So here it is the last chapter, I spent the whole summer getting these chapters up for this story and if I include the other chapters from my two other stories that's a total of 12 chapters I managed to finish this summer to make up for no updates, but don't expect this kind of update when I decide to get back to writing as this was a pain to get all 12 ready before college started. So I hope you enjoyed these updates and please leave a review at the end, thanks for sticking with me.
Andromeda Galaxy
Terra System
Erde-Tyrene
HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6
UNSC Security Committee
In the high secured facility of Highcom and in the most secretive room in the UNSC, the security committee was getting an overview of everything that they have learned in the last month from Captain Alton and his crew.
The A.I. stationed at the facility Holy Bell was presenting the information to the committee compiled from everything that has been discovered. "The Ancients, also known as the gate builders and their original name Alterans were the first evolution of humanity that evolved millions of years ago on a planet in a distant galaxy outside the local group." Explained Holy Bell on the Ancients. "They were once a one race until they broke off from their kind due to a philosophical disagreement, they eventually built a ship and left their home galaxy and came here."
An image of the Milky Way known to the UNSC as the spiral galaxy, but for all intense and purposes they will change the name to the Milky Way. "And there they created the second evolution of humanity?" Asked one of the committee members.
"Correct, they created the second humanity along with a network of Stargates to connect worlds together, until they were hit by a plague that eventually forced them to leave the Milky Way and arrive in Pegasus and lived there for millions of years until the emergence of the Wraith that led to a 100 year war that ended in the Wraith victory and the end of the Ancients civilization." Explained Holy Bell of the height of the Ancients power until the end. "The surviving Ancients eventually learned how to Ascend a process that allows beings to be able to separate from their physical bodies and to live eternally as pure energy in a superior plane with a greater amount of knowledge and power. It can be a mental, spiritual or evolutionary process a direct result of obtaining a certain level of wisdom and knowledge as a civilization "
"You would think once these Ancients managed that they would undo the mistake they did with the Wraith?" Asked a committee member puzzled on why they didn't once they reached that level of power.
"According to Weir and her people these ascended beings placed rules to prevent themselves from interfering in the lower planes of existence." Answered Holy Bell on why the Ancients now all powerful don't fix or do anything to help the humans of the Pegasus galaxy. "Due to these rules no ascended being is allowed to help anyone of the lower planes or face strict punishment, this is to prevent abuse and dependence by primitives to rely on ascended beings for everything."
The committee looked to one another trying to process this information. "Holy Bell continue with your report!" Ordered Lord Hood wanting to move this along.
Holy Bell nodded her head and changed the image, she then explained about the history of the Milky Way, the rise and fall of empires and discovery of other human civilizations and organizations that pose a threat. And the current invasion by a group of humans being coerced by ascended beings an off shoot of the Ancients who broke off from them millions of years ago are invading the Milky Way in order to convert the entire human populations to origin a religion created by the Ori to siphon off their followers energy they take from being worshipped by them. They began their campaign against the Milky Way last year sending priors with abilities to convert human populations, then they created a Supergate a massive Stargate developed by the Ori, spanning three to four hundred meters across. All known Supergates have been used for the specific purpose of establishing permanent footholds in distant locations in the universe, permitting the rapid passage of the Ori Army's enormous warships across intergalactic distances.
Holy Bell showed an image of the Supergate which some could mistake it for a Halo if not for the size difference and the fact of the inner Halo were designed to be habitable, and support a wide range of environments, habitats, ecosystems, and climates.
Many Committee members became concerned about their future interests of trying to setup a colony in that galaxy if these Ori are trying to invade and if they find out about the UNSC and the remaining human populations in this galaxy they could attempt an invasion. On the other hand the UNSC could use the threat of the Ori to get Earth assistance and negotiate a better deal, they have already seen the military capabilities from Captain Alton and the Praeter and not to mention planetary defenses they could offer.
Lord Hood then took over the meeting. "Ladies and gentlemen of the committee despite the information provided there is still more to gain from this idea." Testified Hood on the benefits of taking risks. "But as we have seen there is also the potential of allies we can form an alliance with to combat such threats together, I recommend we put forth our idea of setting up a colony in the Milky Way galaxy."
The committee members began to look to one another and process the information and while there were many reasons for setting up a colony in the Milky Way, the main concern would be spreading themselves too thin to protect a colony in a different galaxy maintaining operations in Pegasus and still dealing with Covenant remnant in their own galaxy.
While many were thinking on this Osman stood up to gather their attention. "Can we really pursue this course of action? Spreading our forces while enemies within reach of us continue their aggressive attacks on us?" Addressed Osman on the dangers of leaving them vulnerable to attack. "While also risking to potentially engage against new enemies that could bring them to our galaxy and attack our citizens? While I do see the potential of what we could gain in that galaxy, the question is are we willing to risk a lot for it?"
Erde-Tyrene
HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6
Hood's Office
In Hood's office, Lord Hood was reading off latest intel on the current activities of the Covenant remnant, a knock on the door pulled Hood away from the reports. "Enter!" Stated Hood allowing whoever was on the other side to come through the door and to his surprise Osman was on the other side. "Admiral, here to gloat?"
Osman took a seat in front of Lord Hood's desk with a smirk on her face. "Come now Lord Hood you know as well as I do that dealing with all these threats would be stretching too much on our resources, the committee realized that." Pointed out Osman that majority of the committee sided with her. "But they did throw you a bone by allowing the setup of a military outpost in that galaxy under the condition that the Stargate be moved to another planet to create a new address that is unknown to certain factions in the Milky Way."
While Hood would prefer a more stronger presence in the Milky Way he was lucky to get a small military outpost for his people. "Let's just hope negotiations with Earth will go smoothly for our ambassador." Commented Hood as he brings up an image of the intergalactic gate bridge on the wall screen. "She and Captain Dare along with GR-4 acting as a security detail will be travelling with Mr. Woolsey to Earth on the intergalactic gate bridge sometime soon."
