Hey everyone I know big surprise to post two chapters, plus four others from my other stories, this is my way of saying thanks for sticking with me and hope you enjoy this next chapter.

M37-469

Ignis Base

Alton's Office

Alton was sitting at his desk going over the operations of the base and the success at getting it up to combat ready status. After a few seconds of reviewing the reports on the base a knock on the door alerting him to someone's presence.

"Come in." said Alton putting down the reports and looking at the entrance to his office.

The door opened to reveal Captain Dare, recovered from her experience with a Wraith stunner in the infirmary. "I heard about Sergeant Dashai." Said Dare feeling upset at what had happened. "Went to see him."

Alton clasped his hands together and leaned forward on his desk. "And?" asked Alton seeing Dare's face said it all.

Dare took a seat in front of Alton. "Doctor Collins thinks he might not make it through the night." Said Dare looking down away from Alton's eye's.

Seeing Dare feeling guilt and out of character had to ask. "First time losing someone under your command?" asked Alton, since he didn't have access to her file when he was given the mission due to her work with ONI was always classified.

Dare shook her head and looked at Alton. "I have lost people before, but never had to see something like this." Said Dare looking sorrowful on her face.

Alton seeing Dare suffer tried to make her feel better. "If it makes you feel any better I'm in the same boat as you to what happen to Dashai." Said Alton getting up from his chair and walking over to a computer screen and pressing a few buttons. "While I can't change what happen, I have to make his death mean something."

Dare gets up from the chair. "Everyone on this base, is behind you one step of the way." Said Dare giving Alton comfort. "While I still have my reservations on choosing to stay here, I will follow any orders you give me."

Alton looks at Dare and gave her a comfort smile appreciating her trust in him. As the two's awkward moment came to an end with the sudden alarms of the Stargate activating, Alton and Dare rushed to the gate room.

Ignis Base

Gate Control Room

In the gate control room, operators were working at their stations with the incoming worm hole and Doctor Crane activated the shield that was installed. In that moment as the Stargate activated an energy field covered the entire Stargate with a gold shield like a Spartans shield. When activated this shield covers the entire Stargate blocking anyone from entering the facility from the event horizon.

Marines immediately rushed into the gate room and held their weapons out pointing in the direction at the gate. While the shield prevents anyone or anything from entering, Captain Alton wanted Marines ready at any time to respond when the gate is activated.

In that moment Alton and Dare walked into the gate control room. "What do we have."

Crane didn't look away from the computer terminals in front of him. "Receiving a signal now." Said Crane in that moment a beep could be heard on the console. "It's Dr. Weir's people sir."

"You sure about that?" asked Dare.

"I provided Doctor McKay with a device similar to theirs when Identifying people." Said Crane retelling the events of last time they met. "I wanted to make sure that once we installed a shield around the gate we make sure to have the means to know who to let through."

Dare seemed suspicious on this. "How can you be sure its them?" asked Dare.

"I gave them their own code to identify them specifically." Said Crane feeling a little insulted by Dare.

After all questions were satisfied Alton ordered to lower the shield and in that moment the shield came down. After a few seconds AR-1 along with a man the UNSC have never seen before came through the gate. "Defense team stand down." Said Alton over the intercom. "Colonel Sheppard welcome back to Ignis base."

Sheppard looked around the gate room for the first time. "Happy to be back, just wish it was under better circumstances." Said Sheppard as he looks at Beckett. "And we brought Doctor Beckett with us."

Beckett walked up. "Hello, Captain Alton." Said Beckett as he tries his best to calm his nerves. "I hear you acquire assistance?"

"Welcome Doctor, I'll escort you all to the conference room." Said Alton, as he leaves the gate control room.

Ignis Base

Conference Room

In the conference room AR-1 plus Beckett were sitting on one side of the table in the conference room, while Alton, and Dare were on the other side. There was complete silence as both groups were waiting on one last person.

The doors to the conference room opened to reveal Doctor Collins in her lab coat walking in the room. "I heard Doctor Beckett arrived." Said Collins.

Alton, Dare, AR-1, and Beckett all stood up when Collins arrived. "Doctor Collins allow me to introduce to you Doctor Beckett." Said Alton gesturing his hand towards Beckett.

