One month had passed since the United Earth Alliance's Pegasus Fleet had exited hyperspace and arrived in orbit around New Atlantis, formerly known as the Eldred Planet. The sight of the twenty Daedalus-class ships and thirty Hybridan Frigates in a precise circle formation around the planet is Earth's newfound presence in this distant galaxy.

As the Thor's Hammer, an O'Neill-class vessel provided by the Asgard, descended towards the coordinates of the Ancient City ship, it hovered over the tower where the Lord Protector had once ruled. On the ground below, the residents of New Atlantis gazed upward, their faces filled with curiosity and wonder. They were accustomed to the grim and ominous designs of Wraith hive ships and cruisers, but the ship they were witnessing now is entirely different, a symbol of hope and protection.

Inside the bridge of the Thor's Hammer, United Earth Alliance Henry Hayes stood, staring at the holographic projection of the tower below. He couldn't help but offer a silent prayer of gratitude for the Asgard, who had provided this vessel for Earth's use, even as they had sacrificed themselves for the greater good.

The bridge of the O'Neill-class ship is a hive of activity. Officers and non-commissioned officers manned their stations. The holo projection of the city below illuminated the room, casting an otherworldly glow. At the back of the bridge, there is a conference room with a grand oak wood table. The room itself is spacious, with a holo emitter in the center of the table.

"We are hovering over the City's Central Tower, sir," reported a female ensign, her blond hair peeking out from under the blue beret adorned with the Earth and home chevron symbol. She is clad in the standard digital Navy BDU.

"Good," replied Captain Evan Lorne, his voice steady and determined. The bridge crew continued their work, ready to face the challenges and mysteries that awaited them in the Ancient City of New Atlantis.

Captain Evan Lorne had come a long way since his days as a Colonel in the United States military. With the formation of the United Earth Alliance and the integration of all Earth's military forces, significant changes had swept through the armed services. The UEA's formation had necessitated a reorganization of the military branches.

In the United States, four distinct military branches—the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy—had previously existed. However, the UEA's goal of unification had led to a transformation. The Army is integrated into the Marines, forming a formidable ground force. The Air Force is merged into the Navy, creating a unified aerospace command that would be responsible for both terrestrial and interstellar operations.

Captain Evan Lorne, with his years of service and experience within Stargate Command, had chosen to take command of a ship in this newly unified Navy. His dedication and leadership qualities had earned him this position, and he is determined to serve Earth and its interests in the galaxy.

As he approaches President Henry Hayes, Captain Lorne reported, "Sir, the Thor's Hammer Is holding steady over the central tower." His words conveyed confidence and readiness as they faced the unknown within the confines of New Atlantis.

President Henry Hayes monitored the view screens displaying images of several villages on the surface of New Atlantis. The primitive inhabitants of these villages had gathered outside, their eyes turned upward in awe at the massive Thor's Hammer Hovering above them.

"Good," Henry remarked, his curiosity piqued. He turned to Captain Evan Lorne, who had provided him with the latest information. "Can you tell me more about the villagers?"

Captain Lorne's response is concise. "They're primitive, sir. The last time we checked on them was two years ago when Princess Mara became queen, and that's all we know."

Meanwhile, General John Sheppard, along with his wife Teyla Emmagan and their formidable companion Ronon Dex, entered the command center of the Prometheus. Henry greeted them warmly. "John, glad you could join us."

John chuckled and smiled, his eyes reflecting a hint of restlessness. "Being cooped up on the ship for a month with little or no action can make someone claustrophobic," he admitted. He walked over to a dispenser on the wall, fabricated a cup of coffee, and took a sip. "But I have a great wife that keeps me sane."

Teyla smiled warmly at her husband's comment, a testament to their unwavering bond. Henry nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling," he said before returning to the matter at hand. "You've had dealings with these people, including the princess who became queen, but it's not in the reports. What can you tell me?"

John hesitated for a moment, sharing a look with Teyla, silently conveying that this is a sensitive topic. "Well," he began, choosing his words carefully, "the queen's ascension to the throne is...unconventional."

Teyla and Ronon exchanged glances, aware of the complexities that lay behind the scenes of New Atlantis's political landscape.

General John Sheppard began to recount the story, a mix of fondness and amusement in his voice. "It all started when Queen Mara's father chose me to wed his daughter."

Henry couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation. He folded his arms across his chest and teased, "You don't say? Every damn report from the Atlantis expedition says that you were romantically involved with every ascended woman. The original Captain Kirk."

Teyla, who knew well of John's previous marriage to Nancy Sheppard, managed to suppress a knowing smile. She understood that it is best not to remind John of his past romantic escapades.

Ronon, on the other hand, seemed genuinely curious. "Who is this Kirk?" he inquired, unfamiliar with the reference. The two years he had spent on Earth had been filled with intensive training, preparing marine recruits for combat. There had been little time for pop culture indulgences.

Henry raised an eyebrow at Ronon's question. "You haven't watched Star Trek?" he asked in mild astonishment.

John couldn't help but make light of the situation. "Chewie here hasn't had the time to sit down and watch a little box," he quipped, referring to Ronon by his nickname. In Ronon's Satedan culture, there had been no room for Hollywood entertainment, especially with the constant threat of the Wraith.

Ronon's response is simple and direct, reflecting his upbringing and the harsh realities he had faced. "Either we join the military to fight the Wraith or we die doing nothing."

The conversation is a blend of humor, nostalgia, and the ever-present reminder of the grave threats that had brought these individuals together in their mission to protect Earth and the Pegasus Galaxy.

"Teyla, you are our chief diplomat in the Pegasus," President Henry Hayes addressed Teyla with a sense of purpose. He had a plan in mind, one that involved the tower known to the locals as the "Tower of the Ancestors." "See if Queen Mara is willing to trade our food fabricators and medicine for the use of the Tower of the Ancestors."

Teyla had always been Henry's trusted advisor when it came to matters involving the Pegasus Galaxy. Her deep understanding of the cultures and dynamics in that distant realm made her an invaluable asset.

"I'm not sure if they need a machine that can make food for them out of thin air," Teyla responded thoughtfully. "They have a strong connection to the land, and they take pride in growing their own sustenance."

Henry nodded, considering her words. "Besides, they see technologies as magic, and the royal court abused them with such technology," Teyla continued, providing insight into the cultural nuances of the people of New Atlantis.

Henry absorbed the information and then shared his own observations. "From the reports, I surmise that every harvest season, they produce enough food for their own families but lack variety in nutrients."

Teyla acknowledged his point. "Possibly, but we won't know that for sure until we speak with Eldred. Once we beam down and have a conversation, I can present them with options."

Henry appreciated Teyla's diplomatic approach, and he couldn't help but express his admiration. "Has anyone ever told you that you would make a good leader, not just for Athos but for the entire galaxy?"

Teyla is taken aback by the compliment, her smile genuine. "No, I haven't thought of it," she admitted, her humility and dedication to her role shining through.

"Dismiss," President Henry Hayes instructed, and Teyla gracefully bowed her head in acknowledgment. General John Sheppard, ever the military man, saluted his commander-in-chief before he and Teyla made their way out of the room.

However, before the door slid shut, Henry called out Ronan's name, capturing the attention of both John and Teyla. They exchanged curious glances, wondering what business Ronan had with their leader. John shrugged it off, assuming it is a matter unique to Ronan, and he and Teyla proceeded to the armory to prepare for their upcoming diplomatic mission.

As they readied their gear, John couldn't help but wonder aloud, "I wonder what Ronan and Hayes were talking about." He meticulously examined his particle pistol, flicking the safety on and off before holstering it on his hip. His Navy blue BDU, standard issue for the United Earth Alliance, is accented by a vest.

Teyla, dressed similarly and zipping up her vest, looked at John's sidearm with a slightly amused expression. "Honey, you don't need a weapon. It's just a diplomatic mission."

John, however, remained resolute. "Better to be prepared than not at all. Remember the last time I had a knife fight with Otho?"

Teyla gently reminded her husband, "Otho is dead. You killed him."

John corrected her with a wry smile. "No, I nicked him on the arm with a poisoned knife he had. It is close."

Before John could continue their playful banter, the door slid open once more, revealing Ronan with an uncharacteristic smile on his face. Curiosity piqued, John asked, "Chewie, what did you and President talk about?"

Ronan picked up a particle pistol, his stoic expression remaining intact. "Sateda," he replied simply before elaborating, "He wants to rebuild it." He paused for a moment and then added, "He's been studying the Satedan military command structure and promoted me to Commander."

The news is met with a mix of surprise and pride from John and Teyla, both pleased to see Ronan being recognized for his contributions and leadership potential in the United Earth Alliance.

