Harbinger Planet
On the single dark planet in the nebula, there is no sun, no moon, no stars. The only light comes from the electrical discharge from the nebula itself. Thick acid mist and the ground is covered in jagged rock formations. A single towering structure rises above the landscape, as 10 to 15 metalic darts fly pass the tower structure. It looks like the central spire of Atlantis, New Atlantis, but's an outpost left thousands of years ago by the Ancients.
The darts fly towards the tower and one by one, they disappear into a tunnel leading to the base of the tower. One of the metalic dart shoots out a culling beam as it materializes a lone single Wraith. The soldiers who are standing by were of different breed of Wraith, their skin are dark
as obsidian with a 3 indicator lights above their right eyebrow. Their teeth are metalic and sharp as they pick up Todd. They wore tan armor made out of materials that's impervious to kinectiotic energy, and wielded a plasma pistol. As the drones drags Todd into the tower, the tower door slides open revealing a dimly lit hallway with various rooms leading off to the side.
"Where am I." Todd asks as he looks around the dimly lit hallway. "And who are you people?" His voice echoes off the cold, metallic walls. The Obsidian drones didn't respond, instead they hiss at him and drag him roughly down the hallway, deeper into the tower. They eventually reach a large room filled with strange machinery and consoles. A hulking figure stands before a bank of monitors, its body covered in ornate armor.
"Why concern yourselves with me, machines?" Todd growls as the Obsidian drones drag him through the strange chamber filled with technology he's never seen before. His skin crawls at the sight of the hulking figure standing before the bank of monitors. It's a Wraith alright, but mechanical in nature. Developed by the Ancients to fight the Wraith but something went wrong during their development, causing them to turn on their masters.
10,000 years ago, The Wraith Hives formed an alliance and fought them to this part of the galaxy, something that's in the nebula make up kept the Harbinger at bay, the electrical and plasma discharge of the storms cause their synthetic synapsis to render them inert. Todd was there as millions of his brethren fought and died trying to trap the Harbingers in the region of space.
"Ah, what they call you?" the hulking Wraith-like machine asks, its voice a harsh metallic rasp. "You are not like the others. You seem...stronger. More resilient." It takes a step forward, studying Todd with its glowing red eyes. "What they call you?"
Todd growls in reply, "They call me a Wraith. Now let me go. I have no business with you machines." He struggles against the Obsidian drones, but they only tighten their grip on his arms.
The hulking Wraith-like machine tilts its head, considering this. "A Wraith, once we were program...gram to eliminate your kind." It pauses, seeming to think on this. "But you...you are different." The machine turns away, gesturing for one of the Obsidian drones to step forward. "You interest me. I think I'd like to keep you, at least for a while."
The drone releases its grip on one of Todd's arms, attaching a metal collar around his neck instead. A small display on the collar glows to life, showing a series of code and numbers. "This collar will contain you from escaping and," the machine explains. "It will keep you from using your abilities too strongly, but you should still be able to function normally."
"What obomination is this!" Todd growls, struggling against the collar. "You think I'll be your pet, your toy? I'll make you all pay for this humiliation!" He tries to strike at the machine, but his strength is weakened by the collar, and his efforts are futile.
"You must feel hunger by now as the collar keeps your abilities from fully functioning. We have the technology to replenish your strength, but you must first learn to obey." The hulking Wraith-like machine turns back to the bank of monitors.
Todd glares at the machine. "Me and my kind fought you to this region of space. We made sure your kind would never leave." His voice echoes off the metallic walls. "Who are you?" He asks, "What is your purpose?"
"I...I am Overlord, My purpose...to devour all life or was it devour wraith." The Overlord speaks with a raspy voice, not quite sure of its own purpose. "They, the Lanteans, they built us...millions of us...they built us, to fight you, the Wraith. They thought they could defeat you. But...they were wrong. They tried to make us perfect, but they failed. And now, here we are." It gestures around the room. "Trapped in this place, in this time. My brethren and I, we're nothing but machines, unable to function as we were meant to."
"I will not help you. You are no better than the Wraith. You are a machine, designed to kill and consume. And if you think I'm going to aid you in your quest for dominance, you're sadly mistaken." Todd snarls with a laughter that sounds like a growl.