Beckett walked over to Collins extending his hand outward. "Doctor Collins it's a pleasure to meet you." Said Carson in his Scottish accent.

Collins takes Becketts hand. "The pleasure is all mine Doctor." Said Collins with somewhat excitement in her voice but could not tell given her always monotone face she always has on. "I've studied all your work Doctor Weir sent us pertaining to the Wraith, I have found it very fascinating."

Carson blushed a little. "Oh, it was nothing, I'm sure if you had a spent a year here like we did, you would have found out as much about the Wraith as we do now." Said Carson trying to be charming.

Collins placed both her hands in her lab coat pockets. "We might have; given if we never met, but I for one am glad we did." Said Collins.

Alton coughed to get both medical Doctors attentions. "Doctor Collins maybe it would be best to escort Doctor Beckett to your lab, so he can help you on what we need." Said Alton trying to move things along and get to why Beckett is here.

Collins nodded her head. "Of course, Captain." Said Collins not feeling any remorse on meeting Doctor Beckett and talking shop with him on medical terminologies. "Right this way Doctor."

Collins led the way to her lab, following her was Beckett and the usual security guard to escort any guests that arrive. After the two of them left, AR-1, Dare, and Alton were all that was left.

"Why do I get a feeling those two might create some kind of monster while they're working together." Said Sheppard thinking of all those movies he saw when it came to creating monsters.

Alton sat back down in his chair and chuckled. "Trust when I say it wouldn't be the first time in the UNSC for a scientist to commit unorthodox experimentation." Said Alton, but in the back of his mind that scientist was responsible for creating humanities heroes that saved mankind from the Covenant.

Sheppard and AR-1 sat back down in their own seats. "Well Carson is a little bit more on the soft side when it comes to medical research." Said McKay having the most experience with Carson given all his time in the infirmary over little medical needs. "So, we don't have to worry about anything unusual happening."

"Good to hear." Said Dare bringing up a data pad. "Now that we have you here we request some information."

Sheppard looked at his team and back at Dare. "That depends on the information." Said Sheppard wanting to be careful on anything he might say. "So, what is it you want to know?"

Ignis Base

Research Lab

Ignis base has a number of research labs, each one with a specific purpose ranging from many scientific studies. In this lab a number of scientists and researchers were working at their stations. This labs purpose is medical research in the Wraith physiology and anatomy.

Collins was giving Beckett a tour of the lab, when they arrived. Carson was amazed out how much level of research was being put into this. "Amazing machinery you have here Doctor." Said Beckett while examining equipment.

Collins turns to face Beckett. "Do you not have adequate medical technologies where you come from Doctor?" asked Collins as being surrounded all the time by medical equipment she didn't see how amazing or appreciated UNSC technology was compared to the indigenous human populations in this galaxy were.

Carson being a cautious man, remembered what Elizabeth had told him, not to reveal anything about Atlantis to Alton's people for the time being until trust was channeled both ways and could not reveal the access to Atlantis medical technologies were not something to looked down upon.

"You could say that some of our current level of medical capabilities are only limited by our current level of technology." Said Carson.

Collins took that into consideration. "Maybe one day we can help you with that." Said Collins and while she has no say on what things can be traded with or not, she would recommend it. "Now shall we begin."

Carson nodded his head and held out his hand in a gesture. "Please lead the way." Said Carson.

Collins walked over to a terminal and activated it. "We acquire a Wraith body on the last mission our two-peoples worked together on." Said Collins as she brings up an image of the Wraith in question.

"Aye, I read Colonel Sheppard's mission reports and on what happen to one of your people." Said Carson remembering what was written. "I am terribly sorry for what has happened to one of your soldiers."

Collins looks at Carson. "I appreciate your sentiment Doctor." Said Collins. "I hope you can then help us in our research."

Carson smiled and nodded his head. "Of, course I more than happy to help." Said Carson as he moves close to look at the screen. "What exactly is it that you want from me?"

"Sergeant Dashai's condition is regrettably irreversible." Said Collins as she types away at the terminal.

"Aye, I'm sorry about that." Said Carson feeling remorse. "There is still so much we don't know about the Wraith feeding process."

