Stargate: Immortal

by Seraphin2011

Book III: The Ori gone, Aschen imprisoned, Wraith changed and pacified, yet the Alliance is threatened once more. The Vargas are coming and no one knows how they are going to survive an enemy that spans throughout the known universe and had done so for billions of years. By closing the anomalies, they have postponed the invasion by more than two years, but will that be enough?

32. The Spirit World

Author's Note: It's been a while, hasn't it? Life's been busy as usual, but I managed to carve out some time to bring you another chapter. With this installment, we're gearing up for the final phase of the story. All the pieces are in place, and the villain has been revealed. Now, it's time for the ultimate showdown. I hope to wrap things up in five or six more chapters, but who knows? They might run a bit longer if needed.

Random Norvegian: You should create an account so I can respond quicker instead of making you wait seven months until the next chapter is out, but that's up to you.

Earth is progressing well with all the new technology and a steady supply of resources. One of the main reasons for a planetary government is to allocate resources more effectively to regions in need, such as some African countries currently undergoing fast progress. However, massive transformations like these don't happen overnight. While updating infrastructure is one thing, shifting people's mindsets is a whole different challenge.

People view the SGA positively, especially since they are united in fighting a war. They're seen as essential allies. In this chapter, I touch on how the Terran Federation educates the public about the Stargate Program and various alien races.

The technical specifications of the ships have become a bit of a mess over time. I honestly can't remember why I wrote them the way I did so long ago. If I find the time, I might revisit and revise them, but I can't make any promises. The same goes for the situation on Earth. Writing everything in meticulous detail would drag the story out even longer. Ten years ago, I might have had the time for that, but not today, unfortunately.

A big thanks to my beta reader, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

---

Colonel Everett Young confidently entered the gate room, where Eli and Lora were waiting. "I see you're already here," he remarked with a hint of satisfaction.

Eli nodded and replied, "We just got here ourselves."

"Any news?" Young asked, getting straight to the point.

They were informed that a Terran ship had entered the target galaxy, which was a staggering three hundred million light-years away. Its mission was to bring a special guest to Destiny.

Lora replied, "Nothing new yet. Unless something unexpected comes up, I don't anticipate any delays in the transfer."

Efficient and focused, Lora often overlooked the human tendency to be late. A conversation could easily stretch, and they might lose track of time and miss their window to dial the gate. But before Young's pessimism could deepen, the gate began to hum and light up, indicating an incoming connection.

"Here they come," Eli announced.

The wormhole opened, revealing Elizabeth Weir and a much shorter figure—likely the queen of the fairy race.

"Doctor Weir, I wasn't expecting you," Young said as he approached the new arrivals.

Weir smiled and replied, "The queen is a bit anxious about returning home, so I'm here to support her. Don't worry. I'm not planning to join the mission." She then introduced their special guest, "This is Alena, the leader of the Ulyssean people."

Young bent down slightly to shake Alena's delicate hand. "Welcome aboard. I'm Everett Young, commander of the Destiny. This is Eli and Lora, who will accompany you on the planet."

Alena looked up at them, her eyes sparkling with anxiety and hope. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I apologize if I seem uneasy; it's been centuries since I was last here. The thought of seeing my home again overwhelms me with anticipation."

"I can understand that. I'm sure we will succeed in our mission," Young said reassuringly.

"That would be wonderful. Since meeting your kind, my hope has been rekindled," Alena said, her voice tinged with emotion. She glanced around, a strange expression crossing her face. "We must be close to my home planet."

Young was intrigued. "How do you know?"

"I can sense the spirit world connected to it. We're no more than five light-years away," Alena replied confidently.

Young smiled slightly. "The coordinates you provided are about one light-year from here."

Alena's wings drooped slightly. "That means the spirit world's presence has weakened since we left."

Elizabeth Weir broke the silence, her voice gentle. "Is something wrong?"

Alena's response was thoughtful. "It might be, or it could simply be the natural consequence of centuries of neglect."

Observing the queen's nervous demeanor, Young replied, "Our team is almost ready, and I don't see a reason to postpone the mission. Instead of guessing, the best would be to see the situation."

"I would very much like that," Alena said, her wings straightening.

Young couldn't help but think that Alena, and possibly her entire race, should never play poker; they might lose their new planet if they did. "Eli, inform the rest of the team to prepare."

"On it," Eli replied before swiftly leaving the gate room. Greer and Scott had already been preparing for the better part of the day. Even without Young's urging, the mission was scheduled to commence within the hour.

With Eli gone, the remaining members chatted occasionally, mostly waiting for the others involved in the mission to arrive. Ten minutes later, the rest of SGD-1 and three additional teams entered the room, fully geared and carrying extra equipment.

"As I've said before, I won't be able to bring more than four people inside the spirit world," Alena reiterated after noticing the number of humans gathering in the gate room.

"The additional three teams will protect the site while you enter the spirit world," Young explained. "How long will you have to remain inside?"

"I don't know. Now that I'm convinced the spirit world has deteriorated, it could take longer to collect the necessary energy," Alena said. "I'm hoping we could be done in one, maybe two hours at the most."

"All right, but please keep in mind our probe confirmed Reapers are in the system," Young warned. "We would prefer to stay the least amount of time needed."

Lora approached the group. "We are ready."

Young glanced once again at the members of SGD-1. Lora and Eli were poised to troubleshoot any issues, while Greer and Scott would handle any threat. The three heavily armed and armored teams were tasked with creating a perimeter around the ingress point into the spirit world, as it seemed not every location on the planet permitted entry or exit into it.

"I'm going to the bridge. Be ready to be beamed to the surface," Young directed before turning. "Dr. Weir, why don't you come with me?"

"Good idea," Weir agreed before turning to Alena with a supportive smile. "Good luck."

Alena looked at Weir and nodded confidently. The stakes were high; this mission's success meant saving her race from extinction. Young had a tough time imagining the burden the fairy queen was under. He sometimes felt overwhelmed when his crew was in danger. How would he feel if the success or failure of a single mission under his command meant the end of the Terran Federation and the people of Earth? Would he even be able to form a decent plan, or would fear of making a mistake drive his decisions?

Walking toward the small bridge, he turned to Weir and asked, "Is Alena up to the task?"

Weir looked at him briefly before smiling, "I spent time with her on Earth and later on Haven. She is competent and brave. I also believe that once the mission starts, she'll find the calm to get through whatever awaits them on the planet."

Young was glad to hear that. Some people might get nervous before a stressful event but perform admirably once the time to act comes. He trusted Weir's judgment. However, there was something he didn't understand. "Why were the two of you on Haven?"

Weir nodded in understanding. "It's a recent change, so you wouldn't know. Initially, we thought placing the Ulysseans on Terra Nova was best since their numbers are small. We could easily allocate a portion of the planet for them to live on, and they would benefit from the already-built infrastructure on the surface and in orbit. We could have constructed their homes in weeks and easily provided protection, given Terra Nova's heavy fortifications."

"So, what changed?" Young asked.

Weir sighed. "We realized it was a bit short-sighted. Only a few hundred thousand Ulysseans are left, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't want a planet of their own."

"Did Alena ask for it?" Young asked. As far as he knew, they had agreed to relocate to Terra Nova without any complaints.

"She didn't, but that's because she and her people are grateful for what we do for them. They didn't want to burden us further by asking for more; perhaps they even feared being rejected," Weir explained.

The Terran Federation offered them a safe place to live far from the Vargas threat and the necessary infrastructure to progress. Since they had almost nothing, they would have accepted whatever the Terrans proposed, even if it was less than what they truly needed or wanted. However, Young believed the council wouldn't choose a half-hearted solution. "Is the council thinking of giving them Haven Two?"

"You catch on quickly. The Haven system is a large binary star system with three habitable planets. We've colonized Haven One and planned to colonize the second planet in the next decade," Weir explained. "After some consideration, the Council realized there are no demerits in giving the second planet to the Ulysseans."

"They would get their planet, but since it's in one of our systems, they would still benefit from our infrastructure and protection from invaders," Young understood.

"Alena was ecstatic about the idea, and when she saw that Haven was home to the Space Marine Corps and had a massive Navy presence, she felt relieved."

Living in constant fear while being chased by a ruthless opponent could make a race agree to live inside a heavily militarized star system of another race. Young was glad that the Ulysseans trusted the Terrans that much. This might be the best relationship the Terrans had ever forged with another species. If they could also befriend the furry, catlike race whose colony ship they saved a few years back, Earth could be enriched by two completely distinct cultures. One day, they might even walk down the streets inside bustling cities on Earth without anyone finding it strange.

"Let's hope Alena can gather enough spirit energy for her people to survive," Young expressed.

"I'm hoping for more than that," Weir replied. "It would be best if she could harness enough energy to create a new spirit world tethered to Haven Two."

"I agree, but I wouldn't want the mission to drag on and risk complications," Young warned. Time was of the essence; the mission needed to be swift, avoiding any potential Reaper reinforcements. "The Destiny isn't a military vessel capable of fending off a Reaper armada."

"I'm sure Alena is aware of the time constraint. She mentioned they won't spend more than two hours inside the Spirit World," Weir reassured him. "Being in there for too long isn't healthy for our people anyway."

"How long can they safely stay?" Young inquired.

"The Spirit World is a different dimension where living beings aren't meant to reside. Alena assures me that a few hours won't harm our people, but I think the less time spent inside, the better," Weir explained.

Young, always cautious regarding his people's well-being, wondered about the nature of the Spirit World. "Do you have any clue about what to expect?"