Osman looked at the bridge and read the reports she was quite impressed on how they managed to create something like this using the Stargate in that way. It was something to consider for themselves once they figure out how to build Stargates, but to ensure they can be secured. "Let's just hope it's a safe ride for all of them." Replied Osman as she stands up from the chair and walks out the room leaving Hood to himself.
Void Between Galaxies
UNSC Praeter
Bridge
On the bridge of the Praeter Hood and Lieutenant Henderson was looking over the intergalactice bridge on the holotable. They were there to overlook the test and to make sure they're own people were safe when they travel through it.
"It's quite the engineering feat isn't Captain?" Asked Henderson looking at the design. "I mean it does drastically reduce the time to travel between galaxies for them."
Alton was looking at the bridge and had his own reservations. "This is a security breach." Replied Alton not liking some of the ideas they made into the intergalactic bridge. "It risks the enemy getting a chance to travel to their planet and galaxy, and on top of that they're not going to introduce safeguards to their space station."
Yelena then appeared on the table. "According to Dr. McKay the station is protected by an advance macro he created to allow the gates to forward a person from one gate to another and added levels of security to prevent a work around it, he claims an A.I. such as myself would take years to break such a security, I however disagree on that assessment." Remarked Yelena describing in detail of the information provided. "Plus the Wraith would first need to be aware of the bridge to even attempt to access it."
"I still think added levels of security at the space station should be installed." Suggested Alton from years of military experience. "In any case lets prepare for their arrival."
Alton soon walks over to the chair and takes his seat. "Open a channel to the Daedalus!" Ordered Alton to the comms officer. "Colonel Caldwell how's it on your end?"
"Just like you were waiting on the guests of honor!" Remarked Caldwell as they sit and wait in the middle of the void. "Hopefully he will be on track with getting the show on the road."
Alton then muted the channel. "Yelena are you keeping an eye out for our supposed guests?" Asked Alton base on the information from the Alternate reality McKay about the ark ship called Hyperion was supposed to pass through here on this day. "This fifth branch of humanity was a big shock to the UNSC back home."
Yelena appeared on the Captain's chair. "I'm monitoring all sensors for these people, but given the multiverse theory, there exist a near-infinite number of universes, or realities, that are each created to reflect a different outcome to a decision." Described Yelena from researchers. "One could use the fork in the road as an analogy, where going in one direction defines the individual's current reality, whereas the roads not taken represent the alternate realities."
"That would explain why that McKay never met us, either we never went to Pegasus or we lost the war against the Covenant." Suggested Alton on the outcome of the UNSC in that reality. "Either way were basing on the assumption will meet these people."
"And as I said Captain I will be..." Yelena stopped in mid-sentence as she turned her head. "We have a puddle Jumper on sensors."
Alton turned to his operator who nodded his head in confirmation. "Open a channel to Captain Dare!" Ordered Alton as his comms officer made a secured line for Alton.
"Captain how was your trip?" Asked Alton to Dare.
"Strangely it was fine, were all in one piece." Replied Dare from the puddle Jumper. "We're on our way to Earth now, wish us luck."
"Good luck Captain." Said Alton wishing them a success on Earth.
As soon as they left, Yelena then turned to Alton. "Captain we have a problem!"
Milky Way
Sol System
Earth
SGC
Conference Room
After Shepard piloted the jumper to Earth and parked it in a secure area, Woolsey led ambassador Harrison, Captain Dare, and GR-4 to the conference room where they met other members of the IOA.
Around the table on one side the UNSC the other side representatives of the IOA and at each end General Hank Landry and General Jack O'Neill were present to listen in and give advice. One thing was for certain this was going to be a long negotiations and to finalize an alliance between their two governments.
Void Between Galaxies
3 hours later
UNSC Praeter
Bridge
"Do we know what it is yet?" Asked Alton around the holotable.
"Negative sir, it's still too far out to determine what it is, but Yelena and Dr. McKay are right." Remarked Henderson as he brings up an image on the holotable. "It's travelling at .999 percent the speed of light and its heading this way."
Yelena then appeared on the holotable. "Moving that fast, while an incredible feat of technology, isn't very useful compared to our current forms of FTL." Pondered Yelena at their method of travel. "Now, moving as fast as it is, this ship assuming it is a ship would still take at least a million years just to reach the Milky Way based on its course."
Alton began to think. "Do you think it's the people were expecting?" Asked Alton wondering if it's that giant colony ship. "And if it is them how do we get their attention?"
Henderson shrugs unsure and Yelena shakes her head. "We could try and attempt to send out a data burst at the ship when it passes by to get their attention." Answered Yelena on what they could do to try and get them to stop. "As for who they are we will have to wait and see."
Alton then turned to Henderson. "What does the Daedalus have in mind?" Asked Alton seeking what their allies can do.
"They're going to push their sublight engines as far as they can to match their speed as close as possible when they pass by to try and get their attention." Answered Henderson on what the Daedalus crew plans to do.
Alton turned to Yelena to see if they can do the same, she immediately shakes her head. "This ship was not designed to do that, not even our sublight engines can do it." Stressed Yelena.
Alton leaned on the holotable. "Then it's up to Daedalus to make contact." Declared Alton as he goes to his chair and takes a seat. "Just in case prepare that data burst and will wait and see."
Yelena nodded her head and disappeared from the holotable as Henderson gets into position.
Void between Galaxies
Space
Out in space the Praeter was flying towards the same direction as the unidentified object, while the Daedalus pushes their sublight engines to match the speed as the unknown ship. Unseen by anyone a ship, moving so fast it's practically a blur of light zooms by the much slower moving Daedalus.
As soon as it passed by, the ship immediately stopped and to the surprise of both crews it was an Aurora class ship with living breathing Ancients on board.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Gate Control Room
12 Hours Later
In the gate control room, Alton was informing Lord Hood and Admiral Osman on the new situation they were facing. Both were speechless that the gate builders were alive, over 100 Ancients now taking over Atlantis.
