Roads Paved in Shadows

by AlbertG

"We don't have information on the numbers yet, sir," one of the commanders answered quickly. "It's not the Cylons. The Thirteenth Tribe is attacking us. We're at war with Earth." Adar was completely stunned that emotion quickly turning into a burning rage. "But why?" he snarled as his rage turned into a need for vengeance.

31. Chapter 31

RPIS

Chapter 31

Earth

Lemuria City

Private office-General O'Neill

A terse Freya waited until the general finished uploading the relevant data. "We will get back to you shortly." The video screen went blank.

"Okay, thanks," Jack said, knowing that the Asgard wouldn't waste time. "I'll be here, waiting."

Five minutes later, the female Asgardian was back on screen. "General, we have checked the probe in that area of space. It appears to be in working order. Diagnostics indicate that there has been no tampering with it. It still remains cloaked and transmitting. However, upon a more detailed diagnostic, we detected an error in the transmission of data. It is possible that due to the effects of the Rift's energy bursts, we did not receive what the probe transmitted. We do not know whether this is because of the multidimensional energies, or if there is something else interfering with our probe. Your beliefs are correct concerning the unknown fleet heading towards Earth. The quantum signature identifies their origin as coming from that quantum reality your people and the Asgard visited. We ascertained that they are not Vorlon, but until we gather additional information, like you, we are assuming that they are associates of the Vorlons. They may be seeking revenge, or they may wish to pursue their original intentions of eliminating humanity, specifically the Tau'ri first, as they consider you the primary threat, then the rest of humanity."

"There's a beacon right next to our moon hiding in their version of hyperspace. We're working to open that form of higher space, but it's taking time before we can destroy the thing."

"During our journey, we gathered data on this form of upper-level space and will assist. The council is very concerned by the situation and we have dispatched a ship to investigate. As soon as we gather the information, we will contact the IOA and UCW. You have our promise that the Asgard will be there if this fleet and the organic vessels manage to enter normal space to attack your world."

"Thank you," Jack said, meaning every word. "I hope we can stop them from entering the system. But I'm looking forward to seeing you. And the same goes for us. If you need us, we will be there."

The female nodded. "We will be in contact soon."

The image disappeared. O'Neill began making calls.

New Tollania

His still newly settled world had swollen to twelve million, a pittance of what their numbers used to be. But they were growing again, and there was an energy, a strength and vitality, that suffused the population. The numbers of children being born was almost embarrassing. But no one regretted it for a moment.

Narim, and another one of his assistants, Julianne, had returned to the spaceport command. They were expecting several shipments from the Free Jaffa nation. The consignments included two shipments of weapons grade naquada and one kilogram of refined naquadria along with various hybrid food grains. Those seeds and the foods they produced had rapidly gained favor among his people. Wheat, rye and many kinds of hybrid corn, were eagerly accepted, and the plants grew easily in the warm, rich climate the of new world. Terran and Orbanian feed animals adapted well to the new world, which was surprising.

Tollanian scientists expected a far longer adjustment period for both the plants and animals from Earth brought to an alien world. But the flora and fauna did better than anyone dreamed. What should have taken generations barely took two seasons. The scientists were studying the phenomena carefully to understand why this was occurring. Earth scientist had explained why, but his people also wanted empirical evidence to back up the claims.

"Our scheduled transports are arriving in fifteen minutes," Pennya announced. "Four transports and two escorts."

Narim was surprised. "Two escorts?"

"Yes, Narim, two," she confirmed. "The second one joined them an hour ago. Everything seems to be in order." The look on Narim's face caused her to double check the scans. "Their transponder is confirmed, although the readings coming from the ship are a little strange for a Ha'tak."

"They're landing at the designated site?"

"Yes. I have spoken to the Jaffa commander. Everything seems in order."

"Did you speak to the other warship?"

"No, I haven't. they're with the scheduled transports. Standard protocol is being followed. I was going to allow them to land."

"As you were. Please continue observing the ships as they enter orbit and land."

The way he phrased it made the controller perplexed, but she continued. Perhaps he was being paranoid, but he found himself rushing towards the system array center.

"Venea," he called over his personal communicator. "Are you still on duty?"

"I was just about to get off duty, Narim," she answered. It had been a long day, and she was looking forward to some rest and relaxation. "Is there anything wrong?"