"Alena was vague about that. She only mentioned that it's impossible to predict the impact the Spirit World will have on our people until they go in," Weir replied, shrugging lightly.

They had reached Destiny's small bridge. The ship, designed to operate without a crew, had a minimal bridge where only a few people could fit. They had made some changes while refurbishing the vessel to improve its operability, but it still didn't look much.

"Destiny, what's the readiness of the ship?" Young inquired.

A hologram of a blonde woman appeared, and the AI responded promptly. "The ship is in optimal condition and ready for the short jump into the designated system. Exit coordinates are set at five thousand kilometers above the planet Ulyss. We can expect a margin of error of no more than a hundred kilometers."

They would perform a jump into a high orbit above the drop point, minimizing the time for any Reaper to react before their people were beamed onto the surface. "Engage FTL and inform the teams in the gate room to prepare for beaming."

The ship's low humming changed as it shifted into higher gear, preparing for FTL travel. A sudden acceleration, momentarily challenging the inertial dampeners, signaled that they were on their way. A light year was a short distance for a spaceship, even for one not designed for speed. They had barely spent ten seconds, not even reaching a higher velocity, before reverting into regular space.

"The teams in the gate room have been beamed onto the surface," Destiny reported.

The holo-screen flickered to life, displaying a tactical overview of the space outside. Destiny's representation dominated the center in green, flanked by the planet and a single moon. Soon, tiny red dots began emerging at varying distances, indicating diverse types of Reapers—primarily the larger models, with the smallest ones typically reserved for atmospheric deployment. Three significantly larger red dots representing the three motherships the probe had identified earlier loomed in the distance.

"How many enemies are we facing?" Young inquired.

Destiny promptly responded, "No enemies are within weapons range. There are thirty heavy and a hundred and twenty medium-sized Reapers. The number of Reapers still docked inside the motherships is unknown."

Young remarked, "I'd estimate only a third are deployed."

"Can we handle so many?" Weir questioned.

"That's a tough question to answer considering we don't know the specific model we're up against," Young replied.

"Model?" Weir sought clarification.

"Yes, you should be aware that the Reapers in the Milky Way and those encountered by Destiny in the previous galaxy were different," Young explained.

"The ones you encountered were of an older model, right?" Weir deduced.

"That's correct. That's why we succeeded in infiltrating a mothership and retrieving crucial data where the team in the Milky Way failed," Young elaborated.

"Since this galaxy is relatively close to the one Destiny explored previously, shouldn't the Reapers here also be on the older side?" Weir queried.

"A logical assumption, but readings suggest that these Reapers might be even newer than those found in the Milky Way," Young shared.

Despite lacking time for a thorough examination, the probe had gathered enough data through passive scanning to at least speculate. The energy emissions surpassed those from the Reapers in the Milky Way, indicating these were the latest known models. Young surmised that the Vargas considered this location a high-priority watch, unlike the previous galaxy Destiny visited, which the Vargas may have abandoned to the older Reapers that continued roaming its expanse even after thousands of years.

"So, we don't know their strength," Weir asserted.

"No, but we can assume that barring a miraculous leap of engineering, they couldn't be more than thirty percent stronger than the Reapers we faced in the Milky Way galaxy," Young estimated. The Reapers in the Milky Way were barely fifty-year-old models, nothing compared to how long the Vargas had existed. It was difficult to believe the Vargas could have improved the Reapers by over thirty percent in such a short time. "The first approaching wave shouldn't pose a significant threat. However, a well-coordinated assault from all the Reapers in the system could be troublesome. What I truly fear, though, is if more motherships join from nearby systems. The Destiny has no support in this galaxy that could rescue us if we're in trouble. That's why we must be cautious not to incur crippling damage."

"Having spent the better part of the past three years deep in unknown territory onboard the Illustrious, I understand how daunting it can be to have no support for millions of light years in any direction," Weir added.

Young held a favorable view of the Illustrious class. While many criticized it for not being a dedicated warship, needing to fulfill roles like diplomacy and long-term exploration, he disagreed with those who likened it to the versatile Daedalus cruiser. The advanced technology within the Illustrious allowed it to serve various functions, and, apart from the Vargas, it could successfully engage and triumph over capital ships from other races.

In contrast to the Destiny, the Illustrious stood as an actual ship of war, adept at offense, defense, and evasion—the hallmarks of genuine warships. It boasted the redundancy necessary for extended engagements, providing resilience when battles piled up with little respite. Destiny's redundancy, while impressive, leaned more towards enduring prolonged voyages, evident in its sixteen drive units designed to ensure continued operation even with multiple failures.

The ship's massive rear, a consequence of this design, was a non-issue since the Destiny was built for extended journeys in a straight line, even spanning years. The Destiny and Illustrious were not in the same league regarding maneuverability. Destiny's turning speed could be likened to a Wraith's Hive—a colossal structure around eleven kilometers long known for its sluggishness.

While not subpar, Destiny's shield was primarily oriented towards protecting against obstacles during FTL travel rather than diverse weapon types. Alterrans on board diligently worked to enhance its reconfigurability based on the weapon fired at it, though progress was slow. Destiny's sensors, optimized for long-range scanning during FTL travel, were designed to discover exciting phenomena in the vastness of the cosmos and protect the ship against collisions with objects larger than space dust. However, they were not equipped to detect a weapon's energy makeup.

Lastly, Destiny's primary weapon, located below the ship, had a limited firing arc. An enemy with astute judgment could keep their ship positioned above, neutralizing the ship's most potent offensive weapon. However, Young had shrewdly pushed for a drone launcher, now equipped to launch versatile golden squids unaffected by the ship's orientation.

Not intending to diminish Weir's sentiments or the fear she experienced during her voyages into the unknown, Young believed Destiny's crew faced even greater challenges. The only redeeming feature was the ship's unique FTL method of travel, thus far unused by other races, rendering it impervious to assault. Unfortunately, this mission negated that advantage, requiring them to remain stationary while the surface team completed their mission.

"Let's hope our people finish quickly, but for now, let's prepare to face the nearest Reapers," Young said, addressing Destiny's avatar. "Destiny, instruct the two shuttles to take flight. As planned, they should target easier foes and leave the rest to us."

Compared to Destiny's defenses, the shuttles' protections were notably inadequate. A misstep could pit them against a squadron of heavy Reapers, overwhelming their shielding. It was deemed too risky, and the three smaller ships were better off working together to target medium-sized or a solo heavy Reaper.

"Let's use the drones only when absolutely necessary," Young suggested, aware of their limited numbers. Despite having a surplus of these devices—two thousand drones on hand—he knew they could quickly be depleted if wasted on every approaching Reaper.

"I am detecting the smallest type of Reapers inside the planet's atmosphere. They are converging towards our people," Destiny informed.

Young made a strategic decision: "They will have to manage on their own. Stopping the larger Reapers takes precedence."

As he finished speaking, impacts from the first heavy Reaper firing within weapons range resonated through the ship. Their mechanical ruthlessness unnerved him. A military man himself, he understood the inevitability of conflicts. But when the enemies are soulless machines that charge endlessly, he sensed that such conflicts could persist indefinitely. With no emotions involved, they have no reason to cease fighting as long as there are opponents to target.

The Vargas were methodically eliminating civilizations, perhaps not even comprehending the reason behind their actions, while the Reapers were programmed machines designed to multiply and annihilate anything with a detectable energy signature.

The Second Great Alliance grew more powerful each day, technologically surpassing the Vargas. However, Young acknowledged that the SGA's strength relied on technology, not sheer numbers. The unknown scale of the Vargas fleet, potentially consisting of millions of warships, posed a significant challenge. If the Vargas were not mindless tools charging into unfavorable situations, the war could endure for ages—from devastating battles with countless casualties to endless chases across the cosmos, an everlasting game of hide-and-seek.

Contemplating the grim future, Young observed the holographic display depicting the ineffectiveness of the Reapers' attacks. The shield, upgraded with new emitters, stood firm at one hundred percent. They had also implemented a buffering system to enhance the shield's endurance. While attaching a ZPM to power it would have been ideal, the engineers concluded it was impractical due to the vast difference in energy types. They even hinted that building a new Destiny would be easier than attempting such a combination.

Nevertheless, they successfully powered all ship weapon systems with the ZPM, allowing the primary power source to supply the shield almost exclusively. With these enhancements, a large swarm of heavy Reapers would be required to overload the shield. Additionally, a special paint made of energy-dispersive particles shielded the ship's hull against damage from whatever bled through the first line of defense.

The Destiny, despite being millions of years old, had undergone significant refurbishment, rendering its age-irrelevant. The improved AI also played a crucial role in its continued effectiveness.

The display showed the destruction of a heavy Reaper as Destiny's top turrets scored a few additional hits. "One down, many more to go," Young remarked somberly.

"At least you're not as bored as you were a week ago," Weir joked.

Regrettably, her words held an uncomfortable truth. Since the details of this mission landed on his desk, Young felt a renewed sense of purpose, shaking off the pervasive boredom that had shrouded him. While constant conflict was undesirable, the occasional spike in excitement wasn't the worst fate for Destiny's crew. They had been languishing in a monotonous cycle of mundane tasks, day in and day out until this mission injected much-needed vigor into their routine.

How dire must the situation be for someone to relish a day filled with conflict? A day when Destiny boldly confronted and defeated the Reapers in their path. The notion of discovering another sentient race in this galaxy had long been abandoned, as the Reapers had eradicated them ages ago. Consequently, conflicts remained Young's only possible source of stimulation.