"So the People from Earth are being pushed out and the Ancients are reclaiming their city?" Inquired Hood reading the report. "This is unexpected and I honestly don't know how we are going to respond to this!"
"This is a grand opportunity for us!" Interjected Osman which caused both Hood and Alton look concerned. "Earth has access to interesting technology, but compared to these Ancients there a better group to get involved with."
Alton understood from Crane that Ancient technology was something for us to get our hands on, but felt that they shouldn't brush off Earth just yet. "While the Ancients are worth pursuing, at the moment they do not have the numbers or the resources to mount any attack against the Wraith." Claimed Alton on still keeping an alliance with Earth. "Dr. Weir and her people from Earth have the resources and the man power to effectively coordinate a strike along with us and with your permission I like to offer them a place at Epsilon base to remain here in Pegasus to work side by side."
Hood and Osman looked to on another before responding, thinking on what Alton has said.
Pegasus Galaxy
Lantea System
Lantea
Atlantis
Conference Room
In the conference room Woolsey, O'Neill, Captain Alton, and Harrison sit at one side of the table; Helia commander of the Tria paces at the other side.
"We were in a battle with Wraith cruisers." Began Helia describing what had happened to them 10,000 years ago. "They proved too much for us, so we started back to Atlantis, only to be told the final evacuation was already in progress, I decided to push on to Earth and join the evacuees, even, when our hyperdrive failed, we decided to continue on."
"I can't begin to imagine what you and your crew must be going through right now." Consoled Woolsey to Helia's sorrow.
"We understand your grief commander." Replied Harrison using her own people's war to make a connection with the Ancient.
"We owe you and your people a debt of gratitude, but we've just returned home." Pleaded Helia of how tired her people are. "Home to a place we thought we'd never set eyes on again, and we need some time…alone."
Woolsey looks about to speak, but O'Neill jumps in. "You do know that we've shed our own fair share of blood defending this city from the Wraith." Pointed out O'Neill on the amount of sacrifice there people have made.
"But by your own admission, you are responsible for waking the Wraith." Countered Helia on the mistake O'Neill and his people have made.
"Right?" Muttered O'Neill unsure of how to respond floundering, O'Neill turns to Woolsey.
"And by your own admission, you are responsible for the emergence of the Wraith as a species." Pointed out Woolsey of the recklessness the Ancients did for seeding humans on planets with the iratus bug. "The fact is, if it weren't for our expedition, there would be no Atlantis."
"No one's saying the city doesn't belong to you, or that you don't belong here." Implored O'Neill on the position of the Ancients place in Atlantis. "What we're saying is that..." Woolsey rolls his eyes and grabs O'Neill's arm to interrupt him.
"What we're asking…" Interjected Woolsey emphasizing on the word
O'Neill looks down at his arm in surprise. Woolsey, still looking at Helia, suddenly realizes he should not have done that and releases the general's arm.
Accepting Woolsey's cue. "What we're asking is that we be allowed to stay here." Requested O'Neill on wanting to keep his people in Atlantis.
"There is so much that we can learn from you." Stressed Woolsey on what they could gain from working with the Ancients. "And in return, we can offer supplies, manpower, the kind of support you'll need to restore Atlantis to its former glory."
"The day will come when your people will once again have a place here." Offered Helia, but felt it was too soon for them to be a part of this. "But that is not this day." Woolsey and O'Neill look away, disappointed.
Harrison then interjected. "While the issue between the people of Earth and your people is clear, we would like to begin diplomatic relations with you commander." Insisted Harrison which got her the looks from O'Neill and Woolsey.
"Everything will be discussed in due time." Stressed Helia as now was not the time for that.
Atlantis
Weir's Office
McKay, Weir, Sheppard, and Captain Dare wait for the meeting to end and after a while Woolsey and O'Neill approach and enter the office.
"How go the talks, sir?" Inquired Sheppard wondering what happened.
"No talks." Answered O'Neill that it was not going anywhere. "Listening is what we did."
"It was, essentially, a transitional meeting." Explained Woolsey on how it was. "They needed to know how much time we needed to vacate the city."
"I said 48 hours, unless you need more!" Stated O'Neill to the people around him.
"Why are those two still in talks?" Puzzled McKay at seeing Alton and Harrison still conversing with Helia.
Woolsey takes a look and turns back to the group around him. "That is what we call as a life-long practitioner of diplomacy, sovereign states act in their own interest." Answered Woolsey of the game being played by other government officials.
As many began to glare at the scene, Dare stepped forward not going to have that. "If our roles were reversed would you not do the same?" Inquired Dare to the group in the room.
Before anyone could say anything Alton and Harrison arrived. "I just want to be clear that there is no hard feelings!" Said Harrison being semi apologetic. "My government would still like to pursue an alliance and just before we were interrupted with the arrival of the Ancients we were coming to an agreement on that."
Woolsey and O'Neill looked at each other and while they still felt angry at what Harrison did, they would still like to pursue an alliance with the UNSC.
"We would very much like to continue our talks ambassador." Replied Woolsey in a calm professional manner.
Alton then stepped up. "I'm glad to hear that and I would like to offer your expedition to setup at Epsilon base to continue working with us!" Prompted Alton to get the expedition to sign off on the idea.
While many were surprised by this offer, Woolsey stepped in before anyone could say anything. "This offer while generous we will need time to converse with my counterparts on Earth and decide on this unanimously." Claimed Woolsey of needing the IOA's approval before deciding on it.
Alton seeing this tactic nodded his head. "The door is always open for your people to continue at Epsilon base." Offered Alton again as he looks to the others. "Regardless of what happens it's been an honor working with you all."
McKay, Sheppard, and Weir gave a warm smile to Alton. "And we feel the same Captain Alton." Replied Weir thankful for everything Alton has done.