"Understandable." Said Collins knowing full well how complicated it is. "That is why we need to do more research as much as possible."

Carson began looking at the screen not understanding what it is Collins was doing. "What exactly did you need my assistance for again?" asked Carson.

"I didn't say?" asked Collin feigning ignorance while typing.

"No." said Carson seeking an answer.

"We want to create a countermeasure to the Wraith feeding process." Said Collins. "Make it so our people don't have to suffer like Dashai."

Carson began feeling guilt and regret at the same time. "Doctor Collins there's something you need to know about."

Ignis Base

Conference Room

In the conference Alton slammed his hand down on the conference table angry at the news he received from Collins. "Your telling me that you people had access to a drug that can prevent the feeding process of the Wraith?" asked Alton seething in anger.

Sheppard looked at Carson in annoyance and frustration. "We didn't mean to hide anything from you." Said Sheppard trying to fix the mess Carson put them in. "The drug isn't perfect."

"And were supposed to believe you after this?" asked Dare in the corner of the room with her arms crossed eyeing at Sheppard and his team.

Seeing both groups arguing Collins decided to step in. "Why didn't you put this piece of information with the rest of the information on the Wraith you provided us?" asked Collins.

Sheppard began thinking but was beaten by Ronon. "Do you tell us everything on what kind of defenses you have?" asked Ronon staring down at both Alton and Dare.

Alton then straighten himself. "So that's what this is." Said Alton accusing Sheppard and his team. "This is a negotiating tactic for when we come to the table?"

Seeing that this conversation was going off course, Carson stepped in. "With all due respect Captain." Said Carson getting Alton's attention. "The drug in question was created by a people called Hoffans who in their recklessness to spread this drug to their people didn't realize of its lethality in humans."

Alton looked at Dare and Collins before responding. "Alright I'm listening." Said Alton all eyes were now on Carson.

Carson began going into detail about the Hoffans, the Drug he helped them accelerate their research in and how it works. Not only does it make you immune to the Wraith feeding process, but simultaneously killing the Wraith who attempted the feeding. By itself, the drug also has a 50% mortality rate in humans, regardless of their exposure to the Wraith. Those that survive also suffer from a lowered immune response,

Alton being a man of reason could see why they didn't report about this drug to them, assuming everything they said was true. "You still could have told us about this… Hoffan Drug." Said Alton not pleased with them hiding a potential weapon against the Wraith. "Our own research into this drug could help in insuring a viable defense for humans."

As AR-1 and Carson looked at each other wondering where to go from here, Collins stepped in. "Tell me Doctor Beckett, are you still continuing your research into this drug?" asked Collins.

Carson shook his head. "No." said Carson not wanting to relive the moment in his life for being indirectly responsible for half the population falling ill and dying. "Right now, were working on something else that could change the fate of this galaxy."

Sheppard realizing what Beckett was referring to and stepped in. "Doc are you sure you should be telling them this?" asked Sheppard concerned about protocol.

Carson nodded his head. "Aye Colonel." Said Carson not wanting to deceive or keep any other secrets from the UNSC. "I think these people deserved to know our plans when it comes to the Wraith."

Dare walked up to the group from the corner. "So now you want to tell us everything?" asked Dare not to pleased with any of them for something that could have helped Dashai. "I'll hold judgement for what you have to say."

Carson explained into detail again on a new weapon that could potentially deal with the Wraith threat once and for all.

Atlantis

Conference Room

In the conference room of Atlantis, Weir was being briefed on the recent diplomatic strain in relations between them and the UNSC on the recent reveal about the Hoffan drug.

Weir listening, her hands clasped together on the table in the room on what transpired. She then looked at Carson. "Carson what were you thinking when you told them that."

Carson shaking his head knowing the position he has put Elizabeth in. "Elizabeth, they wanted me to help them develop a counter measure to the Wraith feeding process what was I supposed to do?" asked Carson trying his best to justify his actions.

Elizabeth nodding her head in understanding. "I guess they were going to find out eventually, I just wish it was under better circumstances." Said Weir feeling terrible about what happened to one of their own. "We just have to hope we can mend this set back in relations."

