USS Momotarō
5 Hours to New Atlantis
As Ladon wandered through the corridors of the ship, carrying the document and studying the complex monitor operating system, he was intrigued by the intricacies of the Tau'ri technology. The system employed on their vessel was proving to be challenging to decipher or infiltrate, even for an engineer as skilled as himself. The colors of the buttons, the sounds emitted after each press—they all added to the allure of the advanced system.
Accompanied by a Marine, Ladon took a moment to interact with the touch screen monitor. He tapped a few buttons, prompting the computer to respond with a voice alert. "Access to the main computer is restricted. Please input security clearance," the disembodied voice of a woman emanated from the system.
Frowning slightly, Ladon contemplated his permissions. "What can I access with my clearance?" he inquired, hoping for more leeway.
"According to the ship's biometrics, you are Ladon Radin, a Commander of the Genii Confederacy," the computer stated matter-of-factly. "Your security clearance authorizes you to access the entertainment system and your current location on the ship in case you are lost."
"How long to New Atlantis?" Ladon queried, seeking information about their journey.
"ETA to New Atlantis is approximately 6 hours, traveling in hyperspace," the computer replied efficiently.
"Thanks," Ladon acknowledged.
"You're welcome," the computer responded politely, prompting a hint of surprise from Ladon. He found it peculiar that a computer system would display such manners.
"Computer, who programmed you?" Ladon inquired further, seeking information about the origins of the sophisticated system.
"LCARS operating system has been developed by the Okuda system," the computer revealed, shedding some light on the technological genesis of the program.
As the Momotarō traveled through the vast tunnel of hyperspace, the indigo-blue hue of the subspace dimension surrounded the vessel, casting an otherworldly glow on its exterior. Accompanying the Momotarō were two Hybridian frigates, smaller in size compared to the Daedalus-class battlecruiser, but boasting a sleek and agile design that belied their impressive firepower.
The Daedalus-class battlecruiser appeared sturdy and robust, resembling a flying brick with flight pods attached on its stern, one on each side. In contrast, the frigates, named Sgàthach and Rèisimi, sported a cylindrical structure with a distinctive design. Their main deck had a bowl-like shape adorned with view ports, while the pointed nose cone featured various antennas. Engine nacelles were strategically attached to pylons on the aft port and starboard sides of the ship, granting it propulsion and maneuverability. Unlike the battlecruiser, these frigates didn't possess flight pods.
Emblazoned on the hull of each frigate were their names, Sgàthach and Rèisimi, proudly displayed for all to see.
These frigates were armed to the teeth, equipped with powerful weaponry including plasma beam arrays and Fser pulse cannons, the latter being the brainchild of Dr. Jay Felger—an energy weapons specialist from Stargate Command—perfected through his expertise and research. The Fser pulse cannon, short for Felger space energy ray, packed a formidable punch and was a testament to cutting-edge weapon development in the galaxy.
As Commander Jared Booth sat on the bridge of the Momotarō, a notification flashed on his armrest alerting him to unauthorized access attempts on the ship's computer system. Concerned, he swiftly tapped a few buttons, pulling up security camera feeds to ascertain the situation.
"Ladon, may I ask what you are trying to access?" Booth inquired; his tone firm yet amiable.
"I was merely examining the ship's operating system, Commander Booth," Ladon explained, attempting to diffuse any misunderstanding. "Is there a game room or something? I am bored."
Understanding Ladon's situation, Booth offered a friendly smile and nodded. "Sure, there's a game room in deck 4, section 13, next to the gym. I'll have a Marine escort you there," he offered, acknowledging the need for some recreation during the journey through hyperspace.
After ending communication with Ladon, Booth reached out to Teyla's office through the ship's intercom. "Teyla, this is Commander Booth," he initiated the conversation.
"Yes, Commander," Teyla responded promptly.
"Is Sora with you?" Booth inquired, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, she is," Teyla confirmed.
"I caught her husband trying to hack into our system. Next time, I won't be lenient," Booth relayed the concerning information.