"We have an unscheduled ship accompanying our shipment. It is a Ha'tak. I want its identification confirmed. The IFF appears correct but, it is better to be safe rather than sorry."

"Has the ship's commander identified him or herself?"

"Not yet," was her reply.

"Please scan the squadron and report back to me. I am on my way to the center."

The young woman stifled a yawn. The one time she was ready to go home and now she was about to stay on duty for another hour. It seemed unfair. "I will perform the scans now. They will be ready when you get here."

Standard protocol stated that she check the IFF identification on each ship first. Touching the comm identifier, she saw that all four ships had the proper codes. She knew the lead commander of the Ha'tak and contacted him.

"Greetings, Yelnam. I see that you are on schedule. Have you experienced any problems on your journey?"

The response was immediate. "Greetings Controller Venea. We are on final approach now. We will land at the designated coordinates as instructed."

"It will be good to see you again. I have some Terran Brazilian roast coffee from Earth. I look forward to sharing some with you before your return journey."

"I am pleased to be so honored. I have some t'shas tea leaves from home. It is most pleasing to the body and relaxes the mind."

"My family will enjoy it. I see that you are joined by another vessel. May I ask who they are?"

"Captain Latseh of the free Jaffa nation. That nation is not affiliated with the UCW. I was informed that they wish to speak to your representatives of the Curia to begin talks to establish ties with our people. Has he not yet established communications with your people?"

"No," she answered. "This is a breach of protocol during this heightened alert. I will contact this commander."

"I understand." Now Yelnam was concerned. The other commander should have contacted the Tollanian controller hours ago. There were several opportunities to do so, and he hadn't.

"This is Tollanian Controller Venea to an unidentified ship. Please acknowledge and state your purpose for your presence here."

"This is Commander Tenair," a voice responded. "I transport delegates from the Eighth Nation of the Free Jaffa, bringing them here to establish stronger relations between our people."

"We were not expecting you. Your authorities did not contact us in advance so that we could greet you properly."

"My people decided to open diplomatic talks and wished to come here as soon as possible."

"I understand. Please remain in orbit until we prepare for your arrival."

"And how long must we wait.?" the commander growled indignantly. "We have a schedule to maintain. A long wait will be interpreted as an insult to our nation."

Venea did not like this Jaffa commander. He was too abrupt. And this was not the way to begin talks between governments. It didn't feel quite right. Quietly, she ordered a full scan on the newcomer.

Narim and two of his aides arrived, and she felt relieved. Her boss could interact with Commander Tenair better than she could. "Narim, I am glad you are here. This commander, Tenair, is abrupt. He claims to be a carrier of a diplomatic envoy brought here to speak to us. He wants to land along with our scheduled arrivals. I denied him until you could speak to him."

"Have you scanned the ship?"

"Finishing now," she said. "There is something off. Cross-checking…"

She blanched and quickly she ordered two fellow controllers to verify her findings while Narim patiently waited for her to pass the relevant information.

The Free Jaffa transports and their huge escort began their descent, and the diplomatic Ha'tak followed behind. Venea began yelling at the second warship. Commander

"Commander Tanair, you are not authorized to start landing procedures! Reverse your trajectory or we will respond accordingly!"

An alarmed Narim was about to demand answers when she cut him off. "A moment, Supervisor," she snapped. "I repeat, do not start landing, or you will be shot down!"

Eyes blazing, she spoke to Narim and the others. Her attention never left the screen. Narim glanced at her data stream and he immediately knew what was wrong.

"Planetary alert!" he yelled.

"Activate all defensive systems!" yelled Narim. "Ion canons prepare to fire on our target lock! Unidentified diplomatic vessel, cease your landing protocols or we will shoot you down! Acknowledge immediately!" Looking at fire control, he issued orders. "If they continue to approach, destroy it!"

Venea was in contact with the other ships, ordering them to return to orbit and vector away from the targeted vessel as fast as they could. Tollanian defensive weaponry was well known and greatly respected. The friendly Ha'tak had locked onto the unknown and was preparing to fire. "Narim, we have a transmission from the target,"

"You dare threaten my ship and my diplomatic envoys," Commander Tenair snarled over communications. "This is an act of war against the Ten Nations of the Free Jaffa." The ship slowed its descent and began to abort the landing procedures. It was slowly returning to its original orbit.

