Author's note: I sincerely apologize for the extended delay, which can be attributed to my dubious decision to refine the preceding story with the assistance of a specific AI. Regrettably, the process did not unfold as seamlessly or quickly as anticipated, leaving me contemplating whether to share the revised chapters or send them to the recycle bin. That, coupled with a lack of inspiration and other commitments, resulted in the longest gap between published chapters. I am optimistic that the forthcoming chapter will be released in a timelier manner, though only time will tell.
At least I managed to get this chapter before the end of the year:)
Thanks to my beta, and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
"Can you even see it?" Peter, who also went by the names Joshua and Mr. Homer, exclaimed, his shaky finger pointing at the inconspicuous dent on the starboard side of the otherwise pristine corvette.
David, known as Malcolm and Mr. Barns, retorted, "I can see it, and if I can..."
A minor dent shouldn't have been the cause of the alarm. Considering the wear and tear of spaceships during travel, a shallow scratch should be a trivial matter. However, this was no ordinary corvette they were inspecting.
Before embarking on their perilous mission—instead of enjoying a well-deserved break on Haven as promised—their boss Klaus had swapped their gear to increase their safety and chances of success. One of these upgrades involved replacing their old, dilapidated TIA Corvette with a spanking new military one just rolled out of the assembly line. After all, their mission would lead them deep into hostile territory—the heart of the Jaffa Empire—to gather evidence of the emperor's dealings with the Goa'uld. Klaus couldn't afford to send them on such a daring assignment without appropriate transportation capable of outpacing, evading, and, in general, outperforming potential pursuers.
At least they were receiving some awe-inspiring new gear in addition to the corvette that other TIA agents would envy, a topic they could boast about during their infrequent gatherings (it was difficult for spies to meet often). Their state-of-the-art combat armor was cutting-edge, seemingly plucked from the realms of impossible sci-fi or superhero movies. This suit featured remarkable gadgets that any agent would eagerly covet: a formidable shield that allowed them to stroll unharmed even inside a battle zone, an enduring cloak that allowed them to sneak around unseen, and a short-distance teleportation system that allowed them to hop around in a blink of an eye. The ability to pass through solid matter was the cherry on top, making the suit so great that it would tempt even the wealthiest individuals on Earth to shell out billions if only the technology were available.
Peter and David were the proud possessors of the first two prototypes, the suit so new that it was still provisionally named CS-X tactical suit. Drawing inspiration from O'Neill's bracelet from the future, the suits could be primarily stored in an alternate dimension, appearing as ordinary clothing when inactive. The armored components would materialize upon activation, providing unmatched protection, heightened strength, and unparalleled agility. It was the ultimate combat attire for any field agent, making Peter and David the objects of deep envy among their peers.
Feeling secure was second nature now; the Jaffa would face an arduous task trying to breach the multiple layers of protection the suits offered. With the cloak, the ability to pass through walls, and short teleportation at their fingertip, retreat was always a viable option if things took a turn for the worse. They didn't even require additional incentives to take the mission—although they did not admit that to their boss—as the prospect of trying the suit alone was reason enough.
However, they were in for more than they'd bargained for.
Due to Klaus's relentless badgering and the military's slowness in delivering the goods, Jack uttered words that should never have left his lips. In a moment of frustration, he blurted out, "Fine! Then they can take mine!"
The aftermath of those words would haunt every individual involved for many years to come.
Navigating the protocols to secure a pristine military corvette was quite vexing, inspiring fleeting fantasies of self-inflicted cranial demolition (blowing one's brains out) halfway through the convoluted process. Acquiring a military vessel housing classified tech and transferring it to the civilian side, specifically the TIA, for deployment on foreign soil, even without overt conflict between the Jaffa Empire and the Terrans, was an exercise in bureaucratic tediousness. It entailed a relentless flood of paperwork and the entanglement of every branch of the government.
Moreover, ensuring the concealment of the military corvette from the rest of the Milky Way was of paramount importance, lest it stir complications for their agents and other stakeholders. The vessel bore a conspicuous resemblance to the corvettes the Arkham Empire sold and the TIA agents frequently utilized while masquerading as shady individuals, entrusted with traversing the galaxy for intelligence gathering or undermining the exploits of malicious outlaws. Even if those malefactors weren't notably astute, they would inevitably connect the dots, exposing the involvement of Terran spies and the intricate collaboration with the Arkham Empire.
Consequently, procuring the military corvette necessitated a span of no less than three weeks, possibly extending up to two months, despite Jack and Klaus expediting the process. The paperwork appeared unending, even bewildering Walter, who often rejoiced at the sight and probably believed it to be the cornerstone of modern society.
Yet, a loophole that would shorten the process appeared.
The minute blemish on the ship's exterior—scarcely two inches long and superficial—might have been trifling in ordinary circumstances. After all, it was customary for vessels to shed a decent amount of paint in their inaugural year in space. However, this corvette belonged to none other than Jack O'Neill, and its value was so astronomical that even its coating carried a sense of distinction and extravagance.
Nevertheless, the ship had already transitioned to civilian possession, allocated for personal use to none other than the High Councilor of the Terran Federation. Since it had departed from military jurisdiction, the quantum of paperwork demanded to transfer ownership to the TIA was more than halved. The irony was palpable. The complicated procedure needed to relocate a military vessel to a civilian agency arose from safeguarding the technology from falling into the wrong hands. Yet, Jack and Klaus found themselves saddled with a ship harboring even more of the technology they aimed to conceal now given to two agents with dubious records.
Furthermore, it provided Jack with ammunition to present his case in the forthcoming council assembly, advocating for a reduction in the extensive paperwork that had plagued the Terran Federation for years, to the extent that even dedicated AIs struggled to untangle the complexity. Of course, he failed miserably in his attempt as it involved an impossible amount of paperwork to achieve, so he gave up not even halfway there.
"Perhaps the scratch was there from before," Peter ventured half-heartedly.
"Klaus took pictures of the exterior and interior to make sure what we returned mirrored the state we received it," David retorted, shattering any vestige of hope that this mishap occurred under someone else's watch. "We might even have to clean it before returning."
"Maybe Jack won't make a fuss about it," Peter pondered.
"Do you need me to respond to that?" David dryly responded.
"This is what we get when engineers are given carte blanche. They fashion something so extravagant that one must tread with caution to avoid even scratching. Who engineers military hardware in such a way? If it were normal paint, I would fix it before returning it. Still, my scanner can't even decipher its composition, much less allow me to replicate the coating," he remarked, eyeing the shallow scrape that remained conspicuous to any approaching observer. The most irritating aspect was its proximity to the entrance. "There's no way O'Neill will miss it."
"I think he'll smell the damage even before we make a landing," David added, rubbing salt into the wound.
Peter took a moment to compose himself. There was no use dwelling on minor damage when their mission had just begun. There might be more damage later—damage he might explain as inevitable and could cover the one he'd caused out of negligence. "Well, at least flying it is a joy."
"A clear step up from our old bird," David agreed, though a frown marred his expression. "It'll suck when we have to return to our old Corvette."
Keeping the Corvette wasn't an option. Jack probably expected it back within 30 seconds of completing the mission, and any delay in returning it might incur severe consequences. What irked Peter even more was that Klaus had persistently pressured events, forcing Jack's hand, yet their boss was more than willing to forget his involvement. He should be supportive when things go wrong, but his parting words were: "Make sure not to scratch it, or you're on your own."
Having a boss like that truly sucks!
The ultramodern, one-of-a-kind, compact flier was an absolute joy. There seemed to be nothing the ship couldn't do. Its speed, maneuverability, and defensive and offensive capabilities were all top-notch. Furthermore, its holographic system offered the flexibility to customize the ship's appearance both inside and outside as desired, which was only limited due to the ship's size. While it could make the interior appear several times larger than its actual size, overcrowding could overwhelm the system. After all, even with modern holographic technology, one couldn't fit four elephants inside a car no matter how much they pushed.
Externally, they could also transform their ship to resemble their old Corvette or even adopt the guise of an old Tel'tak, which they had done upon reaching the star system. While Peter had lowered the holographic projection to inspect the dent on the side, their initial approach had been disguised as a Tel'tak, using the correct transponder frequencies provided by their contact on the planet to gain entry. Many Jaffa were dissatisfied with the emperor's actions, particularly after being informed that he was in league with the Goa'uld. As a result, many were willing to aid them in gathering the necessary data to expose their emperor's association with their previous oppressors.
By making the Corvette look like a Tel'tak and ensuring all the necessary paperwork was in order, entering the planet's atmosphere hadn't posed a problem. However, after that, they veered off the Jaffa radar and concealed themselves within a dense forest instead of landing in the city. The plan had been meticulously devised, with only one thing missing—the two contacts they were supposed to meet, who were now five minutes late.
"They are late," David remarked, echoing Peter's thoughts. "Let's hope nothing bad happened to them."
Peter silently commanded his bracelet to scan the surroundings. Within a one-kilometer radius, no life signs were detected, and he hesitated to increase the bracelet's active scanning range, as it might emit a stronger signal that others could pick up. "It's only been five minutes. Not everyone is as punctual as you, David."
"Let's camouflage the ship back into a Tel'tak and cloak it," David suggested. "We should also move to the rendezvous point."
It wasn't far, just enough that it wasn't the same place where they parked the ship—no reason for others to know their ship's landing point.
"Did we take everything?" Peter inquired, even though they had already double-checked. It was better to ensure than to later remember they had forgotten spare socks on a mission that could, regrettably, last for weeks or even months.