"What is he trying to hack into?" Teyla questioned, puzzled by the attempted breach.
"Ship's weapons, propulsion, and shields system," Booth responded, his voice tinged with concern.
Sora, sensing the tension, chimed in to explain, "I thought we could get orientation with your ship's system since we are considering signing the Defensive pact."
Booth hesitated briefly, then stated, "It won't be another 10 hours until you and your husband have the necessary security clearance." Before any apologies could be made, Booth swiftly cut off the communication from his armrest, feeling the need to step away.
He rose from the command chair, stretching his limbs, and declared to no one in particular, "I'll be in my quarters," as he made his way out of the bridge, seeking a brief respite.
USS Thor's Hammer
New Atlantis
General John Sheppard, accompanied by his family, stepped into Thor's Hammer's bustling mess hall. The atmosphere was lively, filled with officers and enlisted personnel enjoying their meals or taking a break from duty. As the commanding officer of Pegasus Command, Sheppard garnered salutes and respectful acknowledgment from those present.
"As you were, everyone," John announced, signaling for relaxation among the gathered personnel. He settled Torren, his stepson, by the viewport overlooking the restored city of New Atlantis, allowing the boy to enjoy the view while seated. Mara, John's second wife, mirrored his actions with Little John, their other son.
Heading to the food fabricator mounted on the bulkhead, John activated his authentication code and swiftly made meal selections. Chicken tenders for Torren, a T-bone steak with collard greens for himself, green peas with apple slices for Little John, and a bowl of chicken salad for Mara.
Mara watched in amazement as the ordered meals materialized, marveling at the futuristic technology. She picked up her meal and Little John's, while John carried the other meals to their table. The family settled in, ready to enjoy their lunch in the bustling mess hall.
"Want anything to drink?" John inquired, looking at Mara and the boys.
"Water," Mara requested.
"Orange juice," Torren chimed in.
"No kidding, Torren. Aren't you tired of orange juice with every meal by now?" John teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I want orange juice too, Daddy!" Little John echoed his younger brother's choice.
John activated the holographic display of beverages in the center of the table, its shimmering projection reflecting different drink options. He deftly tapped a few tabs, activating the drink replication plate that brought their chosen beverages into existence.
As the drinks materialized, Mara's gaze fell on a particular amber-colored drink bubbling on top. "What's that?" she inquired.
"Beer," John responded casually.
"Should you be drinking in the middle of the day?" Mara raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
"It's simulated beer, babe. Tastes like beer but without any alcohol," John clarified with a smile, enjoying the technology that replicated the flavors without the effects.
John took a sip of the simulated beer, relishing the taste without the effects of alcohol. Mara watched him with a raised eyebrow, finding amusement in the situation.
"The wonders of technology," she commented, taking a sip of her water.
"Yeah, it's incredible what they can replicate," John agreed, gesturing toward the holographic display of drinks. "Feels like having the real thing without any of the downsides."
Meanwhile, Little John and Torren were thoroughly engrossed in their orange juice, chatting animatedly about something they'd seen on a TV show called Paw Patrol.
"Speaking of technology," Mara interjected, drawing their attention. "It's a harsh winter here. I've asked President Hayes if the engineers could build more insulated houses."
"How tough are the winters here?" John inquired, cutting a piece of T-bone steak and offering it to Mara.
"Every year, we lose about a hundred or so due to the frigid temperatures," Mara answered solemnly, her gaze dropping to her bowl.
John gently lifted her chin with his finger, meeting her eyes. "We didn't come here to let your people succumb to the Wraith or harsh weather. We'll find a way to keep everyone safe."
Ronan's entrance interrupted John and Mara's conversation as he arrived with a tray laden with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy. "Uncle Chewie," Torren beamed, smiling at Ronan. Ronan wasn't a fan of the nickname and lightly bumped Torren's nose before settling down to eat beside him.
"Where have you been?" John inquired, a hint of concern in his voice. "I've been trying to reach you for an hour."
"I've been busy," Ronan replied curtly.
"With what?"
"Stuff."
