U.S.S Jormungand

Sector 01 Rapid Reactionary Task Force

Midgard Fleet, Sol System

In the Tau'ri Federation, Earth is not the capital of the Federation as the Tau'ri Federation is parliamentary system. As the Prime Minister's rotation and the capital relocated to a planet, the current Prime Minister is from Pangara. Golleen Velk. Earth is still the dominant military powerhouse, but the political power is shared among the member planets. Every 5 years, the Tau'ri Federation holds a parliamentary election to elect a new Prime Minister, Member of Parliament and Senators from each planet. The Senate is where laws are made and wars are declared. The Prime Minister acts as the head of the government and the President acts as the head of the state, where power lies with the Commander in Chief, the President of the Tau'ri Federation.

The current alignment of power is the Free Jaffa Nation, holding 100 parliamentary seats. One trillion Jaffa citizens are given the chance to vote after the Free Jaffa Nation are given membership into the Tau'ri Federation. The Jaffa's and sporadic military capabilities are united under the Tau'ri banner, adding a significant boost to the Federation Naval Fleet.

The U.S.S. Jormungand orbits the gas giant of Jupiter, its gleaming hull reflecting the faint light of distant stars. Naglfar fighters and F322 Mongoose are in formation as they fly by the Jormungand. They weave left and right through the assemble fleet of ships, varied in designs and each one a testament to the unity and diversity of the Tau'ri Federation. The Tau'ri Federation Navy have come a long way in ship design, 300 years exactly.

President Amanda Clark stands tall on the bridge, her eyes scanning the holographic display of the galaxy. A blue triangle representing the Tau'ri Federation Navy and allied ships and a red box representing the Dominion. She zooms in on a location of space that Stargate Command named Eridani system. There are hundreds of blue triangles representing TFN, blinking and moving about as they engage the Dominion fleet to take control of the sector of space and eventually the subspace rupture.

There are several Admirals, rear Admirals, Junior Lieutenants and Petty Officers around the holographic plotters. Real time subspace radio chatter fills the room, the smell of hot coffee and the faint sound of typing from the communication consoles are the only sounds that break the silence. The bridge is a beehive of activity, each person's eyes glued to their station screens, analyzing tactical data and coordinating with other ships. The calmness of the bridge is a stark contrast to the chaotic battles playing out in the holographic display.

Since being elected and approved by the Federation Election Commission, a nonpartisan body ensuring fairness in the democratic process, President Amanda Clark had thrown herself into the role with unrelenting determination. It's her mandate to clean up the Joint Chief's dereliction of duty during the last administration and unconcern the threat the Dominion poses after a failed first contact with the Dominion. Her first mission as Commander in Chief was to appoint new Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense and other key positions within the military branch.

She's never been a politician, not really. But the call to serve had been too strong to resist. As a former Lt. Colonel in the Tau'ri Federation Marine Corp, she had led several secret raids behind enemy lines alongside her team and current husband Commander David Sheppard. Now, as President of the Tau'ri Federation, she was about to lead an even greater battle, but this time not on the ground but from the bridge of the U.S.S. Jormungand.

"Madam, President."

"Yes."

"Nathan James Taskforce has cleared the Epsilon Eridani system of the Dominion." A junior Lieutenant announced, his voice steady amidst the tension.

Amanda nodded, her gaze never leaving the display. "Good. Keep pressing the advantage." Her voice was firm, but it didn't hide the underlying concern.

"Is it enough to cut their supply of ships and ketracel white?" an Oanes admiral at her side asked, referring to the crucial substance that the Dominion's Jem'Hadar soldiers required to maintain their loyalty and strength. His tentacles wabbling about around his cheeks, a sign of his anxiety.

A black Jaffa First Prime, wearing a navy blue camouflage stares at the holographic display. "They might have a hidden base somewhere in the galaxy." He says, his deep voice resonating through the bridge.

"Possibly," Amanda responded, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Tok'ra Intelligence scoured through the Dominion ships computer cores after we captured one. They found nothing."

"Ma'am." One of the Serrakin techs at the communication console called out.

"Yes."

