cry from the utter mess that was my sorry excuse for a space navy before months of intensive training. The improvement was there, and it was clear to see. Nevertheless, I still wouldn't consider most of my crews more than barely qualified to do basic jobs. Only the Goa'uld ship designs and control systems, which allowed a handful of people to command a Ha'tak, mitigated otherwise crippling issues.

On the bright side, there were no noticeable issues with my pilots and squadron leaders. The Death Gliders kept tight formations around the bombers they were escorting, with a squadron flying ahead of each group to detect and intercept potential enemies. There weren't any aerial or anti-air threats to speak of on the planet because everything that flew down there was supposed to be under the control of my loyalist. Still, being complacent was foolish, and the training opportunity this operation represented was priceless. This was the largest deployment and action my navy executed after its expansion, becoming a proper, if small navy in the first place.

Another proof of the lack of adequately integrated communications, command, and control systems was that I got second-hand reports on the ground deployments from the Al'kesh pilots. Only unit leaders had proper communication devices, and the expectation was that they would only use them to either confirm mission success or call for reinforcements and support fire if things went to hell.

I simply lacked the spare production capacity to outfit even my core loyalists with proper communicators, much less the near million Jaffa my fabricators were straining to produce modern armor and weapons for. That was why I was toying with the idea of using Earth's military communication technology in the short term. That would give my Jaffa an advantage for the opening clashes of the war and, more importantly, time to train and become accustomed to using comm devices to coordinate on all levels.

Ultimately, going for easier-to-produce dumbed-down models would be a complete waste of time, resources, and production capacity. At the same time, standard comm devices, like those used by pilots, were more complex to produce, given their capabilities.

One after another, news of successful operations reached me. Jaffa compounds on the planet map hanging before me shifted from red to green, designating them as secure. Motorized units moved from the Stargate area to take custody of the closer sites and begin processing prisoners. Meanwhile, the Al'kesh would be moving batches of prisoners with Jaffa escort to a pre-designated place, where I would speak with the local Elders.

All things considered, I was pleasantly surprised by the operation's success. It was rare things went as flawlessly as this, though considering the tactical surprise we had, it wasn't so surprising. After all, I didn't go for an honorable battle, like most Jaffa were taught to fight and expect.

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Varanasi
Lord Perun's Domain
Milky Way Galaxy

It has been a very long time since Ahsoka suffered the effects of a shock grenade. He was a much younger man then. When his awareness returned, pains in all his muscles accompanied it, followed by a massive headache. He couldn't see, and his ears rang like someone was beating a gong like their life depended on it.

The Jaffa's hearing came back first. He could hear pained groans and curses. Some of the voices were familiar, very familiar at that. By the time Ahsoka could stumble to his feet and kind of see, he was painfully aware that they had misjudged how Lord Perun would react to being reminded of the way things should be. That he was alive, alongside many other Elders, was a good sign. At the same time, so many, if not everyone involved, were with him, which was of great concern.

When Ahsoka could finally see, he found himself in a large building empty of furniture. There was only one entrance, blocked by large Jaffa in heavy armor, the likes of which he had never seen. Over a hundred people were stuck there with him, and every single one of them was an Elder he had spoken with about making a point or knew others brought in.

"Jaffa, Kree!" One of the armored warriors snapped. "Lord Perun is ready to speak with you!" The man sneered.

The Elders looked at each other, wondering what the wrath of their new God would entail, and slowly shuffled toward the exit. The Jaffa there stepped aside, holding their weapons at the ready.

It was mid-morning outside. The sky was clear enough to let the sunshine blind the Elders still suffering side effects from shock grenades. More curses followed as they stumbled out.

Perun was out there, glowering at them.

"You've made your point," their God growled. "It is time I made mine. We are going to do this the old-fashioned way. Through your foolish schemes and the actions of your sons, your Clans are now damned, through no fault of all their members. I am a benevolent God, so I will offer your people a chance to regain their honor," Perun smiled a terrible smile. His eyes burned with the fires of the abyss itself. "Each of you will choose a champion to defend the honor of your Clans. In one week, they will face me in personal combat at your proving grounds while the Varanasi Clans watch. You will have one chance to make your point properly before I judge you for your treachery. Choose your champions well, Elders."

Ahsoka stared at Perun as he gave them one last look of contempt before walking away.