Hey everyone as promised I put up the new chapter in August and hope you enjoy it. As for the next Chapter it's going to be probably in October, I'm not sure as this coming fall is going to be hectic for me.

Space

UNSC Praeter

Captain's Cabin

In the Captain's cabin, Alton was typing away at his computer making a log of all that had transpired since coming to the Pegasus Galaxy.

"Captain's Log star date: February 4th, 2556, it's been almost three months since our arrival in the Pegasus galaxy." Thought Alton as he typed away on his computer. "A year has passed since the meeting I had with Admiral Hood and Osman on the mission to the galaxy Path Kethona to destroy one of humanities greatest threats, the Flood."

Alton stopped and took a sip of whiskey relaxing for a bit before typing again. "Unfortunately, we failed the mission to reach Path Kethona and ended up in the Pegasus Galaxy instead. After a week, Yelena the AI on board the ship, learned from going through scanners that the Praeter while travelling though Slipspace passed through an intense gravity wave from a collapsing star. It caused our navigational computers to veer off course and travelled to the Pegasus Galaxy instead."

Alton got up from his desk and walked over to the counter to pour him another drink. He waited awhile before returning to his desk. "Once we arrived some of my people voiced their opposition to stay and wanted to return home in shame. While I was determining that, Yelena detected an anomaly on a distant planet in a solar system we entered after we dropped out of Slipspace. From the planet we discovered the anomaly and to our shock a human presence in this galaxy. We captured four individuals on the planet and through them we learned much about this galaxy."

Alton began reminiscing about the events that had happened. "The four individuals were lead by a Colonel Sheppard, military commander who follows the orders of a civilian by the name of Doctor Weir, through them we learned about a device called a Stargate that creates an artificial wormhole that connects to other Stargates on other planets in the galaxy and that Pegasus is filled with other human civilizations other than their own. While the shock of discovering a second evolution of humans in the galaxy was startling nothing was more shocking than learning from them about another civilization, a race called the Wraith, who evolved from a creature called an iratus bug. The Wraith feed on the human populations of the galaxy as that is their only means to sustain them." Typed Alton as he continues to report on the issues at hand. "While the existence of the Wraith and their dependence on humans to survive was a concern considering if the Wraith ever knew about the human populations back home, but the existence of humans in another galaxy was something even greater to learn about. While some of my senior officers believed the threat was too great to consider, ultimately, I decided to stay and from my decision we made an alliance with the first group of humans in the galaxy, Doctor Weir and her people became allies and from them we learned everything about the Wraith and the human civilizations that exist in Pegasus."

Alton stopped to look at the time, it was late, but he needed to finish so, he continued to type away on the computer. "During our time here, Captain Dare decided to do some reconnaissance on the Wraith to learn about their movements in the galaxy and gather any intel on them as well as other information than what we learned from Weir and her people. While gathering intel, Captain Dare discovered a Wraith outpost and it was decided in conjunction with Weir's people we would infiltrate the base to gather any information." Alton stopped his typing in mid-sentence as he took a deep breath for what he was about to say next. "I regret to inform Sergeant Dashai died from being fed upon by the Wraith, our first causality in this galaxy, I don't expect it to be the last."

Alton pinched the bridge of his nose clearly exhausted, but continued on. "After the incident we sought to understand our enemy better. Therefore, I had doctor Collins work on studying the Wraith and to find any weaknesses we could exploit. She then requested the assistance of one Doctor Beckett, one of Weir's people who has been studying the Wraith for over a year, it was through him we learned about the Hoffan drug, a drug capable of interfering with the Wraith feeding process, a drug Weir's people kept to themselves and didn't report it to us. While some of my people were angry the reasoning behind it is understandable, the drug is not perfect and requires fine tuning to make it viable for wide spread use. Nevertheless, we continued to remain allies despite the secrecy we kept from each other. After a while, Weir wanted to move things to the next level." Typed Alton as he looks back at the meeting he had with Weir.

Flash Back

Two Weeks Ago

Ignis Base

Conference Room

In the conference room Weir, Colonel Sheppard, and Doctor McKay were present. Sitting on the opposite side we're Captain Alton, Major Faison, and Doctor Crane meeting Weir and her people to discuss trade relations.

Weir began the talks. "I hope our last meeting hasn't hurt diplomatic relations between our two people." Said Weir with sincerity in her voice. "I know you must feel animosity towards us for not revealing about the Hoffan drug."

Alton and Faison looked at each other than back at Weir. "Doctor Collins already confirmed with me the dangers about this drug, and the risks involved." Said Alton thinking back at their conversation. "Had you told us before the mission I doubt it would have made much difference considering we still haven't refined the drug ourselves."

Weir was surprised as well as Sheppard and McKay who looked at each other. "I am pleased we can still maintain a diplomatic relationship with each other." Said Weir with a warm smile. "Which is why I am here today in hope that we could move forward as allies."

Alton raised an eyebrow wondering where Weir was going with this. "What is it exactly are you hoping for?" asked Alton curious as to what they want.

Sheppard took the lead on this one. "Seeing as how we've known each other for quite some time now, we were hoping we could trade in technologies." Said Sheppard wanting to get access to some of their weapons technology.

McKay soon joined the conversation as well. "Namely I… o.. or should I say we would very much like to check out that ship of yours." Said McKay in his best to seem earnest in pleading for them to allow him to examine his ship.

Alton clasped his hands together on the table and while he read the reports about what they possessed from Dare's observations of their ship and puddle jumper, he was reluctant to allow an exchange on that level just yet.