"Unfortunately, we are once again reminded that we live in interesting times," Young reflected. "Even worse, I can easily see the crew becoming lively again. I should have agreed to Eli's suggestion two years ago to install a VR system onboard. At least people could spend time adventuring in it, alleviating boredom."

Earth was inundated with virtual worlds, offering people an escape from the mundane. Boredom was a rare affliction, with v-Earth allowing them to immerse themselves in a virtual Earth or other fantastical worlds. If a similar system were installed on Destiny, they might not seek actual conflict as stimuli, engaging instead in virtual battles against dragons and demons.

Weir pointed out, "You know there's a v-World on Earth focused on the war against the Vargas? Given the lack of details about the Vargas made public, it's not entirely accurate, but it contains the main elements of our conflict."

"I've heard," Young replied, "but what weirds me out is the virtual world where you can play as one of the people from SG-1 during its early years when the Stargate program barely began. The missions are surprisingly accurate."

"They were declassified a few years ago, providing enough time for someone to turn them into a simulation. I wonder how Jack feels about people playing his role?" Weir pondered.

"He's probably annoyed by it," Young responded. "I heard his character in the game is filled with antics that make people laugh."

"Yeah, and Teal'c's raised eyebrow has become quite popular, too," Weir added. "But the most interesting part is the possibility of playing as a character who wasn't part of SG-1."

"I didn't know about that," Young admitted.

"It's in the latest patch. You can choose whether the story adheres to reality, or you can play as an Ancient who joined SG-1. But if you do, the AI will change history based on how you play and won't follow the events that transpired in reality," Weir explained.

"I wonder if the idea was spurred because of Liam's appearance and how his involvement influenced the future," Young mused.

"Probably," Weir agreed, then frowned.

"What is it?" Young inquired.

"I don't like that the sequel is coming out," Weir admitted.

"Why not?" Young asked.

"It's based on Atlantis," Weir revealed. It was one thing when others were turned into characters inside a virtual game, but in the sequel, her own character would be included, and Jack's antics might not be the only ones people laughed at.

Young snickered. "I feel your pain," he said, though he didn't really.

"Go ahead and laugh," Weir said, narrowing her eyes. "I bet the third installment will be about Destiny!"

"I don't think so," Young replied, shaking his head.

"Why not?" Weir asked.

"Too boring," Young said. "Who would want to play in a world where all you do is travel in a straight line, trying to reach the other side of the galaxy? How interested would people be in playing as a member of SGD-1, tasked with monitoring the Sloths, day after day? Players might even ask for a refund!"

"Now that you mention it, there isn't much material to make the third installment about Destiny," Weir agreed, looking annoyed. Like many others, she liked to share the misery. If she had to endure the injustice of being turned into a character in an interactive virtual world, many others she knew had to suffer the same fate.

With a few heavy Reapers pointlessly attacking the ship and Destiny's AI retaliating effectively, they indulged in a silly discussion while watching the Reapers explode on the main screen. Young didn't reveal to Weir that he had played the game while stationed on Earth before returning to Destiny. Now, he regretted not bringing it with him to alleviate the boredom.

Young was convinced that the Terran Council orchestrated the release of the Stargate virtual game—a means to highlight to Earth's people the challenges faced in the initial years of fighting the Goa'uld. Many would play the game and experience the heroism of the Stargate program members, dealing with both external and internal threats. With a good reception, the second installment would also allow people to see the positive impact on the Pegasus galaxy's inhabitants and, in a fun way, educate them about the Ancients' history, how they had to leave the Milky Way after seeding it with their second iterations, the human race.

Destiny's melodious voice snapped Young out of his thoughts. "SGD-1 has entered the Spirit World."

"Good. Now we wait for them to come out," Young said.

Soon, the fight in orbit would intensify, and tough decisions might be required. He hoped Scott's team would find what they were after, making the mission more manageable. However, only time will tell.

---

…Ten Minutes Earlier

SGD-1 and three additional teams materialized on Ulyss's surface. The Queen, protected at the center of their formation, gazed around at the devastated landscape that was once her home. A mournful cry escaped her lips, her wings trembling. "Aah!"

Eli watched as sorrowful tears streamed down her cheeks. He couldn't blame her. Their surroundings were devoid of vegetation or any sign of life. Alena had described a dense forest with trees as tall as skyscrapers and teeming with thousands of animal species during their brief wait to be beamed down. She had spoken of her home joyfully, but Eli knew from the probe's report that the reality was starkly different. He had warned the Queen to expect the worst, but seeing it in person had broken her.

No one knew why the Vargas roamed the universe, destroying countless civilizations. Their actions seemed senseless and had to be stopped. Eli didn't know if an omnipotent God existed, but if they did, they would lament just as Alena did at the devastation wrought across the universe.

However, his job right now was to assist the Queen in entering the spirit world. He couldn't help but feel curious about what they would find there. After all, visiting an entirely unknown dimension is not an everyday occurrence.

The Queen calmed down with Lora's help, who quickly rushed to comfort her. Meanwhile, the three teams had spread out, creating a defensive perimeter and setting up special emitters from their large briefcases to form a powerful shield.

Eli was about to remark on their luck in not encountering any Reapers when Scott shouted, "We have incoming!"

Eli glanced in the direction Scott pointed. Two Reapers were flying towards them at great speed. The shield emitters hadn't been activated yet, so they needed to take down the Reapers before they could cause harm. Since Reapers were heavily armored, most of their team members had opted for more firepower than usual. Greer could barely contain his excitement as he aimed a plasma cannon at the approaching Reapers. The bulky weapon charged up before hurling a bolt of incandescent plasma at one of them.

It was a direct hit. A significant chunk of the Reaper blew off, the rest steadily losing altitude until it crashed barely fifty meters from them. Meanwhile, the other teams barraged the second Reaper with plasma bolts until it was obliterated. However, the second Reaper managed to fire several shots before going down, aimed at Eli.

Eli evaded two bolts but was hit by the third. His suit's shield flared brightly, protecting him from being badly burned. "Shield at 77%," Eli whispered, glancing at the indicator on his helmet's visor. "That thing packs a punch."

One Reaper was manageable, but things could get dangerous if a few surrounded him.

"Eli!" Scott shouted through the suit's speakers. "You were the only one who didn't move! Who do you think the Reaper would target?"

The easiest target, Eli thought, feeling the weight of the rebuke. He knew he should have made himself a more challenging target, but he had been distracted by the Queen's reaction and the planet's desolate state. "Got distracted. Sorry, it won't happen again."

"When we get back, you'll need some more training!" Scott said, his voice menacing.

"Your reaction was slower than a turtle's," Greer jabbed. "Were you admiring how colorful the plasma bolt was while it was hurling towards you?"

Now Eli was pissed. It was one thing to be admonished by the commander but another to be mocked by Greer. He might not have reacted as fast as he should have, but he hadn't been as slow as a turtle. Or at least he hoped not. He glanced towards Lora, silently pleading for support, but even through her helmet, he could sense her disapproval. She didn't need to say anything; he knew she'd have harsh words for him when they returned to the ship. His intuition was seldom wrong.

"Not my day," Eli muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, the large dome covering a square kilometer sprang to life. It was likely strong enough to protect against occasional Reaper attacks, at least from the smaller ones. The dome allowed those inside to fire out while blocking incoming shots. With this defense and the additional weaponry the three teams had brought, they should be able to secure the area for the foreseeable future.

They gathered around the Queen, and Scott was the first to speak. "The area is secure. Alena, please establish the connection to the Spirit World."

The Queen nodded and took out her pendant. "This pendant contains all the remaining spirit energy. It should be enough for our transit into the spirit realm."

Taking a deep breath, the Queen concentrated while holding the pendant in both hands. At first, nothing remarkable happened, and Eli began to worry they might fail the mission before it even began. But then something magical occurred. A massive translucent tree appeared in front of them, majestic and ethereal, passing through the deployed shield as if it wasn't there. As Alena had explained, the tree was a construct tethering the spirit world to the planet, preventing the two realms from drifting apart.

The visible tree signified the barrier between the dimensions had thinned, possibly enough for the Queen and SGD-1 to cross over.

"If I had to name it, I'd call it Yggdrasil," Eli mused aloud. It didn't have much to do with Norse mythology, but the name seemed fitting.

At that moment, he felt a strange tingling sensation all over his body. Specks of light danced around him and the other team members. If he had to guess, it was spirit energy coalescing around them, preparing to insulate them during the transit and possibly afterward.

Then the world spun.

Eli woke up lying on the grassy ground in a vast forest. The various shades of green were so vivid that the scenery appeared surreal, almost as if painted. Besides the forest, what caught his attention was a tall, slender woman standing a few meters away. Her features were familiar, though he couldn't place where he had seen her before. It dawned on him as she fully turned, allowing him to see her face. The translucent wings rising from her back unmistakably identified her as Alena, the leader of the Ulysseans. However, why she was now almost six feet tall eluded him.

"Welcome to the Spirit World," Alena said, her voice resonating with calm authority.

Turning around, Eli noticed three other people getting up, looking as stunned as he was. He recognized their faces but was baffled by what he saw. They had all been wearing combat armor covering their bodies and faces, but now the armor was replaced by something vastly different.

Greer looked like a Spartan warrior, carrying a large axe; Scott was dressed more modestly, clad in medieval attire, wielding a great sword and a shield instead of the usual grav-rifle; and Lora… well, she looked pretty different too.

"Nice outfit," Eli said with a big smile.

