Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Conference Room
In the conference room, Alton, Dare, Faison, Collins and Colonel Lang now being included in the inner circle was getting a debriefing from Dr. Crane on the Replicators.
Images of metallic robots in the shape of spiders appeared on the screen. "The Asgard were the first race to encounter these forms of replicators in their home galaxy." Explained Crane from the information Weir and her people provided. "After years of fighting them, they were losing the war, and throughout the war these replicators eventually evolved to take on human form which made them much more dangerous."
"Yeah, we get that, how did they beat them?" Asked Dare wanting to correct the mistake made in allowing the replicators access to her mind and sensitive information.
"Well first we need to know what we're dealing with before I explained that part." Pointed out Crane that knowledge was power. "Now Human-form replicators are composed of millions of tiny Nanite cells not much is known about their construction, except that Neutronium is a key element, replicators are linked together through a subspace communication network, something I saw when working on the replicator base code with McKay."
"So, they can share information through subspace?" Asked Alton seeing a problem with that. "Can we intercept these communications?"
Crane shakes his head. "No, our understanding of subspace is better than it was before thanks to that little exchange program we did with Atlantis, but we won't be able to intercept any of their comms using our equipment unless we find a way to plug into the network directly." Replied Crane explaining the difficulty. "Now the human-form replicators are immune to all of our projectile weapons as demonstrated given our first encounter with them, but there is a weapon that Weir and her people have that allows them to destroy replicators completely, they call it a replicator-disruptor, they're energy weapons that disrupt the link between the nanites' cells. The Replicators literally fall apart when you fire on them."
"If they had a weapon like that why don't they just go in and take down these replicators?" Asked Faison not seeing the reason to not attack them first.
Crane shakes his head. "These weapons are powerful, but the replicators have the ability to create an immunity to the disruptor weapon after being fired at them multiple times." Explained Crane on why the Atlantis expedition doesn't do just that. "They would have to get them all line up and hit them at the same time, to prevent them from identifying the frequency they use to disrupt the bonds that hold the Replicators together."
"So, they can counter act the weapon given enough time?" Asked Alton not liking the idea that these things can create a counter measure quickly. "Is there anything else we have that might work on these things?"
Crane nodded his head. "I got the idea from seeing Ronon Dex firing his particle magnum at the replicators it seemed to momentarily stop them for a second which gave us the time needed to escape." Said Crane recalling the incident, he then brings up a very familiar weapon. "The Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol, and more commonly known as the Plasma Pistol, it's overcharged bolt when fired creates an electromagnetic bottle containing the plasma produces an EMP which can disable many various electronic devices within range, now I doubt this would shut down the replicators, but it may stall them momentarily."
"Don't you think the replicators already know about this weapon?" Asked Dare thinking anything they throw at them now they would counter act.
Crane nods his head. "They may be aware of the weapon from probing our minds but knowing about a weapon and experiencing it are two completely different things." Explained Crane as he brings up the weapon. "My main task is to create alternative weapons in case the replicators in this galaxy create an immunity to the disruptor weapon."
"Speaking of the disruptor when are we going to get our hands on that weapon?" Asked Collins for the first time since this meeting started.
Alton leaned on the desk. "Will be negotiating access to the weapon in a couple of weeks when the ambassador from the UETG will be meeting with a representative from Earth." Answered Alton on the plan official meeting between their two governments. "Until then Dr. Crane please continue with the next thing."
Crane went ahead and changed the image again to what looked like microscopic machines. "These are the nanites, Dr. Collins retrieved from Major Faison when he was infected with them." Pointed out Crane where he got these nanites from. "They are completely inert, Captain Alton ordered me to blast the remaining nanites with an EMP, but even inactive I'm learning a lot about these things and Yelena has been helpful as well."
"How?" Asked Lang wondering what Yelena has done.
Before Crane could respond Yelena appeared in the conference room. "When I interfaced with Major Faison brain using his Spartan neural interface it gave me direct access to his brain which the nanites bonded to neurons and other cells throughout his central nervous system." Said Yelena recalling the event that she experienced. "While connected I made direct contact with the nanites and fought to help break the chains they surrounded Faison, he eventually did the rest."
Faison leaned back in his chair. "Can we please not bring that up it was an unpleasant experience for me." Stressed Faison not wanting to recall what happened.
Everyone looked around each other remembering what happened, Crane cleared his throat. "Right, anyway with Yelena's help we learned the nanite coding used in these things as the same kind used in the replicator base code." Crane showing an image of lines of code written in Ancient. "Hopefully with enough time and help we may be able to understand this type of code to help protect ourselves in the future if these machines are capable of cyber warfare."
Alton nodded his head in approval the more they know about this new enemy the better they can prepare for the next engagement. "And the last thing you want to present us?" Asked Alton giving Crane the last presentation he has left for them.
Crane then changed the screen to show complicated equations and words on the side. "It's about what Dr. McKay said on our trip to Asuras, "Vacuum Energy" is what he described ZPM's." Explained Crane as he brings up an image of a ZPM. "For the longest time we haven't known what powers these things, but after what McKay said I figured it out, ZPM's generates its enormous power from Vacuum energy which is an underlying background energy that exists in space throughout the entire Universe. Its behavior is codified in research. Still, the exact effect of such fleeting bits of energy is difficult to quantify. The vacuum energy is a special case of zero-point energy that relates to the quantum vacuum."
Alton stares at Crane with skeptical dumbfounded look. "Dr. Explain it to someone who doesn't have a P.H.D in science!" Ordered Alton not liking this science jargon.
Crane tries to think of way to explain it better. "I've determined that ZPM's generates its enormous power from vacuum energy derived from a self-contained region of subspace time." Explained Crane of what he managed to determine from his research.
"How is that possible?" Asked Alton wanting to seek a way to recreate the method.
Crane shrugs. "That I'm not sure on how they achieved it." Said Crane unsure how they managed to do it. "Hopefully in time will figure this out."