"I think were still a long way from sharing any technology." Said Alton, but as McKay, Sheppard and Weir were about to protest or persuade, Alton raised his hand up. "However, I'm willing an exchange in resources."

Weir, Sheppard, and McKay were confused, by what Alton meant, he then nodded to Crane and he pulled out two box containers. "We are prepared to trade materials we have invented in exchange for something of equal value." Said Crane.

McKay looked surprised and stood up. "Materials that's what you want to trade for, are you kidding me." Said McKay in an angry tone feeling insulted or sounding condescending towards Alton and his people.

Sheppard didn't like where this was going and soon stepped in. "McKay sit down." Said Sheppard as he tugged his arm to pull him back down in his seat.

Before McKay could argue, Weir stepped in. "I appreciate this chance to start up trade relations, but I have to ask." Said Weir confused by Alton. "Why start so small in these discussions?"

Alton felt a little insulted by what Weir said. "What may seem small to you is a significant achievement to us." Said Alton not going to have any one disrespect the hard work his people have made. "And while you may have come across something better than what we are offering you, I feel it is best to walk first before running in these negotiations."

Weir took what he said to mind and remembered previous trade negotiations going bad before. "We accept this offer and have something in mind to trade." Said Weir.

Both McKay and Sheppard looked at Weir and said at the same time. "We do?"

Weir smiled and nodded. "Yes, we do."

Present

UNSC Praeter

Captain's Cabin

Alton continued typing finishing what he started. "True to her word Weir brought back materials of her own and we traded what we have to her. I gave her access to Titanium-A armor, the first generation, instead of A3 armor, the second thing I gave her access to, was Instacrete a material invented by UNSC scientists for use in combat zones. Instacrete is easy to shape and build with, incredibly strong, and dries quickly, allowing strong, permanent buildings to be hastily erected when they are needed. It is primarily used for creating bunkers and defensive walls. It can be inferred that the instacrete will take quite a lot of punishment even while in a semi-solid state and is believed that instacrete can withstand quite a bit of small arm's plasma fire before being completely burned away. The estimated dry time to full hardness and strength is several hours depending on temperature and humidity."

Alton stopped for a minute to take a drink and then continued typing again. "In return for the Titanium-A armor and Instacrete, Weir provided us with materials, she thought we might find interesting. There were two materials she gave us called Naquadah and Trinium. I Had Crane examine both materials."

Flash Back

Ignis Base

Cranes Lab

Inside Cranes lab was Doctor Crane himself examining the materials given to them by Weir. Crane was amazed by the stuff and while compared to somethings in his galaxy, it might not have been all that special, but was still impressive.

Alton soon walked in the lab to know the results of Cranes research. "What have you got for me Doctor?" asked Alton.

Crane turned around away from his research. "The most interesting find so far in this galaxy." Said Crane with a smile. "Come here I'll show you."

Alton walked over to where Crane was studying. "Must be something for you to be this excited." Said Alton.

Craned nodded his head. "It's just been awhile since we came across something interesting." Said Crane as his research in the Stargate became stagnate. "Now let me show you what I have learned so far."

Crane brings up an image of a brick shape black color on the screen. "This is Naquadah from what I've learned from Weir's people on this material and my own research it has superconducting properties. It can store massive amounts of energy and is extremely hard. It also greatly amplifies energy, making it extremely potent if paired with explosives." Said Crane which got Alton's attention. "It's also the same material that's on the Stargate which makes sense, considering the Stargate require something incredibly durable and able to absorb the necessary energy required to maintain a stable wormhole."

"What sort of applications can we apply this Naquadah to." Said Alton getting to what many military minded individuals always ask. "Namely weapons."

Crane had obvious look on his face. "Was wondering when you were going to ask." Said Crane as he bring up information on his computer. "I've done simulations of this mineral and have concluded that, not only can we apply this mineral to our explosive weapons to enhance their destructive capabilities, but also apply it to our ships as well to make the hulls of our ships more durable."

Alton began looking at the computer, thinking of many applications for this mineral, how badly the UNSC will want it if they can show it works. "How soon can you apply it?" asked Alton.

Crane turned his head towards Alton. "To what?" asked Crane.

"To our weapons." Said Alton surprised Crane not understanding.

"I meant to what weapons?" asked Crane knowing that Alton wanted to apply this to weapons first. "You want me to do C-12, missiles, or nukes."

Alton began thinking and realized he should be cautious with this mineral. "We should take precautions and start small and test this material out first." Said Alton not wanting to risk his people and caused a disaster for rushing the possibility of increasing his weapons capabilities.

Crane nodded his head. "Ill get right on it." Said Crane as he switches the screen to another block shape material, but this time the color was silver. "This is called Trinium, an element that is a hundred times lighter and stronger than steel, while not as strong as Titianium-A3 armor it still has unique applications to use."

Alton began to think and while Titanium-A3 was still new to the UNSC. There was always improvements that could be made. "This Naquadah and Trinium, you said it can be applied to ships?"

Crane nodded his head. "I did some tests and when you Alloyed Naquadah and Trinium together it makes for a much stronger and durable substance that is heat resistant as well." Said Crane bringing up the test on the screen for Alton to see.

Alton began thinking and wondered. "Do you believe Weir's people use this stuff in the construction of their ships and weapons?" asked Alton.

Crane shrugged not knowing their mind set. "They would be pretty stupid not to do so." Said Crane seeing the advantage they would have. "But I wouldn't be too concern about it, I'm working on simulations on how much damage we could do if we ever get into a fight with them."

Alton nodded his head in approval, while Alton's people and Weir's are allies they still needed to prepare for anything. "Keep up the good work." Said Alton as he walks out of the lab leaving Crane to do more research.