Lora looked at him, puzzled, then glanced down at herself. She sighed and picked up the bow lying on the ground beside her. "Why do I look like a half-naked archer?"

Many parts of her skin were exposed, and if Eli had to interpret her appearance, he would say she resembled an elf archer from a fantasy story. But the strangeness didn't end there. Looking at the robes he wore, he had the distinct impression he had turned into a wizard, with only a wooden staff missing to complete the picture. He noticed the uneven stick lying next to his right foot and picked it up. "Should I be a sorcerer or a mage?"

The notion was both ridiculous and exciting, as the thought of being able to cast spells enticed him. However, he didn't know how, which wasn't critical but could become in the future. Figuring out what was going on was more important, and the best way to do that was to ask the one person who surely knew. After all, they were in a completely different dimension governed by who knew what kind of laws.

"Alena, can you explain what is going on?" he asked before Scott and Greer could bombard her with questions.

Alena walked closer to the group. "The spirit world is not a physical realm in the same way as the mortal dimension. There is no air here, no matter—at least not in the same sense—and you can't expect the same laws to apply. However, beings in this dimension must interpret their existence somehow, or they will cease to exist when they transfer into the spirit world. The laws are constructed from the shared will of the spirits living here, influenced by the memories of their lives as mortals."

It was as good an explanation as any. Eli could grasp the gist of it, but it still didn't give him the answer he wanted. "Yes, but why do I look like a mage, Lora as an elven archer, Scott as a swordsman, and Greer as a barbarian?"

"Hey! I'm not a barbarian!" Greer protested but received no support from the people around him. "At least call me a warrior!"

"If it makes you feel better," Scott added before turning to Alena. "But Eli is right. Why do we look the way we do?"

"The Ulysseans have always been forest dwellers, and archery was common throughout history. But the way you appear should come from your memories, at least those compatible with the spirit world," she explained.

The concept of this spirit world had nothing to do with high technology, so nothing like powerful warships or giant robots could exist here. Their high-tech gear, such as shields and cloaks, was also incompatible. However, the concepts of sword and magic fit seamlessly, which explains their current appearances.

"Maybe, but I still don't understand why I have to be half-naked," Lora said, clearly annoyed.

Scott was the first to answer. "Maybe not you, but someone among us might strongly believe that's how a female archer should dress."

Accusatory looks turned toward Eli. "I hate it when I can't refute your accusation!"

"It must be a pretty strong conviction to be picked up by the spirit world," Greer added, further stoking the fire.

"Yes, Eli, and please stop measuring me with your eyes from head to toe," Lora said, exasperated.

"I'm just trying to imprint how the clothing looks on you in my memory," Eli responded.

"Why?" Lora asked, raising an eyebrow.

"To replicate it when we get back on Destiny," Eli said with a big smile.

"Ugh, I hate it when you flirt in front of me," Greer said, rolling his eyes.

"Queeeeeeen!" A tiny, glowing figure zipped by them and struck Alena in the chest, making her stumble back.

"Queen! Queen! The Queen is back!" The glowing spirit, no bigger than a palm, kept shouting excitedly.

"If that isn't adoration, I don't know what is," Eli said, watching the little fairy happily nuzzling Alena's chest.

"To rush at me like that; it could only be Myra," Alena said, feigning annoyance, though it was clear she was happy to see the little spirit.

"Where were you? What happened? No time! I must tell the others!" the fairy spirit, Myra, babbled.

"Stop rubbing your face against me!" the distressed queen replied. "And don't call anyone before you tell me what's happening. Why is the spirit world in such a state?"

It was Eli's first time hearing the queen express concern about the spirit world so openly. She had mentioned that the spirit energy had dimmed since her last visit, but her face now showed deeper worry.

"Monsters! Many have intruded, and… and… many have died," the little fairy said, her voice trembling and tears forming in her eyes.

Eli knew the fairy was referring to other spirits when she said many had died, but what about monsters?

The queen had the same thought and asked, "What monsters?"

"Gorka! But bigger and crawly! With a big jaw, too many legs, and … fast!" Myra explained, her voice filled with fear. "Many could not run away."

As she finished speaking, Myra magically created a translucent image of the creature. It had all those terrifying features. The easiest way to describe it was as a nightmarish cockroach, its grotesque form and massive size creating a fearsome, repulsive presence.

"I haven't heard the name Gorka in a long time," the queen said, disgust evident in her tone. She turned to explain. "It's a dangerous creature that once lived on our planet, but this one seems even bigger."

Eli couldn't help but feel that the creatures intruding into the spirit world had little to do with the actual Gorka, especially since there were none on the planet anymore, let alone in a realm inhabited solely by spirits.

A thought crossed Eli's mind. The spirit world didn't encompass technological concepts, meaning the Reapers wouldn't be represented as machines, just as SGD-1's weapons, armor, and equipment weren't depicted as they were. A Reaper in the spirit world would take on the form of a dangerous creature known to the inhabitants from their ancient past.

"It's just a supposition, but I think these creatures are Reapers," Eli said. "But how can they enter the spirit world?"

"I agree," the queen said before addressing Myra once more. "Myra, you said that many failed to run away. Can you tell us more?"

Myra nodded, her tiny form trembling. "They came suddenly, breaking through the barriers. We tried to fight, but they were too strong. Many of us... couldn't escape in time."

Myra looked even sadder. "There aren't many of us left."

"How many?" the queen asked with trepidation.

"A few hundred," Myra replied, her wings drooping.

The queen was visibly shaken. "Only so few remain. The spirit world cannot sustain itself anymore."

Since Ulysseans had not visited the spirit world to take the energy out for several centuries, the energy should have accumulated. However, with only a few hundred spirits remaining, the spirit world's concept would eventually break apart.

"Where are the others?" the queen asked.

"They are near the Nexus. It's the only area with a barrier strong enough to repel the creatures," Myra explained.

"But why are you here alone?" the queen asked.

"We detected a disturbance—your arrival—so I was sent to investigate because I'm the fastest. The Gorka cannot catch me if I'm careful!" Myra said, pride evident in her voice.

"Good for you, Myra," Alena said with a smile.

"But we should leave," Myra said, concern etched on her face. She began pulling at the queen. "If we felt the disturbance, the Gorka also felt it. They will be here soon. Let's go to the Nexus."

Eli sensed Myra's resolve to bring their queen safely to the Nexus.

"What's the Nexus?" Lora asked.

"If the Spirit Tree is the anchor that tethers the spirit world to our planet, the Nexus is its core, holding the highest concentration of spirit energy. The spirits can use this energy to fight the monsters," the queen explained. "It's a good idea to follow Myra's suggestion."

"Which way do we go?" Scott asked although the direction was already clear from Myra's way of pulling the queen.

"Let's follow Myra," the queen said, allowing herself to be led.

Three humans, an ancient queen, a fairy, and their tiny guide began their trek. The forest, beautiful and vivid, was fraught with perils. Eli would have loved to appreciate the surroundings if their quest wasn't so urgent. A prolonged stay in the spirit world could lead to body deterioration, transforming them into spirits or risking death if the transformation failed. It was a fate everyone wanted to avoid despite the apparent beauty of the place.

"I hear something," the queen said, listening intently.

At first, Eli only heard leaves rustling, but the sound of something crawling soon became discernible.

"Many are coming," Myra said, her glare fixed in that direction. "They haven't detected us yet, but that doesn't help us much."

"Could we go around them?" Scott asked.

Myra shook her head. "It would take us more time to reach the Nexus, and there are probably more Gorka around us. No direction is safe."

"How many do you think there are?" Scott pressed.

After listening for a while, Myra replied, "Around ten."

"Can we take them?" Greer asked.

"We're about to find out," Scott said, drawing his sword and readying his shield as the monsters came into sight.

The image Myra painted paled in comparison to the real thing. Eli's overwhelming repulsion made him wish for some handy annihilation magic to obliterate the offending creatures. Unfortunately, he didn't know any such spells. The expressions on the others' faces revealed their shared aversion to the Gorkas.

To his surprise, Greer was the first to act, his boldness stunning Eli.

"[HASTE]!" Greer shouted as he charged toward the creatures. His speed suddenly increased, enveloped by a golden light. "[POWER SLASH]!" With blinding speed, his axe cut the nearest Gorka in half as if it were made of tofu.

Eli couldn't help but comment, even though it wasn't the right time. "How did you do that?"

Greer, now evading another Gorka, shouted back, "Not sure! It's from a game I played, and somehow, I knew it would work."

"If that's it, then," Eli said, raising his staff high. Concentrating, he spoke the spell's name. "[FIREBALL]!"

The spell formed almost immediately. Flames merged and compressed above the staff, the temperature rising steadily. With a simple mental command, the ball of incandescent fire zipped forth, passing dangerously close to Greer before hitting the creature charging at him. The Gorka, now in flames, screeched in pain before succumbing to the heat.

"Were you trying to hit me?" Greer asked.

It was true the fireball had passed dangerously close, and Eli couldn't affirm that he had calculated everything perfectly. "Sorry, I saw the second Gorka charging at you and thought it would be good to stop it, but I didn't think the ball would fly so close to you."

"Be more careful," Greer said, but at the same time, a golden arrow passed near his face, hitting a Gorka in the head. "Hey! Am I invisible?"

"You're standing in the middle of the fight. We ranged attackers have difficulty hitting the enemy," Lora explained.

She was the one who sent the glowing arrow that pierced the creature's heavy carapace, leaving Eli curious. "How did you make that glowing arrow? You didn't shout any skill."