Alton took a deep breath and exhaled out. "We have a lot of work to do people." Suggested Alton that everyone has a lot on their plate. "Dr. Crane have everything compiled into a report and be ready to transmit everything to the UNSC during their schedule dial in."
Alton stands up from his chair and walks out of the conference room following behind him everyone else.
Andromeda Galaxy
Terra System
Erde-Tyrene
UNSC Military Intelligence Base
Inside the UNSC military intelligence base half a dozen Spartans were gathered together by Osman to take part in an experiment. The Spartans were informed about the experiment and the dangers that come with it. Before they begin the Spartans will undergo a number of tests to see how they are before they take the enzyme and after they take it to see if any significant changes occur.
To prevent some of the side effects, it was decided to have each Spartan paired up with a UNSC A.I. to monitor their progress and diagnose their physical and mental states. Each Spartan was currently in a test outside their Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor (GEN2) to see how far they can push their limits.
After a weeks' worth of tests, they'll begin slowly administering the Wraith enzyme in phases and regulate the dosage. Within time they hope this enzyme that makes you stronger will push the Spartan augmentations further than before.
Erde Tyrene
High Command
Lord Hood's Office
Inside Lord Hood's office Hood was going over the latest reports coming from the Pegasus galaxy and the plan meeting for the ambassador from the UETG with Earths ambassador. The one thing Lord Hood was most concern was these replicators a machine race created by the Ancients to fight the Wraith, access to advance technology that will become a problem if they decide to attack the UNSC.
Hood was looking at an image of the Stargate, UNSC scientists trying to figure out how it works and there was plans to have the Huragoks take apart the Stargate and build their own versions, but considering the Stargates also acts like a door and the potential to have dangerous enemies coming through, Highcomm scrapped that idea in fear of having something worse invading this galaxy. So, for now, the only Stargate in this galaxy will remain secured on Gamma Halo.
Hood turned off his computers and stood up from his chair and walked out of his office. "Tomorrow is another day." Stated Hood going to take a break from all this new and unusual situation they have been dragged into.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Conference room
In the conference room, Captain Alton and Captain Dare received a transmission from Atlantis, Dr. Weir needed their assistance in finding Colonel Sheppard who has been captured by a former Genii leader Aucustus Kolya who wants to trade Sheppard's life for Ladon Radim's who was currently at Atlantis to solve this problem.
"What do we know about this man?" Asked Alton never hearing the name before.
Dare brings up an image of a man Alton never has seen before. "His name is Aucustus Kolya was a Commander in the Genii military and an enemy of the Atlantis expedition, particularly Colonel Sheppard and his team." Explained Dare reading off her own investigation. "He once under the command of Cowen infiltrated Atlantis to steal their supplies, but decided to try and take Atlantis, but failed in his mission."
Alton looked at the information Weir provided for them. "How did your agent miss this?" Asked Atlon seeking an answer from their own intelligence division.
Dare sighed. "My agent is working within the Genii, Aucustus Kolya is a renegade outside of Genii command." Pointed out Dare of the reason why her agent didn't know about this plan attack. "I could try and get into contact with him, but that could take time considering Ladon Radim is now investigating the leak that allowed Kolya to capture Sheppard."
Alton sighed heavily. "Distrust within his own people, Sheppard's life at stake with a hungry Wraith being allowed to feed on him over 50 addresses to comb through to find this Genii hideout." Reported Alton from the data pad he was reading. "How long can Sheppard hang on with a Wraith feeding on him?"
"According to Kolya a minimum of three hours between feeding sessions is crucial to ensure the body has sufficient time to recover from the trauma, that was an hour ago after Weir contacted us and explained the situation, they were in." Said Dare reading off her own reports. "But according to Drs Beckett and Collins Sheppard might be already dead, a large percentage of those that survive a partial feeding die anyway due to complications as a result of strain on the system."
Alton looked away still remembering what happened to one of his people. "So not a lot of time, where do we begin?" Asked Atlon seeking options to help.
"We could investigate the addresses they sent us, but we do have something better." Stated Dare which prompted Alton to raise an eyebrow looking skeptical at Dare's suggestion.
Ignis Base
Corridor
In the corridors of Ignis base two ODST's were leading a man in an orange jump suit chained from his hands to his feet, unshaven and messy hair, the ODST's lead him into a room.
Ignis Base
Interrogation room C
The man in the orange jumpsuit was brought into the room and forced to sit down, the ODST's then leave the room, closing the door behind them.
The man began to adjust in his chair, when suddenly a voice in the room spoke. "Cown former chief of the Genii!" Said the feminine voice. "Look how far you have fallen."
Cown remained calm being captive by these people for six months has been an experience for him. "I would not be in this situation if it was not for your people holding me prisoner." Remarked Cown recalling the event when strange individuals stormed his compound and struck him with a Wraith stunner. "And then there's that traitor of a scientist Ladon Radim for attempting to assassinate me."
Dare then moved into the light getting Cown's attention. "Well where I'm standing you have your life, now we need something else form you!" Demanded Dare as she takes a seat across from Cowen. "Seven hours ago, Colonel Sheppard was taken captive by a former associate of yours Aucustus Kolya."
Cowen began to chuckle and then laugh out loud at hearing that. "That made my day." Commented Cowen as he wipes a tear from his eye from the overjoy at hearing that. "And what makes you think I can help you?"
Dare brings up a list of addresses sent to them by Weir and present them to Cowen. "You were once leader of the Genii and probably kept a few secrets to yourself." Dare attested to the facts she makes of Cowen. "So, you probably know where Sheppard is being held along with a Wraith prisoner?"
Cowen lifted his chained hands on the table and leaned forward. "And what's in it for me if I help?" Asked Cowen seeking to take advantage of the situation.
Dare looks around and began to ponder. "We could change your accommodations to something more suitable then what you're currently living." Offered Dare to entice Cowen.