Present

UNSC Praeter

Captain's Cabin

"While Crane was continuing his study on the materials we acquire from Weir, I decided it was about time to explore this galaxy through the Stargates." Typed Alton as he thinks back at the first team he sent out into the galaxy. "I had eight teams of four ODST's chosen by Lieutenant Colonel Carol Lang commander of all ODST's on the Praeter. With her help she hand picked seven team leaders to lead their respected teams out into the galaxy. I designated these teams GR-1-8, GR being an acronym for Gate Reconnaissance."

"The first thing I had them do was scout planets that were close enough to reach by ship in an hour. It was decided that the Cole Protocol that was used extensively during the war, would be applied when travelling through Stargates considering it was easy to learn the location of a planet from just seeing the symbols inputted into the Stargate."

Alton stopped for a minute to reflect on the first mission his people went on through the Stargate. "One of the first missions these new assembled teams went on was to protect Doctor Collins on her investigation into, Colonel Sheppard and his people's discovery of a female Wraith found on a planet. Colonel Lang leader of GR-1 was assigned to escort the Doctor to the planet, unfortunately the mission became dangerous when the female Wraith injected herself with Doctor Beckett's retrovirus, a biological weapon that can turn Wraiths into humans, but the virus was not ready for applicable use and had the opposite effect and nearly cost Colonel Lang her life." Typed Alton as he thinks back on the incident. "The female Wraith attempted to feed on Colonel Lang in her frenzy like state through her arm, but was eventually killed before damage could be done. Unfortunately, that was not the end of it as the retrovirus was transmitted from the Wraith to Carol and the Colonel began a metamorphosis that could not be stopped by Doctor Collins, it was only through the help of Weir's people that we were able to undo the damage done and operations went back to normal or what could be considered normal around here."

Alton looked at the time again and typed one last message. "We are still continuing exploration of the galaxy despite the set backs that had occurred, this is Captain Alton ending log."

Alton shut off his computer and walked over to the bed to get a good night's rest.

Ignis Base

Training Room

In the training room, Colonel Lang was training intensely feeling completely pathetic for what happened to her on the last mission and the damage she caused afterwards when she began to change into a monster. She faintly remembers what happened and how it took a Spartan just to contain she was turned back to normal with the help of Doctor Beckett and Colonel Sheppard.

During her first mission when she met Sheppard for the first time, she didn't think much of him, but soon changed her mind when she saw him in combat. As for the rest of his team she was impressed with Teyla, being a woman in an all guys team she didn't let that bother her and she held her own. She heard a lot about Ronon, especially the part where he fought one on one with a Spartan and held his own for a while until he passed out. And last and especially not the least bit interesting was McKay who while a genius, was not very brave when it came to stressful situations.

Carol was continuing her work out until one of her team mates walked in. "Colonel?" said Major Cheng getting the Colonel's attention. Cheng an ODST, part of GR-1 and a Veteran of the Covenant war. Cheng is highly educated scored highest on aptitude test in the UNSC and when enlisted and was given a full scholarship. He speaks multiple languages including some Covenant languages as well. He is calm under pressure and is always by the book.

Carol stopped what she was doing and looked at Cheng. "Report!" said Carol as she takes a towel to wipe the sweat from her face.

Cheng walked into the training room. "Colonel, the other teams have returned from exploration and reported a successful mission." Said Cheng as he brings up a data pad. "They have reported the planets that are at least a coupe of hours away by ship is good for secondary bases to be placed at."

Carol took a drink from her bottle, remembering the request Alton made to scout out possible planets to set up forward bases, one for scientific research, the other a fall back point in the event Ignis base came under attack, and an outpost set up on another planet to use for the Cole protocol, travel to that planet after every mission so as to not lead anyone back to our world. "Good to hear, now what are the other two doing?" asked Carol.

Cheng looked up from the data pad. "Lieutenant Keisha Williams is in the labs working on equipment, while Sergeant Hagman is currently in the firing range sharpening his skills." Said Cheng.

Keisha Williams ODST survivor of the Covenant war and attack on New Mombasa and part of GR-1. A scientist amongst the team, she received degrees from notable universities. A PHD in physics and astronomy and a master's in engineering. She is considered the brains behind the team and while she takes her responsibilities in the UNSC military seriously, she still a scientist at heart.

Alex Hagman enlisted in the UNSC at eighteen during the middle of the Covenant war. Family died during a Covenant attack on one of the outer colonies, sought revenge ever since. Excels in all forms of UNSC weapons, but prefers hand to hand combat. High remarks from drill instructors and previous commanders for bravery and honor in combat.

Carol got up from her seat and walked over to Cheng. "How are the other teams doing?" asked Carol.

"This is new to them." Said Cheng. "Travelling through wormholes is something we weren't trained for and meeting human civilizations for the first time not associated with the UETG is a bit awkward and strange to them, but they are acclimating to their new surroundings and experiences."

"Let's make sure none of them is about to crack under pressure." Said Carol, which got her a look of skepticism from Cheng. "They maybe ODST's but their still human."

Cheng nodded his head and walked out of the training room leaving Carol to take a shower.

Gate Control Room

In the Gate control room technicians were working at their posts and maintaining systems. All was quiet up until the gate started activating. Klaxon alarms blared out of the pa systems indicating an incoming wormhole.

Dare arrived on the scene. "Lieutenant." Said Dare getting the attention of one of the technicians.

"There are no units currently off world, Ma'am." Said the technician.

"Raise the shield." Said Dare and in that moment the gold colored shield placed on the Stargate was raised surrounding it completely.

After awhile a signal was received on the base computers. "It's Doctor's Weir's people." Said the technician.