Atlantis
Gate Room
48 hours later
Alton and Dare were waiting by the Stargate seeing the last of the Atlantis expedition leave while Ronon and Teyla saying their goodbyes as well.
Alton walks up to Ronon and Teyla after the rest of the expedition left. "Teyla you and your people are welcome to settle near Epsilon base." Offered Alton their protection for the Athosians. "And you and Ronon are welcome to work with us."
Ronon and Teyla had awkward looks unsure of how to respond. "The offer is most generous Captain Alton, but my people feel they need independence from anyone and be able to fend for themselves instead of relying on others." Replied Teyla on her peoples reason. "However we will consider your offer to join the UNSC."
Alton nodded his head as he looks at the control room where Harrison and Woolsey were allowed to stay as ambassadors representing their own governments.
"So now what do we do?" Asked Dare getting Alton's attention. "Where do we go from here?"
Alton looked at Dare and began wondering himself.
Andromeda Galaxy
Terra System
Erde-Tyrene
HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6
Hood's Office
Hood was reading off the reports in the couple of hours provided to them and while he hopes they're continued relations with Earth will be ongoing, they were now trying to focus on being allies with the Ancients and hopefully gain access to knowledge or technology. While the Ancients return was a shock to many, there were some who thought they would encounter the fifth branch of humanity from the Triangulum galaxy given the information provided from the alternate reality Dr. McKay, but according to Alton they left the Titus in the vicinity, while Alton took on the 329 passengers from the Tria back to Atlantis as good faith on thier part. After spending a week in the void, there was no sign of the ark ship.
It is to their conclusion that in this reality it is possible that this ark ship never left their galaxy or something along the way must have happened. Plans to investigate are on hold as there is too much on the UNSC's plate at the moment and any future plans to investigate that galaxy is not on the books.
Hood placed the reports down and sighed heavily. "Let's just hope things go smoothly from here on out.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Gate Room
2 Weeks Later
In the gate room, Alton standing by the ramp looking at the active Stargate and after a couple seconds GR-1 arrived carrying heavier weapons with them shipped to them through the Stargate from the UNSC.
Lang was carrying The M739 Light Machine Gun, also known as the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon), is used in heavy engagements where sustained or suppressive fire is required. While her second choice of weapon was the sticky grenade.
Major Cheng was carrying the BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle, also known as the Battle Rifle, is a UNSC infantry selective-fire service rifle used primarily in the post-war years. It is a gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle that is extraordinarily effective against infantry energy shielding. It has a magazine size of 36 rounds and fires in three-round bursts as his main weapon, but when things were getting ugly he would use his secondary weapon the Asymmetric Recoilless Carbine-920, also known as the ARC-920 or simply the Railgun, is a compact-channel linear accelerator that fires a high-explosive round at incredible speed. The charge time is approximately two seconds and can be fired with only a partial charge at the cost of lesser damage.
Lieutenant Williams was carrying the MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System a standard issue assault rifle in the UNSC, her second choice was The Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle (abbreviated W/AV M6 G/GNR), also known as the Spartan Laser, is the UNSC's ground-based, man-portable, anti-vehicle, directed energy weapon.
Sergeant Hagman was carrying the Sniper Rifle System 99-Series 5 Anti-Matériel (SRS99-S5 AM). The SRS99-S5 AM is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic Sniper Rifle. This weapon has exceptional accuracy and the ability to take out energy shielding and high-density armor alike. This weapon has a four-round magazine and has a tan color on the stock and scope. Hagmans second choice is the M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon formally known as the Medium Anti-Vehicle / Assault Weapon, Bore 102mm, M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Launcher, and commonly known as the Rocket Launcher or the SPNKr Rocket Launcher, is a heavy ordnance weapon of the UNSC arsenal. The M41 SSR fires 102mm HEAT shaped charge rockets. The launcher sports a 2x scope and can fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy, although its altitude decreases over longer distances. When reloaded, the barrels are removed and two pre-loaded barrels are then inserted back into the unit. With this mechanism, a Marine can greatly reduce the weight he has to carry without throwing the weapon away like some contemporary disposable rocket launcher.
"Colonel everything went well on the mission?" Asked Alton wondering how GR-1 was after seeing them all dirtied up..
Lang looked at Alton a little tired. "Consider M3T-842 as occupied by the Wraith." Reported Lang as her mission was to investigate Wraith outposts being setup throughout the galaxy. "There spreading more and more in Pegasus sir!"
"Are concern it's only a matter of time before the Wraith finds us here!" Worried Alton that he might have to abandon everything they set up on this planet. "I've been requesting a stronger presence here in Pegasus from the UNSC to build up our defenses."
Lang shrugged unsure if that was going to be enough. "We would need a powerful fleet and a number of ODP's to defend this planet against an armada." Remarked Lang if they want to hold this plant. "Then there's the Asurans we have to worry about."
Alton grunted not wanting to remember the experience he had. "Speaking of them we received word from Atlantis, apparently the Asurans have launched a ship from their planet and is on their way there as we speak." Commented Alton on the replicator threat.
GR-1 had worried looks on their faces concerned about this development. "Sir are we planning to intercept them?" Asked Hagman wondering what their role was going to be. "Or are we going to be stationed at Atlantis?"
Alton shakes his head. "I offered our assistance, but the Ancients declined, apparently there is a directive in the replicator base code that prevents them from harming any living ancients." Explained Alton on why they weren't going to help them.
"What about ambassador Harrison?" Asked Williams concerned for the civilian. "Shouldn't we pull her out before they arrive?"
Alton sighed. "She refused to leave and besides, Dare offered to stay by her side during this event." Remarked Alton not agreeing with the idea. "But we both know Dare is there to gather intel on the Ancients."
GR-1 just looked away not agreeing or denying the intentions of Captain Dare, Lang cleared her throat before responding. "Let's just hope everything goes smoothly, Captain."