Both confirmed they had everything they needed, checking their bracelets, which displayed the list of items they had stored in their "item box," as David had named it. They packed everything they might require, including three dozen pairs of socks for good measure.
"What more could a man possibly need? Imagine having such an advanced suit with all its gizmos, vast storage capacity, and a beautiful corvette like this one. It would be like having a mobile man cave, enabling you to have all your favorite things and travel anywhere in the galaxy safely and comfortably," Peter mused.
"Our High Councilor spent two hundred years like that, gallivanting throughout the Milky Way with the mobile man cave he built. Can you think of anything else that exudes more 'freedom' than that?" David added.
"I don't think I can. No wonder O'Neill got attached to this corvette. It's even better than the one he built," Peter said, smirking. "To reward our tireless dedication to our work, we should have received permission to visit our friend on Kobol… in our new Corvette!"
"Ah, why didn't we think of asking? Now it's too late," David said, looking deflated. "Even if they had gifted us our old bird, it would have been more than enough."
"Its engine is total crap. If you want to travel around the galaxy, visiting places and old friends, you need something faster. How long would the ship take from Earth to Kobol?" Peter asked.
"A month," David replied.
"See! And it's not like Kobol is far from Earth," Peter added, a little taken aback that he could so readily say that thousands of light years was a small distance. However, for the corvettes made for the TIA that weren't there to show off but were to blend in a galaxy filled with junk ships, such distances were no picnic.
"But there are more and more jump stations that could help speed things up. For example, reaching Haven, Tollana, or New Terra from Earth is near instantaneous, and you can return to Earth just as fast," David said. "It takes the same to reach Kobol, but to get back, it would take a month of hyperspace travel since there's no station there."
"It sucks to rely on the jump station; otherwise, it could take a year with our old Corvette to cross ten thousand light-years. That doesn't spell freedom to me," Peter said but then noticed the beep his bracelet gave out. He looked at the display. "We have company; two Jaffa."
"Our contacts, I hope," David said, but he tensed a little.
The Jaffa emerged from the underbrush. "Barns and Homer, I presume?"
"That's us," Peter affirmed. "Is there a particular reason for your tardiness?"
"The planet is on high alert, and any suspicious activity gets reported immediately," replied the same Jaffa.
"Is the situation that dire?" Peter inquired.
"Ever since rumors of Goa'uld involvement started circulating, there have been several attempts on the emperor's life," the Jaffa explained. "But they were swiftly thwarted."
The Jaffa had a reputation for impulsiveness, as evidenced by these incidents. Had the dissidents bid their time and united, they might have successfully assassinated the emperor, sparing Peter and David the need to cut short their vacation and make the trip. This was the secondary objective of their mission: identifying dissenters and forming a resistance group but with more realistic goals.
Gathering evidence of the emperor's collusion with the Goa'uld wouldn't be easy. Depending on what they uncovered, he might still spin it as Terran Federation propaganda meant to sway the galactic races against his Empire. In such a scenario, a well-organized resistance group could offer an alternative approach. However, this long-term plan could not be accomplished quickly or easily.
"I imagine so, especially with so many emperor spies among them," Peter remarked.
"Spies?" the Jaffa queried.
"The emperor is cunning," Peter began to explain. "He anticipated that his association with the Goa'uld might be exposed, so he prepared in advance. Many of those fomenting unrest are, in fact, his most loyal subjects. This way, he could monitor their involvement and gauge their potential threat. He was ready for them when they finally acted on their ill-conceived plans."
"And how do you know this?" the Jaffa asked, appearing puzzled.
"Our superior is astute and foresaw this possibility," Peter continued. "He always emphasizes that underestimating one's opponent is the gravest mistake in our line of work. His paranoia is also why we're aware that the Jaffa we were supposed to meet here today were captured and that you two are working for the emperor."
"What?" the Jaffa exclaimed.
"No need to feign ignorance," Peter remarked with a disingenuous smile. "Our boss's caution led him to provide all our contacts with false passcodes and alert phrases. The names, 'Barns and Homer,' that you used signaled that the original Jaffa had been apprehended and those standing before us were the emperor's spies."
The Jaffa nodded in understanding. "It's astounding they provided us with false information. We even subjected them to separate interrogations to ensure their consistency. It's commendable they endured the torture without revealing anything until their death."
"Yes, it's regrettable," Peter conceded. "From what little I know, they were decent individuals who merely sought freedom from Goa'uld involvement—a cause all Jaffa should support."
"But I fail to grasp why you seem content, considering you've been exposed," the Jaffa pressed. "Your mission is a failure, and we know precisely where you've landed. You won't leave this planet."
"Our mission isn't a failure," Peter countered. "On the contrary, it's off to a promising start."
"What?" the Jaffa inquired.
"The best way for us to infiltrate the emperor's palace is by assuming the roles of individuals from his inner circle," Peter elaborated, "and who could be more fitting than two of his trusted elite spies?" His smile widened.
Meanwhile, David drew his weapon and aimed it at the two Jaffa, ready for any rash actions.
"Just as you have passphrases, we do as well, to prevent outsiders from impersonating us, regardless of their technological capabilities, like your mimicking technology," the Jaffa calmly responded.
"And did you believe we were unaware of that?" Peter retorted. Simultaneously, he and David transformed into the two Jaffa, leaving no discernible differences between the two pairs of spies. "However, you didn't know that the alien race that provided us with this mimicking device also supplied a pairing device that allows access to the memories of the person we are impersonating. Without it, the aliens couldn't have infiltrated our world without detection, as they didn't even know our language. We've even improved upon the technology in the decade since the aliens generously left it on Earth."
As the two Jaffa appeared bewildered, David interjected, "This means that while the two of you are unconscious on our ship, we'll have access to all your memories, enabling us to blend in seamlessly."
The Jaffa reacted, attempting to reach their holstered zat-guns, but it was too late. David's reflexes were lightning-fast, and he discharged his weapon, rendering both Jaffa unconscious.
"So far, so good," Peter remarked, contemplating their next steps. "A little sad for our contacts, though."
Klaus had planned countless steps, surpassing even the most paranoid spy's expectations. They would assume the identities of the unconscious Jaffa, while another team of spies that had landed on the planet two days prior would impersonate them. They would also provide the emperor with the location of a planted Tel'tak the other two spies used, while they would relocate their corvette to a safe place, ready for a quick escape if necessary. With access to the Jaffa spies' knowledge, Peter hoped they could penetrate the emperor's palace and obtain incriminating evidence. It would still be challenging and time-consuming, but they would at least have a foot in the door.
"It's just the beginning," David concurred.
"You're right. It'll take time, but we're off to a good start. Let's secure these two and connect them to the memory extraction device. Then we can contact the other team and set our plan in motion."
The two operatives hauled the unconscious Jaffa by their feet and deposited them in the corvette. Afterward, they contacted the other team and arranged a rendezvous time in the capital. They aimed to uncover incriminating data they could duplicate and identify any living Goa'uld within the emperor's palace. If they could collect evidence of their interactions with the Jaffa close to the emperor or, ideally, with the emperor himself, it would be compelling enough to incite outrage among the other races throughout the galaxy.
After all, no one desired to witness the resurgence of the Goa'uld in the galactic arena.
"Why are you so on edge today?" Daniel asked, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Jack, as he stole a cautious glance at Daniel, tried to unravel the source of his unease. "I can't quite put my finger on it. Nothing unsettling happened all day, and even Walter was unusually well-behaved. If anything, it was a peaceful day. But deep down, I can't shake the feeling that something... disturbing might have happened."
"That's rather vague," Daniel commented, awaiting further explanation.
Jack hesitated, unsure if what he felt even made sense. "It's like that gut feeling when you fear someone important to you got hurt. Or maybe it's not someone but something," he mumbled while looking at a distant place. "Well, I doubt I'll figure it out, so let's get down to business, shall we?"
"I was ready fifteen minutes ago," Daniel replied with a wry smile.
They savored a relaxing evening on Jack's porch, each with a cold beer overlooking the serene lake. It would have been a perfect evening without Jack's unexplained restlessness. Even the topic they had gathered to discuss wasn't particularly taxing, and despite the infrequent annoyances from Walter earlier in the day, he couldn't claim to be tired.
Jack redirected his attention to the paper report in his hand, still favoring the tactile sensation of paper over a sterile datapad. He knew the latest model boasted an impressive 10,000x8,000 pixels, enough brightness to blind you even under direct sunlight, and an unnecessarily high refresh rate. But he found reading from it no different than its predecessor, which had half the specifications. On the other hand, the paper he was holding didn't have specs like resolution, nits, or hertz, yet it was soothing to read from, and he liked the sensation of flipping through the pages of the report.
His thoughts had again veered off course, so he refocused on what mattered. "Don't we have an impressive fleet? Unlike ten years ago."
"Those were the days when single cruisers roamed the Milky Way with not even one to spare for Atlantis," Daniel pondered. "Now, we're grappling with a logistical nightmare, dispatching millions of inexperienced crew members on thousands of ships, billions of light-years away, to get hurt while barely adults."
There was a touch of bitterness in Daniel's tone. To a military man like Jack, losses were a harsh reality, and in that regard, the Terran Armed Forces had been performing better than anyone could have ever hoped. However, it didn't mean no soldiers had perished or returned home carrying scars. Most injuries could be treated with current technology, but the toll was undeniable.