"What do they want now?" asked Dare in general. "Lower the Shie…." Before she could finish, the technician interrupted her.

"Their responding by radio only." Said the Technician.

Dare nodded her head. "Let's hear it."

Conference Room

In the conference room Alton and Dare were present to discuss what has transpired. "At 0900 this morning we received a message from Doctor Weir herself requesting assistance." Said Dare starting off the meeting.

Alton after getting a good night's sleep was not expecting this when he woke up. "Assistance in what?" asked Alton.

Dare hands him what she acquired from Weir. "Apparently, Colonel Sheppard and his team are missing." Said Dare. "They were 3 hours over due to check in with Weir and she sent another team to investigate, they're investigation turned up nothing."

Alton seeing where this is going finished for Dare. "And she wants us to help in finding them?"

Dare nodded her head and brought out a data pad with a list of gate addresses. "They were able to extract fifty addresses from the DHD and gave us half of them to search for." Said Dare.

Alton began to think, and while he feels conflicted about helping Weir, he also doesn't want to endanger his own people considering whoever captured Sheppard and his team must be highly skilled to able to do so. "Have all available teams prepped and ready to go." Said Alton.

Dare understanding went straight to work on Alton's order.

Gate Room

GR-1 was waiting in the gate room, fully dressed in their ODST gear and equipped with an assortment of weapons.

Carol was carrying the MA5D individual combat weapons system, along with a Wraith stunner to the side of her hip, a new issue of weapons given to a hand full of GR teams and Spartan fire teams until more can be precured.

Major Cheng was carrying the Sniper Rifle System 99-Series 5 Anti-Matériel along with the M6H handgun to his side.

Lieutenant Williams was carrying with her the M7S Submachine Gun or better known as the suppressed SMG, along with the MA45D tactical shotgun.

Sergeant Hagman was carrying the BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle along with M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon. Some would think a rocket launcher was overkill, but due to the threat of the Wraith darts scooping in and scooping up people with their transporters it was considered to have for safety concerns.

The gate soon activated to one of the many planets Weir provided for the UNSC in the help to search for Sheppard and his people, a device hovering in the air went through the event horizon and travelled to the planet. The device is a reconnaissance probe designed to explore planets ahead of GR teams to determine the conditions on the other side of an active wormhole before sending a team through, in order to make sure it's safe.

When Carol heard the news about Sheppard and his team, she volunteered her team to search, but was not necessary as Alton already decided to have all the GR teams to help in the search.

After the probe determined safety in immediate area around the Gate, Carol order her team to move out. GR-1 walked up the ramp and into the wormhole to begin their search.

Unknown Planet

Five days later

It had been five days since the search began and both groups have found nothing even after splitting up the work. It was decided to split up the work between GR teams 1-8 and each team was given three planets to search from half the list Weir gave them. GR-1 was given an extra planet being the flagship team. More was being done as Doctor Crane travelled to the planet where Sheppard's team was last seen to do his own work on the DHD to extract any other information from it.

As for GR-1 this was their 4th and last attempt to search for AR-1. Coming out of the Stargate, they immediately took control of the probe to due an aerial search of the surrounding area. As for GR-1 they searched by foot and began travelling away from the Stargate.

They immediately looked around the gate to determined if there have been any tracks to show the gate has been used repeatedly.

"Has anybody found anything?" asked Lang.

As everybody searched all of them shouted no in order.

"No, nothing yet." Said Cheng as he looks around the DHD.

"Nothing in my area." Said Williams around the Stargate.

"Got nothing over here either." Said Hagman as he searched in the clearing further away.

Lang stopped for a minute and decided it be best to continue their search further out. "Dial back to Ignis base and let Captain Alton know were going to continue our search else where on the planet." Said Lang.

Cheng closest to the DHD began pressing buttons, but nothing was happening. He began pressing other buttons, but still the Stargate would not activate or light up its chevrons as it usually does when using the DHD.

"Colonel we have a problem." Said Cheng getting everyone's attention. "The DHD on this planet seems to be malfunctioning."

This caught everyone's attention, Lang ordered for everyone to convene at the DHD.

Once everyone was gathered, Cheng showed them that nothing was happening. "Has Crane ever mention a situation like this before in his notes?" asked Lang.

Cheng shook his head. "He never came across a situation like this in his experiments with the DHD." Said Cheng as he begins to inspect the Dial home device.

"So, what now?" asked Hagman as he paces back and forth. "Wait for Captain Alton to dial back and send technicians to help fix this thing or get out of here ourselves?"

"Even if we wanted to leave we don't have any means to control the Stargate without the DHD." Said Williams as she herself was also inspecting the device. "Crane was working on a dial home program that we could connect to the Stargate to dial out if the DHD on planets became damaged or not working anymore."

"How's that going?" asked Hagman in an annoyed tone of voice.

Williams shrugged. "He's been busy with other things lately." Said Williams as she continues her search.

As the two continue their inspection, Williams discovers something. "Found something." Said Williams.

"What is it?" asked Lang as she walks closer to Williams.

"There appears to be some control crystals missing from the DHD." Said Williams as he gets up from the ground and looks at everyone. "Without the crystals this DHD is useless."

"Can you fix it?" asked Hagman in anticipation of the answer.

"If I had the crystals I should be able too." Said Williams.

However, Lang was thinking of something else. "The questions is not if you can fix it, but who would have done this?" asked Lang which got everyone thinking. That is when Hagman raised his battle rifle getting into a defensive position.

As everyone began to be on edge, a beeping noise came from Cheng's tacpad. "It's the probe." Said Cheng as he reads the information sent to him. "It's detected some sort of low level energy source in nearby caves."