Alton nodded his hoping things did go smoothly as he leads GR-1 out of the gate room.
Pegasus Galaxy
Lantea System
Lantea
Atlantis
Control Room
Woolsey, O'Neill, Harrison, Dare, Helia and others watch an Ancient holographic monitor indicating a large ship. A smaller vessel approaches it.
"That seems like a pretty big ship." Worried Woolsey from looking at the screen. "You're sure only sending one jumper up to fend it off is the right thing to do?"
Helia smiles. "It is impossible for them to harm us." Pointed out Helia on the directive in their programming that prevents them from harming Ancients.
"I could use some enemies like that." Blurted out O'Neill thinking how things could be so easier for him.
Dare was looking around the control room monitoring the Ancients activities, until Harrison interrupted her train of thought. "It's quite a site don't you think?" Asked Harrison looking around the room herself. "I mean can you imagine how it would be if we ever meant any living Forerunners?"
"If we ever do meet any, I have a bone to pick with them." Sneered Dare at what the Forerunners in the past have done. "I'm still surprise that these Ancients don't know anything about our galaxy!"
Harrison remembered the conversation after the expedition left, the UNSC wanted her to find out any information if any Ancients travelled to their galaxy. When Harrison brought up her galaxy and the human population there, Helia and her inner circle was surprised to hear that and concluded it may have been a group of Ancients who broke off from the main branch millions of years ago when they left the Milky Way.
"That's their best conclusion." Remarked Dare not pleased with the answer. "During are whole exploration of our galaxy we didn't discover anything resembling this technology."
"Hopefully one day will uncover the truth." Suggested Harrison as she turns back to the screen. "Now we just need to get through this."
"We have established communications, Commander." Informed the jumper pilot over the comms
"This is Commander Helia." Said Heli into the comms. "The city you are approaching is once again under Lantian control, stand down and return to your planet immediately, or you will be…" The monitor shows the jumper destroyed surprising everyone around the room.
Woolsey turned to look at Helia in shock. "I thought you said they couldn't harm you!"
Helia was in shock and immediately turn to her people. "Raise the shield!" Ordered Helia, but the city is rocked by a weapon's blast.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
M37-469
Ignis Base
Alton's Room
Alton was reading reports on the current state of the galaxy, Wraith are growing in strength setting up outposts, but still divided into factions which was good for Alton and his people keep the Wraith fighting amongst themselves while he and his people work behind the scenes. Then there is the human populations in the galaxy, the Genii making progressive moves trying to push their own interests onto other worlds trying to set up their own bases across the galaxy strengthening their intelligence network.
As Alton was reading reports from GR teams and the Military Intelligence division an intercom came on requesting he report to the gate control room.
Ignis Base
Gate Control Room
Alton walks into the control room seeing Crane working at a station along with Faison and Lang behind him. "Did I miss a schedule meeting?" Asked Alton wondering why his senior officers were in the control room. "What's going on?"
Crane turned around. "10 minutes ago we started receiving a signal coming from Atlantis." Explained Crane as he brings up an image on the screen their long range sensors picking up a signal that's coming from the Lantea System. "It's the prototype Slipspace tracking device I created from studying the Wraith subspace tracking device."
"I remembered reading about it in your last report, you created a prototype and needed to test it in the field." Alton recalling the event. "Why is it being used in Atlantis?"
Crane turned around in his chair and sighed heavily. "Captain Dare had another use for the device and wanted it, not just use it in the field to tag locations, ships, or people but to use as an emergency transponder." Answered Crane at what they were seeing. "I think Captain Dare might be in trouble."
Alton turned to one of the technicians in the room. "Dial Atlantis." Ordered Alton and after a couple of seconds the gate was activated, Alton walked over to the comms officer and nodded his head. "Captain Dare, Commander Helia please respond."
After a couple of seconds no response and only static. "Captain Veronica Dare please respond?" Asked Alton again hoping to get something, but just when all seemed loss a small signal was being sent from the gate on a UNSC frequency, but it wasn't on the radio.
The A.I, for the base appeared and began deciphering the signal. "It's on a UNSC frequency but it's in code, something Military Intelligence uses to pass on secret messages when they can't respond back." Everyone began waiting to see what the A.I. deciphers from the message. "Captain we have a problem."
Ignis Base
Conference Room
"Can someone please tell me how the hell did this happen?" Asked Alton fuming with anger and pacing back and forth in the room in front of Major Faison, Dr. Crane, Colonel Lang, and Dr. Collins. "I thought there was a directive in their base code that prevent them from attacking the Ancients?"
Crane then leaned on the table. "It's possible when Dr. McKay rewrote Niam's base code it allowed for them to make other changes." Explained Crane very impressed with the replicators being able to do that. "In any case they now have no restrictions placed on them."
Alton stopped in place. "According to the message received, General O'Neill managed to send a warning to Earth so we have to assume their mounting an attack." Reported Alton under the assumption that Earth will send people to help. "Colonel Lang I want you to gather your team and head to new Athos, I assume Colonel Sheppard will be the one leading a strike force to Atlantis, but will want people he can trust."
"Even if he doesn't having Teyla and Ronon on our side will be helpful." Pointed out Lang on their skills and combat experience. "They know their way around the city and can help us navigate through it."
Alton nodded his head in agreement. "Go." Ordered Alton which prompted Lang to leave the room. "Major have all fire teams equipped with the Covenant weapons we received from the UNSC and hope Crane is right about its effectiveness against the replicators."
Major Faison looks at Crane who has an innocent smile on his face. "Sir my Spartans are ready for this ever since we encountered the replicators, but if we have to engage them in hand to hand combat how do we prevent them from hacking our suits?" Inquired Faison not wanting to go through that again.
Crane then intervened. "I've been working with Yelena on that and we both have come up with an... idea." Replied Crane not sure if it was going to work.