"They might delay adulthood if the changes in the law are approved," Jack said, thinking of the latest proposal gaining traction in the Terran Parliament.
"What are they suggesting? People becoming adults when they're thirty?" Daniel inquired.
"Twenty-five. Thirty would be pushing it," Jack replied.
After the Genesis event, life expectancy on Earth more than doubled. Individuals could easily lead a healthy and productive life for the first hundred and fifty years, leaving another fifty to a hundred years for retirement. Therefore, it no longer made sense to rush people through their childhood as they did today. Instead of commencing school at six, they would start at nine or ten, and the entire elementary, middle, and high school experience would extend until they reached twenty-five. However, it would be silly for a middle schooler to become an adult at eighteen. Hence, they were pushing the age limit for adulthood to twenty-five. The next phase of education would take them to thirty, or even further for those who wished to pursue an even higher education.
"Even with these changes, people would still have to work for such an extended period that they'd inevitably grow weary, regardless of their profession," Jack remarked, reflecting on his lengthy career and the apprehension of more decades of the same to come. "Who can wake up every morning and continue the same job even after a century? Even initially enjoyable activities can become tedious after a fraction of that time."
"You're speaking from experience," Daniel added.
"I enjoyed exploring the galaxy on my little ship, but after several decades, it missed novelty, and I yearned for a change. That's why I believe it will become common for people to switch professions two or three times in their lifetime and why a prolonged and leisurely initial education would be advantageous," Jack explained.
"It's possible, but I think we're getting off track," Daniel pointed out. "We were discussing the challenges our soldiers face far from home."
"You're right. Where were we exactly?" Jack pondered for a moment. "Ah, yes, the IC-1101 galaxy, how it's rife with conflicts, and how the Terran Army is grappling with the daunting task of battling the Dinos and their allies," Jack continued. "But is there anything we can do to improve the situation?"
"If we reinforce our orbital defenses to prevent the enemy from reaching the surface, the Army will have a much easier job," Daniel confidently suggested.
Daniel's bitterness was born from the recent loss of someone he knew while defending a planet that wasn't theirs. Unfortunately, there were limitations to what they could achieve. "We should, but our scientists will need time to develop a device that grants wishes. The vastness of the IC-1101 is hard to comprehend, spanning millions of light-years and containing so many star systems that even with a hundred lifetimes, we couldn't explore them all. Consequently, there are constraints to the defenses we can establish around all those planets."
Their fleet had grown significantly, boasting tens of thousands of powerful vessels, but that number paled in comparison to the enormity of the universe and its countless celestial bodies.
"Moreover, things have somewhat stabilized," Jack continued, sensing Daniel's reluctance to delve deeper. "The Anomalies are closed, so there are no Vargas incursions, and the Dinos are feeling the strain of dwindling resources."
"Many races once under the Vargas's influence have joined our cause," Daniel added positively. "And considering our formidable foe, our casualties remain remarkably low. But the true battle is yet to come."
"On that note, you're right," Jack agreed, his tone turning somber.
Once more, he glanced at the report, which detailed the state of various branches of the Terran Armed Forces and the assets available for the impending conflict.
Terran Federation Status Report
Government Type: Council (Meritocracy)
Knowledge/Technology Level: High (9+)
Terran Dominated Planets: Earth, Asura, Tollana, Terra Nova, Haven, Xi'an, Langara, Tollan, Pax (inside the Clava Thessara Infinitas)
Terran Presence: 28 planetary bases, 208 mining operations.
Population: 10,239,780,200
Terran Armed Forces: 79,587,282 (0.77% of the population)
Army:
Total: 32,279,075
Enlisted: 27,560,430
Noncommissioned Officers: 2,220,455
Commissioned Officers: 1,995,960
Warrant Officers: 502,230
Marine Corps:
Total: 6,195,874
Enlisted: 5,342,981
Noncommissioned Officers: 432,004
Commissioned Officers: 341,908
Warrant Officers: 78,981
Space Fleet:
Total: 24,452,256
Enlisted: 19,970,200
Noncommissioned Officers: 2,170,666
Commissioned Officers: 1,855,960
Warrant Officers: 445,430
Peace Corps: 3,678,211
Civilians Directly Involved: 12,981,866
Note: Research and Development (R&D), Production, Logistics and Support, and Infrastructure Maintenance collectively employ 60% of the workforce.
F-302 Aerospace Fighter
The F-302 is a versatile aerospace engineering masterpiece, gracefully navigating space and planetary atmospheres. While its spaceflight capabilities are undeniable, the F-302 excels when it ventures into a planet's atmosphere. Its exceptional aerodynamic design provides a distinct edge over purely spacefaring craft, enabling it to maneuver with unrivaled finesse.
The F-302 assumes the role of a true chameleon in the skies, effortlessly adapting to many mission profiles. Whether configured as a precision bomber, agile fighter, or swift reconnaissance scout, its adaptability knows no bounds. In its scout configuration, an extended sensor suite augments its coverage, rendering it an indispensable asset for gathering critical intelligence amidst the chaos of battle.
Armament:
2 Frontal Single Plasma Repeaters (Strength: 60 Megawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 280 rounds per minute)
24 Seeker Missiles
Size: L: 13.3 meters, W: 15.2 meters, H:3.2
Purpose: Fighter, Bomber, Scout
Energy Source: Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. IV (Power Output: 1.2 Gigawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 48 Megawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 740 Megawatts, Recharge Time: 3 minutes, Coefficient: 1.756, Minimal Power Input: 420 Megawatts)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Maneuverability: Very High (in space), Ultra High (in the air)
Propulsion:
Air-Breathing Jets
Modified Aero Spikes
Jet Booster
Inertial Dampeners
Crew: 2
Mass: 16.1 metric tons
Built: 120,000 units
F.314 Peregrine Space Fighter
The F.314 Peregrine stands as a pinnacle achievement in Terran space fighter engineering. Painstakingly crafted from the ground up to excel in interstellar warfare, it also can function in planetary atmospheres. Its design, optimized to perfection, coupled with cutting-edge thruster technology, establishes it as an unrivaled powerhouse amidst the vastness of space. While it may not be the ideal choice for planetary skies, no craft of similar size matches Peregrine's performance when dominating the cosmic expanse. It is not just a fighter; it is a formidable celestial titan.
Armament:
2 Frontal Single Plasma Repeaters (Strength: 60 Megawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 280 rounds per minute)
24 Seeker Missiles or 36 Ancient Drones
Size: L: 13.7 meters, W: 6.4 meters, H: 3.9 meters
Purpose: Space Fighter
Energy Source: Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. IV (Power Output: 1.2 Gigawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 48 Megawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 740 Megawatts, Recharge Time: 3 minutes, Coefficient: 1.756, Minimal Power Input: 420 Megawatts)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Maneuverability: Ultra High (space), High (atmosphere)
Propulsion:
Grav-drive
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Interstellar Hyperdrive (ISH) (Cruising Speed: 3.5 Light-years per hour)
Short Range Jump Drive
Crew: 1
Mass: 17.6 metric tons
Built: 230,000 units
R-312 Raptor Squad Transporter
The R-312 Raptor stands as the vanguard of Terran starships, ingeniously designed to carry a squad of marines, offering a strategic edge by enabling the deployment of soldiers directly onto planetary surfaces when conventional methods, such as teleportation, are rendered impractical or unavailable. This versatile craft serves as a lifeline for troops and delivers formidable aerial support.
The R-312 Raptor is a strategic marvel, fusing mobility, firepower, and troop deployment capabilities into a single, compact vessel. Its role as a squad transporter and aerial support craft bolsters Terran forces with unmatched versatility on both the battlefield and in interstellar operations.
Armament:
1 Rotatory Minigun
2 Missile Launchers
Size: L: 16.3 meters, W: 5.6 meters, H: 3.6
Purpose: Squad Transporter, Aerial Support
Energy Source: One 2nd Generation Small Naquadah Generator (Power Output: 1.2 Gigawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 27 Megawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 740 Megawatts, Recharge Time: 9 minutes, Coefficient: 1.67, Minimal Power Input: 50 Megawatts)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Advanced Armor Plating
Maneuverability: High
Propulsion:
2 Ion Engines (IE)
Air-Breathing Jets
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Short Range Jump Drive
Crew: 2 pilots and the capacity to transport ten personnel
Mass: 16 metric tons
Built: 12,400 units
C-328 Raven Corvette
The F-628 Raven redefines the corvette class with its expanded size, mass, and capabilities, introducing a new era of versatility and functionality. Painstakingly crafted from the ground up to excel in interstellar warfare and planetary environments, the Raven stands as an unrivaled powerhouse in both the vast cosmic expanse and within planetary atmospheres. This versatile corvette allows its crew to operate comfortably, breaking away from the confines of a small cockpit while offering many mission capabilities.
The F-628 Raven is a testament to Terran engineering, seamlessly blending firepower, transport capabilities, and adaptability into a single, expanded vessel. It represents a quantum leap in corvette-class starships, ensuring dominance across various missions and making it a cornerstone of Terran naval forces.