Colonel Lang then nodded her head to everyone. "Let's head out."

As they begin walking away from the Stargate, Hagman voiced his complaint. "Tell me why the Captain is putting a lot of resources into helping these guys?" asked Hagman feeling annoyed by this since the beginning.

"Don't know why your voicing your complaints now after fives days of searching." Said Williams looking back at Hagman.

"Just saying why, we put a lot of resources rescuing a bunch of people that easily get captured." Said Hagman remembering the reports about their first encounter with Colonel Sheppard and his team.

Cheng looks back at Hagman. "Alton would never say this, but this gives us flexibility in negotiations and they'll owe us a favor if we manage to rescue them." Said Cheng.

"But we haven't rescued them." Said Hagman. "How's that going to look?"

"Even if we don't find them, us putting in the effort is an act of good faith on our part." Said Cheng being the wisest amongst the team members.

Colonel Lang soon told the team to be quite with her hand signals as they got closer to the Cave entrance.

Cave Entrance

At the cave entrance they immediately saw no guard posts or any form of traps or alarms alerting anyone that could be in the caves. Lang looked at Cheng and whispered to him. "The probe can't detect if anybody is in the caves?" She asked in a concern tone.

Cheng shook his head. "The probe's sensors aren't that strong to reach below ground." Said Cheng as he works on his tacpad. "But our motion sensors should be find."

Lang nodded her head in understanding and switched her assault rifle with the Wraith Stunner and began leading the team to the caves.

Cave

As soon as they walked into the caves they activated their built-in night vison in their ODST helmets as they slowly encroached deeper into the caves. They soon came upon what appears to be light and voices.

Dining Room Ford's Cave

"Okay, they definitely should've been back by now." Said McKay as he paces back and forth. "Seriously, am I the only one who thinks that maybe things haven't gone according to plan?"

"Yes." Said he Bouncer. As he continues to play a game with his other team member.

"Okay, look, we can't just sit here." Said McKay frantically. "We need we need— we need to do something."

"Like what?" asked the Bouncer sarcastically uninterested in McKay's distress.

"Like go get help." Said McKay. "Look, we can dial the Stargate back to Atlantis where we have a ship, a fast ship with—with—with shields. We can fly to the Hive and rescue them if we need to."

"Can't dial the gate, remember?" asked the Bouncer reminding McKay. "Ford removed the control crystals from the dialing device."

"Yes, I know that." Said McKay in frustration. "But here's the good news. You're the ones guarding them and…"

The Bouncer cut McKay off. "Shut up." Said the Bouncer as he rises form his chair with his weapon in hand. His partner does the same as they look at the entrance leading out of the cave.

McKay seeing their reactions was concerning. "W..Wh… What?" asked McKay frantically. "What is it?"

The Bouncer doesn't look at McKay. "I said shut up and get down." Said the Bouncer, but in that moment a grenade came flying into the room, causing the enhanced two team members to react with quick precision and lifted the table to shield them. The grenade went off creating a bright flash and ringing noise.

Soon GR-1 rushed in weapons raised expecting hostiles to be lying on the ground disabled from the flash bang grenade but to their surprise, was two people waiting with weapons raised causing GR-1 to scatter as weapons fire came from the hostiles with intent to kill.

Colonel Lang shot off her Wraith Stunner, but thanks to the enzyme they were immune to those effects on some level. The two men soon took cover as Hagman and Cheng opened fire with their weapons, Hagman with his battel rifle and Cheng with his pistol.

As both opposing sides continue to fire, McKay rushed off to the side trying to avoid any shots.

After a minute of shots fired, the hostiles ran out of ammo giving the ODST's the upper hand. But what they assume was going to be an easy surrender, was dragged into hand to hand combat as the two ran fast to get on top of the ODST's.

Hagman and Cheng were fighting the two in hand to hand combat when they knocked out their weapons from their hands. They immediately went into their ODST training and began fighting them both, but soon realized they were being overpower which surprised them.

After a few seconds of fighting Lang Shot both again with Wraith stunners which began to take effect as they started slowing down in their movements which gave Hagman and Cheng the advantage they needed and knocked both of them out cold.

"Secure the room." Said Lang, as she began looking over the room holding her Wraith Stunner.

Cheng and Hagman began tying up the two hostiles for later questioning. While Williams was holding her SMG incase other hostiles began pouring through the room.

As the Four were working, McKay shouted out to them. "Hold your fire, don't shoot." Said McKay in a frantic tone.

"Identify yourself?" demanded Lang as she pointed her weapon in the direction where McKay shouted from.

"I..I'm Doctor McKay, I'm part of Colonel Sheppard's team and one of Weir's people." Said McKay as he slowly walks out of the room hands raised to show no weapons or threatening gestures. "Your UNSC, Alton's people right."

Lang Lowered her weapon and signaled Williams to do the same. "Correct." Said Lang as she walks up to McKay, depolarizing her helmet to show her face, McKay who lowered his hands after they lowered their weapons. "Doctor Weir requested our assistance in searching for you and your team."

That is when McKay remembered why he was arguing with the Bouncer in the first place. "Oh my god yes.., yes my team, we need to hurry." Said McKay frantically.

"Slow down." Said Lang trying to calm McKay down. "Where is the rest of your team and is these two the only hostiles here?"

"Right,,, right, listen there's not much time, we have to hurry and rescue Sheppard, Ronon, and Teyla." Said McKay which made Lang confused.

"Are they not here?" asked Lang.

McKay shook his head. "No, that's why we need to hurry."