Narim wasn't convinced in the least. The data from Venea convinced him that this was the same Ha'tak identified in previous attacks against the Tok'ra and several other worlds. There wasn't proof that they were directly involved with the multitude of deaths, but that ship was always in the vicinity. "Commander, you will remain in orbit. Your ship will be inspected by the Tollanian defensive forces. Do not attempt to leave orbit or you will be fired upon."

Even before he finished speaking, alarms in the command center started screaming. The ship's shields were now raised and its weapons were powered up.

"Weapons, fire!" Narim yelled. "Shields!"

One half second later, naquadria enhanced shield surrounded the Tollanian city and countryside for two hundred kilometers in every direction. The shield was opaque and the Tollanians everywhere realized immediately what was happening. The Ha'tak fired two high speed, two gigaton nuclear missiles at the heart of the city, with the control center being designated ground zero.

It took five seconds for the missiles to reach four hundred kilometers above their targets. One second later, two pulses from land-based ion cannons converged on the missiles and vaporized them. A running analysis determined that the nukes were of unknown origin and not naquada based, but had an organic component to them. Whatever their configuration, both were extremely dirty and designed to cause maximum carnage.

The unknown was retreating now, using the missiles as a cover to escape retaliation, which arrived a moment later. The warship was struck by two ion beam canon bursts.

Ion fire burned through the enhanced shields, causing massive explosions throughout the ship. Instead of completely destroying the ship, the vessel began falling from orbit and crashed outside of the defensive shield perimeter some four minutes later. A Tollanian heavy warship followed the crippled vessel, preparing to fire again or rescue survivors. What should have been completely destroyed, survived, and something exited the destroyed vessel, screaming defiance and promises of revenge.

A soldier of darkness walked the lands of New Tollania. There was agony and suffering, but its mission was the same:

Destroy the Curia. Keep the Tollanians from coming to the aid of the Tau'ri as decreed by its Shadow masters.

Earth

San Diego

Brasilia de la Casa

Admiral Frankus Kunningham, Commander Demetrius Eddlison, Commander Burindi Sacca, Lieutenant General Halima Cain commander of the colonial marine contingent, and Ambassador Genyne Lyndera Isahan were genuinely enjoying themselves at what the Apellai called a Brazilian-themed restaurant. The food was exotic but strangely familiar, delicious, and just kept coming. There were a dozen varieties of meats, some which were familiar and some not, all cooked differently. The vegetables and salads were magnificent. It tasted a bit alien, but all of them knew that they could get used to it very quickly. The drinks were flavorful and varied. Sixty of their people were there, enjoying Earth cuisine and the ambiance of the moment.

The first few days had been a whirlwind of activity as groups of Colonials were taken around the world to get hints of the culture and a better understanding of the people of Earth. The trips and experiences were enjoyed by many of them, but a few of the travelers felt uncomfortable.

The numbers of monotheists, agnostics, and unique religious cultures, in their opinion, were bizarre. All of these pseudo religious cultures existed on the same planet. Naturally, there was more than a little friction, some of it, violent. But they hadn't killed one another off and that was disturbing and, for the life of them, the Colonials couldn't understand why. In the Colonies hundreds of years ago, they had almost torn themselves apart. In their opinions, the gods were merciful, allowing the people to live on twelve planets where those of similar beliefs could gather together for security and practice their variations of religion according to the way they wanted. Even then, there was friction. One thing, however, was the reality that the belief of the One God was vanquished and only a few hidden cults still existed. On Earth there were billions of mono religious believers, and many wondered if their presence here on earth could spark the flames of religious rebellion at home.

Five of the religious priests and clergy traveled to Greece and the surrounding 'countries', as the Earthers called their land divisions. There, they knew of the rightful gods. To their chagrin, only a tiny fraction of the people actually practiced the true religion. And of those few, none of their practices were even close to the true religion as understood by the Colonials. When the Colonials tried to teach them the correct approaches, they were met with indifference and open hostility by some of the followers of Zeus and Athena. Others were curious but showed little interest in correcting their almost heretical practices.

The contingent's initial reports strongly suggested that the Colonies send as many clergy specialists as possible to help persuade Earth to remember their heritage and turn away from the false religions permeating Earth. Their reports indicated that the Apellai would initially be resistant, but they were convinced that they would turn from their false ways given time. They were feeling daunted by the proposed project, but there was hope for the Earthers. Earth possessed a tiny spark of the truth and with proper understanding, that spark could turn into a flame that would sweep the world. once that was done, the clergy could concentrate on the other colony-like worlds of the UCW and surrounding human worlds. It would take time, perhaps as long as twenty years. But the goals were achievable. Furthermore, the trip had given some real hope.