Cowen begins to laugh and leans back in his chair. "I'm afraid that's not good enough." Countered Cowen not accepting Dare's offer. "If you want my assistance then I seek my freedom for aiding you."
Dare gets up from her seat and walks out the door leaving Cowen chained in the room.
Ignis Base
Observation Room
In the observation room, Captain Alton and Colonel Lang were observing the whole interrogation through a two-way mirror.
"Doesn't look like he's going to budge." Pointed out Lang as she crosses her arms. "You want me to go in now as bad cop?"
Alton shook his head. "Negative, Cowen's the type of man that won't succumb to torture and if it seems were desperate it will play into his hands." Declared Alton of not resorting to that form of interrogation. "Will need something of value to him."
As the two converses, Dare walks into the room. "Well you heard what he wants!" stated Dare on Cowen's demands. "What do you want to do?"
Alton stares at Cowen through the glass. "Does he know where Sheppard is being kept?" Asked Alton wanting to make sure they weren't wasting their time.
Dare looks at Cowen. "When he looked at the addresses, I presented, I saw his facial expression changed." Stated Dare years of training in ONI taught her to pick up on these subtle changes on people's faces.
"You can tell that?" Asked Lang in disbelief that Dare was able to pick that up so easily.
"Years of training." Replied Dare in an arrogant tone of voice.
"What would happen if we let him go?" Asked Alton steering the conversation back to the main problem at hand.
Dare crossed her arms. "My undercover agent informed me that there are still some loyalists to Cowen who feel that Ladon's coup was uncalled for." Informed Dare to Alton on the current status of the Genii. "Freeing Cowen could lead to a civil war amongst the Genii."
"And we should care about this, why?" Asked Lang not seeing a reason to worry about a civil war on a different human planet.
"Despite what we might think about the Genii they can still prove useful in the long run." Reiterated Dare on the value of the Genii as tools. "Having them weaken by a civil war is not good for anyone regardless of our own plans."
Alton began thinking on what to do staring into the room where Cowen was sitting idly on the chair. "I need to make a trip to Atlantis." Declared Alton as he walks out of the room and headed for the Stargate.
Pegasus Galaxy
Lantea System
Lantea
Atlantis
Weir's office
In Weir's office, Weir was conversing with Ladon until the arrival of Alton from the gate room.
"Ladon Radim allow me to introduce to..." Started Weir only to be interrupted by Ladon.
"Captain Alton of the UNSC." Responded Ladon surprising both Alton and Weir as he sticks out his hand. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."
Alton taken back by how Ladon was aware of him, was hesitant to take his hand but took it anyway and shook. "Nice to finally meet you too Mr. Radim." Declared Alton as he took a seat. "We need to talk."
Pegasus Galaxy
MSR-533
Epsilon Base
Gate Room
Dare along with two ODST's came through the gate dragging Cowen with them, as the gate shuts down behind them, Dare stops at the edge of the ramp and turns to face Cowen. "Times up Cowen, give me the address or else!" Demanded Dare in a threatening manner.
"Oh, time is up, for Colonel Sheppard." Cowen taunting at Dare for wasting time. "It's been 6 hours since we last talked, and I believe from our own study of how Wraith feed he's passed the point of no return."
Dare smiled at Cowen. "Then what good are you to us anymore." Pointed out Dare of Cowen's usefulness ran out.
Cowen's face changed looking concern now. "I didn't take your people as the type to torture or kill when you don't get your way!" Pointed out Cowen.
Dare shakes her head. "Oh, we don't plan to do that." Confessed Dare innocently as she turns her head towards the side blast doors as they open to reveal Ladon and his men standing at the doorway. "However, I can't say the same for him."
Cowen was feeling all sorts of emotions anger, contempt, and fear as he didn't know what would happen if the UNSC handed him over to Ladon and his men.
Cowen gulped as he begins to sweat. "I request asylum in exchange for information!" Pleaded Cowen to Dare.
Dare leaned in. "Start talking." Ordered Dare as the group in the gate room stand waiting.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Alton's Office
12 hours later
In Alton's office, Alton was going over the latest mission reports from GR teams that have continued exploring the galaxy. As Alton was reading some of the reports, Dare walked into Alton's office after knocking and getting permission from Alton to enter.
"Captain Dare." Said Alton expecting to see her. "I assume you managed to get your agent out of undercovering in the Genii?"
Dare took a seat across from Alton's desk. "We managed to pick him up on a planet the Genii does trading with." Reported Dare on the mission to get her man out of deep undercover. "Along with classified information from the Genii before he left."
Alton nodded his head in approval. "I'm sorry you had to get your man out." Commented Alton knowing how hard Dare had to place her agent to begin with. "Revealing Cowen to Ladon and Weir wasn't easy, but time was running out on Shepard."
Dare didn't like the fact that Alton revealed Cowen which forced her to get her agent out of the Genii, Dare had to assume that Ladon would be aware that much of the Genii had been compromised when the UNSC took Cowen as their prisoner. "I take it when you revealed that part it didn't go well with either of them?" Asked Dare wondering how that conversation would have been.
Alton sighed as he leans back in his chair. "To say I got an ear full is an understatement." Commented Alton recalling how angry both were that Cowen was not only alive but as a prisoner and kept that information from them. "I managed to placate Ladon's anger by offering an alliance with him and tried to offer a fire team to assist Weir, but she refused and was determined to take care of rescuing Sheppard without our assistance."
"Well it's a good thing I went any way, we learned something very crucial about the Wraith." Stressed Dare when she and her personal unit gathered at the scene when they saw Sheppard not only revived but his youth returned. "I didn't know the Wraith could do that?"
"You and everyone else." Replied Alton as being a shock for many that the Wraith could return someone's vitality back. "While Sheppard's rescue was a success the Wraith was taken to another planet instead of being killed and Kolya escaped."
Dare remembered how Sheppard wanted to free the Wraith instead when he stunned him with Ronon's particle gun and Kolya unfortunately escaped their custody. "The Wraith I'm not concerned about, but Kolya is still out there, I have my people keeping an eye out for him."