Sheppard then stepped into the conversation. "The best way to do that would be to give them the research into the Hoffan drug." Said Sheppard thinking the best way to help fix this situation. "You never know they might be able to make this thing work."

McKay then stepped in to the conversation. "Hey, I'm all for acquiring an immunity to being fed on by the Wraith, but these people what if they keep the drug for themselves?"

"You think they might withhold the drug once it is refined?" asked Teyla clarifying McKay's question. "Do you believe them to be dishonest?"

"We really don't know much about them regarding their personality wise." Said McKay thinking back on past encounters with other civilizations. "For all we know once they refine it they could force other planets to follow their rules or force them to hand over anything of value to them."

"Assuming they can refine it." Said Sheppard.

Carson then took the lead in the conversation. "If they can refine it, we would need to know how long-term effects of the drug in humans would be." Said Carson being a man of medicine and a doctor who's job it is to help people was concerned for the many humans in the galaxy.

Ronon then threw his own opinion in the matter. "What if they keep it for themselves and don't spread it to the humans in the galaxy?" asked Ronon still a man suspicious of the UNSC.

Everyone began thinking it over and Teyla shook her head. "No, I believe they want to help, but want to be cautious of their actions in this galaxy." Said Teyla.

Elizabeth then took the lead. "Still none of this is going to help in diplomatic relations until we fix this." Said Elizabeth wanting to strength their ties with them. "Will give them a copy of the Hoffan research we have."

She then turned to Sheppard. "Is there anything else?" asked Weir.

"There is one thing." Said Sheppard remembering the conversation he had with Alton and Dare before Carson blew the whistle. "They wanted information on the human populations in this galaxy, which are the friendly planets and who to trust."

Weir nodded her head. "I'll have everything ready for and sent to them." Said Weir as she gets up from her seat. "That will be all for now."

Everyone got up from their seats and left the conference room.

Ignis Base

Research Lab

One Week Later

In the research lab Collins along with her staff were hard at work in researching much of everything. The doors to the lab slide open and Alton walked into the lab to learn what Collins was doing and an update on the research.

"Doctor." Said Alton getting her attention. "I hope everything is going well?"

Collins was in her lab coat as usual and dismissed an assistant. "Captain Alton nice of you to come by." Said Collins gesturing for him to follow her. "I decided to split my staff into a number of teams to spread the research out, instead of focusing on one area."

Alton looks around the room and seeing many groups working at different stations. "What teams are researching what?" asked Alton.

Collins began leading Alton around the room. "Team A, over here is studying the Hoffan drug and the research Doctor Weir sent to us." Said Collins as she brings up information on the computer screen.

Alton looks at the screen not understanding much of the medical data. "What have you learned so far?" asked Alton.

Collins pinched the bridge on her nose separating her eyes. "Good and bad news." Said Collins "Which due you prefer?"

Alton crossed his arms. "Problems?" asked Alton, Collins didn't respond to his question. "Alright what's the good news?"

Collins types away at the console. "Good news, Doctor Beckett was smart enough to recreate a synthetic version of the drug instead of having to fall back on the original source, which we can inject into our people." Said Collins reading off the reports.

Alton not seeing an issue needed clarification. "I don't understand, what's the bad news?"

Collins changed the screen showing a molecule. "Our understanding of the human body is extensive, so we know how this synthetic version of the drug can affect us." Said Collins as she continues to type away. "In laments terms everything Doctor Beckett said was correct regarding the side effects this drug has and the high mortality rate."

"Can you fix this?" asked Alton not wanting to lose a potential defense for his people. "Refine the drug?"

Collins sighed heavy. "This drug is complex, it will take a lot to work around the problem." Said Collins not going to sugar coat the issue.

Alton then changed the subject. "What about its potential as a weapon?" asked Alton looking for alternatives for this drug. "We know its poison to the Wraith when it comes into contact with the chemical the Wraith inject into human."

Collins leads Alton to another area of the lab. "That is what team B over here is working on." Said Collins as she directs Alton to a console. "The chemical the Wraith inject is the enzyme we read about in the first information Weir and her people sent us."

Alton remembered about the information detailing the enzyme. "It's the chemical that makes you stronger?" asked Alton.