"I don't know what you mean by skill. Perhaps you're envisioning concepts taken from games or fantasy stories from your world. However, I haven't played any such games. Therefore, I'm not constrained by your experiences," she explained while knocking another arrow and sending it towards another Gorka. This one also glowed.

"How did you do it then?" Eli asked.

"I just thought of the arrow as an ancient drone before firing. I can even change its course during its flight if I concentrate."

"I'm so envious right now," Scott said.

Scott was battling a Gorka, but without using any special skills. As a result, his cuts were shallow, and it would take time to kill the creature. His defense with the shield also seemed shaky.

"Why aren't you using any skills?" Greer shouted. "It's easier to deal damage that way!"

Scott hesitated before responding. "I'm worried about the mental damage it would cause me."

"You're right about the mental damage," Eli began, sounding like an expert. "But I think there's more to it."

"More of what?" Scott asked, his face showing he didn't expect a reassuring answer.

Eli theorized, "I believe that longer and more ridiculous invocations give stronger results."

"You can't be serious!" Scott said, slightly afraid. "You're just messing with me, so I'll embarrass myself by shouting something dumb!"

Scott was struggling with the Gorka, needing to change his approach or risk being ineffective.

"Alright, I'll show you how it's done!" Eli declared, surprising everyone with his sudden surge of confidence. "Watch this!"

Eli grinned before raising his staff, profoundly considering the spell he would invoke. "Oh, mighty skies, hear my desperate plea; grant me the power to unleash the electrifying fury of a thousand storms upon mine enemies! Fizzle-frazzle, light 'em up with dazzling dazzle!"

Dark clouds formed for the first time in the spirit world, with fierce winds blowing. Lightning bolts suddenly rained upon the Gorka in rapid succession. The sheer brightness momentarily blinded the onlookers. When their vision cleared, they saw only desolation where the Gorka had stood.

Despite the mental strain, the spell was potent—complete overkill for the remaining Gorka.

"You went too far!" Greer shouted. "I was just a few meters away! I can still feel the electricity in my hair!"

Greer and Scott had barely escaped the lightning storm that struck the Gorka.

"Sorry, my bad. I just had to show Scott how it's done, even at the cost of some mental damage," Eli replied, confident he had made the right call.

Scott, still recovering, added, "Was the last part of the spell necessary? The 'Fizzle-frazzle' bit?"

"It probably was overdoing it," Eli admitted. "But I didn't want to embarrass myself with a weak spell, so I added that part just in case."

"So, to avoid embarrassing yourself with a half-assed spell, you decide to shout something even more embarrassing," Scott said. "I don't know if I could do it."

"Queen, queen! What kind of people did you bring into the spirit world? Will we be alright?" Myra asked in a panic.

"I wonder that myself," Alena replied thoughtfully. "I've encountered many unique characters among the humans, and I'm still unsure what to make of them. They could be the saviors of the universe or a menace worse than the Vargas. I can't be certain, but this latest display is concerning. However, those with the strength and wit to defeat the Vargas and their masters could not be ordinary."

"That's true," Myra agreed pensively. "But that last spell he cast was dangerous. Are we sure he's okay?"

"Indeed, a good question. Such a spell would have consumed a significant amount of spirit energy," the queen noted, her concern evident.

Starting to feel the strain, Eli admitted, "It took a lot out of me. I can't just shoot spells left and right. That's a bummer!"

"I feel tired, too," Greer chimed in. "Using skills one after the other is draining."

Scott, however, seemed fine. He hadn't used any skills, but his performance suffered.

"You'll recover your spirit energy soon, especially as we get closer to the Nexus," the queen reassured them.

"How much farther?" Eli asked.

"Not long," Myra said, motioning for them to follow.

The trek continued for ten more minutes. Initially, Eli felt so exhausted that even walking was a challenge. However, as they neared their destination, he gradually began to feel better. By the time they arrived, he felt like his usual self.

"We're here!" Myra announced as they stepped onto the edge of a large ravine.

"So, that crystal is the Nexus?" Eli asked.

"Yes!" Myra confirmed.

"When we return to the mortal realm, we'll take a piece of the Nexus," Alena explained, indicating the pendant around her neck. "As it absorbs excess spirit energy, it grows. But from what I see now, the spirit energy is being released instead, causing it to shrink."

The floating gem in the middle of the ravine glowed with a bright golden light, surrounded by spirits of various sizes dancing around it. The Nexus acted as a regulator, absorbing excess energy or releasing it when needed to maintain balance. However, with the spirit world weakened, the Nexus worked in a reduced mode, expelling less energy to conserve it for the fight against the Gorka—a desperate measure. "Will there be grave consequences if this continues?" Eli asked the queen.

"The spirits and the spirit world are interconnected at the most basic level. With fewer spirits, the spirit world deteriorates, further weakening the spirits. Right now, the spirit world is barely stable. The Reapers' intrusion forces the spirits to fight, further depleting the energy. Maybe not today, but in a few years, the spirit world will break apart, and the spirits will end up lost in the dimensional void," the queen explained.

As the group approached the Nexus, surrounded by colorful spirits, Eli realized their mission was doomed. "We came to take spirit energy, yet the spirit world doesn't have enough to sustain itself."

Without spirit energy, the Ulyss couldn't reach adulthood, threatening their race's survival.

"I never believed the Reapers would find a way to intrude into the spirit world. Like the Vargas, they are soulless machines," the queen said, shaking her head. "Once again, I underestimated the enemy."

It had been several centuries since they left their home galaxy, and in that time, the Vargas must have discovered a method to penetrate the spirit world. Their relentless mechanical nature made them a persistent threat, unlike living beings who might eventually abandon such a pursuit. No human, or any other species, would obsessively seek to enter an inconsequential dimension for centuries. Only machines programmed to achieve their objectives at any cost would do so. At least, that's how Eli felt.

More spirits began to gather around the queen, buzzing with apparent delight.

"Queen!" one exclaimed.

"Yes! It's our queen!" echoed another.

"Our queen is back!" a third spirit cheered happily.

Having overheard Eli's comment, Myra asked, "Is it true, queen? Are you here for the spirit energy?"

The queen's expression turned sorrowful. "We have no spirit energy left. Our young ones cannot reach adulthood."

The spirits stopped buzzing and descended to the ground, their wings drooping.

"Oh, no!" a spirit whispered.

"The young ones are in danger," another said, worried.

"We need to help them!" yet another spirit declared.

The spirits were distressed by the queen's revelation. Taking any spirit energy would further endanger their world. The plan was to recreate the spirit world in the Milky Way, but Eli doubted there was enough spirit energy left, even if they drained this world entirely.

"Alena, it has been a long time," a deeper voice called from behind.

Eli turned to see a much larger spirit, at least three times the size of the others.

"Spirit King," Alena said, approaching him. "You still flap your wings in the spirit world."

"I am well; thank you for your concern," the Spirit King replied. "And you still look as lovely as ever."

"Liar. I'm barely hanging on," Alena replied with a smile.

"They're flirting. I'm not imagining this, right?" Eli asked his team.

"It appears that way," Scott replied, equally unsure.

The queen turned to them. "This is my husband and the current Spirit King."

Eli was taken aback. The queen had lived for centuries fleeing the Vargas, yet her husband was a spirit, meaning he had died long ago, likely during the war against the Vargas. Although curious, he decided this wasn't the right time for such questions.

The Spirit King turned to the direction he had come from. "Many Gorka are entering the spirit world at great expense. They are preparing for an assault larger than any before."

"It might be because of our arrival," the queen said, turning to Scott. "Your people on Ulyss and in orbit may also be fighting."

Upon detecting intruders, the Reapers likely initiated preparations to thwart the queen's objectives. The forces in orbit would likely bear the initial brunt, while those on the ground would face additional challenges contending with the Reapers who chose not to enter the spirit world. The remainder of the Reapers would relentlessly press their assault here.

Eli felt the weight of the situation. Their mission, to gather spirit energy, seemed impossible now. But perhaps, just perhaps, they could find another way to save both worlds.

"It's only a matter of time before we're attacked," Scott said. "We should do what we came here for and leave."

But the queen was torn on how to proceed. "I can't take the spirit energy. It would be the end of the spirits and the spirit world."

"You're concerned with the wrong people, my dear," the Spirit King spoke softly. "Your responsibility lies with the living. We are already dead, remember?"

The queen remained stubborn. "But we won't be able to return. This is our only chance, and if I take any more spirit energy, the spirit world will disappear in less than a year."

"What are you saying?" the king asked, a calm smile on his face. "The spirit world ends today because you're going to take all the spirit energy here."

The queen gasped. "I can't do that! You would die!"

"I told you, we're already dead. Besides, why don't we ask the spirits what they think?" The king turned and spoke to the spirits floating around, "The children are in trouble. They don't have the spirit energy to become adults. Spirits of this world, what do you think we should do?"

"We need to save the young ones!" one spirit shouted.

"Take it! Take the energy you need!" another added.

"Yeah, take it all!" a third said.

The spirits voiced their support, and none advised against taking the lifeline that sustained them and their world.

The queen was in tears. Saving some by condemning others did not sit well with Eli either. But what could he do? He lacked the expertise to help.

"I will need time to collect the spirit energy," the queen said with resolve, and Eli marveled at her quick decision. "I must not be disturbed while doing it."

The queen was the ruler of her people and had protected them for centuries under impossible conditions. During that time, she must have made similarly harsh decisions that cost lives. This would become another notch on the list of sorrowful choices she had to make, and delaying wouldn't ease what needed to be done.

"How long?" Scott asked.