"Commander, huh?" John Sheppard mused as they continued down the corridor of the Prometheus, heading toward the transporter room. He extended his congratulations and patted Ronan on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie. Teyla echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Ronan's new position with a warm smile.

Meanwhile, in the village on New Atlantis, Eldred and the other villagers had gathered in the village square. Their peaceful day is interrupted when three individuals suddenly materialized before them. Panic briefly gripped the villagers, as they initially mistook the newcomers for Wraith. However, the distinctive uniforms worn by the visitors sparked recognition, and Eldred stepped forward.

"Colonel Sheppard," Eldred called out, his voice tinged with relief as he approached the trio. "Teyla Emmagan and Ronan Dex."

Eldred took a deep breath and visibly relaxed, the tension dissipating. Teyla greeted him warmly, asking, "Eldred, how have you been?"

Mara, who had been hiding and peeking through a window, heard Sheppard's name and couldn't contain her excitement. She rushed out of the house, shouting, "Colonel Sheppard!"

John corrected her with a grin, "It's General now." He acknowledged their absence with regret, saying, "We know. Sorry that we've been absent from your planet."

Teyla spoke in her soft, reassuring voice, explaining their absence, "We had a Wraith problem in my adopted home world in another galaxy." It is clear that they had not forgotten their friends on New Atlantis and were eager to reconnect.

Mara enthusiastically enveloped John Sheppard in a warm bear hug, expressing her joy at seeing him again. "It's good to see you again," she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "There's so much to tell you."

Eldred, ever the diplomatic leader of New Atlantis, extended a gesture of hospitality by signing for them to enter the house. "We must discuss it in the house," he proposed, recognizing the importance of their conversation.

As they walked towards the house, Mara couldn't help but display her curiosity. "That big ship, is it yours?" she inquired, twirling her blond hair with a hint of flirtatiousness. "How big is it inside?" She then asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Can I come with you inside the ship?"

John, accustomed to such questions, answered her with a friendly tone. "Yes, it's ours, and we have 50 other ships in orbit," he informed her. "It's quite spacious inside, and yes, you can come with us."

Teyla, well aware of Mara's intentions, rolled her eyes playfully at the exchange.

Once inside the house, Eldred pulled out wooden chairs around a rustic wooden table. He offered them refreshments, asking, "Please, please, have a seat. Can I offer you water to drink?"

Teyla graciously declined the offer with a polite smile before getting to the purpose of their visit. "Queen Mara," she addressed her with respect, "we are here to offer you and your planet something in exchange for the use of the Tower of the Ancients." The diplomatic negotiations had officially begun.

Mara's demeanor shifted, her eyes reflecting sadness and sorrow. Eldred offered her comfort and support, encouraging her to share their story with their guests. She took a deep breath, steeling herself to recount the painful events.

"About a year ago," Mara began, "the Wraith came." She explained the different ways time is measured on New Atlantis, highlighting the distinct divisions between the royal court and the common folk, who used seasons as their markers. Her tears flowed freely as she continued. "They arrived by ship, led by a commander named Baldric. We tried to reach the Stargate to seek help, but the Wraith blocked the Ring of the Ancestors, and we were trapped."

Teyla gently held Mara's hands, offering comfort and encouragement. "It's alright, Mara. Please, go on."

Mara recounted the harrowing events. "Their commander ordered the drones to leave the villagers alone, sensing that they were already half-starved from malnutrition. But they took the entire royal court, except for me and my son, who managed to hide."

John couldn't help but be surprised by the revelation that she had a son. His mind raced with questions and emotions. Before he could respond, Teyla intervened, her soft-spoken reassurance soothing the atmosphere. "What is your son's name?" she inquired.

Mara's answer is momentarily interrupted by Ronan's enthusiastic exclamation. "My man!" he exclaimed, his reaction catching Teyla off guard. She shot him a disapproving look, silently urging him to maintain his composure. Ronan quickly corrected himself. "Sorry, please continue," he added, prompting Mara to do just that.

Teyla's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "John, would that be my husband's name?" The revelation that her husband shared a name with Mara's son left her intrigued and somewhat surprised.

Mara's surprise is evident when she learned that John and Teyla were a married couple. She expressed her apologies, clearly regretful about her past actions. "I didn't know," she admitted with sincerity. "If I had known he is attached to you, I wouldn't have... seduced him when my father's Constables captured and arrested him."

Teyla corrected the misunderstanding, explaining, "No, we were not together five years ago. That would make him five years old now."

John, curious and perhaps a bit touched by the revelation, asked, "Can we meet him?"

Mara, however, simply shook her head and walked toward her room, leaving an air of mystery surrounding her actions. Eldred, as the village's voice of reason, began to provide context. "Mara didn't want to live alone in the tower," he explained. "No one in the village is willing to take her in because they only remember the actions of the Royal Court Constables."

As the discussion continued, Mara reappeared, accompanied by her five-year-old son. The child bore a striking resemblance to John Sheppard, from his facial features to his black hair. The revelation of John's son left an indelible mark of surprise on everyone's faces, further complicating an already intriguing situation.

Mara held her son's small hand and knelt to bring herself to his eye level. "John, this is your father," she gently told the boy.

John Sheppard, emotionally moved, stood up from his chair and knelt down beside the young boy. "Hey, buddy," he greeted warmly.

The child, little John, looked at his father with a mix of curiosity and wonder. "Mom says that you're my daddy?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Teyla approached the young boy and introduced herself with a friendly smile. "I'm Teyla Sheppard. Your father is my husband," she explained, wanting to ensure that the child understood the family dynamic.

Little John turned his gaze back to his mother and then back to his father, his young mind trying to process the situation. "Why did you leave? Did you leave Mommy for her?" he asked, his voice filled with innocence.

John Sheppard quickly clarified, "No, no. I didn't leave. I didn't know about you, buddy. We had scary people who came to our home." He tried his best to explain the situation to the young child.

"Scary people, like the Wraith?" Little John asked, seeking further information.

Teyla nodded, confirming the boy's question. "Yes," she answered.

The child's curiosity persisted as he asked, "Will I and Mom come to your home in the sky?"

Teyla smiled and little John nodded in response.

John Sheppard brushed his son's hair from his eyes and answered his next question. "Yes," he said with warmth. "Then you're going to meet your little brother." The revelation brought a sense of joy and hope to the moment, as the family dynamics began to take shape in an unexpected but heartwarming way.


City of Atlantis

Undisclosed Location

A month ago

In the bustling environment of Atlantis Gate Operations, with President Hayes' speech playing in the background, Dr. Rodney McKay is deeply engrossed in his work. He is busy recalibrating Atlantis' sensors to detect anything out of the ordinary. A month ago, he had just married Dr. Jennifer Keller, a medical doctor who had been appointed to head the UEA Medical/Health Administration based in Geneva, Switzerland, formerly known as the World Health Organization.

Jennifer, his wife, is on call with him and inquired about the progress. "Rodney, how long is the recalibration going to take?" she asked, her voice carrying through the communication link.

Rodney, always focused on his work, replied, "It could be several hours or just several minutes." He moved briskly to a control console, dismissing a petty officer who is working on it. Rodney McKay is not known for his people skills, but he is undeniably brilliant.

Despite his qualifications and success, Rodney had been hesitant to join the Pegasus expedition. He believed he is overqualified for the position he is offered. His expertise is paramount in the newly formed Applied Astrophysics and Research Department at the SGC Academy.

As he worked diligently, Richard Woolsey, a familiar figure in Atlantis, approached him. "What's odd?" Woolsey inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Rodney transferred the data to a large screen, displaying a blinking circle indicating a single location. "Sensors are picking up a power source on one of Jupiter's moons," he explained. When Woolsey asked which moon, Rodney pointed to Ganymede on the screen. The discovery is certainly intriguing and left many questions in its wake.

As Rodney delved deeper into the data, the computer successfully matched the power source to its creator, revealing that it is indeed of Asgard origin. His excitement is palpable as he shared the discovery.

Jennifer, who had been listening on the line, decided not to disturb her husband's moment of revelation. "Honey, I'll see you later," she said, her smile showing just how much she cherished Rodney's affection. "I love you."

"I'm reading multiple sources," Rodney continued with growing enthusiasm. He turned his attention to Woolsey, who is still somewhat in the dark about the implications of this find. "You know what this means?" he asked.

Woolsey, always willing to listen and learn from McKay, responded, "Beats me, but you're about to tell me anyway."

Rodney's mind is already racing with possibilities. "We need a ship to find out what it is," he asserted.

Sergeant Chuck Campbell, who is monitoring the ships coming and going in the solar system, chimed in with a suggestion. "Why don't we redirect the Home Fleet to Ganymede?" he proposed.