Collins nodded her head. "The Wraith injects this enzyme into humans to prevent them from dying far sooner than they like when feeding on us."

"Was this enzyme present in Dashi when you did an autopsy on him?" asked Alton remembering the day when Collins told him he had died due to the complications of the feeding process.

Collins types away changing the information on the screen. "We didn't know what we were looking for until we extracted the enzyme from the Wraith." Said Collins as images appeared on the screen. "Dashai did indeed have the enzyme in his blood stream, but it quickly broke down in his body."

Alton looks at the screen. "What have you learned so far about this enzyme?" asked Alton wanting to know in further detail.

"Everything in Becketts notes have sped up my research." Said Collins changing the screen again. "The enzyme does significantly enhance the user's natural abilities. Speed, strength, and stamina are all increased."

Alton was surprised to hear this. "How did you determine this?" asked Alton.

Collins looks at Alton. "I use one of the many animals we brought with us to test out anything new we might come across in the galaxy we were supposed to be in."

Alton nods his head, satisfied with her explanation. "I feel like I'm about to hear a 'but' included in this explanation." Said Alton.

"You are correct, there is a problem with the enzyme." Said Collins. "It alters brain chemistry making the person injected with it incoherent to any logical suggestions."

Alton sighs. "I think we have veered off course." Said Alton going back to his original question. "Can we weaponize the Hoffan drug by combining it with this enzyme?"

Collins turns to face Alton hands in her pocket. "We've done the research and a simulation, on both substances given the amount of data we have." Said Collins. "While the simulation shows we can make the poison, we don't know if it will affect the Wraith as it did with the Wraith Weir's people used in their experiment with the drug the first time around."

Alton had a confused look on his face and needed clarification. "What exactly are you telling me."

"The first experiment had the Wraith fed on a patient they injected the drug with." Said Collins retelling the mission report Beckett wrote in his information on the Hoffan drug. "It worked but had the unintended side effect of combining the drug with the enzyme creating a poison in the Wraith's blood stream."

"Are you telling me that there may be mitigating circumstances on how we can deliver the poison to the Wraith?" asked Alton not liking what he was hearing.

Collins shook her head. "I'm telling you there is a lot of research we must go through first before testing this drug or enzyme and the poison." Said Collins not wanting to rush in to things that could back fire on them.

Alton began thinking what Collins had said, and to his annoyance he had ton differ to Collins expertise in the matter. "Very well Doctor I will leave it to your judgement on this matter." Said Alton. "But I want continued research on this."

Collins nodded her head in understanding the significance to this research. "And now let me show you the last research team." Said Collins as she leads Alton to the last group. "This group is studying the Wraith physiology and anatomy."

Alton looks at the group going over extensive information on the computer screens. "What exactly are they looking into?" asked Alton.

Collins looks on her data pad. "We are ascertaining if Doctor Beckett's plan is even viable." Said Collins.

Hearing this Alton began remembering what Beckett told them, supposedly he is developing some kind of virus that can turn Wraiths into humans is just astonishing. "Is that even possible?"

Collins looks up from her data pad. "That is what this teams purpose is to determine if this is possible." Said Collins as she goes over the console and types away. "From what we have been able to determine the Wraith have the same organs as we do."

Alton walked over to the console. "Still that is a long way to turning them into humans just because they have the same organs as us." Said Alton.

Collins continues typing and walks over to a table. "Your looking on the surface, we need to go deeper into the Wraith on a cellular level." Said Collins as two strands of DNA appeared on the holo table. "On one side is human DNA on another Wraith."

Alton walks over to the table. "I assume your going some where with this." Said Alton gesturing with is hands.

Collins nods her head. "We have done a genetic comparison between us and the Wraith and have confirmed everything Doctor Beckett wrote in his notes." Said Collins as she brings up a creature Alton has never seen. "This is called the Iratus bug, Weir's people have encountered before and sent us all the information on this creature."

Alton takes a good long look at the creature on the holo table. "Remind me to carry bug spray if I ever go off world." Said Alton, joking aside he went back to being serious. "What have you learned?"