What they discovered was the Greek languages and some others in the region were close to some of the more archaic dialects once spoken by the ancient Kobollians. This discovery served to help prove to some that these people really were the Thirteenth Tribe. Others weren't convinced. There were too many unanswered questions, and they had only spent a few days on Earth, not enough time to even begin to formulate the right questions, let alone discover answers. Dedicated research was required if any of their goals were to be realized.

In spite of their concerns, the Colonials and Apellai fraternized rather freely among each other, with the exception of the military. Kunningham was being more circumspect with his comments and overall attitude towards his Earth counterparts. He found them to be extremely competent, although each country had its own individual military. They weren't united, at least on the planet. Their meager space navy, such as it was, was different. it represented a different dichotomy, and he wondered how it worked n actual practice. Two days earlier, he had invited a group to tour his warship, and they were suitably impressed. They had the opportunity to hear lectures from his people on advanced warship design and deployments, construction, and some of the defensive systems of a modified Mercury-class battlestar was and what it could do. He also had lectured them on the horrors and dangers of the cylons and AI in general. They listened intently, and he was pleased. Kunningham did suggest that closer ties between their militaries would strengthen both sides since each had things they could contribute to each other. For example, sharing their shields and beam weapons, combined with the huge space navy of his people, could ensure peace throughout the galaxy. He also suggested that colonial help could aid in their civil war that they seemed so concerned about.

The Russian general eyed him with more than a bit of suspicion. "What civil war?" he asked.

"The civil war you are so concerned about," Kunningham answered.

The general wondered if his translator was working correctly. It was possible that the phrase civil war held a different meaning to the Colonials. "We are not having a civil war," he clarified.

"But you constantly refer to a war and an unknown enemy."

"We don't know who they are," the Russian answered. "They might be part of the Ashen remnants. We don't know, but we will find out soon."

"Just who are these, Ashen?" probed Kunningham. That was a new name. "Is that another colony, I mean, government?"

"An advanced, genetically modified human culture, who attacked us and tried to take our world. We responded and wiped them out. The survivors, well, they are not happy with us."

Frankus and his staff were disgusted. Genetically modified humans hit too close to home. They were no better than the Cylon clones he was still trying to get access to. He could well understand why the Earthers tried to wipe them out. He would get more information on them so that if his people encountered them, they could exterminate the vermin.

One thing he did confirm was that the Earthers were extremely tight-lipped about Earth's defenses. They didn't have any global defensive sats, only one moon base and a limited number of destroyers. Even if they managed to handle a small Cylon fleet, they wouldn't have a chance against one of the Cylon armadas. They needed the Twelve if they were to survive. Couldn't they understand that?

The Earth officers looked indifferent to his suggestions, and he wondered why these people were so clueless to the greater war for the survival of mankind? It was something he would discuss with his people later. Together, they would discover a method of how to approach these hard-headed people.

Day Ten

San Diego UCW conference center

The hosts of the dinner, UCW diplomat Doctor Elizabeth Weir, Doctor Daniel Jackson, and a concerned looking General Jack O'Neill. Doctor Weir would take over the position of the retiring Doctor Jackson in three months. The Colonial group of military officers and diplomatic staff, all were in a spacious room, comfortable with computer monitors situated for each individual. Each screen was a secondary translation system, to be used if needed.

Everyone got comfortable, preparing for what they all knew was going to be another one of those tense conversations.

"I haven't been able to attend any of our meetings with our esteemed visitors as I had other duties off-world to attend," began Doctor Weir. "But I am pleased that you have come to start this second contact with us and I hope it can be productive and will lay the basis of future contacts with our respective people. But I must ask once more. How long do you plan to stay here at Sol's system?"