"No matter" Overlord said as he turns the light to a stasis chamber with what appears to be a sleeping Wraith Hybrid inside
Todd recognized the hybrid. "Micheal." He mutters.
The Overlord, sensing his curiosity and perhaps a hint of vulnerability, decides to push its luck. "Ah, yes. Michael. Quite the unique specimen, wouldn't you say? A Wraith-Human hybrid."
Todd's eyes narrow, his focus shifting between the Overlord and the stasis chamber. "Where did you find him" he asks warily.
"Why do carry so much hatred for us...Harbinger? We were once the same as you." The Overlord asks with a gentle voice.
"You are machines, You are not even alive." Todd spits at the Overlord.
"Perhaps you're right," the machine replies. "No matter." It turns back to the stasis chamber. "We found Michael in the ocean on Lantea 3 years ago...looking...looking for our creator...af...aft...after receiving signal."
"Signal? What sort of signal?" Todd asks, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The Overlord tilts its head, considering the question. "A signal...location of Earth...far from this galaxxxxy." it approaches Todd, its voice lowering. "The signal awaken us...take him away to his cell." It gestures to the room behind it. "We study him..."
"They will find me." Todd let out a laugh, more of a choked snarl.
"Who you speak of?" The Overlord asks with a confused tone. "No one will find you here. This place is hidden, forgotten by time." It pauses, considering its words. "We be ready." The Overlord says.
Todd laughs, a mocking the Overlord as the drones drag him away to a cell. "They will find me. And when they do, they'll make you pay." He snarls, but the words are hollow. As the door to his cell slides shut.
"Many have perished trying to escape this hazardous part of space," the Overlord informs Todd, its metallic voice echoing through the empty corridor. "Just to retrieve Micheal from...bottom of ocean." The machine hesitates, seemingly unsure of what to call the location.
USS Pavel Chekov
Lightyears away from the outer reaches of the Pegasus Galaxy, a region of space that hasn't been explored since it's surrounded by plasma storms and pulsar, highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of its magnetic poles as it rotates. In the center of this region, lies a nebula, a giant interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionized gases. A place for old stars to die and give birth to new life. The nebula glowed in a spectrum of colors, as if it was alive and breathing, it's swirling patterns hypnotic and mesmerizing. Against the vast darkness of space, the nebula stood out like a jewel.
A hyperspace window opened, expelling a bluish anomalous energy as it swirls, moments later, a Daedulas class battlecruiser emerges out, as the aerobrakes stops the ship's forward momentum, the asgard design shield envelops the vessel, to prevent dangerous space debris, radiation from the nearby pulsar and other hazards. The ship's hull is a dull metallic grey with plasma cannons and beam emitters lining its sides. The ship's name, Pavel Chekov, named after the fictional character of the hit television show.
The Pavel Chekov redesigned sub light engines burst to life as it moves forwards, avoiding dangerous electrical storms.
Inside the bridge of the Chekov, Captain Toma Nikolaeva checks the holographic readings on her armrest as the ship continues to navigate through the treacherous region.
"Watch out for the electrical discharges ensign" She says to her pilot whose hands are busy maneuvering the yoke and glancing at the sensor display.
"Whoever design the sensors UI is a genius." The pilot, Ensign Yuri Gagarin, chuckled as he expertly navigated the Pavel Chekov through the electrical storms.
First Officer Commander Alexei Leonov is at the tactical holoconsole, monitoring the sensors and tracking any possible hostile activity in the region. He glances over at Captain Toma Nikolaeva, "Captain, we are approaching the outer perimeter of the nebula. Shall we initiate long-range scans to investigate any anomalies?"
Ronan Dex stood silent and staring at the tactical display of the holoconsole as he watches the first officer tapping on the console with every button tapped the chirping of the console echoes through the bridge.
"You can thank Micheal Okuda for that, Stargate Command R and D partnered with him to develop a working interface." Captain Toma replied with a chuckle as she glanced at the tactical holoconsole. "Go ahead and start the long-range scans, Commander. But be cautious, the last probe that went in here... Well, let's just say we don't have much data to go on.""
Everyone let a laugh escape them when they heard Captain Toma mention Data; except for Ronan Dex who didn't get the pop culture reference.