Armament:
2 Pulse Cannons (Strength: 70 Gigawatts-hours, Fire Rate: 8 rounds per minute)
1 Multidirectional plasma lance (Strength: 7.7 Gigawatts-hours, Fire Rate: 3 rounds per minute)
40 Seeker Missiles or 30 Ancient Drones
Size: L: 28.4 meters, W: 18.1 meters, Height: 8.8 meters
Purpose: Versatile Corvette, Small Interstellar Transport, Aerial Support
Energy Source:
Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. V (Power Output: 3.0 Gigawatts)
Antimatter booster (Power Output: 3.5 Gigawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 207 Megawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 1.8 Gigawatts, Recharge Time: 7 minutes, Coefficient: 1.67)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: High
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Interstellar hyperdrive
Crew: 4 (Including accommodations for mission specialists)
Mass: 85.53 metric tons
Built: 63,000 units
D-312 Defiant Anti-Capital Ship Gunboat
The D-312 Defiant is purpose-built to confront and defeat capital-class vessels. With its size increased fourfold from its modest beginning, the latest Defiant embodies the epitome of a true anti-capital ship gunboat, combining enhanced firepower and agility to excel in interstellar conflicts. While not a capital ship, its maneuverability remains paramount, allowing it to evade and retaliate against incoming fire, as its defenses, though formidable, are not as robust as those of capital ships they are meant to engage.
The D-312 Defiant stands as a testament to Terran engineering, strategically fusing potent armament and anti-capital ship capabilities into a compact yet formidable vessel. It represents a paradigm shift in naval warfare, poised to challenge imposing capital ships like a Ha'tak and emerge victorious.
Armament:
4 Large Quantum Disruptor Pulse Cannons (Strength: 12 Terawatts-hours, Fire Rate: 16 rounds per minute)
2 Multidirectional Plasma Lances (Strength: 30 Terawatts-hours, Fire Rate: 5 rounds per minute)
80 Antimatter torpedoes (variable yield, one kiloton to 22 megatons, focused blast, two launchers forward and one in the back)
100 Mark II Ancient Drones
Size: L: 113.6 meters, W: 72.4 meters, Height: 35.2 meters
Purpose: Anti-Capital Ship Gunboat, Interstellar Warfare, Offensive Dominance
Energy Source:
2 Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 220 Terawatts)
4 Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 1.2 Petawatts, Warning! Meltdown in ten minutes)
One micro-ZPM (PO: 12 PW, SE: 7.3 PWh)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 210 Terawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 4 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 55/3 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Ablative Armor
Energy Dispersive Coating
Maneuverability: High
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
2 Ion boosters
Advanced Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Interstellar Hyperdrive
Crew: 8-32 (Including accommodations for mission specialists)
Mass: 342.12 metric tons
Built: 46,200 units
D-312 Damocles Heavy Cruiser
The D-313 Damocles emerges as the vanguard, signifying a monumental leap in size and offensive capabilities. With its dimensions increased compared to the obsolete Daedalus, the Damocles is a formidable juggernaut purpose-built to obliterate enemy vessels through sheer firepower, even if it compromises defense and maneuverability. Armed with three heavy plasma lances and six smaller variants, all boasting extreme firepower, this cruiser ensures the destruction of adversaries before its substantial shielding is ever threatened.
The D-213 Damocles showcases Terran's ingenuity, strategically elevating armament and offensive capabilities while embracing its role as a heavy cruiser. It represents a new paradigm in naval warfare, designed to engage and defeat even the most formidable adversaries among capital-class vessels.
Armament:
3 Quantum Disruptor Beam (Strength: 210 Terawatts-hours, Duration: continuous beam, swappable)
3 Heavy Plasma Lances (Strength: 480 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 8 seconds, Fire Rate: 3.4 rounds per minute, swappable)
6 Plasma Lances (Strength: 80 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 6 seconds, Fire Rate: 5 rounds per minute)
720 Antimatter torpedoes (1kiloton-to-22megaton variable yield, focused blast), 20 Quantum torpedoes (1.2 gigaton yield)
1000 Mark III Ancient Drones
Size: L: 554.4 meters, W: 329.6 meters, Height: 140.8 meters
Purpose: Heavy Cruiser, Capital Ship Engagements, Offensive Dominance
Energy Source:
2 Large Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 4.2 Petawatts)
2 Large Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 9.6 Petawatts, Caution: Overload in ten minutes)
three micro-ZPMs (PO: 36 Petawatts, SE: 21.9 Petawatt-hours)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 7.9 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 44 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 110 min/6.4 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47 (brute force)/1.09 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Armor Reinforcement Field (14.3 factor)
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: moderate (impressive for a capital ship)
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
4 Booster Ion Engines
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Allocation: 414 (Crew), 400 (Additional Accommodations)
Mass: 813,688 metric tons
Built: 17,000 units
LC-319 Illustrious Light Cruiser
The Illustrious Light Cruiser, an epitome of versatility, symbolizes interstellar diplomacy and passenger security while maintaining a defense capacity. While it is 30% larger than the heavy cruiser, it is intentionally designed with lighter armament and armor, prioritizing its role as a multipurpose vessel suitable for a broader range of missions, including exploration and diplomacy.
Armament:
4 Plasma Lances (Strength: 80 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 6 seconds, Fire Rate: 4 rounds per minute)
100 Antimatter torpedoes (1kiloton-to-22megaton variable yield, focused blast), 20 Quantum torpedoes (1.2 gigaton yield)
300 Mark II Ancient Drones
Size: L: 720m, W: 428m, H: 184m
Purpose: Light Cruiser, Long Term Exploration Missions, Diplomacy, Main peacetime capital ship
Energy Source:
3 Large Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. IX (Power Output: 3.6 Petawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 4.9 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 3.6 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 110 min, Coefficient: 1.17 (brute force)/1.07 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: low-moderate
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive:
Maneuvering Thrusters
Inertial Dampeners
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Allocation: The Illustrious Light Cruiser can comfortably accommodate passengers and diplomatic personnel, with facilities for 1000 passengers and a crew of 550 while ensuring a comfortable and secure journey. Its hyperdrive can ferry docked ships on intergalactic journeys, albeit at diminished speed.
Mass: 1,058,184 metric tons.
Built: 220
BC-315 Armageddon Battlecruiser
The B-215 Armageddon Battlecruiser marks the zenith of Terran naval engineering, expanding in size and defensive capabilities. As the flagship of task forces, it combines the might of a capital ship with the agility to lead and protect a fleet of smaller vessels. While emphasizing defense, Armageddon maintains a formidable presence on the battlefield, boasting the advanced Aegis III system to ensure its protection.
The B-215 Armageddon Battlecruiser reimagines the role of battlecruisers in Terran fleets, offering unmatched defensive capabilities, firepower, and fleet leadership. Its commanding presence and advanced Aegis III system make it the ideal flagship for task forces, ensuring security and dominance in interstellar conflicts.
Armament:
4 Large Quantum Disruptor Beam (Strength: 210 Terawatts-hours, Duration: continuous beam, swappable)
4 Large Plasma Lances (Strength: 480 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 8 seconds, Fire Rate: 3.4 rounds per minute, swappable)
6 Plasma Lances (Strength: 80 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 6 seconds, Fire Rate: 5 rounds per minute)
1500 Antimatter torpedoes (1-kiloton-to-22-megaton variable yield, focused blast)
100 Quantum torpedoes (1.2-gigaton yield)
3 Tricobalt torpedoes (spacetime fracturing device)
3 Time dilation torpedoes (AOE time modification)
2000 Mark III Ancient Drones
Size: L: 950.8 meters, W: 429.2 meters, Height: 231.6 meters
Purpose: Battlecruiser, Flagship, Defensive Dominance
Energy Source:
3 Heavy Duty Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 50 Petawatts)
3 Heavy Duty Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 81 Petawatts, Caution: Overload begins after ten minutes of continuous use)
1 ZPM (PO: 208 Petawatts, SE: 55 Exawatt-hours)
Defenses:
Aegis III Defense System
Shields (Strength: 31.6 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 290 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 44min/6.2 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47 (brute force)/1.09 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
Grav-Barrier (impenetrable wall, high energy demand)
Armor Strengthening Field (increases material molecular bond by a factor of 21.7)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: low-moderate
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
8 Booster Ion Engines
Advanced Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Allocation: 628 (Crew), 600 (Additional Accommodations)
Mass: 4,127,376 metric tons
Built: 5,700 units
BC-316 Argo Battleship
The BC-316 Argo Battleship represents a monumental leap in Terran naval engineering, dwarfing its predecessor, the Armageddon, both in size and firepower. As the flagship of larger task forces, the Argo embodies practical design, allowing it to be constructed at a similar cost to the Armageddon while sacrificing comfort. Due to its size, its maneuverability is greatly diminished. Still, the Argo compensates with additional weaponry and the advanced Aegis V defensive system, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield capable of protecting entire fleets.