Rodney couldn't help but snicker at the idea of sending the entire fleet to investigate a single power source. "We can't send the entire fleet," he pointed out. "Just one ship should suffice."

Woolsey agreed and decided to take charge of alerting UEA Command. He couldn't help but comment on Rodney's dedication. "Don't you have a honeymoon with Jennifer to attend?" he asked, noting the scientist's relentless focus.

But Rodney, with his trademark confidence, quipped, "I call dibs on the Asgard energy signature. Somebody's gotta take the credit." His determination is unwavering, and he is eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.

Sergeant Chuck Campbell kept a watchful eye on the TV screen as he listened to the President's speech. When Woolsey disconnected the call with UEA Command and General Samantha Carter beamed into the room.

"General, glad you could make it," Woolsey greeted her as he set the phone down on his desk.

"It's good to be here," Samantha replied, taking in the bustling activity of Stargate Operations. But her attention is soon drawn to the approaching figure of Rodney McKay, who is carrying a tablet.

"Rodney, you were supposed to be on your honeymoon with Jennifer," Samantha chided him.

Rodney, with a hint of regret, admitted, "I know, I know. But this is too important to ignore. We've detected an Asgard energy source on Ganymede, and it could be something significant. I couldn't resist taking a look."

Samantha couldn't help but agree with his priorities. "Sergeant Banks, contact Prometheus to beam me and McKay up," she ordered the sergeant.

As they prepared to beam up to the Prometheus , Samantha added a playful comment to Rodney, causing him to do a double take. "You know, in an alternate universe, I divorced you for this particular reason," she said with a smile before they were whisked away from Atlantis and onto Thor's Hammer.

Samantha Carter and Dr. Rodney McKay materialized on the bridge of the Prometheus, a Daedalus-class ship. Captain Evan Lorne, President Hayes, General Sheppard, and Ronan were already present. Teyla remained in her quarters, tending to her baby, Torrin John Emmagan.

"General Samantha Carter, there better be a good explanation for the delay," Henry Hayes remarked.

"Sorry, sir," Samantha replied, slightly out of breath from the quick transport. She then turned her attention to Rodney McKay. "Rodney found something unusual on Ganymede, an Asgard energy signature. We thought it is worth investigating."

General Sheppard couldn't help but interject, "Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon, Rodney?"

Rodney sighed. "Yes, Jennifer and I made a raincheck on that... stuff," he admitted.

Hayes chuckled and patted Rodney's shoulder. "Raincheck, huh? Kidding aside, what are we talking about? I thought the Asgard shared all their knowledge and technology with us a couple of years ago."

Rodney began to explain, "Yes, but this energy signature doesn't match what the Asgard shared with us. It could be something new or different, and that's why we thought it is worth investigating."

Hayes nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, I'll have General Carter get to the bottom of this, and you can get to your honeymoon. Captain Lorne, set a course for Ganymede, and send the coordinates to the fleet."

Rodney protested, "But, sir!" He sounded as if someone had just taken his lollipop. "I'm more qualified than General Carter."

Henry lowered his head, adopting a patient tone. "It's not about qualifications, Dr. McKay."

Rodney is about to argue further when Hayes reminded him, "Your honeymoon, remember? We were at your wedding."

"Oh," Rodney finally remembered the reason for his absence. "Right."

Samantha Carter chimed in to reassure him, "Rodney, you can catch up on this when you return."

With a nod, Rodney relented. "Alright, then. Beam me to Geneva, Switzerland."

Captain Lorne acknowledges his request, and with a flash of light, Rodney is transported away.

With Dr. Rodney McKay beamed away to Geneva, Switzerland, President Henry Hayes turned his attention back to the task at hand. "Captain Lorne, set a course for Ganymede, and send the coordinates to the fleet," he ordered.

Captain Lorne acknowledged the command with a crisp salute. "Aye, sir. Course set for Ganymede, and coordinates transmitted to the fleet."

As the Thor's Hammerbegan its journey toward Ganymede, General Samantha Carter settled into her role as the one leading the investigation into the mysterious Asgard energy signature. She knew there might be something significant waiting for them on Ganymede, and she was determined to find out what it was.


UEA Medical/Service HQ

Geneva, Switzerland

Meanwhile at the UEA Medical/Health Services headquarters, renamed from the World Health Organization, Dr. Jennifer Keller, the Director General appointed by President Henry Hayes, had been two years on the job. Her tenure was marked by remarkable progress in curing diseases known to humanity, following the disclosure of the Stargate program and the existence of Atlantis.

Dr. Keller and her colleagues were dressed in their standard UEA Medical blue scrubs, adorned with a medical patch on their shoulder. She held a case of vials containing crucial vaccines and what appeared to be a touch screen about the size of a gun handle in the palm of her hand, a hypo spray designed for efficiently injecting vaccines into people's arms.

"Ghanaian local clinic is waiting for this Ebola vaccine," Jennifer Keller said to her colleague, Dr. Lara Lüthi, a Caucasian female with blond hair, who was one of the dedicated doctors at UEA Medical Services.

"It's enough to go around, Lara," Jennifer affirmed as she closed the case.

"Yes, ma'am," Lara replied, but she couldn't help noticing the fatigue in Jennifer's eyes. She had been her best friend for years, and concern filled her voice. "You just got married yesterday to Dr. McKay, why aren't you on your honeymoon?"

Jennifer sighed, her thoughts momentarily drifting to the postponed plans. "We had to make a raincheck. He's out galavanting in the galaxy again."

Just as Lara was about to respond, the room suddenly filled with a familiar shimmering light. Rodney McKay, Jennifer's husband, beamed into her office, wearing his characteristic smirk.

"Hi, honey!" Rodney greeted as Jennifer eagerly rose to hug her husband, her fatigue momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his embrace.

Jennifer reluctantly let go of the embrace, but she could feel the undeniable chemistry between them, the urgency growing. She looked into Rodney's eyes, a mixture of love and frustration evident on her face as she bit her lip.

"I guess they didn't need you?" Jennifer asked, her voice laced with a hint of desire.

Rodney sighed, running a hand through his hair. "President Hayes didn't need me. He gave it to Samantha because he thinks Sam is smarter than I am with Asgard technology."

Jennifer placed a finger on his lips, silencing him momentarily. "Give it a rest, honey," she said softly, her eyes locked onto his.

"You know he's right," Rodney admitted with a sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat. The weight of his insecurities about his own abilities often troubled him, but in Jennifer's presence, it somehow felt lighter, more manageable.

"I need you here on Earth," Jennifer implored, her eyes filled with concern, "to teach cadets the fundamentals of Applied Astrophysics. That's why he appointed you as the head of the Applied Astrophysics and Research Department at the SGC Academy."

She continued, her voice soft but earnest, "Galavanting the universe and risking your life for what? You've almost died several times encountering the Wraiths."

Rodney's gaze softened as he looked into Jennifer's eyes, realizing the truth in her words. He had always been driven by his insatiable curiosity and desire for scientific discovery, but he couldn't deny the toll it had taken on their relationship and his own well-being.

"I know," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I just... I can't help myself sometimes. But I promise, I'll be more present, especially now that we're married."

Jennifer smiled, her love for him evident in her eyes. "That's all I ask, Rodney. Just promise me you'll come back in one piece every time."

He nodded, pulling her into another embrace, determined to make their relationship a priority despite the endless wonders of the universe calling to him.

"Where do you want to go?" Rodney asked his wife, his curiosity piqued. "We can take a jumper or beam there."

Jennifer grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling. "There's this nice planet called Argos," she suggested, her tone playful. "They have a beautiful beach with scandalously clad men serving me grapes and pouring wine on my body."

The thought instantly made Rodney's imagination run wild, and he felt himself becoming aroused. "P3X-8596, a resort planet, huh?" he replied, trying to keep his excitement in check. "What time do you get off?"

Jennifer glanced at the clock on her desk. "I get off in a couple of hours," she answered. "But I have an interview with CNN in 20 minutes. Sanjay Gupta wants to talk about medical advances and vaccines."

Rodney smirked, his desire momentarily put on hold as he contemplated the interview. "Well, after you're done saving the world on live television, how about we make a quick escape to that resort planet? We can have our own little paradise."

The Prometheus exited hyperspace with a subtle shimmer, revealing the massive gas giant Jupiter in all its majestic glory. Its swirling bands of clouds and massive storms dominated the view, but the moon of Ganymede, their destination, loomed ahead.

President Henry Hayes watched intently from the observation area on the bridge as Captain Evan Lorne relayed orders efficiently to his crew. General Samantha Carter was busy scanning the moon with various sensors, searching for any signs of the mysterious Asgard energy signature.