"I don't undestand?" Dex said confused, his attention still on the tactical display.
"Never mind, Commander Dex" Toma replied with a kind smile. "Commander Leonov, keep us informed on any developments. Ensign Gagarin, maintain our position and prepare to deploy the probe drones."
"Commander Dex, I heard you audition for Games of Thrones." The first officer, Alexei Leonov, chuckled as he glanced over at Dex.
"Yeah, I audition for Khal Drago." Dex deadpanned, giving a slight nod to the first officer.
"Did you had to change your name?" Leonov asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"My manager told me to change my name to Jason Momoa." Dex grinned.
"Really." Leonov chuckled.
The Pavel Chekov continued to navigate through the treacherous region, with the probe drones deployed and collecting data on the surrounding area. Suddenly, the ship's computer alerted them to an unidentified energy signature emanating from within the nebula. Commander Dex quickly analyzed the data and identified it as a Wraith cruiser.
Captain Toma Nikolaeva's eyes widened in surprise. "Ensign Gagarin, prepare to engage the Wraith cruiser. Commander Dex, give me all the information you have on them."
Ronan examines the Wraith cruiser; it appears to be damaged and drifting. "Biometric sensors are not picking up Wraith life signs." he says.
"Captain, the cruiser matches." Dex says as he continues to examine the data. "The cruiser belongs to Todd."
"Todd?" Commander Leonov asked, confused.
"The Wraith we are here to rescue and recon this area of space." Captain Toma Nikolaeva explained to her first officer.
The Pavel Chekov approached the damaged Wraith cruiser and scans the damages it sustained. The sensors indicate that the ship's engines damaged beyond repair even though it's organic regenerative hull repair couldn't handle the amount of damage it received.
Next few days were a blur for Todd as he lay in his cell, the dull red light barely illuminating the room. He could hear the distant hum of the machines and the occasional clang of metal on metal. He knew that the Overlord was right; escape would be impossible. He was trapped here, in this place, with no hope of ever seeing the stars again.
And yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Overlord was somehow wrong. There was something about the way it spoke, the way it moved...it didn't seem like a machine, not entirely. There was an intelligence there, a spark of something that reminded him of the people he had once known, before everything had changed. Good thing he transferred his location to Larrin of the Traveler.
The door to his cell slides open, revealing a dimly lit corridor. the drones enter as their synthetic hands grab's his arm, dragging him roughly the corridor and threw him on the ground where he was a couple of days earlier. The Overlord stands before him in front of the line of monitors, the alarm push alerting him that a ship is approaching the ingresed of the nebula.
"Must be my friends." Todd mutters, struggling to his feet. "They finally found me." He looks up with a defiant stare at the Overlord..
The Overlord seems unconcerned. "Ah, yes." it acknowledges with a hint of amusement. "They've come to rescue you, have they?" It tilts its head, studying the approaching ship on the monitor. "No matter...sending stingers to intercept."
Todd grits his teeth, anger coursing through him. He struggles against the restraints, but they hold fast. "Let them through, you bastard!" he shouts. "Let them rescue me!"
The Overlord merely chuckles. "Oh, I'm afraid that won't be possible." It waves its hand, and a hologram of a small, sleek ship with sharp edges appears above the monitors. "This is our Stinger Interceptor, designed specifically for such situations. I'm sure they'll make short work of your...rescuers."
Todd grinds his teeth, feeling a mix of fear and anger course through him. He tries again to break free from the restraints, but they only seem to tighten. "You don't know what you're messing with," he growls, his voice trembling with rage. "They'll destroy you for this."
USS Pavel Chekov
"Engins and life support is destroyed." Commander Leonov reported. "These Harbingers knows no mercy." He paused for a moment, feeling a shiver down his spine.
"Captain, sensor picking up a small vessel that just exited the nebula." Ensign Gagarin reported. "It's heading towards us."
Ronan approaches the viewscreen and stare at the design, its the same ship he encountered before a few years back in another universe when his team encountered and boarded the Daedulas from another univese. "That ship is the same design as the one that attacked us on the Daedalus from another universe." He says.
"Prepare to engage." Captain Toma orders.
