Author's Note: Looking back at the story Stargate: A New Hope, that got folded into this one along with Stargate: Galactica. I noticed a plot point that sadly can't be done with this story. In A New Hope when the story reached the episode "In The Line of Duty" Dawn instead of Sam was supposed to become host of Jolinar. Then Jolinar was supposed to take them to the Tok'ra base. In A New Hope the original plan was to have clones crewing the ships and with one of the ships actually having cloning tubes. Then instead of Sam's dad being the bridge between the Tok'ra and Earth, the Clones would do it. I just thought I mention the idea that sadly was scrapped when I settled on Star Trek providing the third ship.
Chapter 3: Halloween Part 3
October 31, 1997 – Friday
Battlestar Valkyrie – 7 PM
Shira, Cale, Kirk, Commander Buffy, and Sarryn entered CIC, the heart of the Battlestar Valkyrie. Shira wasted no time and approached her executive officer, eager to get an update. Her voice resonated with a mix of urgency and authority, her concern for the safety of her crew evident.
"Report?" she asked, her voice commanding, her eyes locked onto Colonel Wilson's, searching for answers.
Colonel Wilson delivered the news. His voice was steady, but beneath the surface, a glimmer of hope could be sensed, a hope for peace in a time of conflict. "The Cylons have agreed to a cease-fire and, given our unknown location, they wish to discuss a peace treaty once their Actual is onboard."
Cale couldn't help but express his skepticism. His voice was tinged with a hint of doubt, and his eyes bore a trace of suspicion. "And you're still certain the Cylons didn't launch the bogeys at us?" he inquired, his worry for the safety of their ship and crew undeniable.
Colonel Wilson's response was firm and convincing. His words carried the weight of assurance, as if he were determined to quell any lingering doubts. "Based on events, I would say they definitely did not launch the bogeys. If it had been them, I highly expect we would be space dust right now, as the bogeys were prepared to fire on us when we appeared here, wherever 'here' is."
Shira pressed for further clarification, her determination to understand their situation unwavering. Her voice held a trace of concern for their unexpected location, and her brows furrowed in thought. "So we're not at one of the Colonies?"
Colonel Wilson shook his head, his expression revealing a mix of concern and curiosity. "No," he confirmed. "We did some calculations, and this planet is not one explored by our people. According to the constellations seen in the night sky, we've jumped a considerable distance from where we were, farther than we should have been capable of in one jump."
"I believe we know where we are, just not when we are," Kirk said. His voice held a mixture of wonder and uncertainty, as if he had stumbled upon a riddle that left him both amazed and perplexed. "The planet below is Earth, our homeworld. But what I don't understand is our Earth is more advanced than that planet."
Cale couldn't help but voice his confusion, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. "How can we jump out of our galaxy, though?" he asked. "It's impossible, as we are limited on how many light years we can jump."
"I am aware, Lieutenant," Colonel Wilson said, his voice calm and contemplative. "But it is currently the only conclusion to where we are. A world similar to that of the Colonies, and just as Captain Kirk said, not as advanced."
Shira sought more information, her expression inquisitive, her eyes fixed on Colonel Wilson. "How do you know?"
"They have been trying to contact us," the XO said, a sense of urgency in his voice. "We have not responded yet. But their method of communication is an outdated form of radio waves."
Kirk was looking at the DRADIS and frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. "Here is another mystery." He motioned to the DRADIS, his voice tinged with unease. "That planet in Earth's heliocentric orbit should not exist." He looked at Commander Buffy and then at Shira, his eyes seeking approval. "I would like Buffy to investigate this if you can spare one of, what did you call it, a Raptor."
"Of course," Shira agreed, her voice reflecting her readiness to take action. "I will send Captain Reidel to pilot the Raptor."
"I will go as well," Sarryn said, her determination evident in her voice.
Planet Hapes – Or as SciFi fans called it Counter-Earth – Same Time
Tenal Ka's confusion deepened as the Rock Dragon II exited hyperspace. She had meticulously set the course for Hapes, expecting to traverse the Transitory Mists, but to her bewilderment, she found herself still within the same solar system as Earth. Her brow furrowed with uncertainty, and she couldn't fathom how the ship's computer had knowledge of Hapes' location.