"Ten minutes," the queen answered.

"We will provide cover if any reaper comes close," Scott said.

"We will help," the king said. "But at some point, the spirit energy will reach a critical level, and we will be unable to fight. The barrier protecting the Nexus will weaken the more spirit energy is taken."

With calm determination, the queen embarked on her task. Standing before the imposing crystal, she focused, compelling the ambient energy to converge and be absorbed. Eli, a mere observer in the realm of spirits, could only wonder at the speed of this process. No visible changes were apparent except for a faint current drawing towards the Nexus, a sign of the queen's silent power.

The barrier surged to life without warning, the king's gaze fixed in a single direction. His swift reaction to the imminent threat was evident. Following the king's line of sight, Eli detected a rustling at the forest's edge. The first wave of Gorka emerged, hurtling towards the Nexus with a single-minded determination to breach the barrier and annihilate the Nexus, their sole objective.

Scott and Greer, the two formidable close combat damage dealers, advanced with a calculated swiftness, halting just a hair's breadth from the barrier. Their strategic positioning was clear: they would launch their assault from this advantageous point, shielded by the barrier, a perfect vantage to counter the oncoming creatures.

---

"More have gathered than I predicted," Young muttered, eyes glued to the screen before him.

The largest display on the bridge painted a chilling picture. When they first arrived, three motherships hung in the system. The situation had now escalated to a terrifying degree, with eight motherships and a swarm of reapers growing more dangerous.

"The only positive is that the motherships don't have weapons," Weir replied, though her voice was tinged with concern.

It was a meager consolation. If those motherships were armed with anti-capital ship weapons, the situation would have spiraled into complete chaos. Yet, Young found little solace in this fact. The latest arrivals had unleashed a horde of heavy reapers—menaces that could eventually breach Destiny's defenses despite the extensive refurbishing it had recently undergone.

Earlier, when only a few dozen reapers had come at them, it had been a spectacle to enjoy. The shield stood firm, and he and Weir could watch the reapers explode one after another. Then, the three motherships sent more reapers, but a good portion were the smallest types, which targeted the planet rather than the Destiny. The shuttles had intercepted most of these, but not everyone. The ground team protecting the site faced an increasingly tough battle to hold their position, but Destiny could do nothing for them.

The Destiny could have continued holding out for hours if necessary. But now, with more motherships entering the system and the number of heavy and medium-sized reapers approaching a hundred, the odds were stacked against their single ship.

"I don't know how long we'll be able to hold this position," Young admitted, his frustration and concern evident.

"It's been close to two hours. The mission should be finished soon," Weir responded, though her words lacked the conviction to reassure either of them.

Young knew the reality was often very different from what they wanted. Hoping the team on the ground would hurry while unaware of the dire situation in orbit was the definition of wishful thinking.

Suddenly, the ship shook—not from weapons fire but something heavier. "Destiny, what was that?" Young demanded.

"A heavily damaged reaper collided with us. I believe it intentionally rammed us in its final moments," Destiny's calm voice replied.

It was to be expected from these relentless machines. "Did we sustain any damage?" Young asked.

"A turret went offline. It will need repairs before it can be used again," Destiny replied.

Though not as powerful as capital ships, the heavy reapers had incredible maneuverability. The Destiny struggled to hit them consistently, and the enemy was learning where the ship's blind spots were. Ironically, the reapers favored attacking from below, where Destiny's most potent weapon was. Unfortunately, the cannon also took the longest to aim, giving the reapers ample opportunity to evade.

"I should have put my foot down when they told me Destiny wouldn't receive any additional weapons," Young muttered, frustration evident in his tone.

Weir glanced at him, her expression a mix of empathy and practicality. "Destiny's shield was enhanced; that's what's important. Besides, the ship was never intended to engage so many enemies. A stronger defense should have seemed sufficient."

Young shook his head. "One shouldn't design a ship only for its intended purpose, but for the most critical situations it could encounter."

In an ideal universe, the Destiny would never have to fire a single shot, as its mission was exploration, not combat. But who would send a ship without a shield, an armored hull, or any weapons simply because it wasn't meant to fight? No one, of course. So, he thought they should have added more to improve the ship's offensive capabilities.

However, he hadn't imagined the Destiny undertaking a mission as dangerous as this one. At worst, he thought they might run into unfriendly locals and need to avoid a confrontation. And complaining about it now that it was too late to change anything didn't help either.

"I can't deny the Destiny isn't the ship I'd choose for this mission," Weir admitted.

"A new wave of reapers is entering weapons range," Destiny's calm voice interrupted.

"Will the shield hold against so many?" Young asked.

"For a time, but eventually, it will drain completely," Destiny responded. "There is also the risk of the shield emitters overloading before that happens."

"Which would further worsen our position," Young said, grimacing.

The frequency of the impacts against the ship increased, indicating that the new wave had added their firepower. While they weren't in critical condition yet, the drone reserves were nearly depleted, and their ability to hit the approaching enemy would soon drop considerably, leaving them a sitting target.

They wouldn't be able to hold their ground for much longer.

"How much time do you predict we have before our situation becomes critical?" Weir asked, her eyes fixed on Destiny.

"If no emitter is destroyed, we have fifteen minutes until the shield reserves reach dangerously low levels," Destiny replied.

Young took a deep breath, his mind racing. "Let's hope the team is done before that."

Weir nodded, her face set in determination. "We need to think of a contingency plan. If the team isn't ready, we must consider retreating."

Young, though reluctant, acknowledged Weir's correctness, "I know."

---

Scott and Greer had honed their skills in fending off the relentless Gorka, while Lara and Eli provided invaluable support from the rear. They were both efficient and strategic, conserving their energy by avoiding extravagant moves that would leave them breathless after a few attacks. Eli had learned the hard way that casting a spell with an embarrassing incantation not only strained his mind but also left him gasping for air. The Nexus was a boon, replenishing the spirit energy they used with each skill cast, but even its aid had its limits. If overused, they would still find themselves out of the fight, immobilized.

Despite their relentless efforts, the situation was spiraling out of control. The unending horde of enemies showed no signs of abating. The Gorka, or the Reapers that mimicked their form, were not decreasing in number but multiplying, a stark indication that the enemy was throwing everything they had into this battle. Now, they were materializing out of thin air, inching closer and closer to the Nexus. Some even detonated upon arrival, a possible sign that entering the spirit world was a formidable task for the machines. Yet, this also underscored their unwavering determination and readiness to sacrifice most of their forces to impede the team's advance.

Eli could not understand the Reapers' relentless aggression. As far as he knew, the Reapers were oblivious to their mission's objective, so their extreme hostility seemed unfathomable.

"Is it just me, or is the barrier thinning?" Greer's voice cut through the chaos, filled with concern, as he sliced through another Gorka.

"I thought the same, but I figured it was better not to mention it," Scott replied.

Eli understood Scott's unspoken concern. Sharing the truth about the barrier's weakening wouldn't boost their morale. After all, the queen was absorbing all the spirit energy around, and it would have been a miracle if the barrier hadn't weakened. However, as long as the barrier could hold back the horde of Gorka, they could manage. The real trouble would begin once it failed, a prospect filling them all with unease.

"I'm conserving my energy for when the barrier collapses. How about you?" Eli asked Lara.

"I'm fine. I'm using the least amount of spirit energy needed to fire my arrows. I've even figured out how to shoot multiple arrows simultaneously while expending less energy. It'll be useful when the real assault begins," Lara replied.

Eli wished they could skip the actual assault and dash straight for Yggdrasil once the barrier fell. But the queen would continue draining energy even then, forcing them to endure a tough battle for several minutes before they could escape. The journey to the Tree was long and the only place where they could leave the Spirit World.

The spirits were readying themselves; their assistance would be invaluable in the coming moments. No matter how brave the four were, they couldn't succeed alone. The spirit king also approached the barrier, radiating spirit energy and determined not to let any Gorka through.

"It's collapsing!" Scott shouted, confirming what everyone already knew was imminent.

As the barrier went down, the spirit king unleashed his magic. Howling winds quickly intensified, forming a raging storm above the largest concentration of Gorka. The Gorka were lifted high into the sky and flung into the distance in mere moments. Even Greer and Scott, stationed close to the frontline, struggled to maintain their footing amidst the chaos.

"Is the spirit king this precise with his magic, or was it pure luck the two of us didn't follow the Gorka in the air?" Greer commented once the winds subsided.

"Let's go with the first option. We don't have time to second-guess it anyway," Scott replied, eyes fixed ahead as more Gorka quickly filled the gap left by their fallen comrades.

Support from the other spirits arrived next, though it wasn't quite what they had expected. The spirits' magic was more about disrupting the enemy and supporting their allies rather than delivering direct offensive attacks. One Gorka suddenly lost contact with the ground, floating forward like a balloon and rotating slowly as if in space. Greer didn't waste the opportunity; his axe cleaved the incapacitated Gorka cleanly. Scott, too, dealt with a Gorka that had been immobilized at just the right moment for a swift decapitation. Lara rained down arrows on easy targets, each arrow hitting Gorka thrown off balance by the spirits' spells.

"Even though they're not using offensive spells, the spirits are a huge help in this fight," Eli commented, appreciating the strategic advantage they provided.

"I agree," Lara said, letting loose another arrow that pierced a Gorka's head and caused it to collapse. "But it also explains why they've lost so many of their kind to the Gorka. No matter how effective your spells are at slowing down the enemy, they'll keep coming at you without offensive magic to destroy them outright."