Genyne Isahan found herself nodding. That question had been on her mind for the last couple of days. She'd spoken to Kunningham about it. "The situation was different from what we expected. Our original plan, as discussed with Doctor Jackson, was that we would spend about four standard months before returning home. It is our intention to establish an embassy to help facilitate relations both economically, militarily, and culturally. We also had plans to leave workers, security, and personnel here to build and train your people in the use of the mobile space dock. They would be here until we returned to continue our diplomatic and economic talks, which we believe would take no more than three years." Being the consummate professional she was, the woman continued. "However, our itinerary has changed. The worlds of the UCw, including the world of Home, have caught our interests and we intend to visit them and expand our understanding and relationships of those worlds and your overall organization. We also wanted to visit some of the protected treaty worlds so we can get a better idea of what is going on before we can complete a detailed report. If talks go well with our two governments, we will have to partake in the responsibilities of protecting these human and alien worlds. We can help uplift those cultures if they are as primitive as you claim. Therefore, we want to extend our visit to not more than eight months before we return home. This extra time will give us an opportunity to get to know each other better and form a stronger basis of trust as we begin to associate with each other. we are not as different as you may think.

Daniel and Jack glanced at Doctor Weir for her to take the lead.

"I don't think it is going to be possible at this time," Weir said. She was deep in thought as she said those words.

Kunningham was immediately suspicious. These people always said 'no'. why should this time be different?

"Why is it not possible?" he half growled while trying to maintain his temper.

These Earthers were always doing something like this. They were such isolationists that it was hindering everything. His mission was in jeopardy because of their attitudes, and he was unhappy, to say the least, and he was getting tired of it.

"There are several reasons," Weir said, unaffected by the man's rising temper.

Jack looked at Kunningham. Apparently, temper tantrums were standard issue for the man. Most senior officers had a problem trying to rein it in.

"The first reason why," began Elizabeth, "is because this is a Second Contact between our two nations. Our first contact didn't go over as well as either of us would have liked. But you are here now, peacefully and opening the lines of communication. This contact can be best described as a 'meet and greet'. You're like new neighbors here to introduce yourselves for the first time. Our corporate, military, and civilian contingents are officially meeting for the first time. If I use the new neighbor's allegory as an example, the new neighbors usually come to visit, bring gifts of food, maybe a small appliance, a couple of books. In your case, you have brought an entire set of kitchen appliances, construction people to change the kitchen and materials to build a house in the backyard for your people. We cannot accept such a gift and its implications. To complete your drydock would require months, possibly after your delegation fleet has left on the assumption that you will be back, having established full diplomatic ties."

"We have a thing about Greeks bringing Trojan horses," Jack added helpfully, knowing full well that the colonials didn't have a clue as to what he was talking about, but knowing somehow that it was some sort of veiled insult.

Weir simply took a breath, it was so much like the man to add cryptic, insulting comments. "Your gift implies that we will allow you to establish an embassy here on Earth and the UCW. We don't know you well enough, and you certainly don't know us well enough to establish ties. There will be no official establishments of diplomatic ties yet. It's in all of our best interests to take this slow."

"My superiors are very impressed with your gifts," added General O'Neill, "including the mobile space dock. We can't deny that it can be very useful to us in the long run. But some of us wonder exactly what is the price if we accept this gift? We will literally have thousands of your people here working and training our people in its use. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but this will be useful for Colonial vessels, docking, repairing, etc. My question is, what if your people don't come back in, let's say seven to ten years at the least? What happens then to the dock and to your people? You are here as guests, beginning to establish trust with us. But an embassy is out of the question at this point."

Before the Admiral could start yelling, Commander Eddlison jumped in.

"I want to know why you are being so cautious. We haven't done anything that has caused friction between our two people since we've arrived here. Both sides have been courteous, but I have noticed that you are very cautious around us. I feel that you appear worried about our presence. Are we considered a risk to you and the UCW? If so, that is certainly not our intention. You are our cousins, and if there are disputes, whether you are the Thirteenth Colony or not, we have no interest in usurping your government's authority. The Articles of Colonization, in its present form, was designed to unify all of the colonies, not abuse our authority of one world over another."

"We are worried about you," Weir admitted. "Not because of your strengths, but because of your attitudes. You may not even realize it but, we have seen the way you have approached us. Admiral Kunningham, you assume authority because your Colonial leaders said so? You want to see the UCW worlds. What if they don't want to see you? The worlds of the protected planets treaty are not yours to uplift. We don't interfere with them unless they are threatened by outside forces."

"But they're human! They need our guidance. They must recover their lost heritage. We are able to help with that."

"And what heritage is that? Will you subvert their developing culture by trying to replace it with yours?" she asked. "No, we were tasked with this, and it isn't your responsibility," Weir stated. "The responsibility is ours."

TBC

Notice tat earth is not pulling any punches. There is a reason for this that will be revealed in the coming chapters.