Ignis Base
Cranes Lab
All Spartan fire teams were there to receive an upgrade from Crane to ensure their Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor (GEN2) wasn't going to be hacked. Crane's idea was to have each Spartan equipped with a dumb A.I. specifically tasked with counter hacks, but even then it would be a long shot, so Major Faison was going to be teamed up with Yelena who will connect with the dumb A.I.'s to coordinate effectively against any replicator hacks. This was still a long shot and it might offer some protection, but not for a protracted period of time, while the UNSC protocol was clear the capture of an A.I. was out of the question and need to ensure its destruction if this mission fails.
Ignis Base
Gate Control Room
In the gate room, Alton was reporting to Osman and Lord Hood on their daily schedule check ins on the current situation.. They were not pleased by this development and asked Alton what his plan was if Earth didn't send a strike team.
"The Replicators know everything about you." Pointed out Osman at the mind probe they allowed to happen. "Any tactics you come up with they'll counter."
"My main objective will be to get Harrison and Dare out of Atlantis and if Mr. Woolsey and General O'Neill are still alive I'll rescue them too." Said Alton of his intentions for this mission. "I don't plan to win a straight up fight against the replicators, but maybe slow them down and if I have to I will use the Nova bomb and deny them Atlantis."
Hood and Osman looked at each other and back at Alton. "It's unfortunate that you were unable to acquire the anti-replicator weapon." Pointed out Hood that for the past two weeks Earth has been avoiding the topic and although their priorities shifted to getting an alliance with the Ancients, the replicators were still out there. "Let's just hope no one dies because we didn't have the tools for this op."
Alton felt uncomfortable with Hood's comment. "Sir, even if we had those weapons we could not use it constantly due to the replicators ability to create an immunity after multiple uses." Remarked Alton on the weakness in the weapon.
"In any case should you fail your mission, we order you to follow through on your idea and use the nova bomb." Ordered Osman not wanting to have the replicators get their hands on Atlantis. "We will contact you back in 12 hours we hope to hear from you by then."
Osman and Hood end comms and the Stargate deactivates cutting them off from their home galaxy.
As soon as Hood turns to leave the gate activates again. "Unscheduled off world activation." Yelled out the technician at the station, but then received a beep on his terminal. "Sir, its Colonel Lang and she made a discovery."
Slipspace
En-route to Atlantis
UNSC Praeter
Bridge
On the bridge the crew was at their stations working to prepare for the coming battle they face. Alton and his senior staff were around the holotable discussing the battle plan. "It was a good thing I sent Colonel Lang to make contact with Ronon and Teyla, there they met up with Colonel Sheppard." Remarked Alton on the lucky break they got. "Unfortunately he did not bring a strike team to assist in taking down the replicators."
When Lang reported back by making contact with Colonel Sheppard on new Athos, he was disappointed to hear that all he brought with him, was Dr. McKay, Dr. Weir, and Dr. Carson as backup. The good news they finally brought the anti replicator weapons they call ARG (Anti-Replicator-Guns) something Crane was delighted to get his hands on one and study it, unfortunately there was not enough for everyone.
"How goes in figuring out that weapon Dr. Crane?" Asked Alton seeking an answer from his science officer.
Crane brings up an image on the holotable showing everyone around. "They're energy weapons!" Stated Crane on what they were. "They disrupt the link between the nanites' cells, the Replicators literally fall apart when you fire on them."
"That's good to know." Remarked Spartan Banks who was part of this meeting as Major Faison and fire team crystal was part of Sheppard's strike team to infiltrate the city. "It's too bad we can't hit them all at once to prevent them from creating an immunity."
"That's where plan A comes in." Replied Alton as he brings up an image. "Dr. McKay believes he can freeze all the replicators for 6 hours if he uploads the freezing program to a replicator."
"That's where Niam the replicator that infected Faison with nanites comes in!" Pointed out Henderson on the plan. "Faison is not going to be happy to see him."
"Faison can learn to live with it." Deflected Alton on Faison's feelings. "My main concern is the weapons fired from Atlantis!"
Crane then changed the holotable. "Last year we study the drones from the Orion and made upgrades to our shields." Said Crane recalling the amount of work his people put in to getting the Orion operational. "However we cannot maintain the shields from a continuous barrage from these weapons."
Alton then leaned on the table. "Then let's just hope Major Faison and Colonel Lang can complete the mission without any problems." Pointed out Alton on the risk they were taking.
Pegasus Galaxy
New Athos
Jumper Bay
McKay, Beckett, Teyla, Ronon, Weir, Sheppard, GR-1 and fire team crystal are all inside, checking over their equipment.
"Do you think Captain Dare and Ambassador Harrison are still alive?" Asked Hagman wondering what many are thinking.
"Unknown, but we have to find out for ourselves!" Answered Lang while holding the ARG. "Plus don't count Captain Dare out just yet." .
"Okay, I think I've loaded up the GDO." Yelled out McKay to the goup. "It'll lower the shield when we dial."
"Go for it." Ordered Sheppard.
"All right." Said McKay as he nervously presses the dialing buttons. "Dialing Atlantis."
The Stargate activates and after a couple of seconds McKay received a beep on the co-pilot seat.
"That's confirmation." Reported McKay. "Gate shield has been lowered."
"I hope this little plan of ours works." Replied Sheppard as he begins piloting the Jumper into the wormhole.
"Yeah, you and me both." Stressed McKay as he holds on tight.
Pegasus Galaxy
Lantea System
Lantea
Night
Atlantis
Corridor
In the corridor of Atlantis Woolsey cowers in a corner of a darkened corridor, while Harrison is watching another corridor for signs of replicators. Woolsey then hears a noise, gets up, and cautiously approaches, holding a pistol.
"General?" Whispered Woolsey as he cautiously approaches the noise, he looks around the corner. "General!?"
O'Neill and Dare then appeared out of the Corner. "And if I'm a Replicator?" Asked O'Neill to a frighten Woolsey who jumps back, startled, then looks chastened.