Alton nodded his head; it was bad enough to deal with the Wraith but now must deal with other humans who seem bent on putting their own interests above defeating a common enemy. "Will just have to be more careful going forward!" Stated Alton on the current political situations in Pegasus.
Pegasus Galaxy
Genii Homeworld
Underground Bunker
Ladon Radim's Office
Ladon was in his office looking at a photo, one of his aids provided for him. "So, this is the spy that was amongst us?" Asked Ladon seeking an answer.
The aide nodded his head. "We believe so yes." Replied the aide. "This individual disappeared on one of the planets we trade with."
Ladon looks at the time stamp of when that happened. "They're good, gave him enough time while distracting me." Commented Ladon at seeing the UNSC a force to be reckoned with. "Glad I managed to get an alliance with them, who knew Cowen would be useful in that."
The aide had an uncomfortable look on his face at hearing that. "Sir, if the Genii learned about Cowen being alive, this could fracture our people." Stressed the aide on the dangers of Cowen being alive could mean.
Ladon placed the paper down and looked at his aide. "That was one of the deals I made with Captain Alton to ensure my reign as leader of the Genii." Said Ladon as he smiles that he now has a powerful force backing him. "So, I have nothing to worry about even if they find out."
Pegasus Galaxy
Unknown System
Unknown Planet
Nighttime
In the middle of the night on a planet, Kolya was licking his wounds as he takes another drink. "I knew there was another military force in the galaxy, I just didn't expect them to be allies with Atlantis." Complained Kolya to a man in the dark. "Now according to my sources any hope at overthrowing Ladon Radim is pointless now that the UNSC is backing him."
The man in the dark came into the light looking at Kolya in disgust. "Now look at you battered and beaten." Goaded the man trying to get a reaction out of Kolya, but Kolya just stared at him in contempt. "But don't worry me and my people will gladly help you!"
Kolya placed his mug on the table. "If were being honest I never intended to recruit you and your men, but with a new player in the galaxy I need all the help I can get." Commented Kolya needing more manpower after the loss of so many. "So Torrell do we have a deal?"
Torrell smiles thinking about all the fun they were going to have. "You won't be disappointed." Replied Torrell as he sticks his hand out to Kolya, who took it as desperate times called for desperate measures.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
3 weeks later
Ignis Base
Gate Room
In the gate room, Captain Alton, Dare, and Dr. Crane were waiting down by the ramps in front of an active wormhole waiting for a visitor to come through the Stargate. After a minute a woman business attire with a brief case in hand came out of the Stargate, before walking down the ramp she turned back to look at the event horizon amazed by the technology.
"Ambassador!" Stated Alton acknowledging on the person that came through the gate. "Welcome to the Pegasus Galaxy!"
The ambassador slowly walks down the ramp. "Captain Alton a pleasure to meet you." Replied the ambassador as she looks around the gate room. "My name is Katlyn Harrison from the Diplomatic Core in the UETG sent by the President to commence diplomatic relations with the people of Earth."
Alton gesture with his hands. "Right this way Ambassador Harrison." Said Alton as he leads the young woman to the conference room.
Ignis Base
Conference Room
In the conference room Harrison took her seat at the head table, while Alton, Dare, and Crane sat on the side.
"Do you care for any refreshments Ms. Harrison?" Asked Alton offering his best hospitality.
The ambassador shook her head. "No thank you." Replied Harrison as she politely declines the offer. "I want to get started as soon as possible."
"I'm assuming you've done your homework then?" Asked Dare wondering how well prepared the young ambassador is.
Harrison smiled. "I've done extensive research and read every mission report as well as detailed information on Dr. Weir and her people." Commented Harrison on what she has went through to get to this point. "Still I will need you all there with me when I meet their ambassador for these negotiations."
Alton then leaned on the table. "In a short while will be leaving to Atlantis." Declared Alton of when they will be departing. "In that time, we have made accommodations for you to stay for a protracted period."
Harrison was informed beforehand that she would not be coming back home for maybe a year as the trip to this galaxy by Stargate was one way, until they can find a power source strong enough to power the Stargate in Pegasus back to their home galaxy. "Thank you Captain I look forward to my stay here." Responded Harrison as she stands and is led by two ODST's
As the ambassador leaves, Alton looks at the two remaining in the room. "So, what do you think?" Asked Alton to Dare and Crane seeking their opinion.
Dare brought up her datapad and took control of the screen bringing up an image of Harrison along with her record. "Admiral Osman sent me these on the good ambassador." Commented Dare. "Ambassador Harrison born on Erde-Tyrene in 2528 to a wealthy family, graduated from an all-girls academy at the age of 16, went to the most prestigious College and study politics, she has worked her way up in the government and even helped in campaign for certain political figures and won."
Alton leaned back in his chair. "She has experience in politics, but nothing on negotiating with a foreign government." Pointed out Alton on her inexperience in dealing with foreign affairs.
Dare turned off the screen and placed the datapad down. "That's why we need to be there and support her." Suggested Dare. "We have the most experience in dealing with these people."
"Not to mention during negotiations we want access to certain technologies." Pointed out Crane of what they have been building up towards. "Has the UNSC made any restrictions on what we can trade with?"
Dare had a wavering look on her face. "It depends on what we can get access too?" Asked Dare that this was a touchy situation. "Ultimately our focus is to make an official alliance with their leaders and will go from there."
Pegasus Galaxy
Lantea System
Lantea
Atlantis
Gate Room
In the gate in front of an active Stargate, Dr. Weir and Richard Woolsey were present waiting for the arrival of the UNSC ambassador. After a couple of seconds waiting Alton and Dare stepped through following behind was Dr. Crane and a woman never seen before and GR-1 acting as a security detail.