Armament:
Singularity Cannon (planned but still has glitches)
6 Large Quantum Disruptor Beam (Strength: 210 Terawatts-hours, Duration: continuous beam, swappable)
6 Large Plasma Lances (Strength: 480 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 8 seconds, Fire Rate: 3.4 rounds per minute, swappable)
12 Plasma Lances (Strength: 80 Terawatts-hours, Duration: 6 seconds, Fire Rate: 5 rounds per minute)
3000 Antimatter torpedoes (1-kiloton-to-22-megaton variable yield, focused blast)
200 Quantum torpedoes (1.2-gigaton yield)
5 Tricobalt torpedoes (spacetime fracturing device)
10 Time dilation torpedoes (AOE time modification)
4000 Mark III Ancient Drones
Size: L: 1,654 meters, W: 846 meters, Height: 458 meters
Purpose: Battleship, Flagship, Offensive Dominance
Energy Source:
5 Heavy Duty Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 80 Petawatts)
5 Heavy Duty Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 130 Petawatts, Caution: Meltdown in ten minutes)
2 Zero Point Module (ZPM) (PO: 416 Petawatt, SE: 110 Exawatt-hours)
Defenses:
Aegis V Defense System
Shields (Strength: 60.6 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 590 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 44min/6.1 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47 (brute force)/1.09 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
Grav-Barrier (impenetrable wall, high energy demand)
Armor Strengthening Field (increases material molecular bond by a factor of 19.7)
Spatial Displacement Region
Temporal Displacement Region
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: Low
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
8 Booster Ion Engines
Advanced Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Allocation: 680 (Crew), 300 (Additional Accommodations)
Mass: 20,211,960 metric tons
Built: 200 units
AC-309D Athena Assault Carrier
The AC-309 Athena Assault Carrier represents the pinnacle of Terran carrier technology, designed to serve as the vanguard of Terran fleet operations. Towering at a length of 800 meters, the Athena is a dedicated carrier, purpose-built to transport and deploy a formidable fleet of smaller craft, ranging from fighters and corvettes to dropships and other planetary deployment vessels. While it lacks heavy anti-capital ship weaponry, it is equipped with formidable anti-fighter defenses, ensuring the safety and efficacy of its fighter squadrons during take-off.
Armament:
64 Point Defense Lasers (S: 5 Gigawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 1,000 rounds per minute)
64 Dual-Barrel Plasma Repeaters (S: 400 Megawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 340 rounds per minute)
1500 Mk II Ancient Drone
2000 Seeker Missiles
Size: L: 800 meters, W: 595 meters, Height: 217 meters
Purpose: Assault Carrier, Fleet Support, Fighter Deployment
Energy Source: Naquadria/Naquadah Generator (Power Output: 2.6 Petawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 1 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 2.5 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 25 minutes, Coefficient: 1.36)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: Moderate
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Aircraft Complement:
400 Fighters
70 Corvettes
40 Raptors
10 Dropships
Crew: 1,900 (Including accommodations for aircrew and support personnel)
Mass: 2,743,000 metric tons
Built: 8800 units
SC-310c Colossus Super Carrier
The latest SC-310 Colossus Super Carrier redefines the Terran fleet command and carrier capabilities concept. Towering at a staggering length of 3,200 meters, the Colossus serves as a colossal hub for fleet operations, capable of deploying vast armadas of fighters, corvettes, and other smaller craft. It fulfills the role of a supercarrier and serves as the pinnacle of Command-and-control Flagships, directing entire fleets with precision. Equipped with the formidable Aegis V defensive system powered by three ZPMs and scores of last-generation reactors, the Colossus embodies the Terran commitment to dominance in interstellar warfare.
Armament:
128 Point Defense Lasers (S: 20 Gigawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 1,200 rounds per minute)
160 Dual-Barrel Plasma Repeaters (S: 800 Megawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 680 rounds per minute)
5,000 Mk III Ancient Drones
8,000 Seeker Missiles
Size: L: 3,200 meters, W: 800 meters, Height: 568 meters
Purpose: Super Carrier, Command & Control Flagship, Fleet Support
Energy Source:
3 Large Zero Point Modules (ZPMs) (Power Output: 624 Petawatts, Stored Energy: 165 Exawatt-hours)
6 Heavy Duty Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 150 Petawatts)
6 Heavy Duty Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 162 Petawatts, Caution: Meltdown in 15 minutes)
Defenses:
Aegis V Defense System
Shields (Strength: 112.6 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 800 Petawatts, Recharge Time: 44min/8.2 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47 (brute force)/1.09 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
Grav-Barrier (impenetrable wall, high energy demand)
Armor Strengthening Field (increases material molecular bond by a factor of 19.7)
Spatial Displacement Region
Temporal Displacement Region
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating
Maneuverability: Low
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive
Advanced Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Jump Drive
Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Aircraft Complement:
3,200 Fighters
1000 Automated Fighter Drones
400 Corvettes
200 Raptors
50 Dropships
Crew: 10,200 (Including accommodations for aircrew, support personnel, and command staff)
Mass: 92,240,000 metric tons
Built: 600 units
DN-312 Hercules Dreadnought
The DN-312 Hercules Dreadnought embodies Terran's firepower and long-range artillery capabilities, taking on a role entirely distinct from its counterparts. With limited hangar space for only a handful of Raptors and Corvettes, the Hercules dedicates its colossal frame to host some of the deadliest long-range weapons in the Terran arsenal. Its intimidating tri-barreled relativistic antiproton beam and six additional antiproton beams protruding from its sides may make it the least aesthetically pleasing ship in the Terran fleet. Still, its role as a long-range artillery juggernaut is undeniable. This dreadnought instills fear from over a million kilometers away, poised to deliver devastating strikes with unmatched precision.
The DN-312 Hercules Dreadnought showcases Terran engineering at its most lethal, prioritizing immense firepower and long-range capabilities above all else. It is responsible for unleashing destruction from afar, keeping adversaries at bay with relentless barrages of antiproton energy.
Armament:
Three-barreled Relativistic Antiproton Beam (Strength: 3 Petawatt-hours, Effective Range: 1.2 million kilometers)
Six Antiproton Beams (Strength: 1 Petawatt-hours per shot, Effective Range: 1.5 million kilometers)
Size: L: 2,254 meters, W: 2,144 meters, Height: 780 meters
Purpose: Dreadnought, Long-Range Artillery, Fleet Support
Energy Source:
• 5 Heavy Duty Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. XI (Power Output: 250 Petawatts)
• 5 Heavy Duty Antimatter Boosters (Power Output: 202.5 Petawatts, Caution: Meltdown in 15 minutes)
Defenses:
• Advanced Energy Shielding (Strength: 180 Petawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 1.6 Exawatts, Recharge Time: 55 min/6.8 minutes, Coefficient: 1.47 (brute force)/1.09 (after enemy weapon is analyzed))
• Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
• Cloaking Device
Maneuverability: Very Low
Propulsion:
• Multidirectional Grav-Drive
• Inertial Dampeners (ID)
• Intergalactic Hyperdrive
Crew: 1,100 (Including accommodations for support personnel)
Mass: 76,800,000 metric tons
Built: 2200 units
DS-322 Hammerhead Dropship
The demand for planetary deployments of soldiers and vehicles led to the realization of the formidable DS-322 Hammerhead drop-ship. This imposing vessel effortlessly carries a company of soldiers or multiple tanks and vehicles to the surface of a planet with unparalleled efficiency. While equipped with a hyperdrive, the dropship is typically transported by larger vessels like the SC-310 Super Carrier or the AC-309 Assault Carrier.
The DS-322 Hammerhead dropship stands as an imposing marvel, revolutionizing the deployment of troops and vehicles to planetary surfaces. Its enhanced armament and boosted energy output, backed by an impressive array of defenses and swift mobility, ensure a safe landing and deployment of troops.
Armament:
4 Frontal Single Plasma Repeaters (Strength: 150 Megawatt-hours, Fire Rate: 350 rounds per minute)
2 Missile Launchers
2 Dual Plasma Repeaters (Strength: 300 Megawatt-hours, Range: Extended, Fire Rate: 600 rounds per minute)
Size: L: 66 meters, W: 24 meters, Height: 7 meters
Purpose: Troop and Vehicle Transporter
Energy Source: Two Naquadria/Naquadah Generator Mk. V (Power Output: 13.25 Terawatts)
Defenses:
Shields (Strength: 1.325 Gigawatt-hours, Max Recharge Rate: 3.92 Gigawatts, Recharge Time: 20 minutes, Coefficient: 1.67, Minimal Power Input: 50 Megawatts)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Cloaking Device
Maneuverability: Ultra High
Propulsion:
2 Ion Engines (IE)
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT)
Inertial Dampeners (ID)
Interstellar Hyperdrive (ISH) (Cruising Speed: 10 Light-years per hour)
Crew: 4
Mass: 73 metric tons
Built: 3000 units
FF-331 Scorpion Flak Frigate
The Scorpion is a specialized Terran vessel designed to play a much different role than the other ships in the fleet. While it does not carry many smaller ships or has anti-capital ship weapons, it has a formidable array of anti-fighter weaponry and defensive systems. With a length of approximately 400 meters, the Scorpion is more compact and focused on anti-fighter operations.
Armament:
24 Precision Plasma Lance Arrays: These plasma lance arrays are designed to eliminate incoming enemy fighters and provide accurate, long-range firepower. The lances can target and engage multiple enemy spacecraft simultaneously with precision.
40 Missile Batteries: The Scorpion boasts a variety of missile batteries designed to intercept and eliminate enemy fighters. These highly maneuverable missiles can be employed for point defense or offensive actions against smaller targets.
Defenses:
Flak Shield: The Scorpion Flak Frigate features a specialized energy shield optimized for fending off swarms of space fighters. This shield has been fine-tuned to efficiently intercept and neutralize incoming fighter attacks while constantly being restored.
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): The vessel has advanced electronic countermeasures systems to disrupt enemy fighter communication, targeting, and navigation systems, making it harder for enemy fighters to coordinate their attacks.
Energy Dispersive Armor Coating: The hull of the Scorpion is covered with an energy-dispersive armor coating that provides additional protection against enemy fighter attacks and enhances the frigate's durability even after the shield fails.