Inside Cave

Three hours Later

After three hours more, GR teams arrived as well as Captain Dare with her ONI officers, Colonel Lang and the rest of GR-1 were waiting for them.

"Captain Dare." Said Lang acknowledging Dare's presence.

"Colonel." Said Dare responding back. "Captain Alton wants to congratulate you on a job well done."

Lang didn't feel as though she accomplished much. "Three of Sheppard's team is still missing including Colonel Sheppard." Said Lang. "Not much of a success."

Captain Dare smiled and walked past her and her team. "Don't sell yourself short Colonel, I believed you've discovered something interesting." Said Dare as she examines the area. "Apparently the two you captured gave us some valuable intel on their operations here."

"Anything that might help us in locating Sheppard and his team?" asked Lang.

Dare's smile soon faded and tun around to see her. "Yes, and to my objection, Alton is preparing to assist Weir and her people." Said Dare not comfortable one bit about this.

Seeing her disdain on the subject, Lang wanted to know what was going on. "Is there something that's bothering you about helping them?"

Dare just turned around not wanting to show this side of her. "The situation Sheppard and his team are in could put our people in danger far more than what happened here."

As Lang pondered on what Dare was saying, on the Praeter things were beginning to heat up for a battle many thought was inevitable, but wasn't going to happen for a while was heading their way.

Slipspace

EN-route to Edowin

UNSC Praeter

Bridge

After rescuing Doctor McKay and bringing him back to Ignis base where his own people came for him, he told them that Sheppard and his team were forced into destroying a Hive ship that was on its way to cull a planet, they were planning to intercept and destroy the Hive before it could reach the defenseless world.

Alton offered his assistance in the matter and Weir accepted. Alton was to take his ship and meet up with the Daedalus near the planet.

On Board the bridge of the Prater Captain Alton and executive officer Lieutenant Henderson were conversing at the holotable with a model of a Wraith hive ship appearing on the table as a hologram.

They along with Yelena were trying to learn the best way to fight a Hive ship given this will be their first time engaging a Hive before.

"Given all the information we have from Weir and her people." Said Henderson. "I recommend firing at their dart bays here." Pointing on the screen which made the hologram zoom in on where Henderson was pointing at.

"An attack on the ship's hanger bays can result in secondary explosions." Said Yelena giving tactical advice. "Capable of crippling the Hive and give us an attempt at rescuing Sheppard and his team."

Alton looked at the Hive and the information that was scrolling down. "There are a lot of way's this could go wrong." Said Alton concerned about risking damage to this ship. "The only thing we have going for us is the element of surprise."

Henderson agreed with Captain Alton. "That is correct the Wraith are unaware of our presence in this galaxy." Said Henderson. "But the moment we reveal ourselves in this fight will become a target."

Yelena could only agree. "Lieutenant Henderson's assessment is correct." Said Yelena while also looking over information. "We will certainly be targeted."

Alton looked at both of them. "Will cross that bridge when we get there." Said Alton not too concern about the distant future. "Let's worry about our current dilemma."

The three continued to engage one another over the best course of action against the Hive.

Hyperspace

EN-route to Edowin

Daedalus

Bridge

On board the Daedalus bridge Colonel Caldwell was debriefing the crew of the plan to rescue Sheppard and his team.

"We'll drop out of hyperspace a little bit away from the planet, given that will get there before the Hive ship." Said Caldwell. "Will meet up with Captain Alton and the Praeter and form some kind of plan to deal with the Hive."

"What about Sheppard, Ronon, and Teyla?" asked McKay concerned for his team mates.

"Once we finish planning our attack I'll let you know by then how were going to save them." Said Caldwell as he returns to his chair.

Space

Unknown System

A Hyperspace window opens and out came the Daedalus and after a few moments a Slipspace portal opens up and out came the Praeter.

Prater

Bridge

On board the bridge of the Prater a communications between both ships was taking place on a screen.

Captain Alton and Lieutenant Henderson was conversing with Colonel Caldwell and Doctor McKay of the plan attack on the Hive using the screen to send images of what each ship should do.

Lieutenant Henderson started off. "Greetings gentlemen, first we like to say how sorry we are it had to come to this." Said Henderson doing his best at being sincere.

"Not at all, it was one of our people who started this whole mess to begin with." Said Caldwell admitting the mistake of Lieutenant Ford's actions. "We are grateful your willing to assist us in this matter."

"You would have done the same for us." Said Alton joining in on the conversation. "But let's get back to why were here."

Everyone agreed on that matter and Lieutenant Henderson started off. "Captain Alton, Yelena, and I have come up with a plan." Said Henderson as images on the screen appeared to show case their idea. "We would first like to have both ships get into position before the Hive shows up, we would like to have the Daedalus move behind the planet, while the Praeter moves behind the planets moon."

"Wait a minute." Said McKay stopping Henderson. "We won't be able to make radio contact with Sheppard from behind the planet."

Henderson and Alton looked at each other and back at the screen. "We have these things called clarion spy drones, their undetectable and we were planning to use them to alert us of when the Hive ship arrived."

"Can these things make radio contact with Sheppard?" asked Caldwell.

Henderson nodded his head. "They are mainly used for reconnaissance but have a variety of uses." Said Henderson.

Caldwell and McKay looked at each other and back at the screen. "Still will send a cloaked jumper just in case it's detected and destroyed." Said Caldwell not wanting to rely too much on Alton.

"Colonel, Major Faison and his Spartans along with a squad of ODST's are prepared to board the Hive ship and rescue Sheppard once we've crippled the Hive." Said Alton letting Caldwell know of their intentions.