John tried a different approach. "I'd understand if you were talking to Amelia since she's pregnant, you know?"
"She's pregnant?" Ronan's surprise was evident.
"You didn't know? I thought she'd tell you," John said, slightly taken aback. "But don't let her know I spilled the beans."
Mara smiled warmly upon hearing the news, congratulating Ronan. "Congrats, Ronan."
"Thanks, Mara," Ronan responded, acknowledging her wishes before turning to John. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"About the mission to that region of space," John replied, referencing the Harbinger space.
Mara quickly covered Little John's ears when she heard Ronan mention the Harbinger. "Ronan, don't say that in front of the kids," she scolded him gently.
"Sorry, Mara," Ronan apologized before he whispered to her, "She told me she's pregnant before leaving." He took a bite of meatloaf and continued, "I was talking to someone on Earth."
John is intrigued, trying to uncover Ronan's cryptic message. "Don't leave me hanging," he urged.
"Daddy, Aunt Amelia's having a baby?" Torren piped up.
"Yes, Torren," John confirmed with a smile.
"Martin Lloyd," Ronan revealed. John recognized the name instantly.
"The Martin Lloyd, the producer of that show that I can't mention and that only lasted one season?"
"Yeah, that's the one. Have you seen the show?" Ronan asked.
"No, didn't have time. Had a war to fight," John replied dryly. "What did he want?"
"Game of Thrones showrunners want to cast me in one of the characters in their show," Ronan disclosed.
"I didn't know you'd be interested in acting," John admitted.
"I wasn't until I auditioned for that Khal Drago." Ronan explained.
"Sometimes, you can be very vague," John teased, raising an eyebrow.
Larrin navigated through the bustling mess hall, sidestepping groups of people engaged in conversations and maneuvering around the occasional server balancing trays of food. Amidst the chatter and movement, she spotted John across the room, sharing a moment of laughter with two children, Ronan and Mara, whom she recognized from an earlier encounter in the conference room that same day.
Approaching the trio, Larrin greeted John with a nod. "John," she said as she settled into a nearby seat, her curiosity piqued by the familial scene unfolding before her.
John smiled warmly, introducing his family. "Meet my wife Mara and little John, my son," he said, affectionately ruffling Torren's hair. "And this is my stepson Torren."
The mention of Mara as John's wife sparked confusion in Larrin's mind. "I thought Teyla was your wife," she inquired, seeking clarification amidst the unexpected revelation.
"Teyla is indeed his wife. I am his wife by a political union sanctioned by Henry Hayes himself," Mara explained calmly, her demeanor poised and composed.
"So, it's a political alliance," Larrin stated, piecing together the implications of the arrangement.
"Indeed, by every measure," Mara affirmed, acknowledging the complexities that governed their union, veiled by the facade of political necessity. "We can consummate our union anytime we want."
"What brings you down here if you're not hungry?" John inquired, his curiosity piqued by Larrin's unexpected appearance in the mess hall.
"I've spoken to my leaders," Larrin replied, her expression slightly tense as she shared the reason for her visit.
"What did they say?" John probed further, his interest piqued by the gravity of Larrin's tone.
"The Admiralty agreed to the Defensive Pact and they're sending the High Admiral," Larrin revealed, her voice tinged with apprehension.
"That's great news, isn't it? What's the issue then?" John asked, his optimism undeterred by the mention of the High Admiral's impending arrival.
"The problem is that the High Admiral... is my father," Larrin disclosed, a hint of distress creeping into her words.
"I don't see how that could be a problem. How bad could he be?" John questioned, trying to offer reassurance amidst the unfolding dilemma.
Larrin noticed a glass of amber ale in front of John Sheppard and decided to seize the moment, grabbing the glass and downing the synthetic alcohol in a swift motion. "My father knows that you're the father of my daughter and didn't know how I was artificially inseminated," she revealed, gauging John and Mara's reactions while taking a momentary pause in her drinking.
"Damn it, why am I not feeling buzzed already?" Larrin muttered, setting the glass down with a wry smile.