"According to Doctor Beckett, the Wraith are closer to this creature than us." Said Collins reading off his notes. "However, this virus will be able to strip away the cells that make up the Wraith genetic characteristics and leave only the human parts behind."

Alton was listening intently. "So, it is possible?" asked Alton.

Collins shrugged her shoulders. "While it is true there are common human genetics mixed in with Wraith DNA." Said Collins. "But we need more data on it."

Alton looked at Collins. "What do you need?" asked Alton.

"More Wraith to study." Said Collins, but then looks at the Iratus bug. "Also, this creature."

Alton began thinking it over. "I'll considered it." Said Alton as he walks away from Collins and out the lab.

Ignis Base

Conference Room

In the Conference room, Captain Dare and Major Faison were sitting at the table waiting for Alton to arrive. After a few minutes he walked through the doors and took his seat at the end of the table. "What do you have for me?" asked Alton.

Dare pulled out her Data pad. "We went over the information, Weir and her people sent us on the human populations in this galaxy." Said Dare going over the notes she took from reading the information Weir and her people sent. "Where do you want to start?"

Alton leaned close, his hands clasped together on the table. "Tell me about the human populations?" asked Alton wanting to know how these humans in another galaxy have survived. "What are we dealing with?"

Dare looks at her reports. "From Weir and her people, we have learned that most of the indigenous human populations in Pegasus are primitive with any form of advance technology being scarce." Said Dare.

Faison leaned over the table. "So, we can expect not much of a threat level when travelling to these planets?" asked Faison.

Dare shook her head. "I would not let your guard down when walking into a village of people carrying bows and arrows." Said Dare thinking how not everyone on this mission is privy to have access to Spartan Armor. "A hole village together could attack us if we cause some form of cultural misunderstanding."

Faison leaned back in his chair. "You really think these people could be a problem for us?" asked Faison unconvinced humans lacking in technology could be a threat to him or his team. "We have the weapons and the technology to deal with any problem that comes our way."

Seeing Faison acting his usual cockiness, Alton stepped in to bring him to reality. "Faison under no circumstances are we to ever fire on these people, even if threatened." Said Alton as both Faison and Dare looked at Alton for more details in his decision. "These people are not as primitive as we might think, they use the Stargates to travel."

Dare realizing what he was leading to took over. "They could travel to other planets and tell people about us." Said Dare realizing the inconvenience that could be fall them if other planets become wary of them. "Which could spread all the way back to Weir's people."

"Causing strain in relations." Said Faison finishing Dare's sentence. "Alright I understand, won't take action if threatened, but what do we do then."

"Use non-lethal weapons." Said Alton seeking alternatives.

Faison looked at Dare and back at Alton with a look of uncertainty. "Sir, we don't have non-lethal weapons." Said Faison. "Our original mission required us to find the flood and destroy it."

Alton nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, and the UNSC equipped us with all kinds of weapons to destroy it." Said Alton remembering the manifest of the many weapons being placed on the ship. "But were not in the galaxy Path Kethona to search for the flood, now are we?"

Faison nodded his head. "Yes sir." Said Faison acknowledging Alton's assessment of the situation. "What then should we do?"

Alton brought up an image on the holo table. "We use these." Said Alton showing an image of a Wraith stunner. "We have determined there are no ill effects of these weapons when fired on humans."

Faison looks at the image. "Sir we only acquired a hand full of these weapons during our last mission." Said Faison remembering giving the order to take the weapons off the dead Wraith. "Crane is in the process of studying these things now."

Alton nodded his head in understanding. "If and when we ever come across the Wraith again will retrieve those specific weapons." Said Alton seeing an opportunity to acquire the Wraith stunners. "Until then we will refrain from engaging the Wraith for now until I say otherwise."

Faison nodded his head in understanding where Alton was coming from, not wanting to get any attention from the Wraith. "Understood Captain." Said Faison.

Alton turned back to Dare. "Anything else you want to bring up while I'm here?" asked Alton.

Dare scrolled up through her data pad. "While we can expect most of the indigenous populations to have not passed or are at Tier seven level of development." Said Dare bringing up the technological achievement tiers that were used by the Forerunners and later adopted by the Covenant and after the great war humanity began using this form to categorize species on their technological advancement. "There are some rare cases where we can expect to see some where between tier six and tier five."