Maneuverability: low
Propulsion:
Multidirectional Grav-Drive: The Scorpion is equipped with a multidirectional grav-drive system that enables rapid changes in velocity and direction.
Maneuvering Thrusters (MT): The vessel features maneuvering thrusters for precise adjustments during combat.
Inertial Dampeners (ID): Inertial dampeners ensure a stable firing platform, even during high-speed maneuvers.
Aircraft Complement:
The Scorpion Flak Frigate carries a minimal complement of smaller craft, including:
20 Recon Drones
Crew: 250 personnel, including gunners, technicians, and support staff.
Mass: 340,000 metric tons
Build: 120
"Quite the array of ships we have here," Jack observed, his gaze tracing the contours of the report. Today's sheer number of vessels starkly contrasted with their minuscule navy not even a decade ago. "And yet, it still falls short."
"We're fortunate to have the manpower to crew them," Daniel replied.
"Well, if the Langarans hadn't joined the Terran Federation, we might not have," Jack reflected. Including the Langarans and Tollans in the Terrans Federation had significantly bolstered the pool of eager recruits. While they were below the targeted one percent of their population, they steadily progressed toward reaching that goal. "Although I can't help but think that the recent fleet upgrade has posed some challenges."
"Would you have preferred the Ascended didn't offer their assistance?" Daniel inquired, but the answer was obvious.
"Not at all. Their support is invaluable, and the enhancements will improve every facet of our ships' capabilities. We have no choice but to implement the upgrades immediately," Jack acknowledged. He paused, a furrow forming on his brow. "But coordinating the overhaul of hundreds of thousands of ships isn't a simple task, especially considering our need to maintain a constant presence far from the Milky Way."
Even their smallest spacecraft, the Peregrines, required time for upgrades, followed by a series of quality checks before deploying them back to the front lines. Their numbers had swelled to 230,000 units, with more rolling off the assembly lines daily.
"Do you think the upgrades will significantly slow our production schedule?" Daniel inquired, taking another sip of his drink.
"Undoubtedly, it will," Jack admitted, his expression briefly clouded. They still didn't have exact numbers, only predictions, but Paul certainly wasn't pleased with the output of new units. "But honestly, we stand to benefit more from having fewer but stronger units since we're facing a shortage of experienced personnel."
Most of their pilots had less than a year of active flight experience, far from ideal for deploying them billions of light-years from home to confront unknown adversaries. Many of them also carried scars from the battles they had fought. As much as the Asgard beaming system had been a lifesaver that rescued their pilots before their ships exploded in most cases, the near-death experiences left a lasting impact.
"Most of the newest pilots are around twenty years old. That's too young," Daniel said with a frown.
"That results from implementing technology like the VR system and memory transfer. We've shortened the training period, resulting in younger people on the front lines," Jack explained, visibly frustrated.
Technically, a person could sign up at eighteen and, within a year, find themselves deployed. Six months later, they could already be a raptor or viper pilot flying missions in hostile territory. The situation wasn't much different for those becoming commanding officers deployed on larger vessels. Under the current accelerated training program, individuals could become Junior Captains in charge of a Defiant after only two years of active duty, blasting through all the previous ranks like ensign, lieutenant, and commander after only months of service in each position. While it was rare for someone to advance so quickly, it wasn't unheard of, and their lack of experience had to be supplemented somehow.
"More advanced ships assist inexperienced crews in surviving until they gain experience," he noted positively.
"The Defiant also allows us to keep the number of personnel needed low," Daniel added.
A full complement required 32 individuals, but the Defiant could be managed with as few as eight people if the mission wasn't demanding or long-term. During rest periods, the ship could engage its stealth mode, with only two crew members on watch duty while the other six rested. Eight individuals were also sufficient for the highly sophisticated ship to function correctly during missions such as patrol duty or raids.
Often, a single Defiant executed an insertion mission, deploying a team of armored marines inside an enemy base to wreak havoc while the Defiant engaged defenders in orbit. Even though it was designed as a capital ship killer, if the number of enemy fighters was limited, it could use its modest number of ancient drones to deal with them. Furthermore, its primary armament could readily incapacitate ships the size of a cruiser or orbital installation, mainly if they belonged to the Dinos or a similarly advanced race.
They achieved this with their newest armament, capable of delivering thirty Terawatt-hours of destructive plasma after the pulse quantum disruptors annihilated the enemy's shields and armor. Additionally, their immersion system enabled the crew to perform otherwise impossible feats, making it nearly impossible for opponents to score multiple hits. It would not help much if they did, as the ship's shields and armor could withstand significant punishment before the crew was in danger.
"We now have forty-six thousand Defiants. If they aren't pitted against Vargas ships, they could be our most formidable attacking force," Jack said, contemplating the relentless stream of missions these ships tirelessly executed in the IC-1101 and other galaxies. Depending on the mission parameters, they operated as single units, in packs of three, or as part of a task force. "The versatility of a Defiant is incredible. The only downside is that, since we can't fit an intergalactic drive inside, we need a transport ship to ferry them across the void."
"I hope that after the war ends, we'll be able to decommission most of them," Daniel said. "The Milky Way races are already wary of us. If they knew how many ships we have and how deadly they are, we might never achieve harmonious coexistence in the Milky Way."
Allowing so many warships to return to patrol the Milky Way would send the wrong message, as no peaceful race would ever have such a large fleet. "Sam told me her hope is for only a portion of the Defiants to remain active and for the rest of the TSN to consist mostly of light cruisers. She believes that's the only way the Terran Federation won't be perceived as a warmongering race, just waiting for an excuse to strike. On the other hand, I hope we'll mothball all the Dreadnoughts before anyone in the Milky Way sees them. But I also think we're getting ahead of ourselves, already thinking about what to do after a war that hasn't truly begun yet."
"It's called positive thinking, Jack," Daniel said with a smile. "We are merely expressing our deepest wish for all Earth's ongoing conflicts to end, ushering in a long era of peace—a period during which we can truly become explorers and seekers of knowledge. Think about all the research we could have conducted in the last decade unrelated to military applications if it weren't for the other priorities."
"The wars we fought and are still fighting diverted a decade of research away from the things that should matter the most," Jack said with bitterness. The missions he cherished the most were those exploring new worlds and discovering their secrets as a member of SG-1. Even though he always stepped through the gate with a rifle, he liked it best when he did not need to use it.
They had numerous Peregrines and Vipers to refurbish, almost four hundred thousand of them, and it became a chore when they needed to be recalled. However, a more significant challenge arose when one of the larger vessels required an overhaul. Based on Paul's continuous complaints over the past few weeks, it was clear that upgrading the Damocles posed the most significant challenge, with each unit necessitating a dedicated repair crew and a whole week of shipyard time before being released back into space. The effort paid off, as the ship's power output increased by 30 percent, and its shield efficiency coefficient dropped even further without sacrificing any of its other qualities. Soon, battles in space might become strange, with two identical ships waiting for the other to fire, as firing would waste more energy than depleting the opponent's shield. It would turn into a staring contest with no one wanting to waste more energy by firing first.
The weapons and shields featured improved algorithms for fine-tuning, depending on the opponent, all thanks to the upgraded sensors, which could now glean more insights into enemy ships and their systems. These upgrades could make the Damocles twice as formidable as just a week earlier.
The process wasn't any easier for other ships like the battlecruisers Armageddon or the dreadnought Hercules, but there were far fewer. Their upgrades lasted only a few days longer, leading Paul to complain about them a little less. The Supercarrier required significantly more time, as they installed the Aegis V, which was no small task. Nevertheless, they believed the Colossus would serve as a flagship for larger task forces, and the Aegis V's ability to warp space and time in the vicinity was an excellent asset for the supercarrier and the accompanying ships. However, the number of Colossuses was small compared to the number of Damocles, making upgrading them a much less time-consuming task.
While pondering these matters, Daniel inquired, "What's the deal with the flak frigate? Any news on its performance?"
The Dinos favored charging with an armada of fighters, and the wrong approach was to engage them with their fighters, given that they had fewer than the Dinos. Developing a ship specialized to counter that specific type of opponent made more sense. They already had the capital ship killers, the Defiants, which possessed the firepower to take down all but the most formidable ships yet were maneuverable and performed exceptionally well in packs or as part of a task force. However, they were ineffective against smaller vessels with excellent maneuverability and were too small to be targeted by anti-capital ship weaponry, just like their other capital ships. The Terrans needed an anti-fighter ship capable of countering swarms of such vessels while possessing shields capable of withstanding their attacks, different from those designed to withstand more vigorous but less frequent assaults from capital ships.
"It's too early to tell. The first few built were sent to the IC-1101 to test them under battle conditions, and they performed reasonably well," Jack responded, not displaying much enthusiasm.
"Why the subdued response? Are they a disappointment?" Daniel inquired.
"No, not exactly," Jack said, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'm not sure how well-informed you are, but the flak frigate must have specialized weapons with relatively low yield, just enough to destroy a fighter in a few shots, and they must possess a high rate of fire. However, if that were all, our plasma repeaters would have sufficed. Unfortunately, the flak frigate's role is to block fighters from reaching their target, usually positioned behind the defense line."
"Which means they need to have a much longer reach than the plasma repeaters," Daniel noted.
"Exactly. Our plasma repeaters have a range of a hundred kilometers, and it's doubtful they could hit anything further than that unless space were saturated with enough fire to hit something by sheer luck. That won't do because incoming fighters could dodge the fire or, even worse, move outside the weapon's range. The planet's surface is vast, and a hundred kilometers of coverage is insufficient," Jack further explained. "Furthermore, the weapon must be capable of targeting hostiles that somehow manage to slip inside a planet's atmosphere, and the plasma repeaters are not adept at that."