"You want some more?" John offered, nonchalantly activating a holographic display and conjuring another glass of the amber ale he had been enjoying. Larrin swiftly grabbed the glass and downed its contents, hoping the brew might offer some reprieve from the weight of her disclosure.
An hour later, John observed Larrin indulging in the non-alcoholic ale he often replicated using the replicator pad positioned at the center of the table. "Glad you're enjoying the synthetic alcohol," he remarked, acknowledging Larrin's appreciation for the simulated drink. Memories flickered in his mind about their past, particularly when she had took his genetic material a few years back. It was her fifth drink, and as his kids had retreated to their quarters with Mara, he noticed Ronan's departure for the gym, not inclined to linger in the mess hall.
"Good to see you enjoying the synthetic beer," John remarked, trying to keep the conversation light and relaxed.
"Synthetic?" Larrin queried, her curiosity piqued.
"Yeah, the drink fabricator can replicate nonalcoholic beverages. Tastes like the real thing but doesn't offer the buzz. Can't get drunk unless you drink a certain amount like 10." John explained, providing insight into the replicated beverage.
Larrin smiled at John mischievously. "John, are you trying to get me drunk?" she teased, the corners of her lips curling into a playful grin.
"That's not my intention, Larrin," John replied earnestly, trying to dispel any misinterpretation of his actions. "As much as I'd like to enjoy you drinking, I have a mission brief with Captain Toma Nikolaeva of the Pavel Chekov."
John stood up and stretched, signaling his readiness to depart.
"What kind of mission?" Larrin inquired as she also rose from her seat, the unfinished plates and glasses left behind for the mess crew to handle.
"Recon harbinger space that you provided us," John explained as he and Larrin strolled toward the exit leading to the corridor, their conversation transitioning seamlessly as they left the mess hall toward the briefing room for a mission brief with Captain Toma Nikolaeva. As they walked down the corridor, Larrin, who had consumed several, at least 5 glasses of synthetic beverage that didn't give her enough buzz to get drunk, suddenly felt lightheaded.
John, sensing her instability, swiftly moved to catch her before she fell to the floor. "The synthetic beverage doesn't give you enough buzz to get you drunk," he said as he held her upright.
Larrin laughed weakly. "Well, at least you caught me. Not every day that a guy who gets me drunk and knocked up gets to meet my father." She paused, glancing up at him. "Thank you, Sheppard."
John looked at her with surprise. "Knocked up?" he repeated, feigning innocence. "You mean because of that insemination you had after we first met?"
Larrin raised an eyebrow. "Well, yeah. You wouldn't remember?" she asked, glancing around to make sure no one was paying too much attention to their conversation. "It was a backup plan for the ancient gene, just in case we didn't make it out of there alive."
"Oh, right," John said, nodding slowly. "Well, that explains a lot." He smiled at her, feeling a bit embarrassed and amused at the same time. "But listen, about your father..."
Larrin laughed softly. "I told him that you knocked me up and left without saying goodbye," she confessed. "He wants to meet the guy who abandoned his kid."
John frowned. "I didn't abandon you," he protested, glancing around uneasily. "You inseminated yourself. I didn't even know about it until..."
"Until I told you?" Larrin finished for him. "Well, I figured it was only fair that you knew you had a kid out there somewhere." She grinned at him mischievously. "And besides, I always knew you'd come through for me."
John chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess I did," he admitted. "So, about your father..." He trailed off, glancing down the corridor toward the conference room where the meeting was about to begin.
"Oh, he'll be here," Larrin assured him. "He's excited to meet you, I think. He's always wanted to be part of something bigger than himself." She paused, studying his face. "Just don't disappoint him too much, okay?"
John smiled ruefully. "I'll do my best," he said, glancing back at her. There was something in her expression that he couldn't quite read. Admiration? Affection? Or maybe it was just the beer talking. He hoped it was the first one.
As they approached the conference room, he offered her his arm. "You okay to walk on your own now?"