"Then I've just exposed my position." Said Woolsey looking sad at the mistake he made.
"Again." Pointed out O'Neill to Woolsey continued mistakes.
"I'm sorry." Pleaded Woolsey. "I'm not very good at this."
O'Neill and Woolsey move back to where Woolsey had been before. O'Neill pulls out a power bar from his pocket and hands it to Woolsey. While Dare walks up to Harrison and hands her a power bar as well.
"How are you holding up ambassador?" Asked Dare wondering how she feels.
"How was the recon?" Asked Harrison as she takes the bar and opens it and begins eating.
Dare looks at O'Neill, who sighs heavily. "We won't be escaping on our own." Replied Dare as she shifts around the room. "WE have to hold out hope that Captain Alton will arrive in time."
"Arrive in time for what?" Asked Harrison wondering what she meant, which made Dare look at O'Neill accusingly
"We have standing orders to nuke the city if there's any sign of a foothold situation." Confessed O'Neill of what Dare was referring too."
Woolsey looking surprised to hear this turn to O'Neill. "What kind of a standing order is that?" Inquired Woolsey at the idiotic idea.
"Mine." Confessed O'Neill dryly as he looks at Dare. "You sure the Replicators won't pick up on that beacon of yours?"
"It transmits the signal into Slipspace." Answered Dare on how the device works. "Even though they probed information about Slipspace I doubt they managed to create the menas to detect something like this."
Before anyone could say another thing a transmission from O'Neill radio came was heard by everyone. "Authentication code Alpha Six Delta Charlie Niner." Yelled into the radio. "General O'Neill, Woolsey, do you copy?"
"Sheppard?" Asked O'Neill surprised to hear Sheppard on the radio. "Is that you?"
"Yes, sir." Replied Sheppard. "I need to know if you're anywhere near Stargate Operations."
"No, we're not." Answered O'Neill looking confused
"That's good." Exulted Sheppard on the radio. "Can't talk right now, sir. Get back to you in a couple of hours. Sheppard, out."
Just then an explosion could be heard and felt rocking the city.
"That sounded like an explosion?" Asked Harrison wondering what was going on.
A beep on Dare tacpad notified her as she looks at it and smiled. "The cavalry is here people." Remarked Dare as she pulls out his pistol.
Lantea System
Space
Puddle Jumper
Compartment
In the compartment in the puddle Jumper McKay was working on Nima's frozen body while also working in conjunction with Yelena as Faison shows her in hologram form from her data crystal chip.
"We're good to go, but were going to have to get closer if we want this to work." Explained McKay as he gets up from his crouched position and heads back to the copilot chair.
"Why can't we turn it on here Rodney?" Asked Carson wondering why they have to get so close.
"Because I've got to keep Niam at nominal power levels, otherwise we risk him waking up." Pointed out McKay of the dangers they were playing with. "Look, low power means short range. Short range means we need to get closer."
"How much closer?" Asked Lang not liking the sound of that.
"Much." Stressed McKay.
"With no cloak?" Complained Ronon of going in defenseless.
"No cloak." Reiterated McKay.
Sheppard then pilots back down to the planet.
Atlantis
Flooded Control Chamber
In the flooded control chamber fire team crystal was walking under water completely sealed and protected. After their attempt at flying through the city while trying to upload the virus failed was not working and getting attacked at the same time, Sheppard piloted the jumper into the ocean where an underwater jumper bay existed, but after arriving McKay couldn't drain the water in the bay and couldn't leave and on top they had a leak.
Fire team crystal decided to make it to the control room for the bay on their own, McKay warned that it would be sealed, but nothing is ever sealed form a Spartans they used their augmented strength to force the doors open.
As they walk into the room, Faison got on the radio. "Dr. McKay I'm here, what now?" Asked Faison on the radio.
"It's a manual override." Stated McKay into Faison's radio. "It should be in the center of the console. It'll be obvious once you get in there."
Faison looks at the controls and see three levers. "Oh that's very obvious!" Said Yelena sarcastically in Faison's head. "Want him to explain how the weapons work too?"
Faison just shrugs and begins pulling levers, but each one was not the right one and even locked them in, something they were not concerned as their armors are air tight keeping them alive even under water. Faison then walks over to another lever and pull on it which begins emoting the chamber of water.
"That's it you got it!" Pointed out McKay on the radio for Faison to keep doing what he was doing. "Were good it's empty."
"Fire team crystal will scout out ahead, you follow us after." Replied Faison as he leads the rest of his fire team to a ladder and out of the jumper bay control room.
Atlantis
Under Water Jumper Bay
In the jumper bay Sheppard, Ronon, and Teyla were the first to exit the jumper holding their ARG's ready to fire. Following behind is Colonel Lang and her team holding up the ARG's as well.
Sheppard turned to Lang. "Did fire team crystal had to go on ahead without us?" Asked Sheppard annoyed that they weren't coordinating.
"Don't worry about crystal they're scouting out the area ahead of us." Remarked Lang on Spartans doing recon for them. "Let's hope McKay can get this thing to work."
Sheppard then lifted up the Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol given to him by the UNSC. "And this thing?" Asked Sheppard looking at the strange alien design.
"An energy weapon pistol used by the Covenant during the war." Stated Lang on what they were and what they were sued for. "Hold down the trigger and let it charge up and fire, Crane thinks it might slow down the replicators."
Sheppard raised an eyebrow unsure if this tiny weapon could do that. "I'll take your word for it." Replied Sheppard as he holsters the weapon. "A backup in case we can't use these things anymore."
Lang nodded her head. "Okay let's go!" Gestures Lang with her ARG.
Atlantis
Corridor
Woolsey, O'Neill, Harrison, and Dare were sitting tight waiting on for Sheppard and Lang to come and get them.
"How much longer." Stressed Woolsey as he paces back and forth.