As the Pavel Chekov prepares to engage the unidentified vessel, Commander Dex studies the design of the approaching craft. It resembles a sleek, inorganic wraith dart with sharp angles and a gray metallic finish. The sensors reveal that it's armed with a combination of energy weapons. "Captain, we have to get out of here."
Captain Toma Nikolaeva glances at Commander Dex, her eyes narrowing in concern. "Commander Dex, what are you suggesting?"
Ronan Dex says, "It's the same ship that attacked us on the Daedalus from another universe. It's from the future, or another universe, I don't know. We need to retreat."
"Ma'am, more of them are on approach."
"How many?"
"1000 of them and they are fastly approaching." The sensor officer reports.
Captain Toma Nikolaeva curses under her breath as she glances around the bridge, weighing their options. "Get us out of here."
The Pavel Chekov banks hard to port, accelerating away from the oncoming squadrons of sleek, metallic darts. The ship shudders as energy weapons hits the shields, the Asgard shield dissipates the energy discharge, but the damage is still there. Ensign Gagarin curses under his breath as he tries to keep the enemy ships from flanking them.
Lieutenant Katina Svetlana, the weapons officer of the Pavel Chekov. She has her blond hair tied back into a ponytail under her blue beret. Her eyes on the targeting console as she engages the enemy ships, blasting them with the plasma beam and plasma pulse cannons. Every time the squadron of the metalic darts tries to pass through the shields. The new tactic from the unknown enemy is trying to break through the shields with their kamikazi attacks.
"Take them out as much as you can!" Captain Toma orders her weapons officer as she flinch from the discharge of control circuit.
Lieutenant Svetlana nods and fires at the approaching enemy ships. The plasma beam and plasma pulse cannons send deadly energy projectiles against the swarming. The point defense came online, targeting the closes swarms destroying them before they were able to impact the shields.
Captain Toma glances at the tactical display as the Pavel Chekov evades the swarm of metalic darts and the region of electrical discharges around them. "Ensign, how long to the egress point?"
Ensign Gagarin curses as another sleek dart flies past the viewscreen, barely missing the bridge. "We're almost there, Captain. A few more minutes."
The ship continues to shudder under the assault, but the Asgard shields hold firm. Lieutenant Svetlana's gunnery skills are second to none, and she manages to take out several dozen of the enemy ships before they can close in for the kill. The point defense systems are working overtime, blasting anything that comes too close with their plasma bursts.
The Pavel Chekov rips through space at breakneck speed, banking left and right, over and under to avoid of being hit by the electrical discharges from the electrical storm. The sleek metalic darts are fast, but Ensign Gagarin is faster, expertly weaving the ship through the deadly minefield of enemy fire. The bridge crew watches in awe as Lieutenant Svetlana continues to pick off the oncoming swarms one by one.
Every one of the metalic darts are taken out, more of them appear, taking the destroyed ones' place. The Pavel Chekov shakes violently as the barrage of energy weapon hits the shields. Lieutenant Svetlana, cursing under her breath, adjust the weapons' frequency and strength, aiming at the enemy ships' weak points. The point defense system is still on full alert, firing at anything that comes close to the ship. As they avoid electrical discharges but the metalic darts were not so lucky as the discharge destroyed the darts. The ship's sensors are still flooded with warnings.
"The ship's shields are taking a beating." Captain Toma says. "Ensign, can you give us some breathing room?"
Ensign Gagarin nods, his knuckles turning white from gripping the controls. "Aye, Captain."
The Pavel Chekov pulls away from the thickest of the swarm, momentarily buying them some distance. Lieutenant Svetlana continues to fire at the enemy ships, trying to keep them at bay. The point defense system is still blasting anything that comes too close.
Captain Toma takes a deep breath, gripping the armrests of her chair that turns her knuckles to white. "Ensign, what's the status of the egress point?"
Ensign Gagarin glances at her console, his expression grim. "We're still a few minutes out, Captain. The swarm is putting up quite a fight."
Captain Toma as she clenches her jaw. "Deploy a nuclear warhead with a 2 second fuse." She orders Lieutenant Svetlana.
"What are you planning to do?" Commander Alexei Leonov, the ship's first officer asks.