Meanwhile, In Sora and Ladon's guest quarters, Sora's unease is palpable as she paced around the living room. As the door whooshed open, Ladon entered, noticing her agitation. "What's troubling you?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"It's this situation with Booth," Sora began, her worry evident. She feared that Ladon's curiosity might jeopardize their chances of securing the Defensive Pact. "He caught you trying to access the ship's systems. I'm worried it might jeopardize our chances."
Ladon let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the situation. "I was only trying to understand their technology. It's far ahead from Atlantis tech that's thousands of years old," he explained, trying to alleviate Sora's concerns. "I've spoken to Teyla."
"What did she say?" Sora inquired, hoping for reassurance.
"We are head of state. There's nothing that Booth fellow can do to us without the President knowing about it," Ladon reassured her. He glanced at a hidden camera nestled in the vents, a stark reminder of potential surveillance.
Ladon had thoroughly read through the Pact and remembered.
Article II: Prohibition of Surveillance and Recording. It explicitly stated that member states were forbidden from engaging in any form of covert surveillance or recording within the head of state quarters, embassies of fellow member states. No surveillance devices were to be installed, activated, or utilized within those premises.
Feeling a need to address the matter, Ladon left the quarters and made his way to Teyla's room, intending to discuss the situation further and seek clarity on the concerns raised.
30 minutes later, President Hayes appeared on the holocomms, and Ladon, Sora, and Teyla were all present for the conversation.
"According to article 1. 2a, Prohibition of Surveillance and Spying, it clearly states..." Ladon began, attempting to explain the situation, but he was swiftly interrupted by Hayes.
"I know what it says, I wrote most of it with the help of Asgard AI," Hayes responded. "Commander Booth reported that you were trying to hack into sensitive systems on the ship's computer."
"But I was in the corridor. How is that considered interfacing with sensitive systems?" Ladon questioned, puzzled by the accusation.
"I concur," Hayes agreed, acknowledging the discrepancy in the accusation. He continued, "I tried reading his files, but they've been redacted by the old regime in the intelligence community that has bad blood with me."
"Mr. President, would it be prudent to relieve him of duty?" Teyla inquired, seeking a resolution.
"I couldn't agree more," Hayes affirmed. "You have more experience commanding a ship, and the crew trusts you."
"Thank you, Mr. President," Teyla replied, bowing her head in gratitude.
Hayes then shifted the conversation, providing updates. "You're five hours away. There have been some developments concerning the Travelers."
"Such as?" Teyla asked, intrigued.
"Larrin's father, High Admiral, has agreed to come to the ceremony to sign the Defensive Pact," Hayes informed them. He chuckled, recounting a lighthearted incident. "I found it amusing when Larrin tried to get drunk from a synthetic alcohol."
Teyla couldn't help but smile, knowing the mischievous side of her husband. "He replicated the synthetic alcohol without informing her that it's impossible to get drunk from it," Hayes added, amused by the situation.
"It's quite funny," Hayes remarked, sharing a light moment with Teyla and the others.
Captains Quarter
The door to his quarters hiss open as Jared Booth enters his quarters, he took off his uniform and into casual clothes. He sat down at the edge of the bed and covered his face with his palm. He looks to his left on the nightstand, there is a holographic image of his ex wife Padme Dalaj. Next to it is a box with a gray shiny ball, it's intergalactic long range communication Device. He walks towards it and grab the communication device and an image of a man with full goatee with black hair appears.
"Report." the man's voice been modulated.
"My lord Ba'al, I have accused the Genii of espionage, seeding resentment and doubt of the alliance at hand."
Jared listened to the man, his heart racing, his fists clenched. "You have done well." Ba'al said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You have served me well, Jared Booth."
Jared's jaw tightened. "I've done nothing but follow orders, Ba'al. I am not your servant. Free my wife."