"Dr. Weir, Mr. Woolsey a pleasure to see you both again!" Stated Alton being friendly to the two, as he gestures with his hands to present their ambassador. "I like to present ambassador Katlyn Harrison from the diplomatic corps of the Unified Erde-Tyrene Government."
Harison walked up to the two and held out her hand. "On behalf of my government and from the President of the UETG I welcome these talks to further our relations between our governments."
Richard Woolsey was the first to take Harrison's hand before Weir. "And on behalf of the International Oversight Advisory and Earth we welcome these talks to form an alliance not only against a common enemy, but to strength our bonds and ties with long lost brothers and sisters from the stars."
Weir then shook hands with Harrison. "Welcome to Atlantis, I'm sure your eager to get started with these meetings?" Asked Weir knowing how eager her side is to start this.
Harrison nodded her head. "Yes, is there a place to have this meeting?"
Weir nodded her head. "Follow me please!" Gestured Weir as she leads them up the stairs and into the conference room.
Atlantis
Conference Room
In the conference room, Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay was already seated waiting for the group to arrive. As soon as the UNSC representatives walked through the door they took their seats on the opposite side of the horseshoe shaped table, while Weir sat at the head and Woolsey sat next to her.
"First of all, I would like to say thank you for everything your people have done for us the past year and beyond." Complimented Weir on what Alton has done in the name of the UNSC. "I hope after this diplomatic meeting our alliance will only be stronger."
Harrison gave a small smile. "The UETG feels the same way, Dr. Weir and we hope to continue a strong relationship despite coming from different galaxies." Replied Harrison being courteous as well, Alton then coughed to get Harrison on the next important factor of why they were also here. "And to further our relationship, the UETG has granted me to reveal classified information to you that concerns the safety of your galaxy."
This made Weir and the rest of the expedition members look nervous and surprised at the same time wondering what Harrison was talking about. Before they could speak Harrison nodded to Dare who pulled out a brief case and handed files to Hagman who passed it out to Weir and her people.
"The information contained in those files are highly classified in the UNSC." Stressed Dare on how important the information is! "Not even our own citizens know about this and few in our government and military are aware either."
"This must be huge to keep this secret from a lot of people." Commented Sheppard as he opens the files. "So, why tell us?"
Alton then straighten himself out and leaned on the table. "During our last engagement with the Wraith in the void between galaxies we tracked the path they would have taken if they had continued on their course to your planet and learned the location of your home galaxy." Confessed Alton of what they have done. "Let me be clear, we know your home galaxy, but not the location of Earth."
This caused many to have upset looks on their faces, Harrison seeing this tried to placate their concerns. "In the spirit of cooperation and strengthening this alliance my government has offered to reveal our home galaxy but not our homworld to you." Declared Harrison surprising the expedition members as they look through the files.
"Your galaxy is Andromeda?" Blurted out McKay shocked to see this. "That's like right next door to Pegasus!"
Alton and his people looked at each other surprised to hear McKay called it Andromeda. "We call our galaxy something else, but Andromeda is nice." Pointed out Crane of the name they have given to their galaxy. "And we call your galaxy Spiral."
"Spiral?" Asked McKay dryly not impressed. "Not very original in naming, but besides that we call it the Milky Way."
Before another word could be said, Woolsey intervened. "As all this is enlightening, why are we discussing our home galaxy?" Inquired Woolsey as he was hoping to make this an easy diplomatic meeting.
Harrison took a deep breath and began explaining about their galaxy's history, starting with the Forerunner's their version of the Ancients and their advance technology and how they were wiped out by the Flood or the Parasite, as they are known to the Covenant, are a species of highly virulent parasitic organisms that can reproduce and grow by consuming sentient life forms of sufficient biomass and cognitive capability. The Flood was responsible for consuming most of the sentient life in the galaxy, notably the Forerunners, during the 300-year-long Forerunner-Flood war. The Flood presented the most variable faction in the human-Covenant war, as it can infect and mutate Humans and Covenant species, such as Sangheili and Jiralhanae, into Combat Forms. They are widely considered to be the greatest threat to the whole existence of life, or more accurately, biodiversity, in the Andromeda galaxy if not the whole universe.
Harrison then went to explain avoiding the topic of the Halo array and how it was used to wipe out all sentient life in the galaxy as a means to starve the flood to death. Instead gave a cryptic tale on how the Forerunner's managed to defeat the Flood.
Weir, Woolsey, McKay, and Sheppard had shocked looks on their faces, they could not fathom the kind of enemy they had to face during their war with the Covenant.
"I thought the Wraith were bad!" Pointed out Sheppard that compared to the Flood the Wraith at least leave humans alive to allow them to grow their populations. "These things are just..."
"Monstrous." Said Dare finishing for Sheppard as he had no words to describe the Flood.
McKay began to feel agitated from reading about the Flood. "Monstrous? How about terrifying talk about the stuff of nightmares?" Complained McKay seeing these biomass Flood forms.
"Do these things still exist in your galaxy?" Asked Weir wondering on the current state of the Flood.
Alton and the others had uncomfortable looks on how to answer that. "We managed to contain a Flood outbreak before it spread throughout the galaxy." Answered Alton remembering reading the classified reports on what had happened at the end of the War. "But there are still Flood specimens contained on Forerunner installations in our galaxy."
This caused many to have uncomfortable looks on their faces. "As much as we appreciate the warning about these things, why tell us this now?" Asked Woolsey not understanding the negotiating tactics being used.
Alton then took a deep breath and exhaled. "Our original mission was to locate the origins of the Flood." Alton revealing the real reason for his mission that he has kept quiet from Weir and her people. "Our people discovered a Forerunner facility dedicated to finding the origin as the Flood came from outside of our galaxy and they determined the origins exist in a small galaxy they called Path Kethona."
As the expedition members look through the information McKay made a startling, discovery "Elizabeth this Path Kethona they described is actually the Large Magellenic Cloud LMC for short." Stressed McKay getting the attention of everyone around him. "It's 160,000 light years away from the Milky Way."