Captain Toma glares at him. "We'll use the warhead to relieve our shields." She turns back to Lieutenant Svetlana. "Target the center of the swarm."
"Shields are at 87 percent." Lieutenant Svetlana reports.
"Beam the warhead away from the ship." Captain Toma orders Lieutenant Svetlana. "Let's make sure we don't damage ourselves with the blast."
The Pavel Chekov rockets forward, avoiding another close call with a swarm of metalic darts. The tactical display shows the swarm stretching out ahead and behind of them, like a living net, waiting to trap them. Lieutenant Svetlana locks onto the center of the mass and beams the warhead, as the warhead materializes in the middle of the swarm, it detonates with a blinding flash of light and a deafening explosion. The shockwave hits the ship, buffeting it hard enough to knock several crew members off their feet, but the Asgard shields hold firm. The electrical storm around them momentarily fades away, leaving only the echoes of the explosion.
The point defense system continues to target anything that comes close, but the remaining metalic darts seem confused, as if they've lost their direction. Lieutenant Svetlana, seeing her chance, adjusts the targeting systems and starts picking off the stragglers one by one. But the moment of respite is short-lived. Another swarm, even larger than the first are on approach.
"Get us out of here!" Captain Toma barks at her helmsman as the swarm of metalic darts closes in. The Pavel Chekov shudders violently under the onslaught of the enemy fire, shields flickering and failing. Lieutenant Svetlana curses as her weapons systems are once again knocked offline. The ship's medical bay reports multiple injuries, with several crew members in critical condition.
The tactical display shows the swarm splitting up, each section targeting a different part of the ship. The ship rocks violently as energy weapons tear into the hull, compartments breach, and emergency bulkheads slam shut. Lieutenant Svetlana tries to target the enemy ships' command and control systems, but her weapons are still down. The point defense system struggles valiantly against the onslaught, but it's only a matter of time before it too falls.
"Ma'am, they're coming from all directions now."
"Hyperspace window opening up ma'am"
Captain Toma curses under her breath. "Ensign, take us through at full speed." She orders, her voice shaking with rage and fear.
The Pavel Chekov bucks violently as it leaps into hyperspace, the tactical display momentarily replaced by a blinding white light before fading to static. The ship is thrown about like a leaf in a hurricane, the inertial dampeners struggling to keep up with the violent maneuvers. Lieutenant Svetlana manages to get a few of her weapons systems back online, but the damage to the ship is extensive.
"Ma'am it's the USS Thor's Hammer!" The Tactical officer exclaims as he read the long-range sensors. "They will be here in a few seconds."
As the bluish erupts around the Pavel Chekov, The Thor';s Hammer emerges from hyperspace with weapons hot. The three Daedulas class it was ferrying, USS Mjolnir, USS Valkyrie and USS Berserker form a wedge formation around the battered Russian ship. The Mjolnir takes point, with the Valkyrie and Berserker flanking them. The Pavel Chekov, damaged as it is, does not stand a chance.
"Sir, Captain Lorne from Thor's Hammer is hailing." The comm officer says, her voice shaking.
Captain Toma takes a deep breath before responding. "Put him through." She orders. The image of Captain Lorne, an holographic image of a clean shaven and piercing blue eyes man with black hair came to life. "Captain Lorne, this is Captain Toma of the Pavel Chekov. I appreciate your timely arrival, but I must inform you that my ship is no longer combat effective." She pauses, struggling to maintain her composure. "We have suffered extensive damage, and many of my crew are injured or worse."
Captain Lorne gave a grim expression as he nods understandingly. "Captain, I'm sorry to hear that. Prepared to be towed back to New Atlantis." He paused for a moment before continuing. "We're you able to rescue Todd?"
Captain Toma's expression softens slightly at the mention of a Wraith name Todd. "We were unable to retrieve Todd, Captain. We found his cruiser, damaged beyond repair. It seems the Harbinger have him."
"Understood, Captain," Captain Lorne replied. "I will leave the Mjolnir, Valkyrie and Berserker at the egress point for now. We'll keep an eye out for the Harbinger."