Alton new about the technological achievement tiers and was surprised to hear some human populations were in between tier six and five, due to the fact that tier five was the atomic age. "Your telling me there is a human population with atomic weapons?" asked Alton.

Dare brings up information on the holo table. "Allow me to introduce to you the Genii." Said Dare.

Alton and Faison looked at each other and back at Dare before saying together at the same time. "The Genii?" said both Alton and Faison.

Dare nodded her head. "I know weird name to call your people, but who are we to judge, we always say UNSC." Said Dare giving Faison and Alton something to think about.

Alton soon snap back to reality and took over. "What kind of people are the Genii?" asked Alton seeing if they could potentially be allies.

Dare brings up information. "The Genii are run by a military dictatorship, most of their civilization is hidden in massive underground bunkers, originally built as shelters from passed wars before the Wraith, within these bunkers, the Genii train their military and develop new technology in secret." Said Dare giving a run down of how they operate. "On the surface, a small contingent of farmers presents the facade of a simple people to outsiders, though their farming operations are equally important to providing for the Genii below, to outsiders, the Genii are known for their tava beans, and frequently trade them with other worlds."

"Tava beans?" asked Alton wanting some clarity.

Dare shrugged. "Some form of edible, humans can consume." Said Dare unsure of what the tava bean is. "Weir's people tried to trade for this bean to resupply."

Alton nodded his head. "Well we don't have to worry about trading for food." Said Alton as the hydroponics unit was up and running providing the needs to his people.

Faison soon join the conversation. "Military strength?" asked Faison wanting to know more about these people.

Dare switches information on her data pad. "They maintain multiple safe houses and military outposts on many Stargate-accessible worlds across the Pegasus Galaxy." Said Dare reading from her notes. "They also have a large network of spies and covert informants that allow the Genii a broad understanding of the events in distant parts of the Pegasus Galaxy."

Alton and Faison looked at each other and back at Dare. "What's their technology like?" asked Alton but being more specific. "Namely weapons capabilities."

Dare scrolled up on her data pad. "The Genii have technology roughly equivalent to that of tier five level, example would be how we were 600 years ago." Said Dare giving Alton and Faison a rough idea on what to expect. "They have developed various projectile firearms, ranging from pistols and shotguns to automatic weapons."

Alton hearing this was surprised. "They seemed to not let the Wraith bring them down." Said Alton seeing how much they have progressed when facing an alien race that doesn't allow any human populations to reach a level that could threaten them.

"Any other advancements we should know?" asked Faison.

Dare continues to scroll through her notes on the data pad. "They also have computer technology consistent with tier level five, as well as cathode ray tube technology for audio and visual projection." Said Dare. "Good news is their radio technology is advanced enough to send analog video transmissions, so we might be able to intercept anything they sent if we ever come across them."

"You said tier level five." Said Alton. "Do they have access to atomic weapons?"

Dare nodded her head. "When Weir's people made contact with the Genii to trade in their tava beans, they stumbled upon their secret and helped them develop their nuclear weapons." Said Dare seeing the mistake Weir and her people made again.

"Are they operational?" asked Alton needed to know the threat level, he was dealing with.

"Unknown." Said Dare reading off the report. "The last meeting Weir and her people had with the Genii was negotiating for some of their nukes in exchange for materials they needed to complete the weapons."

Alton was about to ask the obvious question but Dare beat him to it. "I don't know the reason why, they never say, probably some classified information we're not privy to know." Said Dare. "However, the Genii possess no weapons platform from which to deploy these bombs; they are simply very powerful explosives."

Alton got up from his chair and walked around the table looking away from Dare and Faison. "Threat level assessment?" asked Alton.

Dare placed the data pad down on the table. "Given everything we know about them, I'd say yellow." Said Dare seeing a number of potential problems if they choose to be a threat. "They could impede our people on any planets we visit or worse direct confrontation."

Faison shook his head. "I doubt they would be so stupid enough to fight us." Said Faison looking at all the information at his disposal.

Alton turned around to face Dare. "Is there a chance we could be allies with them?" asked Alton.