"I appreciate the offer, but we have our own method of rescuing our people." Said Caldwell with a small smirk on his face. "I can't say much, but you don't have to risk your own people on this matter."

Alton and Henderson nodded their heads respecting their decision. "When the Hive ship arrives will use the Daedalus as a distraction to get the Hive's attention." Said Alton focusing back on the subject as images on the screen shows them of what to do. "The Praeter will then move from the moon to flank them for a direct hit with our weapons."

Caldwell curious as to what kind of weapons they have, had to ask. "What kind of weapons do you have."

Henderson unsure of what to say, looked to Alton on what to do, but saw a smirk ion the Captain's face. "You'll just have to wait and see." Said Alton with delight humor in his voice.

Orbit

Edowin

In orbit of the planet clarion spy drones were flying around along with a cloaked jumper waiting for the Hive to arrive.

Puddle Jumper

In the puddle Jumper Major Lorne and McKay were waiting for the Hive. As they were waiting Lorne could see McKay's concern.

"Relax Doc will get them." Said Lorne trying to comfort McKay.

"I knew this was a bad idea." Said McKay in frustration. "But no, Ford had to be the hero, if we ever get him back I'm never going to let him forget this."

Lorne chuckled. "I'm surprised you're on this mission." Said Lorne. "I figured Doctor Beckett would want to keep you in the infirmary for a while."

McKay looked confused by this comment. "What…wh…why would you say that?" asked McKay with a puzzled look on his face.

Lorne looks at McKay questioningly. "You were doped on enzyme doc." Said Lorne explaining what he meant. "Not something that makes you stable, case in point Lieutenant Ford."

McKay then nodded his head in realization. "Oh I…I see what you mean." Sid McKay. "Don't worry Sheppard convinced Ford to dial back my dosage on the enzyme so I could be more lucid when I was repairing the Dart they used to get to the hive ship, Beckett cleared me for the mission, but I will need to do some treatment after this to get it all out of my system."

As the two converse a beep came on the computers. "I'm detecting two hyperspace windows." Said McKay.

In that moment two Hyperspace windows opened and out came two Hive ships.

"Oh, no." said McKay in shock. "There's two of them!"

"You said there was only one." Said Lorne in shock as well.

"Well, there was only one!" replied McKay in a surprised tone of voice at the sudden appearance of a second Hive ship..

"Now there's two!" Shot back Lorne gesturing with his hand and concern.

"I can see that!" Said McKay in frustration.

Lorne sighs. "Let's try and hail Colonel Sheppard."

Rodney reaches up to activate his headset.

Praeter

Bridge

On the bride of the Praeter Alton, Henderson and Yelena were gathered around the holotable looking at the data the clarion spy probes were transmitting back to the ship. "Two Hive ships!" Said Alton in a surprised tone. "I thought there was only one?"

"Apparently the intel we acquired from this Lieutenant Ford's group was incorrect." Said Yelena looking at the data. "Or it's possible this other Hive is an ally."

Lieutenant Henderson looked at the Captain. "Yelena could be right." Said Henderson. "We still don't know much about Wraith society at all."

Alton nodded his head. "Get me a secure line to the Daedalus." Said Altona as he walks up to the screen.

The screen lit up with Colonel Caldwell's face appearing. "Colonel are seeing the data we sent you?" asked Alton.

Caldwell nodded his head. "We received the data." Said Caldwell not pleased by the situation. "Should we alter the plan?"

Alton considered it for a moment but shook his head. "Negative we should continue as plan and take the second Hive into consideration." Said Alton. "What about Colonel Sheppard, were you able to make contact?"

Caldwell shook his head in disappointment. "No, Jumper one was unable to make contact."

Alton try to reassure Caldwell. "It's possible the Wraith are jamming their comm signals."

"We can't make that assumption." Said Caldwell not taking the risk. "Jumper one is returning to the Daedalus immediately, we need to take those ships out before they start culling."

An alarm went off which forced Alton to look the other way. "What's going on?" asked Alton.

"The two Hives are deploying Darts." Said Yelena. "They'll reach the planet in no time."

Alton turned back to Caldwell. "Begin the operation Colonel." Said Alton as he begins to walk away from the screen..

Caldwell nods his head disconnects leaving the screen blank. Alton moves towards his chair and sits in it. While Lieutenant Henderson remains by the holotable to coordinate damage control and Yelena appeared from the holotable next to the Captain's chair to receive orders from Alton.

"Sound battle stations now." Said Altona and one of the officers on board turn on the alarms indicating everyone on the 3.5 kl long ship to prepare for engagement of enemy hostile. "Raise Shields to max power and full military thrust of engines."

Officers on board began working rapidly to their assign stations, as veterans of the Covenant war they knew the stakes when engaging an enemy in space so many of them were calm in the matter under stressful situations.

Space

Out in space above the planet, two Hive ships were releasing their Darts to begin culling the human populations below, but as they felt secured and unchallenged from the planet to their shocks a ship arrives to engage them. The Wraith fearing nothing opened fire on the small ship and blue streaks of energy flew through space hitting on the tiny ships shields.

The Daedalus jolts under impacts from the weapons fire from the two Hive ships, but continues to move towards the two vessels which, side by side, are both firing on her. She returns fire, her shields holding against the onslaught for the time being.

Praeter

Bridge

Captain Alton seeing the information on his command neural interface ordered his helmsman to move the Praeter into position.

As the Praeter's thrusters ignited moving the ship forward through space, Yelena alerted the Captain that the MAC guns were primed and ready.

Alton looking at the weapons officer. "As soon as were in weapons range fire on the targets we've designated for you." Said Alton turning back to the view screen.