"The King seems good at blasting them, though," Eli noted, watching the spirit king cast a lightning spell that incinerated multiple Gorka at once.

"Eli!" Scott shouted. "Less talk, more fireballs!"

Eli ramped up his spellcasting, hurling fireballs with increasing frequency. The new fireballs he conjured were smaller but more concentrated, resembling plasma shots fired from a rifle. Their vibrant blue color radiated danger, and their destructive power was no joke. He could cast them quickly, making him the team's heavy hitter. As long as Greer and Scott ensured no Gorka reached him, Eli could freely wreak havoc among the enemy ranks.

Yet, despite his efforts, the situation wasn't improving. The Gorka kept coming, relentless and innumerable.

"Even if I could fire them like a Gatling gun, it still wouldn't suffice," Eli said somberly, glancing toward the queen. "She should be done soon."

His statement wasn't based on a hunch but on the noticeable decrease in spirit energy density around them. The queen also showed signs of strain, indicating that her task was becoming more complex.

"Oh, why is the queen calling me?" one spirit asked.

"Me too!" another said.

"Me three," several others echoed.

Half-willing and half-drawn by an invisible force, the spirits began moving towards the queen. It was clear that something big was happening at a time when the battle's intensity seemed to increase. The spirits' invaluable assistance soon left Eli and his team to fend off the Gorka with even fewer allies.

"What are you doing?" the king thundered, seemingly the only one unaffected by whatever was happening.

The queen did not answer; she just kept doing whatever she had been doing.

"Answer me, Alena!" the king boomed.

"You're coming with me!" the queen retorted.

"You cannot possibly—" the King began.

"Watch me!" she interrupted, her determination clear.

Eli couldn't spare much attention for the queen's actions but could sense the tension. "Is whatever the queen is doing keeping us here longer?"

Lara replied, "I'm sure it won't speed up our departure. The spirit king wouldn't be this angry if it did."

Now glowing balls of light, the spirits flew towards the queen and entered her, startling Eli. Just then, an idea formed in his mind.

"Is she trying to bring the remaining spirits with her by absorbing them somehow?" Eli asked.

"I had a similar thought, but given how worried the king looks, it can't be a safe process," Lara replied.

"Eli! How often must I tell you to keep sending those fireballs?" Scott shouted.

The problem wasn't that Eli had stopped sending fireballs but that the enemy numbers were increasing regardless. "Fireballs alone won't cut it!"

"Then do something that will!" Greer chimed in.

Eli sighed, knowing what he needed to do. He raised his hands high, concentrating intensely.

"Snow and ice at my command,
Blanket all with a frozen hand!
Winter's chill and icy stand,
Bring forth now the Frozen Land!"

A chilly wind swept through the rows of Gorka, freezing hundreds in place. But that alone wouldn't be enough. The creatures would soon break free from the frosty imprisonment.

"Inferno's breath and sun's embrace,
Fill this land with fiery grace!
With this chant, I make my beat,
Set the world in Scorching Heat!"

Strands of shimmering heat enveloped the frozen Gorka, rapidly warming them from subzero temperatures to hundreds of degrees Celsius. The sudden temperature increase caused cracks on their expanding bodies, causing the immediate vicinity to be littered with dying creatures. Greer and Scott dealt with the few Gorka that the spells missed.

This brought a moment of respite for the two humans battling endlessly at the front. After all, there were now fewer spirits providing support on the frontline. Maybe it would even give the queen time to finish whatever she was doing.

"The queen doesn't look too good," Eli panted, trying to catch his breath. Casting two embarrassing spells in quick succession had taken a lot out of him.

"We don't know what having spirit orbs enter her body did to her," Lara said, her concern evident. "I don't think it's good for one's health, though."

"This is the best time for us to leave," Greer stated, voicing what everyone knew but had been hesitant to say, given the queen's actions.

"Let's give her one more minute to finish whatever she's doing," Scott suggested, glancing at the queen.

"In one minute, those Gorka behind the dead ones will be upon us," Greer retorted, his eyes scanning the approaching horde.

"Nothing to worry about. We'll have Eli cast another series of embarrassing spells at them," Scott said with a forced grin.

"No, if I cast even one more spell, someone will have to carry me to the Tree," Eli replied, shaking his head.

"You see, that means he has at least enough energy for three more spells," Scott joked.

"I'm not sure," Greer said, eyeing Eli critically. "He looks pale to me."

"And someone needs to carry the queen too!" Lara added urgently.

They turned and found the queen lying on the ground, unconscious. Besides the spirit king, there were no more spirits to be seen, and the Nexus had swelled from its previous fist size to the size of a melon, a visible manifestation of spirit energy.

"Eli, grab the Nexus; Greer, grab the queen," Scott commanded. "Lara, Spirit King, and I will cover the rear as we retreat."

There was no time for discussion. The group began moving, pursued by a relentless horde of machines. Their goal was to escape, not engage the enemy, as there were too many of them to make fighting worthwhile. However, the rear guard occasionally had to fend off the Gorka that got too close. As the number of pursuing Gorka increased, they realized they couldn't keep up the fight. They sprinted to catch up with Greer and Eli, who led the way.

"Why did they put the Tree so far from the Nexus?" Eli asked, running as fast as he could, which was still slower than Greer's pace while carrying the queen.

"It's not like they had security issues before encountering the Vargas," Greer replied, his tone bitter.

From the queen, Eli had learned that the Ulysseans were a peaceful race, fortunate to inhabit a galaxy with few hostile species. Even the present belligerent races hadn't matched their technological prowess, hence posing no significant threat. The spirit world, existing in another dimension, was inaccessible to outsiders, ensuring the playful spirits could enjoy their afterlife undisturbed.

However, everything changed when they encountered the Vargas. Like the Senari, the Vargas extended a deceptive offer of friendship, promising technological advancements through a neural interface that would make the Ulysseans smarter. The Ulysseans flatly refused, valuing their natural progression and the joy of discovery. They believed that part of life was about making technological and societal improvements at their own pace. Many Ulysseans sensed something off about the Vargas, feeling that creatures so devoid of emotion could not genuinely care about friendships.

When the Vargas initiated their attack, the Ulysseans were prepared. What the Vargas anticipated to be a swift victory turned into a prolonged and grueling war. Though numerous and well-resourced, the Vargas found their match in the Ulysseans' spirit energy weaponry, which could nullify their ship's defenses.

Despite their numerical superiority, the Vargas struggled to gain an upper hand. Their attempts to destabilize the spirit world backfired, inadvertently increasing its energy levels. This miscalculation empowered the Ulysseans further, allowing them to fortify their galaxy and hold off the Vargas' relentless assaults.

But then, the true masterminds behind the Vargas arrived. Equipped with advanced ships, weapons, and tactics that the Ulysseans couldn't fully counter, the tide of the war turned. Year after year, the Ulysseans suffered increasing losses. Within half a decade, they were pushed back to defending their home world, their last bastion. The situation grew dire, and they knew the end was near.

However, the Ulysseans were strategic planners. Despite the Vargas' inability to penetrate their defenses for many years, they had prepared an escape plan from the very start. A large fleet, tasked with preserving their race, was sent to find a new galaxy far from the Vargas and their masters. Unfortunately, they soon discovered that the Vargas' reach extended throughout the known universe.

Eli mused, "I guess they didn't worry before since no one could enter their spirit world without their help."

The Tree was now in sight; just one final push was needed for the group to escape the Gorka-infested area. Eli turned and unleashed a barrage of fireballs at the nearest Gorka, timing it perfectly as they were closing in on the rear elements of their group. To Eli's astonishment, he could easily cast the spells, the Nexus in his hand enhancing his abilities.

"What is it?" Lara asked, sending several arrows at the enemy.

"I don't know why, but I don't feel tired. Casting the spell came easier than ever," Eli responded with a hint of amazement.

"Could it have something to do with the Nexus you're holding in your hand?" Lara suggested.

Now that she mentioned it, Eli realized that ever since he grabbed the Nexus, his reserves of spirit energy seemed to have increased at an astonishing rate. "It's probably refilling the spirit energy I've lost."

They were almost at the Tree; they only needed a final push. However, that was also the moment when Eli realized something disturbing. "Who's going to get us out of this place?"

Scott had caught up with him and was now running parallel. "We'll have to wake up the queen somehow. And while we do that, you need to keep blasting those Gorka. You have the energy to do it now, right?"

"I think so. Not sure for how long, though," Eli replied, aware that the Nexus might not instantly replenish his energy once depleted.

With the queen lying on the ground in front of the majestic Tree, Lara and the Spirit King began checking whether they could revive her long enough to transfer them back to the mortal realm. Meanwhile, the three humans prepared to face the incoming horde.

"It's time, Eli, to start casting spells," Scott said, his tone urgent.

The goal was to stop the Gorka from nearing them, so Eli did just that.

He cast the first spell

"Earth and rock, hear my roll,
Make them tumble like a troll!"

Then, the second.

"Air so light, twist and twirl,
Make them waltz and swirl, swirl, swirl!

Third.

"With this spark, bright and fast,
Make them twitch and spasm at last!

Fourth.

"Flames so bright, dance and sway,
Make my foes sashay away!

And finally, the fifth.

"Ice and snow, do the hop,
Make these foes slip and flop!"

The approaching horde of Gorka was shocked, burned, frozen, sent high into the sky, or made to tumble as the earth trembled beneath them.

"Well, that'll slow them down," Eli said, gasping for air. "Don't expect me to cast any more spells, though."

"Leave the rest to us. You go and see if the queen is waking up," Scott instructed.