"I know there was talk about a new type of fast-firing weapon being developed," Daniel stated.
"A low-yield, short-burst plasma lance array system that can hit targets thousands of kilometers away with pinpoint accuracy. The lance is so fast that it travels at .1 the speed of light, which means it can hit a target ten thousand kilometers away in a third of a second. There's little time for the opponent to initiate any evasive action," Jack explained.
"So, what's the problem?" Daniel asked.
"If it were just one problem, it would be great. I don't know the specifics, but the engineers on it say the hardware isn't responding to the software as it should. A short delay makes it a miracle to hit anything at such distances. That's the primary issue, but other ship systems are also experiencing problems, especially the sensors, which occasionally register false readings. The shield, designed to endure a substantial amount of fire from multiple directions, performs well only because it hasn't encountered too many enemies. Still, the numbers indicate its suboptimal performance," Jack explained.
"Was the ship rushed?" Daniel asked.
"Of course, it was. Given how overworked Paul's department is, there was no other way. Additionally, the Asgard and Guardian scientists were occupied with more critical projects. They hadn't planned on developing flak frigates for their fleets, so the responsibility of creating the new tech fell on our already overworked scientists and engineers to deliver something as quickly as possible, even though it should have taken considerably more time," Jack said, pausing for a moment. "These are initial glitches, so we sent the first few built to test them immediately as they came out of the assembly line to identify and fix them. But I didn't anticipate there would be so many issues in need of fixing."
"We were fortunate with the other ships that had so few problems, but it could also be that the Asgard and Guardians excelled at their job. I heard that an average programmer on Earth fixes ten bugs while creating twenty. I think it was Rodney who told me that," Daniel said.
The Terran Federation was still relatively young, and their people had to work with technology they had only recently discovered was possible. Their inexperience became evident without the assistance of the Asgards and the Guardians. However, given the situation's urgency, they had to meet their schedule. The result was a ship with numerous problems. "The only saving grace is that the Scorpion isn't exactly priority number one. We can manage even without them."
"The soldiers defending those planets might disagree," Daniel said, his expression again showing sadness.
The flak frigate would be the second-best option for preventing the Dinos from reaching a planet's surface after installing a planetary shield. Some planets already had these shields, but there were far too many to solve the problem this way. Adding just a few frigates to the defenders in orbit would help reduce the number of Dino fighters slipping through.
"Many scientists are working tirelessly on it. By the time we have a substantial number of flak frigates that matter, I'm sure they'll have resolved most of the issues," Jack said, confident that the problems plaguing the new ship weren't insurmountable.
Daniel nodded pensively and then asked, "But what about the other new ship?"
"What other new ship?" Jack inquired.
"The Battleship. I can never remember its class name," Daniel admitted.
"The Argo," Jack clarified.
"That's the name. How's that ship performing?" Daniel wanted to know.
"It hasn't been in a serious fight yet, so I can't say. I still believe we didn't need it. We wouldn't want to show it to our children either," Jack remarked.
Unlike the Armageddon, which had been polished to the maximum extent that their technology allowed, the Argo had been stripped of anything that increased its production time and cost or decreased its performance. As a result, it wouldn't appeal to many except the hardcore enthusiasts who prioritized performance above all else.
However, even they would be disappointed by the absence of the planned singularity cannon—Argo's primary weapon.
Daniel smirked, "It's a first that you don't like something with big honking space guns attached to it."
"I'd be a fan of it if I saw a significant improvement over the Armageddon, but without the new cannon, the Argo only has the Aegis V as a significant advantage," Jack explained.
"You mean the singularity cannon," Daniel said.
"Yes, that one. It was supposed to be one of our trump cards for when we face the Vargas," Jack replied.
"But it doesn't work," Daniel observed.
"It does work, but it's too slow. With our latest plasma lances' increased weapon range, the idea was to keep the fight barely within that range. However, the generated singularity can't be accelerated enough, so the enemy could easily evade it. Coupled with the slow rate of fire, it becomes practically unusable except against stationary targets like planets or what's on them and can't move," Jack explained. "It also interferes with the Aegis V's time and space distortions. The singularity wreaks havoc on them."
The temporal and spatial distortions were crucial for shielding a fleet from incoming fire, but the distortions had to be predictable to maximize the effectiveness of their weapons. If the regions were distorted due to the singularities created by these cannons, coordinating would be much more challenging.
As it stood, the Argo was marginally better than the Armageddon due to the Aegis V, but if one of their scientists could find a way to miniaturize the Aegis V enough to fit inside the Armageddon, the Argo would essentially be a bigger ship with worse maneuverability, offering no significant advantage apart from a few additional cannon emplacements. Classifying it as a separate class used differently from the battlecruiser wouldn't make sense either.
Nevertheless, the potential was there. It was a more cost-effective build, and if they managed to solve the issues with the singularity cannon—namely, the slower fire rate and the speed of the fired singularity—they could have a new vessel that could proudly bear the name "battleship." There was also no guarantee they would ever be able to fit the Aegis V inside a smaller ship, as it was quite a massive system.
"What did Sam say about the cannon?" Daniel inquired.
"Well, after her team had a brainstorming session on the matter, they concluded that the war might end before the improved cannon sees the light of day, which is quite depressing to say since we have no clue how long the war will last but everyone predicts it will be many years or even decades. For now, we're fitting the standard heavy plasma lance in its place, which is hardly worth the effort of mounting it," Jack stated.
The slot on the tip of the ship had been initially intended for the singularity cannon, and using any other weapon felt like a missed opportunity. However, leaving it hollow was equally impractical.
"Can we fit the relativistic antipro—" Daniel began.
Jack shook his head, "It won't fit. That thing barely fits in a ship that's five hundred meters longer. It's a powerful particle accelerator, after all. It's unreasonable to expect it to fit in a cavity just a few hundred meters deep and anticipate the antiprotons to reach relativistic speed."
"So, production isn't going as smoothly as we'd like?" Daniel questioned.
"I wouldn't say that. We've grown accustomed to everything going smoothly. Who would have believed the Armageddon had so few issues when the prototype was first released? The Damocles required even less fine-tuning," Jack noted, thinking about their luck. "We now have a massive Navy with ships needing upgrades and new ships barely leaving the assembly line as prototypes. We've also welcomed millions of recruits into our military, most of whom have less than a year of experience. We're fighting a war across unimaginable distances against dozens of different races led by the Vargas. And we have problems here in our home galaxy to address."
"So, all in all, given the circumstances, we're doing remarkably well. Is that what you're saying?" Daniel summarized.
"That's right," Jack confirmed while taking another sip. There was always room for improvement, and they should strive for it, but given the current circumstances, things were going quite well.
Their fleet had expanded significantly, featuring various types of vessels, including assault carriers, troop transports, and builder ships capable of ferrying Defiants across the vast reaches of space and repairing damaged units. This growth was complemented by the diverse assets of the Marines and the Army, such as their transports, dropships, and planetary aircraft, all of which were paramount for planetary dominance. In addition to their naval forces, their tank count had significantly increased, proving their resilience against most adversaries. Furthermore, the powered armor employed by the Marines and the unique variant utilized by the Army resembled a tank more than mere personal protective gear, thus necessitating meticulous maintenance and care.
The imperative lay in upgrading all this equipment whenever they discovered innovations that could enhance performance. For instance, despite offering less protection, the lightweight combat armor MK IV, especially the latest model, was highly cost-effective. Moreover, soldiers required minimal training to operate it compared to the more sophisticated powered armor, which demanded specialized training. Remarkably, the nano-dust produced from Vargas armor debris, applied through a convenient spray can soldiers could easily carry with them, had tripled their survivability. This nanotech solution could be easily administered and reapplied in the field whenever it was chipped away, a resource they had in abundance due to the presence of Vargas debris around Eden and Earth they had meticulously collected.
"Everything is progressing well, but the unknown challenges that await us as we approach our final target are still a big concern," Jack remarked thoughtfully.
"Speaking of progressing, when are we launching our assault on the fairies' realm?" Daniel inquired.
Surprisingly, Destiny's crew had enthusiastically agreed to participate in the raid. Perhaps it was the prospect of exploring a different realm or that most people on the Destiny were scientists eager for novel experiences they lacked lately. Even Everett had refrained from complaining about putting his crew in danger or the mission's deviation from their original objective.
"They must be feeling a bit bored on board the Destiny, considering they were so eager to sign up," Jack noted.
"Could it be that life in their galaxy is rather dull?" Daniel mused.
"In the previous galaxy, they at least had the Sloth race to study. Even though they are slow-moving and quite lazy, studying them provided some form of occupation. But their current location seems devoid of life, and most of the planets they've encountered while traversing the galaxy have been inhospitable. Scott's team isn't exactly thrilled at collecting soil samples and such," Jack explained.
"We weren't particularly fond of those tasks either," Daniel added.
Indeed, the core members of SG-1 had distinct strengths and preferences. Teal'c was a warrior, Sam was a scientist, and Daniel was an archaeologist. Jack, like Daniel, relished interacting with unique individuals, exploring off-world cultures, and witnessing their achievements rather than performing mundane activities like soil collection.