As she observed the unfamiliar starship in orbit of the planet, a sense of caution washed over her. She activated her comm unit, a hint of apprehension in her voice, as she sought to establish contact with the planet she had intended to reach. "Rock Dragon to Hapes."
Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado Springs – Same Time
Hammond's nervous energy was palpable as he paced back and forth, his eyes repeatedly flicking towards Walter in search of any signs of progress. Another hour had slipped by, and the tension in the room was mounting. "Anything?" Hammond inquired, his voice filled with a mix of impatience and concern.
Walter shook his head, a furrow of worry etched across his brow. "No reply. They either are not listening on this frequency or they're not receiving," he suggested, his words heavy with uncertainty.
Hammond let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping with frustration. "Keep trying," he instructed, a resolute determination in his voice.
Cylon Basestar – Same Time
Caprica Six stepped into the CIC of her Basestar, her presence commanding and poised. She moved with purpose, stopping before the enigmatic Hybrid. "Report," she requested, her voice steady, masking the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions within her.
The Hybrid's response was cryptic, as always, and filled with an eerie resonance. "The system we are in resembles that the Final Five came from. But it is not that of the Final Five. I detect no other humanoid Cylon other than yourself, Caprica Six, onboard. Also, there is a colonial Battlestar in orbit with us."
"Galactica?" Caprica asked, memories of the Battlestar and their past encounters resurfacing.
The Hybrid's response was laden with uncertainty. "Negative," it stated. "It is the Battlestar Valkyrie."
"Valkyrie?" Caprica said, her voice tinged with confusion. The unexpected reappearance of a long-lost relic from the past left her bewildered. "Was destroyed at the Fall of the Colonies."
"We are unsure what has transpired," the Hybrid admitted, its mechanical voice carrying an air of perplexity. "We were transported to this world alongside the Valkyrie from obviously different points in time. Which should not be possible. And we are in orbit of a planet that, according to starcharts, does not exist in a galaxy that does not exist. On your behalf, I negotiated a cease-fire with the possibility of a truce when you came onboard in light of the current situation."
Caprica considered the Hybrid's words and nodded in agreement. "A wise idea," she acknowledged. The mysteries surrounding their current predicament were vast, and a cease-fire seemed like the best course of action, for now.
Planet Hapes – Same Time
Tenal Ka's heart raced as she landed the Rock Dragon II in the palace hangar on Hapes. She felt a mix of apprehension and determination, her lightsaber securely fastened to her side. "I don't know what I'm going to find," she confessed to herself, her voice a whisper amid the quiet tension.
As she disembarked from her ship, her boots making a soft thud on the hangar floor, she was met with a group of individuals waiting for her. Among them, Lady Galnay stepped forward, addressing her with a respectful tone. "Greetings, Queen Mother," Lady Galnay said, her words a mixture of formality and familiarity. The weight of her responsibilities as the leader of Hapes rested heavily on Tenal Ka's shoulders, and she knew that whatever lay ahead, she would face it with the support of her aides and her unwavering determination.
Raptor approaching Planet Hapes – Same Time
Becca expertly piloted the Raptor toward the planet when Commander Buffy's sharp eyes caught sight of the Enterprise in orbit of Hapes. Her instincts kicked in, and she immediately issued a command. "Change course," she said, prompting a curious glance from Becca. "To the starship, that's the Enterprise."
Without wasting a moment, Commander Buffy reached for her communicator and flipped it open. "Summers to Enterprise."
From the communicator, Spock's composed voice responded. "Commander Summers, where is Captain Kirk?"
Buffy wasted no time in providing the necessary information. "Currently with a group of people in orbit of Earth, discussing a temporary alliance on their ship," she explained. "One to beam up."
Meanwhile, Sarryn, her senses attuned to the subtle energies of the Force, detected the presence of another Force user on the planet's surface. She was determined to investigate further. "Once she is on her ship, take me down to the planet's surface," she instructed Becca.
Becca nodded, ready to execute the orders. "Yes, sir."