This caused many to be shocked by this news and Sheppard looked at Alton accusingly. "Why didn't you inform us about this enemy when we first met?" Demanded Sheppard angry at Alton and his people for keeping something like this secret.
"It was classified by the highest levels of our government." Answered Alton not going to apologize for keeping it a secret. "We're informing you now because we still intend to investigate Path Kethona, but now that we know Path Kethona is a satellite galaxy for your home galaxy we want to work together to stop the Flood."
This made the expedition looked at each other in surprise. "What do you have in mind?" Asked Woolsey steering the negotiations back to him.
Harrison straighten herself up in her seat. "When we learned about their being two other branches of humanity in two different galaxies, it came to the decision by the UETG and the UNSC to set up a colony in one of those galaxies." Explained Harrison of the future goals of her government. "For obvious reasons Pegasus is a no go, which is why we would like to set up a colony in your home galaxy."
This was a surprise to Woolsey he was not expecting this. "And you need our help because we know our galaxy very well?" Hinted Woolsey as to why they brought this to them.
"This will benefit all sides!" Suggested Harrison as everyone's interest will be met. "We create a colony that will be safe, away from hostile aliens we were once at war with and you gain another ally in your galaxy to come to your aide in a time of crisis."
While Woolsey was thinking of what this could mean for Earth gaining a powerful ally like the UNSC, Weir needed to clear the air. "There is something you should know about our galaxy." Cautioned Weir on their ambitions to colonize in another galaxy.
Woolsey gave Weir a concerned look. "Doctor Weir." Blurted out Woolsey trying to prevent her from saying anymore.
"Mr. Woolsey, they shared a piece of information they had no reason to, it is only fair that we return the favor." Pointed out Weir that they must warn their allies on what their walking into. "Our own galaxy has a history of its own and I should warn you we are currently under attack right now from an enemy outside of our galaxy called the Ori."
Weir went into detail about the history of their galaxy, how the Ancients arrived and set up a gate network and then were hit by a plague that forced them to come to Pegasus. The rise and fall of the Goa'uld empire as well as rising organizations and nations such as the Jaffa nation and Lucian Alliance and the invasion of the Ori an off shoot of the ancients who became ascended beings who see humans as nothing more than lower life forms to supply them with energy.
This time the UNSC were the ones in shock at hearing of another branch of humanity somewhere out in the universe who are governed by ascended beings with access to power and knowledge of the universe that seemed to make them god-like.
Dare was tapping her fingers on the table as silence reign over the Conference room. "Anything else we want to share before we get started?" Queried Dare to the group if they want to get anything else off their chests.
Before anyone could say anything Dr. Zelenka came on the intercom. "Drs. Weir, McKay, and Colonel Sheppard please report to the isolation room."
This gave Woolsey time to call for a recess for everyone to process all this information.
As expedition members got up to leave giving the room to the UNSC to converse amongst themselves while they deal with this new problem.
"Wonder what that was all about?" Asked Dare her spook training getting the best of her.
Alton seeing this decided to stop her snooping. "Captain Dare don't." Ordered Alton not wanting Dare to spy on their allies. "We are here for a different reason."
Before Dare could speak a soldier from the expedition walks into the room and request that Alton and his group follow him, which made many wonders what was going on.
Atlantis
Isolation Observation Room
Alton and his group arrived in the observation room looking down the isolation chamber, they're they see a large monitor showing Dr. Rodney McKay, or what they believed to be Dr. McKay, when they see McKay in the observation room, they look at Weir.
"What's going on?" Asked Alton confused to what he was seeing.
Weir went into explanation on a project they were working on and that this Dr. McKay appeared in the project and claiming to be from a parallel Universe. Alton turned to Crane for an explanation.
"Parallel universes are only considered theoretical and even if they do exist travelling between universes is impossible let alone achievable." Explained Crane on their own science explaining parallel universes.
"Trust us when I say the word impossible should be removed from the vocabulary of every civilization." Urged McKay from seeing and reading 10 years of the Stargate program and what has been learned throughout that time.
Crane walks up to the observation window and looks down to see the McKay in there. "Well this is interesting." Replied Crane.
A woman unknown to the rest of the UNSC group turned to McKay. "You said the odds against this were "astronomical!"" Complained the woman clearly angry.
"You saw the math!" Deflected McKay of any blame that is coming his way.
"Well, we got it wrong!" Countered the woman still clearly angry.
Crane seeing this turned to face the two. "And she is?" Asked Crane gesturing with his hands.
The woman turned to face Crane. "Jeanie Miller, Dr. McKay's sister." Answered Jeanie introducing herself to the UNSC.
Crane sticks out his hand. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Miller." Said Crane being friendly to the woman. "Dr. Robert Crane of the UNSC."
Jeanie takes Cranes hand. "Oh, I've heard of you from my brother." Stated Jeanie as McKay became worried suddenly.
"I hope it's all good things?" Asked Crane innocently.
Jeanie looked at her brother, who merely cleared his throat. "A-any way we should focus on the problem down there." Declared McKay changing the subject.
Before anyone could speak Dare stepped forward. "You sure, this guy is telling the truth, and this isn't a trap setup by hostiles?" Asked Dare her suspicions on high alert.
Zelenka shook his head. "We don't think so, we would have detected any abnormalities outside the project." Explained Zelenka as being the one on the scene when it happened. "We did detect it in the chambers coming from our own project though and then he appeared in the chamber."
"What kind of project were you working on?" Asked Alton which got uncomfortable looks around them unsure what to say.
"They were trying to extract Zero Point Energy from a parallel universe." Blurted out Crane making everyone look at Crane in surprise. "Let me guess you inadvertently link to that McKay's universe and it caused some kind of problem?"
McKay and Jeanie just remain quiet, but their eyes said it all. "Let's go talk to myself and see what he's doing here." Stated McKay as he leaves Jeanie follows as well as Crane not wanting to waste time.
Alton and his group walked over to the observation window to see and listen in on the conversation.