"Captain Lorne, maintain course for Ganymede," Henry instructed. "General Carter, any readings yet?"

Samantha Carter looked up from her console, her expression focused. "Not yet, sir. The energy signature is faint, but it's definitely coming from Ganymede. We'll need to get closer to pinpoint its exact location."

"Very well," Henry replied, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. Ganymede was one of Jupiter's largest moons and had been visited before, but this discovery had piqued their interest.

As the Prometheus closed in on Ganymede, the tension on the bridge grew palpable. They were about to uncover something that could potentially change their understanding of Asgard technology, and perhaps the fate of the galaxy itself.

The Prometheus Came to a full stop, hovering near Ganymede as the moon's massive doors began to open slowly. Captain Evan Lorne and his crew watched with anticipation, but as they neared the source of the Asgard energy signature, it began to dissipate and eventually stopped altogether.

"Full stop," Captain Lorne ordered the helmsman, a sense of puzzlement filling the bridge. They had expected to find something significant here, but the energy signature had vanished.

"It's scanning us," Commander Kevin Marks reported as sensors detected unusual activity.

Then, to everyone's surprise, a hologram of an Asgard suddenly shimmered into existence in the center of the bridge. The crew members exchanged bewildered glances as they stared at the unexpected guest.

"Hello," the hologram said, its voice distinctly Asgard but with a hint of curiosity and warmth.

Captain Lorne stepped forward. "I am Captain Evan Lorne of the Earth ship Prometheus. To whom do we have the honor of speaking?"

The hologram regarded them for a moment before responding, "I am Heimdall, an Asgard of the Vanir faction. We have been monitoring your activities in this sector."

The revelation that this Asgard belonged to the Vanir faction, distinct from the familiar Asgard they had encountered before, added another layer of intrigue to the encounter.

President Henry Hayes, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "Heimdall, we have some questions. We thought the Asgard had shared all their knowledge with us."

Heimdall nodded. "That is correct. The Asgard High Council did share their knowledge with you. However, there are aspects of our technology and culture that we did not share at that time."

Henry exchanged glances with Captain Lorne and General Samantha Carter. They were about to embark on an unexpected journey of discovery, guided by the enigmatic Heimdall of the Vanir faction.

As Heimdall's holographic image spoke, the members of the Thor's Hammercrew listened intently. His revelation about the ancient history of the Asgard and the events that led to the creation of New Valhalla intrigued them all.

"Several million years ago," Heimdall continued, "we, the Asgard, built this station, which we call New Valhalla, in hopes of forging an alliance with the Lanteans, the Furlings, and the Nox. Each of these advanced species had a voice in the councils, with two representatives. For millions of years, there was peace. However, the Furlings, a reptilian bipedal species, were militaristic in nature. They were responsible for creating the Goa'uld. They sought more seats in the council due to their larger population in the Andromeda Galaxy. But the Asgard and the Lanteans voted against it, believing that every member should have an equal voice, regardless of their numbers."

The crew exchanged glances, absorbing the historical context of the conflict that had ultimately fractured the once-unified alliance.

"Then," Heimdall continued, "a devastating plague arrived, brought by the worshippers of the Ori. The Asgard, like your own people before cloning, were vulnerable to this plague. It ravaged our bodies and countless worlds. That's when we resorted to cloning ourselves, in a desperate bid to preserve what remained. The Lanteans left the Alliance Council, seeking refuge in another galaxy to escape the plague that claimed countless lives. The Asgard High Council decided to hide New Valhalla, somewhere no one could find it. They placed it in orbit around your solar system."

Heimdall shifted his gaze to General Samantha Carter. "The Asgard High Council entrusted you with their technology, knowledge, and the gift of New Valhalla, hoping to bring peace and prosperity. With the Asgard's sacrifice and their trust in humanity, they left you with ships, shipbuilding capabilities, mass food and material fabricators."

As the holographic construct of Heimdall completed its message, the crew of the Thor's Hammerwas left in a state of reflection, realizing the gravity of the Asgard's legacy and their role in carrying it forward.

As Heimdall's holographic image spoke, the members of the Thor's Hammercrew listened intently. His revelation about the ancient history of the Asgard and the events that led to the creation of New Valhalla intrigued them all.

"Several million years ago," Heimdall continued, "we, the Asgard, built this station, which we call New Valhalla, in hopes of forging an alliance with the Lanteans, the Furlings, and the Nox. Each of these advanced species had a voice in the councils, with two representatives. For millions of years, there was peace. However, the Furlings, a reptilian bipedal species, were militaristic in nature. They were responsible for creating the Goa'uld. They sought more seats in the council due to their larger population in the Andromeda Galaxy. But the Asgard and the Lanteans voted against it, believing that every member should have an equal voice, regardless of their numbers."

The crew exchanged glances, absorbing the historical context of the conflict that had ultimately fractured the once-unified alliance.

"Then," Heimdall continued, "a devastating plague arrived, brought by the worshippers of the Ori. The Asgard, like your own people before cloning, were vulnerable to this plague. It ravaged our bodies and countless worlds. That's when we resorted to cloning ourselves, in a desperate bid to preserve what remained. The Lanteans left the Alliance Council, seeking refuge in another galaxy to escape the plague that claimed countless lives. The Asgard High Council decided to hide New Valhalla, somewhere no one could find it. They placed it in orbit around your solar system."

Heimdall shifted his gaze to General Samantha Carter. "The Asgard High Council entrusted you with their technology, knowledge, and the gift of New Valhalla, hoping to bring peace and prosperity. With the Asgard's sacrifice and their trust in humanity, they left you with ships, shipbuilding capabilities, mass food and material fabricators."

As the holographic construct of Heimdall completed its message, the crew of the Thor's Hammerwas left in a state of reflection, realizing the gravity of the Asgard's legacy and their role in carrying it forward.

As the Thor's Hammerhovered near the moon, its crust began to break apart, revealing a stunning sight: city skyscrapers and towers that resembled the majestic spires of the lost city of Atlantis. The crew couldn't believe their eyes as they witnessed this incredible discovery.

"1,636 miles in radius, all city structures, sir," Samantha Carter reported, her voice filled with awe.

"It's like Coruscant from Star Wars," John Sheppard whispered to himself, making a reference to the iconic planet covered in cityscapes.

Ronan, unfamiliar with the reference, looked at Sheppard with confusion. "What's a Coruscant?" he asked.

Henry Hayes, a devoted Star Trek fan, couldn't help but grin at the exchange. "Not exactly, General," he replied, acknowledging the reference.

The crew continued to scan the sprawling city as they took in its grandeur. Suddenly, a young ensign reported, "Sir, there's a docking port for a city ship." A holographic image of the docking port appeared on the heads-up display.

"General Sheppard, you might want to head back to Earth and fly Atlantis," Hayes suggested.

Sheppard nodded in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing, sir."

With the city's tractor beam guiding them, the Thor's Hammerwas slowly pulled into a vast dry dock within the city, setting the stage for a remarkable exploration and a potential new chapter in humanity's journey through the stars.

As Henry prepared to head to his office, he instructed Captain Lorne to establish a secure subspace channel to Command. He had a sense of urgency, knowing that what they had just discovered on the moon of Ganymede was of immense importance.

General Carter, still on the bridge, called out, "Sir, if I'm reading this right, there are 50 to 100 Asgard ships housed here." Her voice held a mix of astonishment and wonder as she processed the sheer scale of this discovery.

Outside the Prometheus, the Pegasus fleet, comprised of Daedalus-class Deep Space Carriers and Hybridan frigates, was being tractored into the massive dry dock. The lights illuminated the immense interior, slowly revealing the fleet of Asgard ships that had remained hidden for countless ages.

As Henry turned around and beheld the vastness of the Asgard fleet, his jaw dropped in sheer amazement. The implications of this discovery were staggering, and he knew that the fate of the United Earth Alliance and the galaxy itself might be forever changed by what they had found.


Present Day

New Atlantis

Pegasus Galaxy

General Sheppard, Teyla, Ronan Dex, along with Eldred, Queen Mara, and Little John, materialized in the transporter room onboard the Prometheus. The room had military-gray painted bulkheads, lined with computer consoles. Eldred, still fascinated by the technology around him, couldn't help but approach the viewport to gaze at his village far below. The Asgard ship hovered over the towering spire of the abandoned city ship.

Henry Hayes awaited their arrival as the rematerialization process completed. Eldred, the first to step forward, extended his hand for a handshake. "Welcome aboard the Prometheus," Henry greeted with a warm smile.

Eldred was taken aback for a moment. "You must be the Lord Protector for Earth," he said, his voice filled with reverence.