Dare had an unsure look on her face. "Weir's people had a falling out with the Genii at the beginning until the successful trade with them later on." Said Dare as she reads off the report. "There has been minimal contact ever since."

Alton began thinking it over and decided. "Will not make contact for now, but if they attempt to contact us will take precautions." Said Alton not wanting to risk any engagement with another human government. "In the mean time let us begin with phase two."

Ignis Base

Two hours later

Conference Room

In the conference Alton and Dare were waiting in their seats for another person that they requested to join them. Faison left to train the other Spartans on the S-deck on the Praeter where Spartans train in holographic simulations.

After a few seconds an ODST in uniform walked into the conference room and saluted to Captain Alton and Dare. "Lt. Colonel Carol Lang reporting for duty." Said Carol.

Alton and Dare saluted right back. "At ease soldier and take a seat." Said Alton gesturing for her to take the seat opposite of Alton and Dare.

Carol took her seat and properly adjusted her self accordingly in front of her superior officer. "Thank you, sir." Said Carol being respectful.

Alton took his seat as well as Dare. "Now that you're here we have an important assignment for you Colonel." Said Alton getting Carol's undivided attention.

Carol nodded her head. "Whatever it is Sir, I promise to successfully achieve it with all my strength." Said Carol.

Dare took over. "That's good to hear, but this is nothing serious Colonel." Said Dare trying to calm Lang down. "We would like for you to choose seven first grade officers and together set up your own team of four people."

Carol was surprised, and she showed it on her face. "Four man eight teams?" asked Carol trying to clarify what they requested. "What would this be for?"

Alton took the lead. "Now that we have established a base of operations in this galaxy we want to explore it using the Stargate." Said Alton seeing the need to get their people out in the galaxy and find any new technologies or information that could help them.

Carol leaned in close. "Sir what about the Wraith?" asked Carol on behalf of all her fellow ODST's. After all she was the leading commanding officer for all ODST's. "Won't we be risking a lot?"

Alton leaned back in his chair. "The Wraith are out there, they have been here long before we ever step foot in this galaxy." Said Alton stressing the issue. "We are eventually going to face them in combat, I would prefer for the soldiers to have as much experience as possible."

Dare then entered the conversation. "Not to mention the many different human cultures we will be visiting on many worlds." Said Dare.

Carol had to disagree on the last part. "ODST's are special operations soldiers specialize in orbital infantry and special warfare tactics." Said Carol explaining the purpose for an ODST. "Were not diplomats, we can't negotiate on behalf of the UNSC."

Alton seeing where Carol was coming from understood. "No body signed up for this." Said Alton seeing how their arrival in this galaxy has changed everything. "We were supposed to have been in Path Kethona, but here we are, and we have to make the most of it."

Carol hearing Alton's words took them to mind and understood. "I Understand sir and will begin making the list of personal that are suitable for leading the teams through the Gate." Said Carol.

"You will be receiving a data package with information on everything we know so far about this galaxy." Said Dare looking over the information. "Have the officers read over the data too and begin choosing the best from the many personal we have here."

Carol nodded her and gets up from her chair and salutes to both Alton and Dare and walks out of the conference room.

As Carol leaves Alton and Dare got to talking. "What do you think?" asked Dare. "Is she going to be capable?"

Alton leaning in the back of his chair was thinking it over. "ODST's are adaptable in tough situations." Said Alton having always respected the soldiers that can make through the training unlike Spartans who have been augmented for success in combat. ODST's have to sweat and bleed to achieve the greatness they worked hard for. "I think she'll be just fine."

Dare gets up from the chair and walks out. "I hope your right on this." Said Dare as she leaves the conference room, Alton was by himself thinking of all the trouble his ODST's could get in to while exploring the Pegasus Galaxy.

So as you can see things are hearting up in the Pegasus galaxy with the UNSC preparing to send out their people to explore other worlds, hopefully they won't get into to much trouble with the locals. I hope you enjoyed this and please leave a review. Also one more thing, like last year I will not be updating this summer as I will be to busy, I hope you all understand and hopefully the next chapter update will be in August, don't know when in August, hopefully it will be updated by then, thank you again for reading my story, and I will see all of you in three months.