With finality, Commander Buffy gave the order, her voice unwavering. "Energize." As the transporter activated, she dematerialized, leaving the Raptor and snatching her away to the awaiting Enterprise, prepared for the challenges that awaited her.
Summers Residence, Sunnydale, California – 9:15 PM
As Joyce Summers entered her home with an air of light-heartedness, having enjoyed a successful Halloween party at the newly established museum, she was greeted by an unsettling silence. None of the lights were on, and there was no sign of her two daughters, Buffy and Dawn. Concern started to well up within her, and she called out their names, her voice filled with growing worry. "Buffy, Dawn?"
Joyce hurried up the stairs and glanced into both of her daughters' bedrooms, only to find empty beds devoid of her sleeping girls. The feeling of unease deepened. She rushed downstairs and checked the answering machine for any messages, hoping for a clue.
With growing anxiety, Joyce began to search for any handwritten notes or messages in the usual places. She inspected the fridge, both of her girls' nightstands, her own nightstand, her desk in the living room, and the table by the front door. To her dismay, there was nothing to be found. The after party at the local teen night spot, the Bronze, should have ended by now, and this absence was deeply unsettling.
Fearing the worst, Joyce considered reaching out to the librarian at the high school. She dialed the number that Buffy had given her as a contact for nights when her daughters and Willow studied at the library together. But the phone rang without an answer, leaving her with a growing sense of dread.
Planet Hapes – Same Time
"Welcome home, Queen Mother," Lady Galney greeted Tenal Ka with a respectful nod and a warm smile.
Tenal Ka acknowledged her with gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Galney." Her tone was measured and thoughtful as she continued, "I have an unusual question for you. Do you know when the unknown ship arrived in orbit or how we happened to no longer be inside the Transitory Mists?"
Lady Galney's expression mirrored Tenal Ka's concern. "Nay," she replied with a shake of her head. "Everyone I have spoken to has a gap in their memories. We all have lost an entire day, it seems. And so far, we have received no response to transmissions to the ship."
Tenal Ka processed the information, realizing that she needed to return to the other planet to seek answers. "I should return back to the planet I was just on for information," she stated. She then turned her attention back to Lady Galney. "Does the Night's Hammer have a full crew?"
Lady Galney's reply was troubling. "Queen Mother, the Night's Hammer has disappeared. It is not responding on any holonet frequency." The mysteries surrounding their current situation deepened, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Battlestar Valkyrie – Same Time
Shira's gaze shifted earnestly towards Kirk, her eyes reflecting a blend of determination and concern. "As the two senior officers…"
Kirk's response was resolute, matching the gravity of the moment. "Yes. We should represent our peoples. What about the other ship your people were…"
A heavy sigh escaped Shira's lips, carrying the weight of unspoken worries, and she nodded in agreement. "Get me the Cylon's Actual."
The hum of the ship's communications system came alive, responding promptly to the order. "On comms," reported the communications officer.
In the midst of tense anticipation, the intercom crackled to life, and the voice of Caprica Six, laced with a subtle blend of poise and authority, resonated through the air. "This is Caprica Six."
Shira, her voice calm yet edged with a sense of urgency, addressed the Cylon representative. "We have been picking up a transmission from the surface and were about to fashion a reply," she informed, the gravity of the situation mirrored in the cadence of her words.
"I see, and you thought since you and I are in the same predicament that we should represent our peoples in this reply," Caprica Six stated, her tone a delicate balance of curiosity and acknowledgment.
Kirk met her gaze with a firm nod, embodying the confidence of a seasoned captain facing the unknown. "That's correct. By the way, I am Captain James T. Kirk of the Republic Starship Enterprise."
A subtle warmth crept into Caprica Six's voice as she extended a polite greeting, her demeanor gracious amidst the uncertainty. "It is a pleasure. Very well, we will join in. It is, after all, in our best interests for all parties to find out where we are and how we got here."
Shira, leaning into the collaborative spirit of the moment, expressed her agreement with a decisive nod. "Agreed." Turning her attention to the communications officer, she issued a command, her gaze focused on the task at hand. "Open a frequency to the origin of the transmission and relay it to the Cylons."