Henry chuckled at the title. "Something like that," he replied. Eldred's people had customs that included bowing to their leaders, but Henry waved it off, showing his understanding. "No offense taken. Your customs are unique, and I respect that."

Mara stepped forward, her demeanor a mix of shyness and formality. "You must be Queen Mara," Henry acknowledged. She bowed slightly. "You don't need to bow to me; I'm merely a man," he reassured her.

Forgiving herself a small smile, Mara replied, "Forgive me, Lord Protector. It's just our customs."

"No need to apologize," Henry said, his warm demeanor putting everyone at ease. He then knelt down to greet little John, addressing him as a toddler. "And who might you be?" he asked with a friendly smile.

"I'm John," the little boy replied, a playful glint in his eyes as he pointed to General Sheppard. "My daddy."

Henry chuckled at the response. "You don't say," he replied, ruffling the boy's jet-black hair. "Your daddy is a great man."

General Sheppard, unsure how to react, began to explain, but Henry stopped him. "No need, General. What you do in the Pegasus Galaxy during your own time is none of my business." He then stood up and addressed Queen Mara and Eldred. "Let's talk."

Mara leaned down to speak to her son. "John, go to your daddy. I have an important meeting with the Lord Protector."

The boy ran eagerly to his father, who picked him up. "Daddy," little John shouted with delight. "You're heavy," Sheppard remarked with a smile. "Teyla, babe, go with them to discuss some matters while I take my son to see his brother Torrin."

Teyla nodded, her graceful stride following Queen Mara and Eldred as they exited the transporter room, leaving General Sheppard to introduce little John to his new sibling.

As the doors closed behind them, Henry turned his attention to Queen Mara and Eldred, ready to discuss the important matters at hand. The future of both Earth and Eldred's people hung in the balance, and their meeting on the Thor's Hammerwould determine the course of events to come.

USS Momotarō

New Atlantis, New Atlantis System

Over the planet of New Atlantis, a fleet of UEA ships formed a stationary formation in orbit, creating a circular perimeter. Among these ships was the USS Momotarō, a Daedalus-class vessel, currently stationed in the fleet. On the bridge of the Momotarō, Ensign Kuno Minori, stationed at the sensors console, was the first to detect unusual spatial anomalies forming. These anomalies were associated with the activation of hyperspace generators, a sign that a ship might be entering or exiting hyperspace.

"Commander Booth, hyperspace window opening up," Ensign Minori reported.

Commander Jerad Booth, a skilled naval officer and the younger brother of Colonel Seeley Booth, who served as an intelligence asset for UEA Naval Intelligence, immediately moved to his station. He closely monitored the sensor readings, knowing that the emerging energy signatures could reveal the arrival of a spacecraft.

Just as he suspected, a cloud of subspace energy coalesced, and from it emerged an Aurora-class battleship. The formidable vessel materialized a few kilometers away from the Pegasus fleet, raising concerns among the UEA forces.

"Sir, they are hailing us," one of the communication officers reported from her station.

"Open a channel," Commander Booth instructed.

The view screen's holographic display came to life, revealing a striking woman with curly brunette hair and clad in a revealing black leather outfit. Commander Larrin of the Travelers stared intently at the communication screen as she spoke. "This is Commander Larrin of the Travelers. Identify yourself."

Commander Booth maintained his composure as he responded, "This is Commander Jerad Booth of the USS Momotarō of the United Earth Alliance. You are in restricted space."

Larrin's inquisitive expression remained as she replied, "Earth? Is Colonel John Sheppard with you?"

"Yes, may I ask why?" Jerad inquired, clearly curious about Larrin's interest in Colonel Sheppard.

Larrin hesitated briefly before revealing more. "Colonel Sheppard and I have crossed paths in the past. We defeated the Replicators together. I have valuable intel for him, and I'd like to speak with him directly."

Commander Booth's professional demeanor held steady as he considered the situation. "What does this intel pertain to?" he asked while discreetly accessing Larrin's identity and relevant reports.

Larrin's expression grew more serious as she elaborated, "Wraith called Harbinger."

Booth furrowed his brow, puzzled by the unfamiliar term. "Who is this Harbinger?"

Larrin corrected him, "It's not a who, Commander. Harbingers are a breed of Wraith."

With this revelation, Booth began to understand the gravity of the situation. Hyperspace anomalies, the Travelers, and now the mention of a new Wraith breed named Harbinger had the potential to disrupt the fragile peace in the Pegasus Galaxy. Commander Jerad Booth needed to make a decision, one that could significantly impact the ongoing events in this region of space.

As Booth considered his next course of action, back on New Atlantis, Henry Hayes was deep in discussion with Queen Mara and Eldred about their potential alliance and the use of the Tower of the Ancients. The fate of their people, Earth, and the entire Pegasus Galaxy hung in the balance.


USS Thor's Hammer

General John Sheppard carried his 2-year-old stepson, Torren, in his arms while his son, Little John, held onto his hand as they walked through the gray corridors of the USS Prometheus. The ship's lighting fixtures were seamlessly integrated into the bulkheads, casting a soft glow as they made their way towards the conference room. John had contemplated naming the ship "Thor's Hammer," but the name Thor's Hammerwas a fitting tribute to the vessel's predecessors.

As he strolled down the corridor, John couldn't help but smile at the thought of having his family with him on this incredible journey through the Pegasus Galaxy. He marveled at how much had changed in his life since he first stepped through the Stargate to Atlantis.

However, his family time was momentarily interrupted when a call came in from Captain Lorne. John gently passed Torren to his wife, Teyla, and handed Little John over to Queen Mara, who was graciously playing with the toddler.

"Sorry, babe," John said to Teyla, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "Duty calls. I'll be right back."

With that, he headed to the bridge, wondering what had prompted the interruption. When he arrived on the bridge of the Prometheus, Captain Lorne informed him that Commander Larrin of the Travelers had requested to speak with him.

"Put her through," John said, taking a seat in the captain's chair.

On the view screen, Larrin's image appeared. She was a striking woman with a confident demeanor and a flair for style, evident from her leather attire. There was an underlying playfulness to her expressions, and her words often carried a subtle hint of innuendo.

"Colonel Sheppard," Larrin purred, "or should I say, General now?"

John chuckled at her comment. "Yeah, it's General Sheppard now. A lot has changed."

Larrin leaned forward with a sly smile. "And I see you've acquired quite the impressive ship. Care to share how that happened?"

The bridge crew couldn't help but stifle their laughter at the playful banter between the two.

John smirked, deciding to keep his response somewhat cryptic. "Let's just say it was a gift from some old friends."

Larrin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not pressing the matter further. Instead, she got down to the reason for her call.

"I've got some information for you, General. From an old Wraith acquaintance of yours—Todd. He's been captured by a new threat in the Pegasus, the Harbingers."

John's eyes widened with concern. "Harbingers? I've never heard of them. What do you know?"

Larrin leaned back and began to explain. "The Harbingers have been dormant for over 10,000 years. They recently awakened and received a subspace transmission pinpointing the location of Earth."

The mention of Earth immediately put everyone on the bridge on high alert. The safety of Earth was a top priority for the United Earth Alliance.

Larrin paused for a moment before making her request. "I want to come aboard your ship, General. There's more to discuss, and time is of the essence."

John considered her request carefully. He knew that having Larrin on board could be advantageous, given her knowledge of the Pegasus Galaxy and its threats. But he also couldn't ignore the potential complications her presence might bring.

After a moment's contemplation, John nodded. "Alright, Commander Larrin. You can come aboard. We'll arrange for your transport."

With that, the communication ended, and John turned to Captain Lorne. "Prepare to receive Commander Larrin. I'll meet her in the transporter room."

General John Sheppard adjusted his navy-blue BDU and combed his hair as he prepared to leave the bridge. He had decided not to bother President Hayes with the new Wraith threat just yet. Instead, he had brought along two marines and his trusty comrade, Ronan, to accompany him to the transporter room.

"Beam her in, Petty Officer Alvarez," John ordered as they arrived at the transporter room.

In an instant, Commander Larrin materialized before them. She was dressed in her distinctive leather outfit that left her bare shoulders exposed. Larrin couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions as her eyes met Sheppard's. The chemistry between them had always been palpable, and their encounters had often been charged with sexual innuendo.

As they began to catch up, Larrin playfully punched Sheppard's shoulder. "Look at you, a married man," she said with a grin, recalling their shared history.

Sheppard grinned back, appreciating the nostalgia. "Yeah, life changes."

Their flirtatious banter continued as they made their way to the conference room. But before they could delve deeper into their conversation, Larrin dropped a bombshell.

"John, I want to tell you something," she began, her tone more serious. "You have a daughter."