Eli nodded and slowly walked back to the group. There weren't many Gorka left in the vicinity, but that didn't mean Greer and Scott wouldn't have to put in extra effort to stop them. The situation was becoming increasingly tense as they awaited the queen's revival.

"Is she waking up?" Eli asked Lara, who was bent over the queen.

"I don't know. The King is doing something, but I'm unsure if it's helping," Lara responded.

The Spirit King was concentrating intensely, making it unwise to interrupt with questions. The fact remained that the queen wasn't moving, which was a bad sign.

Greer and Scott had moved towards the Gorka, slashing and piercing whatever they encountered. Occasionally, Eli heard shouts from the two, something like "Whirlwind Slash" or "Shield Bash," making it clear they were doing their best to remove any threat quickly. However, just like Eli had quickly expended his energy reserves, the two would eventually reach a point where even holding a weapon became a challenge.

"Let's hope the queen wakes up soon," Eli said, anxiety creeping into his voice.

Lara slapped the queen lightly, but it didn't help. "Let's also hope the Spirit King knows what he's doing."

From Eli's perspective, it almost seemed like the Spirit King had fallen asleep. However, he knew better. The King was undoubtedly doing everything in his power to save the Queen.

Suddenly, Eli noticed Lara standing up, quickly notching an arrow and sending it flying toward an approaching Gorka. At the same time, Scott was sent flying by a massive Gorka that had charged him. Greer rushed in, severing the monster's head before it could trample Scott. More arrows from Lara provided further cover, allowing the two defenders to reform their defense.

"That was close," Lara commented.

Eli checked his spirit energy levels and found them alarmingly low. He tried to draw more from the Nexus in his hands, but the Spirit King grabbed it and placed it on the Queen.

"She'll need it to open the gate to the mortal realm," the Spirit King explained.

"Is she waking up?" Eli asked.

"She is, but I don't know how long she'll stay conscious. Holding so many spirits inside her is straining her," the Spirit King replied. "You must be ready to depart at a moment's notice."

"Scott, Greer, be ready to rush here," Eli called to the two still fighting in the distance. They all needed to be near each other when the moment came. "Lara, when the time comes, shoot as many Gorka as possible. I'll prepare something to help us as well."

Lara nodded, and Scott shouted, "Just make it quick! We can't hold out much longer."

Eli knew Scott's urgency was warranted. The two of them were exhausted, and if something didn't happen soon, it could be too late for all of them. He turned to the Queen just as she began to open her eyes.

"That's a good sign," Lara said.

"Alena, do you understand me?" the Spirit King asked.

She looked at him and nodded.

"Do you know our situation?" the King continued.

The Queen looked around, pausing as she saw the giant tree looming over them. "We need to leave the spirit world."

"That's right, and you're the only one who can open a portal," the King said.

With effort, the Queen sat up. With the Nexus tightly held, she began concentrating. That was the sign Eli had been waiting for.

"Scott! It's time!" Eli shouted.

Scott and Greer sprinted toward them. Lara, understanding the urgency, started raining arrows on the Gorka. Each arrow she notched split into multiples, flying with perfect accuracy at the incoming horde.

Eli knew he had a crucial task to complete before he could rest.

"Colors bright, blend and mix,
Form a fortress, strong and thick!
Twinkle bright, a titan's might,
Keep us safe through the darkest night!"

A dome of light sprang to life, forming a protective barrier around them. It wasn't as strong as the one near the Nexus and wouldn't last long, but it would hopefully be enough to allow them to escape safely.

Without the Nexus in his hands, Eli felt exhaustion wash over him. If someone asked him to cast a simple fireball now, he would outright refuse, as even standing was challenging. Greer and Scott were equally worn out, and although Lara wasn't showing it, her strength to send arrows was waning.

Then, their bodies began to glow. The Queen had done her job, and it was finally time to leave.

"It is time to say goodbye, Alena," the Spirit King said solemnly.

"Goodbye, my foot! You're coming with me!" the Queen declared.

The King instantly transformed into a glowing ball of light and merged with the Queen. Together, they transitioned into the mortal realm.

Eli quickly surveyed his surroundings. This time, no one had fallen unconscious except for the Queen. The three teams left as defenders fired at the Reapers swarming around the erected protective bubble.

"What's the situation?" Scott shouted toward one of the marines.

"The shield is at 12%! We're at a breaking point!" the man responded.

The situation was dire. Even in the brief time since their return, Eli had seen two energy bolts bypass the shield. Fortunately, they hadn't hit any of their people, but the signs of previous hits were evident. Staying any longer would mean certain death.

"We're beaming to the ship!" Scott ordered.

"We can't!" the same man shouted back, trying to be heard over the weapons' fire. "The Destiny had to enter FTL five minutes ago or risk being destroyed."

This was terrible news. Their ride was gone, and with the Destiny in FTL, all those Reapers in orbit could now focus entirely on them on the ground. By Eli's estimate, they had only a few minutes before the Reapers overwhelmed them.

"Plan B!" Scott shouted.

One of the defenders immediately stopped firing and extracted a large box from Wraith storage. He pressed a button atop the contraption and quickly stepped back. The box began unfolding, rising, and forming a perfect circle. It was automated, and the seven symbols around it lit up one after the other. The event horizon burst forth before settling into the familiar watery surface.

Scott grabbed the unconscious Queen and rushed toward the gate, shouting, "Let's move!"

After Lara, Eli stepped through the single-use Stargate and found himself on a different planet. Behind him, Greer and the defenders poured out. He barely had time to wonder whether Destiny would come to pick them up when he noticed Scott and the Queen vanish in a bright flash of light.

A moment later, Eli found himself standing inside Destiny's gate room.

"Mission accomplished, sir," Scott said, saluting the Captain. "But Alena needs urgent medical attention. She absorbed the spirits inside her body, and I don't think it's good for her health."

Lara stepped closer. "Maybe we should put her in stasis until we know more. Her people should know how best to help her."

Young looked at Weir, who nodded in agreement. "Do it," he ordered.

The room cleared, leaving only the SGD-1 team members, minus Lara. Scott turned to Eli. "Do you think the spirit energy we collected will be enough to recreate a spirit world back in the Milky Way?"

Eli considered the question. They now had enough spirit energy for their youngest to reach adulthood, but it was only a temporary measure. Eventually, they would run out. Even if they had won the war against the Vargas and their masters, the spirit world in this galaxy would have collapsed by then, dooming their race.

"I felt the amount of energy in that Nexus, and it's considerable," Eli said thoughtfully. "If it's enough to recreate a spirit world, I don't know. But I'm sure with the help of the ascended who now have access to a Shard, they'll find some way to help them."

Scott nodded, a look of determination on his face. "We'll figure it out. We have to."

"You're right. With so many powerful allies, it's hard to believe they won't find a solution," Eli added optimistically.

"Well, we did what we were tasked with—a remarkable job," Greer said, clearly content. "How about we go celebrate? It's not every day we complete such an important mission."

"A few drinks are definitely in order," Scott promptly replied.

"I'll let Lara know we're celebrating," Eli said.

After a grueling day, the three members of SGD-1 headed to the mess hall, where they expected to be joined by more of the crew. Celebrations were rare aboard the Destiny, which usually floated through space at FTL speeds toward unknown destinations that might or might not hold the meaning of life.

"I bet the rest of the crew will enjoy hearing about our adventure," Greer said, grinning.

"They'll love hearing how Eli cast those embarrassing spells with such fervor," Scott added. "I just wish I could remember the exact words."

"Not a problem," Greer chimed in. "Lara has an eidetic memory."

Eli felt as if an arrow pierced his chest. Lara would forever remember how he cast all those spells. "Maybe we don't need to go into such detail. The crew doesn't need to know everything."

"They do," Scott insisted. "It will greatly improve morale aboard the ship."

"I agree," Greer said. "It will be the talk of the ship, at least until the next mission."

Eli felt another imaginary arrow pierce his heart. The next mission with anything interesting could be months away, if not longer. He could already envision his interactions with the crew during that time.

"Look, you know how they say, 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.' It should be the same here. What happened in the spirit world should stay there. No need to mention it to anyone," Eli pleaded.

"Oh, that won't happen," Greer said. "Even if we say nothing today, it will eventually come out. The crew is that bored, you know. They will suck any bit that could be entertaining."

"Hence, it's best to lay everything out right now," Scott added.

They were ganging up on him, and there was little he could do about it. "I'm not the only one who cast embarrassing spells."

"I can live with people learning about the few skills I shouted," Greer said. "How about you, Scott?"

"No problem," Scott responded. "After all, they're nothing compared to Eli's spells."

"I bet they won't even remember ours after hearing Eli's first incantation," Greer added.

"Yeah, how did it end again? Frizzle-frazzle something. Or was it dazzle?" Scott teased.

"We'll ask Lara," Greer said with a smirk.

They weren't even talking to him anymore. Eli's only hope was to get to Lara first and plead with her not to divulge the wording of his incantations. Greer and Scott would do a poor job of telling the story without her help.

Unfortunately, he also knew Lara would spill the beans without a second thought. She was the only one who didn't speak any spells. His fate was sealed; there was no way around it.

As they approached the mess hall, Eli sighed. "You know what? Let's get those drinks. If I'm going to be the ship's entertainment, I might as well enjoy it."

Scott and Greer laughed, clapping him on the back. "That's the spirit, Eli," Scott said. "Let's make this a night to remember."

And with that, they walked into the mess hall, ready to celebrate their victory and, for Eli, to face whatever teasing was coming his way.

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