"Commander Sheppard is asking permission to go through the subspace rupture." The Serrakin tech reported, her tone urgent.

Amanda looks down at the communication console, a flicker of emotion crossing her face as she hears her husband's name. She knows the risks involved in sending a team through the subspace rupture. It's a volatile, unpredictable phenomenon that could lead them to unknown parts of the galaxy or even another universe.

"Let me talk to him." Amanda demanded.

The comms tech nodded and a moment later, David's image appeared on the main viewscreen, the bridge's lights casting a pale glow over his tired but determined features.

"Madam President, it's not everyday that I get to talk to the President." Sheppard jokingly said. Despite the tension, the room couldn't help but chuckle at the familiar banter between the couple.

"Cut the chit-chat, Dave," Amanda said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "What's the situation?"

"The fleet whoop's the Dominion's ass in this sector." Sheppard said with smile. "Doctor McKay has spooled up the Wraith storage device and Sif will pilot the jumper into the rupture."

"I am having second thoughts about this mission." Amanda said, her voice tight with concern.

"Being behind a desk doesn't mean you don't get to make the calls on the battlefield, Amanda," David said, his expression turning serious. "Even for your husband."

Amanda nodded, steeling herself. "I know, Dave."

"We've been combat together before," David reminded her, his gaze unwavering. "Trust in our team."

Amanda stare at her husband for a moment, tears running down her cheeks. "Promise me you come back to me."

"I'll do my best." David said, his voice filled with the same love and dedication she had heard countless times during their missions together.

"Then, God speed." Amanda said, her voice firm despite the lump in her throat. She knew the risks, knew the stakes. But she had to trust David. He had proven himself countless times before.

"I love you." Sheppard said before the communication cut off.

The silence on the bridge is thick, a stark contrast to the cacophony of the ongoing battle outside. Amanda took a deep breath, composing herself before she addressed the room.

"Ry'ac, you're in charge here. I'll be in my office."

The Jaffa nodded solemnly. "Yes, Madam President."

As Amanda exited the bridge, the weight of her decision bore down on her. Her office is a place she often sought solace, she peers through a 3 feet of transparent aluminum glass, a view of the cosmos, but right now; she could see the eye of Jupiter, a swirling maelstrom of gas and storms, a fitting backdrop to the tempestuous thoughts in her mind. The doors whispered closed behind her, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the ever-present hum of the ship's engines.

When she was about to exhale the recycle air, the door slid open again. She turned to see who it was, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw it was Ry'ac, her Chief of Staff and trusted Jaffa ally.

"Ry'ac." Amanda acknowledged, her eyes not leaving the gas giant as she leans on the railing. "Come to check on me?"

The Jaffa stepped forward, his expression a blend of respect and concern. "David and his team went through the rupture. "

Amanda's grip tightened on the railing, her knuckles whitening. "And?"

"Amanda, your husband will be fine." Ry'ac reassured her, his deep voice resonating in the quiet of the observation deck. "He can take care of himself."

Amanda turns around to see Ry'ac staring out the viewport, for a 200-year-old Jaffa, he had seen a lot of battles, yet his gaze remained as steady as ever. "You know, when I was out there," she starts, her voice barely above a whisper, "fighting alongside him, the fear was different. It was for us, for our lives. Now, it's for everyone."

Ry'ac nods, his gaze shifting to her. "You have come a long way, Amanda." His words were a gentle reminder of her journey from a field commander to the President. "You are indeed a wise and gracious leader, Clark of Galar."

"Where's the quote from?" Amanda asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Master Bra'tac," Ry'ac replied, "I heard him say that to the great General Jack O'Neil when I was 12."

*V*

The Hank Landry Class frigates flew by the Command ship, the frigates dwarfs in comparison to the Jormungand, but their firepower is not to be underestimated. Each one is armed with a pair of particle beam cannons, plasma pulse cannon, and a complement of drones capable of autonomous combat. They were designed to be the eyes and fists of the Tau'ri fleet.