Sheppard was taken aback by the revelation. Before he could respond, the conference room's doors slid open, revealing President Hayes, Queen Mara, Eldred, Teyla, and some UEA officials. Eldred stood up and shook Henry's hand, while Queen Mara offered a respectful bow.

Noticing Sheppard's presence and the unfamiliar woman with him, Hayes introduced himself. "I'm Henry Hayes, leader of the United Earth Alliance."

Sheppard explained that Larrin wished to brief them on a new threat. Hayes was naturally curious and asked for details.

"What is this threat?" Hayes inquired, extending a hand to Larrin.

Larrin reached under her bra and retrieved a data crystal, which she placed on a computer console. A holographic image of Todd, the Wraith, appeared.

"Larrin, if you are getting this message," Todd began, "it means that I have been captured by the Harbingers."

He went on to describe the Harbingers as Wraith with an insatiable hunger for human life. These creatures not only fed on life force but also consumed the bones of every living thing in the galaxy.

"My hive long ago fought them to a corner of the nebula from which they slumber," Todd continued. "Now they have awakened, thanks to a subspace transmission revealing the location of Earth. The entire galaxy is in danger."

The holographic image flickered, leaving everyone in the room deeply concerned. Henry Hayes tapped his fingers on the table as he contemplated the gravity of the situation.

"General," Hayes said, addressing Sheppard, "could this be the same Wraith you captured on Earth two years ago referring to this?"

Larrin leered at Sheppard, intrigued by the prospect of a hidden truth. Before Sheppard could respond, Hayes ordered the computer to play a recording from the Wraith capture in Wytheville, Virginia, on Earth, dating back to April 10, 2009.

John Sheppard couldn't help but interrupt Larrin's briefing. "Wait a minute," he interjected, turning to Teyla before continuing, "I have a daughter? I never did the deed with you." A brief silence fell over the room, broken only by the subtle hum of the ship's systems. Larrin's lips curved into a smile, glancing at John's wife, who seemed to share her bewilderment.

"We didn't, John," Larrin began, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. "Remember when I rendered you unconscious?"

John furrowed his brow, attempting to recall the foggy memory. "Can't say I remember," he replied with a snicker. "Being knocked out and all."

Larrin leaned in slightly, her tone lowered. "I took a sample of, you know, your genetic material, and my doctors artificially inseminated me." A look of mild discomfort crossed John's face. "I feel violated," he muttered, still trying to process the revelation.

Teyla, ever composed, intervened with a question. "How old is she, may I ask?" Her voice was polite, though a hint of disapproval lingered beneath the surface.

"Two years old," Larrin replied, her expression turning somewhat solemn.

Ronan, who had been stationed near the door, ambled over to John, delivering a hearty pat on the shoulder. "My man!" he exclaimed with a wide grin. "Two kids and one on the way from three women. No wonder McKay called you a Kirk."

John shot his friend a playful glare. "At least I'm not a green-blooded Vulcan with no emotions," he quipped.

Larrin, catching onto the reference, inquired, "Who are these Vulcans? Are they native to your galaxy?"

President Hayes, seizing the opportunity to contribute, responded to Larrin's query, "Something like that."

Before the conversation could delve any further, John's attention shifted to Teyla. "One on the way?" he asked, an expression of mild shock crossing his features.

Teyla, understanding his concern, assured him, "I've been meaning to tell you, my love."

Queen Mara, who had been observing the interaction quietly, decided to interject. "Larrin, your daughter is welcome in our world, which President Hayes has named New Atlantis."

John's curiosity got the better of him. "What's her name?" he inquired.

Larrin met his gaze directly. "Her name is Aria," she replied.

Henry Hayes then intervened, apologizing for the interruption and redirecting the conversation to the matter at hand.

"Can you elaborate on the Harbingers and their whereabouts?" Hayes inquired, his gaze fixed on Larrin.

"Yes, sir," Larrin replied, taking a moment to compose herself. "Todd, as you call him, was able to transmit the location of the Harbingers before he was captured." A holographic reticle appeared, marking the edge of the galaxy, where a nebula containing dangerous levels of neutron radiation was identified.

Hayes contemplated the information for a moment, observing the holographic display intently. "For all we know, it could be a trap," he remarked, addressing the room. "He betrayed us on several occasions and commandeered our ships."

Larrin nodded in agreement, her gaze fixated on the table. "Todd and his faction of Wraith and my people have a peace treaty," she revealed.

Hayes absorbed the information before issuing a command that would set a chain of events in motion. "Commander Booth, you and Teyla, reach out to the Genii. Bring along ten ships to show them our strength and convince any other friendly factions in the Pegasus Galaxy that we are here to stay."

As Captain Lorne received his instructions, Hayes instructed, "Establish a connection with the Atlantis database via subspace to see if there's any information on the Harbingers."

John, slightly puzzled by the extensive operation, chimed in. "Ten ships, sir? Is that overdoing it?"

Hayes met John's gaze with a wry smile. "You're right, General. Make it eleven."

John chuckled, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Once you are done, you and Ronan lead a battalion of Marines to secure the tower."

Acknowledging the orders, John affirmed, "Yes, sir." Hayes glanced at his watch, noting the time. "14:00 Earth Standard Time should be sufficient. Two hours, enough time to prepare. You have your orders. Dismiss."

He then turned to Larrin with a slight smile. "I need to talk to your superiors," he stated. Larrin raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "For what, sir?" she asked.

Hayes maintained his composure. "You know, the usual. Establishing an alliance or even a partnership."

The room began to clear out as everyone left to carry out their assigned tasks, leaving Hayes deep in thought.


Lowell, Massachusetts

Eli Wallace had been engrossed in a marathon gaming session, the soft glow of his computer screen casting a bluish hue across his dimly lit room. He'd been at it for hours, lost in the virtual world created by StellarLink Studios, a subsidiary of Stargate Command. His online friend, Adam Smith, had joined him in the adventure, and together they had delved deeper into the game's mysteries.

The room was in disarray, a testament to Eli's single-minded focus on the game. He hadn't showered, and his disheveled appearance was completed by a well-worn red shirt that bore the words "I'm here." in faded letters and a pair of comfortable sweater pants. Eli's determination was unwavering as he tackled a particularly challenging level, one that required him to translate the intricate language of the Alterans in order to fire a mysterious weapon.

Frustration was etched on Eli's face as he muttered to Adam, "I did it before." He was desperately trying to decipher the elusive code that seemed to have broken the game. Adam, however, remained skeptical, his voice tinged with amusement, "You are full of it."

Just as Eli was about to attempt another solution, the game abruptly reset itself. In a fit of frustration, he tossed his headset onto the keyboard, eliciting a cacophony of jumbled sounds. "Yeah, talk to ya later, Adam," he sighed, ending the Skype call. He wiped his sweat-drenched face with his bare hands and realized it was already lunchtime.

As Eli made his way down to the kitchen, the doorbell rang, interrupting his thoughts. He opened the door to find himself face to face with a figure he recognized, a former Air Force General who had since integrated into the Space Navy. The Admiral, in his impeccably tailored black Service dress uniform, stood alongside a woman with striking black hair, dressed in a formal suit.

"Eli Wallace?" the Admiral inquired, his gaze steady.

Eli nodded in response. "Yes?"

The Admiral extended a hand, introducing himself with a firm handshake. "I'm Admiral Jonathan O'Neil."

Beside him, the woman spoke up, her tone warm and professional. "I'm Dr. Angela Montenegro."

Eli's brows furrowed as he scrutinized the Admiral standing before him. The name Jonathan O'Neil struck a chord, but something was amiss. "Jonathan O'Neil is not an admiral," Eli stated, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

With a wry smile, the Admiral replied, "I'm his clone."

Eli blinked, taken aback by the unexpected revelation. "Right, my mom is not home," he stammered, clearly struggling to make sense of the situation.

Before he could retreat and close the door, the Admiral's foot halted it from shutting. "We are looking for you, Eli," Jonathan asserted, his tone more serious now.

Eli's confusion deepened. "Looking for me? Why?"

Angela took a step forward, her demeanor composed and professional. "We've been monitoring your progress on the game called Prometheus, developed by StellarLink Studios."

Eli's mind raced as he tried to piece together the puzzle. "Did I win a contest or something?"

Jonathan shook his head. "No, there were no contests. We inserted an Ancient language into the game, and you managed to translate it and solve the puzzle."

Eli couldn't hide his bewilderment. "Took 8 hours of my life, and it didn't work the second time," he muttered, still grappling with the surreal turn of events. "Who would be stupid enough to put a secret language into a game?"

Angela bit her lip, her gaze steady. "It was Dr. Nicholas Rush."