When the Praeter came out behind the moon, Alton and everyone on board the bridge got their first look of a Hive ship in person for the first time.

"We are now on their sensors." Said Yelena monitoring the battle with clarion spy drones and sensors on board the ship. "Their attempting to change their position from engaging the Daedalus to intercept us."

Alton did not hesitate. "Fire." He said with confidence and in that moment the weapons officer fired and the Praeter fired its three Mark IV MAC guns each gun firing either a ferric tungsten, ferrous tungsten, or depleted uranium cores approximately 9.1 meters long at around 30,000 meters per second. The high muzzle speed gives the 600-ton slugs the kinetic energy and momentum to necessary damage a target.

The Mark IV MAC gun is also capable thanks to its upgrades able to fire an additional two more rounds after the first round is fired giving it a total of six rounds fired at an enemy.

The six 600-ton slugs slammed into the Hive ships port side across from bow to stern causing damage across the ship.

"Direct hit." Said the weapons officer as cheers began across the bridge, but Yelena soon ended the happy moment.

"Well this was not expected." Said Yelena concentrating on the new information.

Alton turned to look at Yelena to his side. "What is it?" asked Alton concerned.

"Apparently Doctor Cranes theory was correct." Said Yelena looking at the Captain. "The Hive ships organic nature is much thicker than we realize, the MAC rounds did not pass through it."

This caused many on the bridge to be concern, as the MAC guns were the UNSC's primary weapons; strong enough to take down a Covenant capital ships' shields.

"However there does appear to be damage to the Hive." Said Yelena showing everyone on the bridge. "Gun batteries on their port side is down, their venting atmosphere across their port side and one of their engines appear to be offline."

This brought the morale on the bridge up when hearing this, but as soon as their hopes were raised a warning sound came on the bridge.

"The Second Hive is targeting us." Said Yelena in a frantic tone. "Brace for impact."

And just as she said it, the ship shook from the bombardment of the weapons fire from the second Hive ship.

"Shield strength?" shouted Alton over the sparks flying from computers.

"Shields are holding, but under this continued bombardment from their weapons it will begin to diminish in time." Said Yelena as her hologram flickers from the constant attack.

"Then we need to finish this, prepare to fire…" Alton was stopped as the sensors officer reported to the Captain.

"Captain, a Dart from the second Hive is firing on the damaged Hive." Said the sensors officer

Alton looked at Yelena for confirmation on this news.

"He's correct the Dart is attacking the damage Hive." Said Yelena, she then tilted her head surprised at what she was seeing. "Sir the darts from both ships are firing on each other and now both Hive's are shooting at each other."

Alton got up from his chair and looked at the view screen seeing the information and was amazed at what he was seeing the Hive shooting at each other despite there being two enemy ships in their presence.

As the Hive continued their bombardment the damage Hive exploded first, but the blast wave engulfed the other Hive causing it to explode as well.

Alton sat back in his chair with a grin look on his face. "Well who could have seen that coming."

Ignis Base

Alton's Office

Hours Later

In Alton's office, Alton was writing a report of the battle of Edowin. As he was typing a knock on his door caused him to turn away from the computer. "Enter." He said in a tired voice.

The door opened to reveal Captain Dare. "Have a minute?" asked Dare.

Alton nodded his head. "Sure, needed a break anyway from looking at this screen all day." Said Alton as he leans back in his chair. "What can I do for you."

Dare walks into the room and sits down in the chair across from Alton. "The two prisoners GR-1 captured are confined in the prison on the base." Said Dare remembering halling the two men responsible for capturing Colonel Sheppard and his team. "We also took possession of everything they had at that cave."

Alton then leaned forward. "And the other thing we acquired?" asked Alton.

Dare nodded her head. "Right where Sheppard said he left it." Said Dare remembering being on the recovery team. " Crane couldn't wait to get his hands on it the moment we told him what Weir and her people were giving us for compensation for the help we offered; I'm still impressed that Sheppard managed to fly a Dart and use it to attack the other Hive ship getting both of them to fire on each other."

Alton nodded his head. "Indeed, it was impressive, pretty much helped us out against those Hive ships." Said Alton being modest as he felt that the Praeter could have finished the job. "As well as the intel he got about the Wraith."

Dare nodded her head. "It would appear the Wraith are not a united society as we assumed they were and are becoming more territorial than we had previously thought." Said Dare thinking of how beneficial this is to them. "There is definite tension building among them we could easily exploit."

Alton nodded his head. "Agreed, this might make things easier on us." Said Alton as both Alton and Dare see this new situation before them a turning point in their struggle in this galaxy only time could tell if this was good or bad.

Some of you are probably going to be pissed at me for this chapter, I know many of you feel that the trade between Alton and Weir seems unfair in value, but that's all Alton was going to offer them, nothing technical until later on. Now some of you are wondering will Alton begin mining resources for Naquadah and Trinium? Well considering the Atlantis expedition never looked for these resources in Pegasus and no evidence showed the Wraith ever mining these resources to begin with I'm not sure if Naquadah or Trinium is naturally occurring in Pegasus, the only evidence of Naquadah are the Stargates in Pegasus. The only thing that is naturally occurring I can be assure of is neutronium which exist on the replicator planet Asuras. As for the brief battle at Edowin, I know some of you are going to complain that the Praeter's shields should have begun to deplete the moment the Wraith started attacking, well it was one Hive ship that was attacking and by the time the shields were going to begin depleting Sheppard had already begun attacking the other Hive. Now I'm not saying they wouldn't have, but if Sheppard hadn't done what he did the shields would have begun to deplete in time. I hope you enjoy this chapter please leave a review.