As it flew by, all of the sudden, an artificial moon decloaked from the far side of Jupiter. It's a moon size Asgard space station and shipyard called Valhalla, it's gleaming white surface almost blending into the Jovian clouds. Discovered in 2011, thought to be a natural moon of one of many of Jupiter. Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, was discovered to be a concealed Asgard space station. As the fleet enter orbit of the moon size space station, it begins to shimmer and disappears, Cloaking the entire Midgard fleet from enemy sensors.

"President Clark, Valhalla Joint Operation Center welcomes the Midgard fleet for booting the Dominion assess from Alpha Centauri."

Amanda nodded to the communications officer who relayed the message, the tension in her shoulders momentarily easing at the sight of the moon-sized space station. Valhalla is the crown jewel of the Federation, a bastion of shared technology and cooperation. She looks down on her armrest console, where she get's a notification and updates on current situation within the Tau'ri Federation. The updates ranged from military operations to the latest from the parliamentary sessions on Pangara.

An Asgard artificial intelligence shimmers in front of her, holographically projected. "Madam President."

"Tyr." Amanda said as she stretches.

"Have you caught the latest news from Earth's broadcast?" Tyr, the Asgard AI, inquired, his digital features projected with a calm demeanor.

"No, I don't pay attention to the news media from Earth." Amanda said. "Why?" She hated the media in general after they televised a hit piece on her.

"Broadcast from North American's news network is reporting an emergency session of the parliament. Prime Minister Velk has called for a vote of no confidence against your presidency." Tyr's digital eyes met hers, his concern palpable despite his lack of physical presence.

Amanda's stomach plummeted. "On what grounds?"

"The report cites 'mishandling of the Dominion threat' and 'overstepping of presidential powers'." Tyr replied, his voice as calm as ever despite the gravity of the situation.

"Get Prime Minister Velk on comms."

The bridge of the U.S.S. Jormungand was a flurry of activity as the order was relayed. The comms officer worked quickly to establish a secure subspace link with Pangara. Amanda's eyes never left the holographic display of the battle raging in the Arkhana system, but her mind is racing. A vote of no confidence was a serious blow to her presidency, especially at a time when the Federation needed a united front against the Dominion.

Finally, the Prime Minister's image appeared on the main viewscreen, his furrowed brow and stern expression indicating that he was not pleased with the interruption. "Madam President.""

"Prime Minister Velk," Amanda said, her voice measured and firm. "I've just received word of an emergency parliamentary session. Can you enlighten me on the matter?"

"What do you mean?" Velk's image was a bit static, a sign of the vast distances the subspace communication had to traverse.

"The North American news network is reporting that you've called for a vote of no confidence in my presidency. Is this true?" Amanda's voice remained calm despite the alarm bells ringing in her head.

Velk's eyes widened in surprise. "Madam President, the parliamentary session was to vote on accepting California to the Tau'ri Federation."

"California?" Amanda echoed, confused.

"Yes, Madam President," Tyr interjected. "The North American continent has proposed that California be granted full membership to the Tau'ri Federation."

"They seceded from North America?" Amanda questioned, She is familiar with Earth's history of secession attempts, but this was the first time she had heard of one happening within the Tau'ri Federation.

"300 years ago, after a disagreement with the first Tau'ri President Henry Hayes." Tyr said, his holographic form flickering slightly as he accessed the historical records. "In 2013, California declared independence and formed its own nation state. They've been petitioning for re-entry into the Tau'ri Federation for the last 50 years."

Amanda sighs. "Politics. It never sleeps."

"It appears that the North American network has twisted the narrative to stir discord among the people," Tyr said.

"Not the first time," Amanda muttered under her breath, her gaze is on the real time data on the parliamentary session in Geneva, Switzerland on Earth and looking back at Prime Minister Velk on the viewscreen. "What's on the docket Prime Minister Velk."

"I'm transmitting you the agenda for the session, Madam President." The Prime Minister's voice was clear despite the static. "Our diplomatic corps in the Pegasus Galaxy are in a standstill with the Wraith."

Amanda's eyes narrowed as she read through the documents, her mind racing. The Wraith had been a long-standing threat in the Pegasus galaxy, but the Federation Pegasus Fleet had kept them at bay for centuries.