Eli's eyes widened as he connected the dots. Dr. Rush, a name synonymous with scientific brilliance and enigmatic pursuits. "You're telling me that Stargate Command is behind all of this?"

Jonathan nodded, a warm smile on his face. "We are here to recruit you to Stargate Command, Eli. Congratulations."

Eli couldn't believe what he was hearing. His ordinary life had just taken a sudden and inexplicable turn into the extraordinary. "You're kidding, right?" he asked, a mix of astonishment and disbelief in his voice.

Both Jonathan and Angela shook their heads, their expressions unwavering. This was no joke. Eli Wallace, the gamer with a penchant for solving puzzles, had just been handed the opportunity of a lifetime.

Eli stood at the doorway, his mind racing as he mulled over the life-altering proposition laid out before him. After dropping out of MIT to take care of his mother following a workplace accident, his life had been a whirlwind of responsibility and sacrifice. His mother had contracted AIDS from a dirty needle, and he'd made it his mission to provide for her. His aspirations of a traditional career had taken a backseat to ensuring her well-being.

In the midst of caregiving, he'd turned to streaming his gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, hoping to make ends meet. However, gaining subscribers and viewers on his channel had proven to be a formidable challenge.

"No, we are not kidding," Angela reiterated, her voice gentle yet unwavering.

Jonathan O'Neil chimed in with a dry chuckle. "Would I be here if I was kidding? Why would I waste my time coming here to see a washed-up kid with no job?"

Eli couldn't help but bristle at the comment. He wasn't entirely without prospects. "I have a job," he corrected Jonathan, though the weight of his circumstances still hung heavy on his shoulders.

"Yeah," Jonathan replied, arching an eyebrow. "How many subscribers do you have?"

Eli's response was hesitant, "Not as many as I'd like."

Angela stepped in, diffusing the tension with a note of apology. She retrieved a tablet from her bag and turned it on, the screen casting a soft glow on her features. Eli's curiosity piqued as he waited to see what she had to show him.

Eli took the file from Angela, his fingers tracing the edges of the thick paper. As he skimmed through the contents, his eyes scanned over the intricate legal jargon outlining the terms and conditions of the nondisclosure agreement (NDA). The weight of the document's implications wasn't lost on him. He knew it meant secrecy, commitment, and the potential for a future he could hardly fathom.

"I'll have my lawyer look through it," Eli declared, hoping to buy some time to process the gravity of the situation.

Jonathan's voice cut through the tension, laced with sarcasm. "By lawyer, you mean your mom, right?"

Eli couldn't help but smile at the quip. "Yeah, you got me there."

Just as the atmosphere began to settle, a new presence emerged. Eli's gaze shifted to a man with an unmistakable Irish accent. "What's the hold-up?" the man inquired, his demeanor a blend of authority and impatience.

Eli looked at the newcomer, puzzled. "Who are you?"

The man straightened his posture, a hint of pride in his voice. "I'm Doctor Nicholas Rush, head of Research at the SGC."

The mention of the Stargate Command sent a shiver of excitement through Eli. He had heard about the SGC through the media, although the portrayals hadn't always been flattering. The once top-secret government agency had been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy in the public eye.

Nicholas leaned in, his voice lowering. "I put a mathematical proof written in ancient on the Dakara weapons platform in the game."

Eli nodded, recalling the elusive puzzle within the virtual world. "Yeah, they told me about that. Didn't work on my second playthrough."

Nicholas leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with conviction. "What you don't know is that the proof works."

Eli's curiosity piqued, he couldn't help but inquire further. "What's the proof for?"

"To unlock the 9th chevron," Nicholas explained, his tone weighted with significance.

"I'll take a look at the NDA and get back to you," Eli said, feeling the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. With that, he closed the door, granting himself a moment to breathe and process the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded.

As the door shut, Angela let out a sigh. "Well, that was underwhelming."

She turned to Jonathan, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I'll beam back to the studio and put the code back into the game."

While Angela made her preparations to leave, Nicholas turned to Jonathan, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Beam him to the Agamemnon, Admiral."

Jonathan's brows furrowed in disbelief. "You're kidding, right? You want to kidnap him?"

Nicholas waved off the concern, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm not suggesting kidnapping the kid. It's more like an orientation."

Jonathan regarded Nicholas with a bemused expression. "You're certainly not one for conventional methods, are you, Rush?"

Nicholas simply shrugged in response, his gaze steady. "Conventional methods rarely yield extraordinary results, Admiral," he retorted as they both stepped onto the transporter pad, preparing to beam up to the Agamemnon's waiting transporter room.

Upon their arrival, Jonathan swiftly made his way to the Asgard control panel and dismissed the Chief Petty Officer from his station with a simple command. "Dismiss, Chief," Jonathan ordered, and the officer promptly exited the room, leaving the trio alone.

"You're certain we should beam him aboard?" Jonathan questioned, his gaze flickering between Eli and Nicholas.

"Yes, I'm sure. He might be the key to unlocking the 9th chevron," Nicholas affirmed confidently, his eyes fixed on the newcomer.

Jonathan exhaled heavily, feeling the weight of responsibility settle onto his shoulders. With a resigned expression, he manipulated the stones on the Asgard transporter console. Eli was enveloped in a bright light, his form disappearing from the Earth and reappearing on the transporter pad aboard the Agamemnon. Startled, he whirled around, taking in his surroundings and the figures of Nicholas Rush and Admiral Jonathan O'Neil.

"What the hell," Eli blurted out, his voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment.

Nicholas stepped forward with a disarming smile. "Welcome aboard, Eli. We have much to discuss."

"Colonel Booth, ready to depart," Jonathan announced over his earpiece, his attention already shifting to the impending tasks at hand. With a purposeful stride, he moved toward the exit of the transporter room, the door whooshing open to reveal the sprawling corridors of the Agamemnon.

Confusion evident on his face, Eli grasped his phone tightly, his thoughts racing. "Where are we going?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

Nicholas placed a reassuring hand on Eli's shoulder. "We are going to Icarus Base, 22,000 light-years from Earth. It's a day's journey through hyperspace."

Eli's mind reeled at the thought of being so far from home in such a short time. Concern for his mother flooded his thoughts. "Is there a chance for me to call my mom?" he asked, his voice faltering slightly.

"We'll make sure you have a chance to communicate with your mom," Nicholas assured him, guiding him gently out of the transporter room and into the bustling corridors of the spacecraft.

Outside the viewport, the scene was bustling with activity. Ships of various sizes darted in and out of hyperspace, the Earth below gradually growing smaller as they ventured further into the cosmos. F-302s patrolled in precision formations, their sleek forms cutting through the vacuum of space with calculated grace. The grand scale of the operation was both mesmerizing and overwhelming to Eli, who couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of the adventure that lay ahead.

Alone in the ship's library, Eli sat in quiet contemplation, the glow of the screen casting a soft light on his features as he absorbed the introductory video of the Stargate program. Daniel Jackson's voice resonated through the room, guiding him through the intricacies of the program's inner workings and the remarkable history of the Stargate itself.

"Hi, I am Daniel Jackson, I am the director of Linguistics. Before you today is a Stargate. The Stargate was built by our ancestors, whom we called Alterans or Ancients, millions of years ago," the recording of Daniel Jackson explained, providing a fascinating glimpse into the universe that Eli had suddenly found himself a part of.

As the video concluded, Eli made his way to the communication room, the weight of homesickness tugging at his thoughts. There, he was greeted by a young ensign with brunette hair neatly tied in a pigtail beneath her crisp blue beret. A warm smile graced her lips as she acknowledged him.

"Good morning, Mr. Wallace," she greeted him, her tone friendly and welcoming. "I've been advised to let you use the subspace comms to call your mom."

Eli's gratitude was palpable as he glanced at her, taking note of her name, Bailey, neatly sewn onto her uniform, along with her rank insignia adorning her collar. A reciprocal grin formed on his face as he replied, "Thank you. I didn't catch your name."

The ensign's expression softened as she returned his smile. "Ensign Ariel Bailey," she introduced herself, her warmth easing some of the tension that had settled within Eli.

Mariann Wallace, her blue scrubs slightly rumpled from the long shift, parked her car in the driveway of her modest home. Weary but accustomed to the strains of her profession, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, her steps heavy with fatigue. The aroma of a recently cooked meal hung faintly in the air, an unexpected surprise in the otherwise silent house. She made her way to the kitchen, her mind already set on a simple, nourishing meal from the food fabricator.