The communications officer responded promptly, confirming the successful establishment of the transmission. "Transmission established, Commander," he reported.
Just then, a male voice echoed through the intercom, reaching out from the depths of the unknown. "This is Stargate Command to unidentified vessels in orbit, please identify yourself."
Kirk's contemplative silence lingered as he absorbed the unfamiliarity of their surroundings, and he shook his head in silent disbelief. The echoes of confusion resounded within him as he pondered the enigma that had thrust them into this uncharted territory. Wherever they were, it defied the known boundaries of his Earthly history. The planet below, though eerily reminiscent of his own Earth, was shrouded in a veil of uncertainty.
Shira, poised and resolute, took charge of the communication link. "Stargate Command, I am Commander Shira Brynn of the Battlestar Valkyrie. I have with me Caprica Six of the Cylon Basestar and Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise," she announced, her voice projecting a sense of authority laced with a touch of curiosity. "Who are we speaking to?"
The intercom crackled to life once more, the man's voice held a measured authority, a reflection of the responsibility that came with such a position. "I am General George Hammond. We have some questions for you. First of all, what are your intentions?" Hammond's voice inquired, cutting through the uncertainty with a directness born of necessity.
Shira, unwavering in her commitment to diplomacy, responded promptly. "Peaceful."
The general's next question hung in the air, a pivotal inquiry that sought to unravel the mystery surrounding the presence of their ships in Earth's orbit. "And your reason for your ships being in orbit around Earth?" Hammond pressed, his words carrying the weight of anticipation.
Kirk, the stalwart captain of the Enterprise, interjected with a question that cut to the heart of their disorienting situation. "Unknown. My question for you is, what year is it?"
General George Hammond's response resonated through the intercom, casting a momentary hush over the bridge. "Nineteen ninety-seven," he replied, the year falling from his lips like a key unlocking a door to the past. The revelation, however, only deepened the perplexity etched across the faces of those gathered. "May I ask why?" he queried.
"I'm from the year twenty-two sixty-five," Kirk declared, the admission hanging in the air like a bridge spanning the centuries. His brow furrowed in contemplation, grappling with the incongruity of a Stargate Command existing in a timeline beyond his own. "That said, I've never heard of Stargate Command in my Earth's history."
Shira, standing alongside Kirk in this crossroads of time, offered her perspective, her voice carrying a subtle blend of disbelief and curiosity. "And we have never heard of Earth other than in stories, for us it's considered to be a myth," she added, as if acknowledging the surreal nature of the situation.
Cylon Basestar – Same Time
Within the enigmatic confines of the Cylon Basestar, the air thrummed with an otherworldly energy, surrounded by the hum of the ship's mechanisms. The Hybrid, a fusion of machine and organic consciousness, spoke with an eerie calmness that echoed through the chamber. "I have muted our outgoing transmission," it announced, its synthetic voice cutting through the stillness. "Earth is the name of the home of the Final Five. It is possible we have found the home of the Final Five."
Caprica Six, her features etched with a mix of skepticism and contemplation, absorbed the Hybrid's revelation. "I don't think so," she interjected, her tone reflecting a nuanced intuition honed through experiences both human and Cylon. Her eyes, reminiscent of a complex kaleidoscope of emotions, hinted at a deeper understanding. "What I saw on the planet leads me to believe this is not the home of the Final Five. I believe this could very well be a parallel universe. One where humans flourished."
Battlestar Valkyrie – Same Time
The strategic hum of the Valkyrie's command center provided a backdrop to the weighty exchange unfolding between the disparate representatives of distant worlds. Kirk, his eyes harboring a mix of curiosity and determination, voiced the collective quandary that hung in the air like an unresolved puzzle. "Which begs the question of where are we and how did we get here," he pondered aloud, his words echoing the shared uncertainty gripping those on the Battlestar Valkyrie.
General Hammond's response, carried across the void of space through the communication link, injected a practical urgency into the discourse. "Perhaps we should discuss this face to face? Especially when we have an urgent situation that we could use your assistance with," he proposed, his tone tinged with a blend of pragmatism and a genuine call for collaboration.