Atlantis
Isolation Room
McKay, Jeanie, and Crane enter the isolation room.
"Wow." Gasped the Alternate McKay seeing his alternate sister. "Now, I'd figure you'd be here, but, uh, but Jeanie? I'd always hoped we'd work together in Atlantis."
Jeanie stares in shock at the two Rodney McKay's. The alternate McKay wears a black full body suit that covers him from neck to toe and fits him like a glove, has a spiked hairstyle similar to Sheppard's, and carries himself with a cool confidence.
"Huh." Blurted Jeanie still shocked. "This is a first."
"For me, too." Replied both McKay's at the same time.
The alternate McKay gesturing with his hands to a chair. "Have a seat." Offered the two as he takes a seat opposite of them. Now, I presume you go by…"
"Rodney." Replied McKay to his name.
"Ah." Said the Alternate McKay as he points to himself. "Rod."
McKay leans over to his sister. "I could never get anyone to call me that." Whispered McKay.
Rod looks at Crane for the first time since the whole conversation. "Oh, sorry I didn't see you." Apologized Rod for being rude. "And you are?"
This caused McKay and Jeanie to have surprised looks on their faces. "Dr. Robert Crane." Answered Crane.
"I don't believe I met you in my universe!" Confessed Rod sincerely. "It's nice to meet you!"
Before Crane could reply, McKay interjected. "Hold on you don't know who he is?" Asked McKay to Rod who shakes his head no. "And another question what are you wearing?"
Rod looks at himself. "This is a protective suit to allow me to wear my armor we use in my universe." Answered Rod as he turns to Crane. "No, I never met you in my universe are you from Earth?"
Crane shakes his head. "No, I'm part of the UNSC!" Answered Crane which caused Rod to have a confused look on his face. "My people are from another galaxy."
"Really." Blurted out Rod in a surprise tone at hearing that. "Another branch of humanity from a different galaxy."
"In your universe did your team or someone from Atlantis travel to a planet we designated as M37-469?" Asked McKay wondering if they travel there or not.
"M37-469?" Puzzled Rod trying to remember. "Yeah...yeah my team and I travel to 469 we found nothing."
McKay looked at Crane. "It's possible the Praeter in his universe never arrived at 469 or you guys managed to reach Path Kethona instead of accidentally traveling to Pegasus." Explained McKay on why Rod has never seen Crane or heard of the UNSC.
Jeanie seeing the back and forth conversation interjected. "Can we get back to why I have two brothers in this universe instead of one." Insisted Jeanie on getting back to the main point.
"R-right...right." Stuttered McKay getting back to why they were here. "Why are you here."
Rod lifts his arm to his side which an orange hologram appeared startling everyone in the rooms including the guards who raised their weapons at him, which prompted McKay to hold his hands to stop the soldiers. Rod then creates a 3D representation in hologram form to showcase what he assumes they were doing.
"Okay, I'm going to make some assumptions based on what I've seen here and from readings we've taken in my own space-time." Explained Rod with the hologram. "Please stop me if I'm wrong. One: I presume you're running some sort of experiment that's designed to bridge between parallel universes? And two: it has something to do with power generation. Warm? Cold?"
"Uh, hot." Blurted out Jeanie staring at the representation on the hologram.
"Well, I'm sure the experiment's been a success on this side, but it's having some rather serious repercussions in my universe." Stressed Rod on the dangers they were doing to his universe.
Jeanie smacks McKay. "I told you!" Condemned Jeanie at her brother.
"Not now!" Replied McKay not pleased with his sister for smacking him in front of others.
"Dangerous exotic particles that don't belong in either of our universes are being created on your side of the bridge!" Stated Jeanie knowing the reason of what caused the alternate McKay to travel to this universe.
"Exotic particles?" Asked Crane thinking what they meant. "Hypothetical particles and states of matter that have "exotic" physical properties that would violate known laws of physics, such as a particle having a negative mass?"
Jeanie nodded her head. "Not so hypothetical now." Stressed Jeanie upset on what they did.
"Well, you're quite correct, both of you." Pointed out Rod on them hitting the mark. "And because these particles don't behave according to any of the laws of physics in our space-time, they are creating a tear in the fabric of our universe."
Crane and the others looked at one another with worried looks on their faces.
Atlantis
McKay's Lab
After the meeting and Rod explaining that he would like for them to shut down their experiment to save his universe, the group gathered in McKay's lab looking at the armor rod was wearing, it had the expedition symbol on his right chest plate and the words AR-1 to designate what team he belongs to.
"Huh!" Stated McKay as he was scanning the armor. "I'm getting some weird readings from this thing."
Crane was examining it as well. "Materials are straight forward, but there seems to be some kind of microframe computer built into it with an A.I.?"
"V.I. actually!" Stated Rod on the side. "Virtual Intelligence."
Crane looked at Rod confused. "Virtual?" Blurted out Crane not understanding Rod. "That would be?"
"Very sophisticated programs designed to make modern computer systems easier to use." Explained Rod on what a V.I. is. "Though they appear to be intelligent, they aren't actually self-aware, just made with clever programming."
"So, like a Dumb A.I." Stated Crane which caused Rod to look confused. "Never mind did your people make all this tech?"
Rod shakes his head. "No not the armor, V.I. or this Omni-tool." Confessed Rod showing the orang colored hologram on his arm now known to the whole group as an omni-tool after Rod explained what it was a multi-purpose tool that can do anything. "It's a long story!"
"Please don't mind us." Urged Dare wanting to know everything the other McKay knew. "Were all interested in what you have to say."
Weir seeing this stepped in. "In good time Captain Dare." Pleaded Weir that now was not the time and place for this. "I think it would be best for all of us to call it a day and process what we have heard and witnessed."
Before Dare could say anything, Alton stepped in. "I agree with Weir." Said Alton siding with the leader of Atlantis. "We should call it a day and discuss this another time."