Ba'al laughed. "Oh, Jared. You're just as predictable as ever. But I'm afraid your wife isn't the only one who interests me. The Lucian Alliance loyal to me took her. I need someone on the inside who I can trust. Someone who knows the ins and outs of their operations. Someone like you. Theirs a plan to rid of Henry Hayes out of the picture once he is on Earth during the joint session to rename the United Earth Alliance into Tau'ri Federation. I will give you a simple choice. Either you help me and I spare your wife. Or you can continue to defy me, and I will have her killed slowly and painfully. It will be done in a way that no one will suspect me, least of all the Tau'ri. And you, Jared, you will be forced to watch it all. You will be my eyes and ears, and you will live with the knowledge that you could have saved her, but chose not to. The choice is yours, soldier."
Jared felt a wave of nausea wash over him. His hands trembled as he clenched the shiny ball even tighter. "How do I know you won't just kill her anyway?" he asked, his voice barely audible.
Ba'al's laughter filled the room. "You can't trust anyone, Jared, not even me. But I'm offering you a chance to save her. Take it or leave it." He paused, his voice turning serious. "You have one week to prove your loyalty. After that, the offer expires. And so does your wife's life."
The image of Padme faded, replaced by a view of the ship's bridge. Jared stood there, the box with the shiny orb still in his hand, his heart racing. He couldn't believe what Ba'al had just said. Was he really going to let her die? He didn't know what to do.
Few Minutes later...
He hesitated for a moment, then made his way to Teyla's office. The door slid open, revealing her familiar face. "Jared, what can I do for you?" she asked, looking up from her work. "Is everything alright?"
Teyla is in meeting with Ladon Radin, Sora Tyrus, the Genii leaders and they are on a conference call with President Henry Hayes on the holocomms.
"Um, Teyla... I need to speak with you about something."
Teyla looks up from her work, concern written on her face. "Of course, Jared. What's on your mind?"
Jared takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the revelation he's about to make. "I... I've done something, Teyla. Something terrible. I need to tell someone."
Teyla's eyes widen with concern.
He shakes his head, taking a seat across from her. "No, nothing like that. It's... it's about the mission. About what I've been doing." He pauses, struggling to find the right words. "I've been working with Ba'al. Helping him... spy on the Pegasus fleet. I'm sorry, Teyla. I never meant for any of this to happen."
"What's a Ba'al?" Commander Ladon Radin ask.
Jared looked up, his face pale. He hadn't expected Teyla to bring someone else into the room. "Ba'al is... he's a Goa'uld. One of the system lords. He's been using me to spy on you all. I'm sorry, I didn't know what I was getting into."
A Few hours later
As The USS momotaro, HDF Sgathach and HDF Reisimi exit out of hyperspace; their shields activate; the energy shields encompassing them formed a bubble around the ships in case of mini asteriod or projectiles damaging the hull. As they are in normal space. Their engines roar to life, accelerating them to the planet that the United Earth Alliance made a base and renamed the entire system to New Atlantis. New Atlantis system is heavily guarded solar system called New Atlantis. Defensive weapons platform has been constructed around the habitable planet, and planetary energy shield grid satelites is in geosychronous orbit of New Atlantis. The new home for Pegasus Command, the city of the Tau'ri Federation in Pegasus Galaxy.
The ships continue their approach to the system, monitoring the situation as they close in. The planet itself is a marvel, with lush green continents and vast oceans, its atmosphere a mix of nitrogen and oxygen, just like Earth. The only noticeable difference is the faint aurora that dances at the poles. As they draw nearer, they detect a steady stream of puddle jumpers leaving and entering the orbitals, ferrying supplies and personnel between the surface and the orbital stations.
"This is Captain Evan Lorne, Welcome back to New Atlantis." A male voice crackle over the subspace communication welcoming them.
"Thank you, Captain. Glad to be home after an eventful ordeal." Teyla replied.
The ships continued their approach, their sensors scanning for any irregularities. The planet's surface was teeming with life, from the tiny microbes in the soil to the diverse array of flora and fauna that inhabited the land, air, and sea. As they drew nearer, they could see that the city of Atlantis itself was bustling with activity, the people moving about their daily lives with a sense of purpose and determination. The sister ship of Atlantis, the HDF Reisimi, landing on the makeshift port cleared by Thor's Hammer disintegrator beam.