Shira, the embodiment of command authority on the Valkyrie, considered the proposal with a measured gaze. Aware of the potential risks, she nodded to her communications officer, issuing the command to mute the channel to Stargate Command temporarily. "It could be a trap, of course. But I think the three of us should meet this General Hammond," she deliberated, her voice a steady anchor in the sea of uncertainty.
"Agreed," both Kirk and Caprica Six chimed in unison, a unanimous vote for the face-to-face meeting that could potentially unravel the mysteries of their unexpected convergence.
With consensus reached, Shira gestured to reopen the communication channel. "I, along with Captain Kirk and Caprica Six, will come down," she conveyed, a commitment woven into her words. "Please send us a short briefing packet on your culture and history so we can converse without flying blind."
Hammond, demonstrating the practicality inherent in his role, affirmed his readiness to transmit the briefing packet. It was to be a lifeline of information, a guide through the intricacies of a culture and history unknown to the trio.
USS Enterprise – Same Time
The hum of the Enterprise's transporter beams dissipated, leaving Commander Buffy to materialize in the room with a sense of disorientation. Her eyes met those of her sister Dawn, who stood there with a perplexed expression. Despite Buffy's warm smile, Dawn's frown betrayed a concern that lingered in the air.
"Dawn?" Commander Buffy queried, her voice a mix of familiarity and anticipation.
"We may have had a transporter malfunction, Buffy," Dawn explained, her words tinged with uncertainty. "You look like one of the teachers from when you went to Sunnydale High. The one I think Angel killed when he went bad."
Recognition sparked in Commander Buffy's eyes as she connected the dots. "Ms. Calendar?" she confirmed, a wave of realization washing over her. The surreal nature of the situation settled in as the repercussions of the transporter malfunction became apparent.
"Believe me, Jim and I both noticed that we looked different. Jim looked like Giles. I saw myself, Xander, and Willow also," Commander Buffy revealed, her tone a mixture of bemusement and acceptance. "Has Spock checked astronomical charts for our present year?"
Dawn nodded, confirming the thoroughness of the Enterprise's efforts to make sense of their altered appearances. "He pinpointed it down to the day," she responded. "October thirty-first, nineteen ninety-seven."
Commander Buffy's eyes widened, a glimmer of understanding brightening her expression. "That may explain it," she mused, drawing on the shared history between the siblings. "We're part of the Halloween event that, in our reality, turned me into an eighteenth-century woman. Xander into a soldier, Willow into a ghost, and you into Tinkerbell. Apparently, we didn't wear the same costumes in this reality."
Dawn's forehead furrowed with a mix of confusion and concern as she absorbed the implications of the situation. "That doesn't explain why I'm here or why the Enterprise is here," she voiced, her words echoing the uncharted territory they found themselves in. "Since I've been on the Enterprise, since you disappeared from the bridge, that means I shouldn't be inhabiting another person."
Commander Buffy, ever the strategist and quick to analyze the nuances of their predicament, met Dawn's gaze with a knowing look. "Plus, unlike Jim and I," she added, emphasizing the peculiarity of Dawn's situation, "You look exactly like you."
Planet Hapes – Same Time
The Raptor's hatch hissed open, and Sarryn and Becca descended onto the unfamiliar terrain of Hapes, greeted by the formidable presence of Queen Mother Tenel Ka Djo and Lady Galnay, flanked by a contingent of Tenel Ka's royal guards. The air was charged with a mix of formality and curiosity as the representatives from different worlds faced each other on the soil of Hapes.
"I am Queen Mother Tenel Ka Djo of Hapes," Tenel Ka introduced herself with regal composure, her gaze steady and measured.
"I am Sarryn Baill of the Jedi Order," Sarryn responded, her posture reflecting the grace and discipline inherent to her training.
"And I am Captain Becca Reidel," Becca added, her voice carrying the assertive tone of a seasoned military leader, "Chief Air Group of the Battlestar Valkyrie."
Tenel Ka's keen eyes flickered with interest as she absorbed the introductions. Her next question, though simple, bore the weight of significance. "Is that the ship in orbit?" she inquired, gesturing towards the vast expanse above. "Or the ships in orbit of Earth?"