Dare gave Alton a menacing look, Alton gave one back not going to pressure Weir and her people. Harrison seeing the two eyeing each other interjected. "We hope to hear back from you on any and all information you gather from your guest."
Hearing this from Harrison Dare backed off and began walking out the door following behind was Alton and the rest of the UNSC heading back to the gate room.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Conference Room
24 hours later
In the conference room, Crane was reporting on the news in Atlantis on what had happened, apparently turning off the project that created the matter bridge only caused problems and had to be turned on which the exotic particles began to emerge in Rod's universe and a last-ditch attempt to stop it caused not only Rod to return to his universe, but depleted the one and only ZPM in Atlantis.
"According to the information they acquired from the alternate Dr. McKay, in their universe they encounter a... you would call it a colony ship, they called it an ark." Explained Crane from the information sent to them. "This ark was carrying colonists and travelling to Andromeda between galaxies."
Alton looked surprised. "That's what Weir and her people call our galaxy!" Pointed out Alton on where these colonists were heading. "Where were they going exactly."
"They never said where they were going, but they took with them a Stargate in the hopes of contacting Atlantis in Andromeda." Claimed Crane as he continues reading off the report.
"And were supposed to believe them?" Asked Dare not trusting of Weir and her people to share information truthfully. "We should have been there to hear it out from himself."
Alton leaned back in his chair. "Did they tell them where they came from?" Asked Alton wondering where this branch of humanity came from.
Crane nodded his head. "Yeah and you won't believe where." Stressed Crane as he brings up an image of another galaxy in the local group. "We call it NGC 598 and Weir's people call it the Triangulum Galaxy, it's the third biggest galaxy in the local group behind the Milky Way and Andromeda."
Alton and Dare gave Crane a look when he said the last part, Crane just shrugged. "I thought I would give it a try and say it out loud." Confessed Crane as he continues to report.
"You said they met them in the void between galaxies?" Asked Harrison joining the conversation. "Where and when did this happen?"
Crane then changed the image in the screen. "Since we are forming this alliance and decided to share information, they sent this over." Crane showed on the image a design taking 34 gates from the Milky Way galaxy and 34 gates from Pegasus and lining them up from each galaxy and in the center a space station. "The McKay/Carter Intergalactic Gate Bridge is a network of interconnected Stargates placed in the void between the Milky Way and Pegasus galaxies, designed to allow fast, convenient travel between Atlantis and Earth without the need for a ship capable for intergalactic travel or a Zero Point Module."
Dare whistled impressed with the design. "I got to hand it to them, they know how to be innovative." Remarked Dare very intrigued and impressed at their Enginuity. "Something for us to consider making."
Harrison nodded her head. "Might want to make a trip to their world to meet with their leaders to discuss things further." Commented Harrison on meeting with their leaders and officials on Earth. "I'll wait until the UNSC makes contact with us again and inform them of everything we know."
Harrison gets up and leaves the room, leaving Alton, Dare, and Crane together in the room.
Andromeda Galaxy
Terra System
Darkside of the Moon
UNSC Point of No Return
Osman's Office
7 hours after scheduled dial in
Osman was reading the latest reports in Pegasus and was amazed by the information they were getting not only in that galaxy or the home galaxy of Weir's people, but knowledge from another universe of another branch of humanity with interesting technology.
Soon a UNSC Military Intelligence scientist arrives to give a report on the information he received from Osman. "Given the newest information Dr. Crane discovered that ZPMs are incredibly long-lived power sources of great magnitude, which draw zero-point energy from artificially created layers of subspace."
Osman leaned back in her chair hands clasped together. "Can we replicate this form of power source?" Asked Osman reading up on Zero Point Energy of vacuum space is theorized to roughly have the same density as the core of the sun, something which made Osman's eyes widen. "Create more of these for our people."
The scientist sighed, shaking his head. "We don't even know how the Ancients created these in the first place." Confessed the scientist that despite their advancement they were nowhere near in figuring this out, which made Osman angry, seeing this he then brought up other information. "W..we..we have however figured out a way to interface the ZPM to our technology and given the information we have the life of a ZPM is inversely proportional to the power demands placed on it. If not in use, a ZPM will maintain its power level indefinitely. However, even if exposed to constant strain, ZPMs will still supply power for thousands of years, depending on the degree of the strain."
Osman began tapping her fingers on the table thinking it over. "For now, keep studying the ZPM until you make a breakthrough." Ordered Osman which the scientist took this as a cue for him to leave the office, as the scientist leaves Osman goes back to her computer. "An interesting bit of information but will hold off on giving it to you just yet."
As Osman stands up from her chair and leaves, her computer screen shows the UNSC Infinity.
If some of you don't remember Torrel was a criminal who appeared in Stargate Atlantis season 2 episode 5 Condemned, he shot down Sheppard's puddle jumper and escaped through the gate to one of the Alpha sites locations. I think if Atlantis continued we would have seen him again, so i'm bringing him back and joining forces with Kolya. Some of you may feel that the UNSC should have revealed the Halo array but the Halo's are too important and a major security risk to reveal that technology, but they did gave them knowledge of the Flood threat to their galaxy. An alliance is forming now between Earth and the UNSC, what technologies they are willing to trade, well you will have to wait and see. As for fitting two episodes from Atlantis into one chapter, well I wanted to show the Alternate McKay and if none of you got the hints well in Rod's reality they encountered the Ark ship Hyperion in the void between galaxies instead of the Ancients, if you think I'm going to write a new story centering around that idea, not sure if I am going to do that, but anyone is welcome to use my idea to make their own story centered around that concept. If some of you are wondering if they managed to get access to Omni-tool technology or any other Mass Effect technology, no they did not, like the creators and producers of the series I don't like to make them to overpowered, so no there will not be any Mass Effect technology used by the characters shown in this story and NO they will not make the journey to the Triangulum galaxy to make contact with those humans, both sides already have enough on their plates to go and meet other humans in another galaxy.