The food fabricator, roughly the size of a microwave oven, hummed quietly as Mariann inputted her order for a fresh salad. With a brief flash of light, the salad materialized, and she retrieved a bottle of vinaigrette from the fridge, drizzling it lightly over the greens. The convenience of the food fabricator was a small luxury, provided free of charge by the United Earth Alliance, with the minimal cost of $1 for a meal replication, a small contribution toward the funding of UEA and Stargate Command operations.

"Eli, are you home?" Mariann called out, her voice echoing through the quiet house. She waited a moment, expecting a reply, but there was only silence. Concern gnawed at her, and she called out again, her footsteps carrying her toward the living room. She flicked on the television, the news bulletin catching her attention.

On the screen, the anchor's voice rang out, recounting an astonishing tale. "An archaeological team from Stargate Command has recently explored a planet believed to have been inhabited by an ancient lost tribe of Israelites known as Zebulun. Officials have confirmed the discovery of the Star of David during the excavation, suggesting a connection to the historical account of the Gao'uld Ba'al taking the people of Israel thousands of years ago to one of his territories."

As a Jewish woman herself, Mariann's heart skipped a beat at the revelation. She knew little of the true extent of human presence in the universe, beyond what the government chose to disclose to the public.

Just as the news segment concluded, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She answered without hesitation. "Hello?"

"Hi, Mom," Eli's voice greeted her on the other end.

"Eli, where are you?" Mariann asked, her concern palpable.

"I can't tell you, Mom. Just say that I'm with the Navy," Eli replied, his tone strained with the weight of secrecy.

A pause lingered between them, the tension palpable. "It sounds like you're in a spaceship," Mariann ventured cautiously, her mind racing with possibilities.

Eli's response was measured, his words carefully chosen. "Mom, people from Stargate Command's Medical Division will be in touch with you."

A flicker of worry crossed Mariann's face. "They already contacted me at work," she admitted, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Are you in trouble?"

"No, Mom. I can't say anything. It's classified," Eli reassured her, though the assurance did little to ease her growing unease.

After the conversation with his mother, Eli glanced at his watch, realizing it was already noon, and hunger pangs nudged at his consciousness. He spotted a different communications officer nearby, a brunette with a smile that suggested she found him rather appealing. Eli quickly scanned her collar for her rank, confirming her identity as Lieutenant Armstrong, before addressing her.

"Is Ensign Bailey off duty?" he inquired, hoping to get some guidance.

The officer, evidently more casual in her approach, beamed at him. "Call me Chloe, your chaperone," she replied with an easy grin. "You're not military, so calling me by my rank is out the window."

Eli nodded, appreciating her more relaxed demeanor. "Fair enough, Chloe. Do you know where I can get some food around here?"

"I was about to be on my lunch break. Why don't you follow me?" Chloe suggested, motioning for him to join her as they made their way to an awaiting elevator.

As they rode down, Eli's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist probing further. "How did you get assigned to escort duty?"

Chloe's expression shifted slightly, her tone taking on a hint of formality. "I'm a Civil Affairs Officer. It's my job, Mr. Wallace."

"Eli," he interjected, seeking to establish a more casual rapport with his newfound guide. "Can you tell me how the UEA Navy managed to build so many ships in such a short time after its establishment?"

Chloe's response was measured, her voice tinged with caution. "Since you signed the NDA, you can't tell anyone."

Eli nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Chloe's next revelation, however, was nothing short of astonishing. "We contracted out to the Hybridans," she explained, noting Eli's puzzled expression. "They're a world of lizard people who freed the Celts from the Goa'uld thousands of years ago. The SGC sent engineers to train their people in using Naquadah generators for their military vessels."

Eli's eyes widened at the revelation, his mind reeling at the existence of such an enigmatic civilization. "Wow, there really are lizard people," he remarked, a mixture of shock and fascination coloring his tone.

Chloe added a wry comment, "They're capitalists."

Eli couldn't help but ponder another question that had been nagging at him. "I've been wondering, if people can travel through the Stargate, why are we traveling in a spaceship?" He couldn't shake the thought, especially after spending nearly a day in hyperspace en route to Icarus Base.

Chloe launched into an explanation, her words carefully chosen to enlighten him. "It would be a logistical nightmare. Most of Earth's enemies have ships. Remember how the Goa'uld took out the Nimitz battle group over in the Mediterranean Sea?"

Eli nodded solemnly, recalling the tragic event. "I remember. Thousands of sailors died in the news."

"That's the cover story. The asteroid hit the battle group," Chloe confirmed, her voice tinged with solemnity. "The Goa'uld Anubis sent his entire fleet to Earth, taking out our power stations and military bases."

Eli watched intently as his order materialized before him—a classic burger with a side of golden fries, a familiar comfort in the midst of the ever-unfolding events aboard the spacecraft. He grabbed the plate and settled into a seat alongside Chloe, the warm aroma of the freshly replicated meal inviting his attention.

Curiosity tugged at him, and he couldn't resist delving back into the history that had shaped the world he found himself a part of. "So, what happened after Anubis took out our power stations and military bases?" Eli inquired, his voice tinged with a mixture of intrigue and apprehension.

Chloe's expression tightened slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. "President Hayes ordered our first spaceship, the Prometheus, and several squadrons of F-302s to Antarctica. SG-1 found an Ancient outpost and managed to defeat Anubis's fleet."

Sensing her reluctance to delve further into the topic, Eli shifted gears, attempting to lighten the mood. "Where did you go to college?" he asked, hoping to steer the conversation toward more lighthearted territory.

"Georgetown," Chloe replied, her voice warm with nostalgia.

"I went to MIT," Eli offered, a note of pride creeping into his tone.

"For one semester," Chloe teased, her playful jab laced with good-natured ribbing. "The only reason you're here is because you solved a puzzle in a game."

Eli chuckled, but his tone turned serious as he clarified, "Not just a puzzle. It took me days to solve it."

Chloe's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I hope you don't get carpal tunnel."

Eli's gaze swept the room, searching for a trash can, but finding none in sight. "How come there's no trash can around?" he asked, his confusion evident.

Chloe's response was swift, accompanied by a friendly smile. "You know the food fabricator can recycle waste, right?" she quipped, leading him toward a concealed food fabricator embedded within the bulkhead.

Eli's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. "That I didn't know," he admitted, genuinely intrigued by the innovative technology at play.

Chloe deftly deposited the trays and silverware into the fabricator and pressed a button. Eli watched in fascination as the remnants of their meal dematerialized on a molecular level, the process resembling something straight out of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

"Just like Star Trek TNG," Eli marveled, a sense of wonder dancing in his eyes.

As the Agamemnon emerged from hyperspace, a subspace tear unfurled, releasing a swirl of neutrino and tachyon particles into the space around them. The vast expanse was dotted with hundreds of smaller spacecraft engaged in precise patrols and orbits. Notably, a distinctive space station bearing the symbol of an Earth Chevron came into view, its cylindrical structure crowned with a large, sleek half-oval on top.

Eli's eyes widened in wonder at the sight unfolding before them. "That's Icarus Base?" he marveled, a touch of awe lacing his tone. "It looks like Earth Space Dock on Star Trek."

Chloe nodded, confirming his suspicions. "No, that's Icarus Station. We're going to beam down to the base on the surface," she explained, her voice laced with a hint of pride. "We hired Hollywood visual artists who worked on the show."

Eli's curiosity piqued as he mused, "I tried to get my mom to watch Star Trek with me, but she never quite understood the technobabble."

Chloe chuckled softly. "All of this was kept top-secret before the disclosure," she added, a sense of gravity underlying her words. "If it wasn't for the SGC, we'd be enslaved or wiped out by the Goa'uld, the Ori, and the Wraith."

Eli's expression shifted, the weight of her words settling over him. "Is the galaxy really that dangerous?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and fascination.

Chloe's response was solemn, her gaze sweeping the expanse before them. "Yes. The station serves a defensive purpose, warding off potential attacks from the Lucian Alliance and other threats that loom in the shadows."

Eli, still grappling with the vastness of the unknown, posed another question. "Who is the Lucian Alliance?"

Chloe's brow furrowed in slight surprise at his lack of information. "Didn't you get the imprint?" she asked, a hint of astonishment in her voice.

Eli shook his head, a wry smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "No, I didn't want that much information downloaded into my brain. But I'm a quick study," he replied, a touch of pride lacing his tone.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the intercom, the voice of Colonel Seeley Booth resonating throughout the ship. "This is Colonel Seeley Booth, the captain of the USS Agamemnon. All distinguished guests and staff, we have reached our destination. The current outside temperature of Icarus Base is 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Local time is 1200 hours Zulu. Please make your way to the airlock to board the station. Thank you."

Chloe gestured toward the airlock, a small smile gracing her lips. "Shall we?" she asked, prompting Eli to follow her lead as they prepared to embark on the next stage of their journey.