Captain Toma nodded, feeling a sense of relief that her crew and the remains of the Pavel Chekov wouldn't be completely abandoned. "Thank you, Captain. I wish I could say it's been an honor, but..." Her voice trailed off as she looked around the bridge, taking in the damage and the injured crew members.
As the O'Neill class battleship emit a tractor beam, pulling the Pavel Chekov under tow. Captain Toma felt the jolt as her ship is slowly taken in by the much larger vessel. The hanger bay in the belly of the Thor's Hammer opens up and the Pavel Chekov is gently lowered inside. As the hanger bay closes, the smaller ship is secured. The Thor's Hammer open up a hyperspace window and leap into the void, on their way back to New Atlantis for repairs.
Captain Toma sighs deeply as she leans back in her chair, her eyes closing briefly. She's exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She is glad that she took Ronan Dex suggestion to leave the unknown region of space. But the price was high. Her ship is damaged, but her crew first experience in combat was far more costly. As she thinks about her men and women, some dead, some injured, she can't help but feel a heavy weight on her chest.
New Atlantis City
New Atlantis System, Pegasus Galaxy
1800 Hours NAC Time (8:00 PM)
On New Atlantis General John Sheppard is at Stargate Operation monitoring the situation with the Pavel Chekov and the unidentified metalic dart like ship. He can't help but feel a sense of dread as he thinks about the crew of the Pavel Chekov and the loss they must be feeling. The ship has suffered heavy damage and many of the crew members are injured, some critically. The loss of the Wraith ship, Todd's cruiser, is also a significant blow.
He is glad that he ordered the Thor's Hammer along with Mjolnir, Valkyrie and Berserker to rescue her. If it wasn't for the neutrino ion engine onboard the Thor's Hammer, it would of taken 10 hours to the coordinates but it only took 10 minutes. They arrived just in the nick of time to engage the enemy. The battle was intense and bloody, but in the end the Pavel Chekov was saved. Captain Toma and her crew are now on the Thor's Hammer, being treated for their injuries and getting their ship repaired.
"Sir," It was Lieutenant Chuck Campbell, one of the technician who alerted General Sheppard fom the holographic projection of the galaxy. "We have confirmation that the Pavel Chekov is onboard the Thor's Hammer. They are currently in route to New Atlantis for repairs." Sheppard nodded, relief flooding through him.
"Thank god," he muttered under his breath. "Chuck, have the Chekov's flight data and medical reports sent directly to me. I want to speak with Captain Toma and Ronan Dex personally as soon as she's able." The lieutenant nodded and turned back to her console, quickly attending to the general's orders.
As he waited for the transfers to complete, Sheppard walked over to the window, gazing out at the stars, he looks at his watch. It's around 18:00 and the planet's 26 hour day is just beginning to wind down. The air is cool, but not uncomfortable, and the light from the nearby star bathes the city in a warm, golden glow. The city of New Atlantis.
"Daddy." He heard a familar sound of his sons, Torren being carried by Teyla and Little John carried by Queen Mara. The two boys ran up to him, their faces lit up with joy and excitement.
"Hey there, you two. How's it going?" He knelt down, wrapping his arms around them both.
"You see our new quarters?" Teyla asked him. "They assigned us an executive suite on the West Pier."
"Cool!" Little John said, clapping his hands.
Sheppard smiled at the two boys "Where's Maya." asking for his daughter.
"Maya is her room," Chaya said as she enters the office. "She's been asleep for a few hours now after binge watching one of the documentaries" She looked at her husband and smiled. "How are things here?"
"Things are under control, Chaya. The rescue mission was a bust, but we managed to save the Pavel Chekov. They're on their way here now for repairs." John looks at all three of his wives and smiles. "I'll meet all of ya'll in the mess, I need to read the after-action report." They all nod and exchange glances. As they leave the office, he leans back in his chair, massaging his eyes.
Sheppard takes a deep breath and looks at the transferring holographic displays of the Pavel Chekov's flight data and medical reports. The ship they encountered looked familiar. He'd seen it before, from another universe. "Oh shit."
He quickly types a command to have a more detailed report on the ship's specifications and capabilities. As he waits for the information to come up, It's the same design. The same layout. The same weapons systems. The same technology. The ship they encountered, the one they just barely managed to defeat, was from another universe. Another reality.