"The other planet," Becca clarified, her gaze directed towards the celestial expanse above Hapes. "The ship in orbit of your planet is called the Federation Starship Enterprise. A member of her crew was just transported from our Raptor to the vessel before we came down."
Tenel Ka's words hung in the air, a thread connecting her past to the enigma of the present, and she cast a measured look toward Sarryn. "I was a Padawan at Master Naberrie's Jedi Academy on Earth before being recalled to Hapes to take up my position as Queen Mother after my mother's passing," she revealed, her gaze carrying the weight of both nostalgia and responsibility.
Sarryn, however, met her revelation with a furrowed brow. "I know of no academy on any planet called Earth," she admitted, the confusion etched on her features mirroring the complexity of the situation.
Tenel Ka's response carried a sense of shared bewilderment. "I will admit I am just as confused as you are," she confessed, her voice carrying the weight of honesty. "As I flew through the atmosphere of Earth, I passed over the location of the Academy at Alcatraz Island and saw that the academy did not look like it even existed. The modifications the Jedi Order and Mon Calamari had made to the island were missing, including the landing pad. That's why I set course for Hapes, yet the planet isn't even where it should be."
Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado Springs – 9:45 PM
The Raptor descended gracefully to the designated coordinates, where Shira skillfully guided it to the waiting tarmac. Shira's voice crackled over the communication channel, seeking permission to land. "Raptor One to Stargate Command, requesting landing clearance."
"Granted," came the response, but the voice that acknowledged them wasn't General Hammond's. A subtle ripple of uncertainty passed between Shira, Caprica Six, and Captain Kirk. With a gentle thud, the craft settled, and the trio emerged into an unfamiliar yet strangely recognizable atmosphere.
As they disembarked from the Raptor, their eyes fell upon a gathering of individuals, and a balding man stepped forward, his authoritative presence confirming his identity. "Greetings, I am General Hammond," he announced, extending a welcoming gesture to the newcomers.
"On behalf of the Twelve Colonies, the Cylon Nation, and the Republic, greetings," Shira reciprocated, standing tall with a diplomatic grace that defined her role as the Valkyrie's commander. "I'm Commander Shira Brynn of the Battlestar Valkyrie." She turned, indicating Caprica and Kirk in succession. "And this is Caprica Six of the Cylon Basestar and Captain James T. Kirk of the Republic Starship Enterprise."
General Hammond extended his hand, and each of them, one by one, engaged in a handshake that transcended the boundaries of their respective worlds. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," Hammond expressed warmly. "If you will follow me, I will take you to the briefing room." With a confident stride, he led them through the base, navigating past several checkpoints.
Shira, cognizant of the delicate nature of their visit, had successfully convinced Caprica and Kirk to leave their weapons behind. She recognized the importance of fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation in their quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding their unexpected convergence.
Sunnydale High – Same Time
Joyce Summers, exuding an air of authority that bespoke her position of power, stepped into Principal Snyder's office with a purpose that transcended the formalities of their conversation. Snyder, though not privy to the knowledge of Joyce's homeworld, faced her with a mix of curiosity and an attempt at professional detachment.
"Principal Snyder, I presume," Joyce spoke, a deliberate choice of words that hinted at an underlying awareness of the man's identity.
Snyder, playing along with the formalities, questioned her presence. "Yes, and you are?" he inquired.
"Joyce Summers," she replied, her tone steady. "We met a few weeks ago if you remember right when my daughters hosted your parent-teacher night."
"Of course," Snyder acknowledged, the memory of that night flashing through his mind. He recalled how Joyce had unequivocally stood up for both Buffy and Dawn, an act that, in his perspective, fueled the resentment he harbored toward her. "What can I do for you?" he asked, a thinly veiled skepticism underlying his words.
"I'm looking for my daughters. Neither of them have returned home. They were part of the volunteer program," Joyce explained, her concern palpable.
Snyder's response carried the weight of a reluctant admission. "I know what you are wondering," he sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. Joyce was not the first parent seeking information about missing children. "No, I have not seen them, and the majority of their trick-or-treaters have not returned either. As well as their so-called friends and a few other volunteers along with some of the staff."