O'Neill seeing this sighed heavily. "Richard if you pace anymore you're going to mark up the floor." Complained O'Neill tired of seeing him walk back and forth. "Plus their on radio silence, in case the replicators are trying to listen in."
Just then they heard a noise which made O'Neill and Dare raise their weapons while Woolsey and Harrison hide behind them.
"So what do you think your guys? Or mine?" Asked O'Neill to Dare as he holds hi P90 at the direction to the noise.
"I'd say the replicators." Responded Dare as she takes out another pistol dual wielding both in her hands.
After a few seconds two replicators came around the corner holding up their weapons. "Surrender!" Demanded one of the replicators.
O'Neill and dare looked at each other. "I guess you win that bet." Saud O'Neill jokingly.
"First time winning at something and it's got to be this." Complained Dare as she looks back at the replicators. "Well let's see how my luck fairs."
Just as the replicators were slowly walking on their position they were hit by two energy waves that disintegrate them into dust. O'Neill, Dare, Woolsey, and Harrison look in the direction of the shot and out came four figures that inspire hope back in Dare's galaxy.
"Captain Dare, ambassador Harrison." Stated Fasion as he leads his team over to the four regular people in the corner. "It's good to see everyone okay."
Oh thank god." Blurted out Woolsey happy to see friendlies even if it wasn't his people.
O'Neill walked up to Fasion sizing him up. "So you guys are the so called Spartans I've heard so much about." Remarked O'Neill emphasizing the word Spartan. "I could have used you guys back in my day."
O'Neill couldn't tell because of the helmet but Faison was smirking underneath. "They all say that." Replied Faison as he gets on the radio. "Colonel Sheppard, Colonel Lang we've secured the VIP's leading them back to the jumper bay."
"Roger that." Replied Sheppard on the radio. "Once their secured in the jumper head towards gate operations."
"Affirmative, Colonel." Said Faison accepting the order, as he gestures with his gun. "this way everyone."
Faison and a Spartan leads the four while two Spartans cover the rear. And throughout the whole night the Atlantis expedition and the UNSC cleared out all replicators from Atlantis after McKay and Yelena got the freezing program working, freezing all the replicators in Atlantis.
Pegasus Galaxy
Ulnar System
Ignis Base
Gate Control Room
12 hours later
In the control room Alton was giving his report along with sending the mission reports on the op and although the loss of the Ancients was regrettable the UNSC now have access to the anti-replicator weapon given to them for assisting in the rescue of Woolsey and General O'Neill.
"So the replicators repaired the city and were intending to take Atlantis back to their homworld?" Asked Osman surprised by the sudden change in the replicator MO. "I thought they wanted to destroy Atlantis."
"Something must have changed within the replicator collective." Remarked Alton as he attempts to figure out their game plan. "To be honest I don't know if will ever understand them considering their machine nature."
"Regardless of the motives they once again have proven to be a serious threat." Stressed Hood at the dangers of the replicators. "You might want to consider abandoning Ignis, Epsilon, and Delta base."
Alton couldn't blame Hood for recommending that, after all the replicators know where they are. "I'll take it under advisement Lord Hood, but I feel now that we have the ARG's we can defend ourselves against an attack from them."
Hood looked reluctant to accept that answer but allowed Alton to continue as he pleases for now at least. "Very well Captain, I just hope you know what you're doing?" Stressed Hood on Alton's actions.
"Captain what did the expedition do with the extra ZPM's they acquired from the replicators?" Asked Osman as she reads the report that they attempted to fly the city back to their homworld would mean they brought ZPM's with them.
"Two were sent back to Earth to help int their fight against the Ori." Answered Alton on what Weir did.
"It's too bad." Remarked Hood on the sound of that. "It would have been nice to study a fully charged one."
"Yes... it is... too bad." Said Osman while clasping her hands together on the screen looking nonchalant about it. "Captain Alton will just have to keep his eyes out for one."
"I will Admirals." Replied Alton as he gives them comfort at the notion.
Hood and Osman nodded their heads as they end communications and the gate shuts down.
Ignis Base
Alton's office
In the Alton's office, Dare was sitting across from Alton listening to her reports on the replicators.
"We've begun to keep an eye on the replicators ever since that incident." Declared Dare on what she and her team are doing. "If they try something like this again will be ready."
"I hope your right." Implored Alton on the need to gather intel on the replicators. "The last thing we need is for these replicators to get the drop on us again, we need to come up with better defenses."
"Speaking of defenses I heard Weir managed to get the Orion full time now." Remarked Dare on the news spreading around. "How did she managed that?"
Alton leaned back in his chair and smirked. "I offered the Taranians to settle near Epsilon base where they will be under our protecting in exchange for the Orion."
Dare leaned back in her chair. "Hard to believe they gave up that kind power?" Puzzled Dare on why they would
"When it came down to it, there was no way they could really manage the ship, they barely understood the Ancient technology on Taranis, which caused them to lose their planet." Said Alton recalling helping assist with the evacuations.
"Speaking of Ancient ships what about the one floating in the void?" Asked Dare interested in the ship that nobody is claiming.
"I've sent Crane along with a science team to the ship to see if they can make repairs and bring it back here for us." Answered Alton not going to pass up on getting his hands on a warship made by the Ancients. "With any luck the engineer can fix it."
"Let's hope so , because the UNSC is not going to send any help our way." Chastised Dare at the UNSC reluctance at sending ships to back up Alton and the Praeter.
As the two sit across from each other wondering how things are going to be from here on out, one thing was for certain the replicators are now on the move after 10,000 years of isolation that could mean trouble for everyone in the universe.
I know some of you will probably feel this chapter was to short or felt rushed, I felt like it was not one of my best works, but I hope you all enjoy this and I'm sorry to say I will not be updating anytime soon as the semester is about to start in a couple of weeks and this college is not switching to online at all despite the rise in cases in my area. So thank you all for your continued support I hope to be back on some day, and stay safe from this pandemic we all are facing.