Moreover, the Reapers had effectively eradicated any life they detected, rendering the galaxy the Destiny currently traversed predominantly lifeless. If the Destiny crew had anticipated their upcoming voyage to be exciting, they were in for a surprise, as most of their time was spent on the refurbished ship, engaging in menial tasks. SGD-1, always eager for action, found the situation particularly frustrating, given their preference for hands-on missions rather than merely gazing at the stars from the observation deck as Destiny hurtled through the cosmos at faster-than-light speeds.
The outcome was that, at the mere mention of a new mission involving the fairies joining the Destiny, the crew responded eagerly, like a pack of hungry hyenas suddenly presented with more than just bones to chew.
"The fairy queen is scheduled to arrive there next week, and the mission is set to start a week after that," Jack revealed.
"I hope we'll find valuable information in their realm. If not, it might take us another century to pinpoint the location of the Vargas central base," Daniel remarked.
"I share that hope but also wish to assist the fairies. Their story is truly heartbreaking," Jack said.
The fairies had lost their homeworld, forced to wander the universe for hundreds of years until only a tiny fraction of their once-thriving civilization remained. Had they not been rescued in time, only a few scattered civilian ships would have survived. Without a queen and the unique energy needed for their young to reach adulthood, they would have cast a grim shadow over their future.
"Indeed, they have witnessed the fall of many races at the hands of the Vargas or their minions. I genuinely want to understand why the Vargas are conducting this senseless war that spans the entire universe. No one fights for a billion years or more without a specific reason, or at least I hope not," Daniel stated with bitterness.
"To be honest, even if I were to uncover the reason, I'm not sure I'd readily accept it. I mean, a billion years is a staggeringly long time to keep doing anything," Jack remarked.
Civilizations and their ideologies typically rise and fall in a fraction of that time. How and why the Vargas persisted in their relentless conflict for such an extended period remained a perplexing mystery to all four great races. Baffled, Liam could only suggest that an essential piece of information might be missing, preventing them from grasping the whole story.
"When a ruler passes away, the next in line should bring a different perspective on the right course for their race. Even if, by chance, the next ten rulers share the same ideology, there should have been a time the next one said, 'Enough of this war!'" Daniel exclaimed angrily before taking another sip of his beer.
"Are we sure there has been more than one ruler?" Jack mused.
"What are you talking about? We know the Vargas have been at it for over a billion years. That's an immense amount of time, Jack," Daniel responded, sipping his fresh beer.
"Well, the Vargas strike me as more like machines," Jack began, "Liam mentioned that he couldn't foresee them dying from old age or starvation."
These creatures could absorb energy through their skin; if undamaged, they didn't require matter intake to sustain their bodies. Even if their energy source were cut off, they would hibernate and wait until energy became available again to awaken and continue their seemingly endless war.
"The fairy queen mentioned that someone is above them," Daniel pointed out.
"True, but who's to say those 'above' them aren't simply another kind of machine? What if an entire hierarchy of machines lost their creator and continued their actions because they were programmed to do so billions of years ago? Perhaps they are now unstoppable or incapable of changing their purpose due to their undying and unyielding nature," Jack elaborated.
"What beer are you drinking right now?" Daniel inquired.
"Who knows or cares," Jack replied, thinking he had at least three. "My point is that Liam was right. We have no clue who or what the Vargas are or those pulling the strings. But if my musings just now are even remotely accurate, we're in deep trouble."
"Why?" Daniel asked.
"If every individual unit is programmed to fight until its destruction, and if that programming is unchangeable, the only way for us to emerge victorious would be to eliminate every unit out there," Jack explained.
"That's impractical regarding the omnipresent Vargas," Daniel added, comprehending why Jack's scenario was so bleak.
"Exactly. Even if we gain the upper hand, the war will take too long. We'd be the first to undergo significant societal and leadership shifts over that time. Earth would eventually refuse to send its soldiers so far away for an unending conflict. Sooner or later, Parliament would opt to fortify our position in our galaxy or perhaps our Local Group at the most, leaving the rest of the universe to fend for themselves," Jack said.
"And that would allow the Vargas to recover and strike back at us. We'd need to maintain a large military presence while protecting only our little corner of the universe because we'd know the Vargas would eventually launch a second wave. This means that peace would only be an illusion. Ultimately, we'd be under siege, unwilling to venture anywhere or initiate another large-scale confrontation. This doesn't make sense; wars shouldn't be fought on such immense scales. Predicting the outcome under these circumstances is impossible," Daniel lamented.
"What's the beer you're drinking? You're rambling even more than I did," Jack said as he grabbed another beer. "Weren't we discussing a less depressing topic just a while ago?"
"We were, but somehow, we always circle back to the Vargas, which seems rather fruitless. It's not like we'll unravel the whole mystery tonight," Daniel commented. "So, let's return to our earlier conversation. You've shared a lot about the state of our Navy, but what about the Asgard and the Guardians? They must face serious challenges if we struggle to find enough crew for all these ships."
"Even combined, they have a population of around a hundred million beings, a relatively small pool to draw from. The Guardians have been making significant strides with their Echelon ships. I can't emphasize enough how thrilled they were when the Ascended sent them the BattleNet 2.0 protocol. With it, they've established a vast communication network with their AI-driven vessels, and they're confident about the security, avoiding jamming or hacking. They've ramped up Echelon ship production, fully automated and capable of moderate self-repair," Jack reported, taking a sip before continuing. "The Asgard are churning out numerous Valhallas, the most powerful vessels in the Second Great Alliance. A few Asgard can operate these ships; even at full readiness, fifty are enough. The O'Neill IV also surpasses our Armageddon in terms of power. The only issue is their production time, which is much longer than our battlecruiser's. Consequently, their fleet is only about a third of ours. Even when combined, the Asgard and the Guardians fall significantly short of matching our unit numbers, widening the gap."
With the Terrans now having a substantial number of shipyards ready to produce new units, unless there were constant upgrades, they had the potential to significantly expand the Terran fleet, possibly doubling it within three or four years. This meant they were on course to reach their desired unit numbers within the next two years, with one percent of their population actively serving in various military branches.
"I find it somewhat absurd to think that we might soon have one percent of our population in the military," Jack remarked.
The numbers were impressive, and their technology acted as a force multiplier. Even during World War II, millions of people fought in the war. However, a single soldier inside a power armor had more impact than an entire battalion of soldiers from World War II, who were charged with rifles, wearing little protective gear, and could die at any moment due to a single stray bullet.
"A hundred million individuals actively supporting our Navy. It sounds like a considerable number, but when you consider the scale of this conflict, you start to wonder if it will be enough to secure victory," Daniel responded. "I can't even begin to comprehend the numbers of Vargas involved, not to mention the complexities introduced by other races. Just thinking about the Dinos is overwhelming."
The Dinos alone numbered in the trillions, and estimates suggested that approximately ten percent of their population was part of the military. While only a smaller portion served as frontline combatants, the sheer magnitude of their presence was overwhelming. With such numbers, the Terrans couldn't afford to engage in evenly matched battles and hope to win the war.
"Recent estimates indicate that the Dinos could field anywhere from ten to fifty billion soldiers. Our commitment to quality over quantity is the only viable path to victory against such numbers. While they may send their people into futile assaults and relentless charges, we focus on developing the means to achieve a favorable ratio where tens of thousands of their soldiers perish for every one of ours and constantly strive to better these odds."
"Easy to say, but not so easy to accomplish," Daniel added. "Perhaps we can achieve it against the Dinos, who are grappling with supply chain issues, but I'm not confident our luck will hold with all the other races under the Vargas."
"To be honest, I find it a bit unsettling how few encounters we've had with the Vargas," Jack remarked.
"Didn't we recently have a skirmish with them when we rescued the fairy queen?" Daniel inquired, puzzled.
"That's exactly what I'm referring to. That's a single incident in which we've engaged the Vargas ever since we closed the anomalies in the IC-1101," Jack explained, leaning forward. "I understand that the Vargas heavily rely on other races, but we should be encountering their ships more frequently."
Were the Vargas so confident that their subordinates could repel the Second Great Alliance, or did they even care? Could it be that the Vargas, or those above them, were so assured of their supremacy that the progress the SGA made in the last few years was inconsequential in their eyes? Would they eventually reach their destination, only to discover their struggle had been in vain and the Vargas were an unbeatable foe?
These concerns troubled Jack, especially since he sensed an inconsistency in the situation. The Vargas should have intensified their presence if they were making substantial progress, showing no leniency. A formidable adversary should respond to pressure with increased pressure of their own. Yet, it appeared that the Vargas were diminishing their presence in this region of space, seemingly uncaring of the progress the SGA and their growing alliance were making. Perhaps before, they could have attributed it to Liam's actions, causing chaos and forcing the Vargas to defend their inner regions. However, Liam had returned long ago and could not have caused any trouble in the past year.
"We assume that the Vargas are having an easy time throughout the universe, but the data we've collected is of limited use, focusing only on the region near us. Who knows what's happening on the other side of the universe?" Daniel pointed out.
"You think the Vargas may have encountered powerful adversaries, compelling them to divert a substantial portion of their resources to battle elsewhere, thus leaving this region to the races under their control to defend?" Jack pondered, considering if it made sense. "Perhaps, but that could be true only if they regard us as a minor nuisance. They continued their pursuit of the fairies even after they fled their galaxy, even though I wouldn't categorize them as a high-level threat at that point. Certainly not greater than us."
Daniel, too, contemplated this for a moment. "How many ships did they employ to chase the fairies? Less than a hundred. That won't suffice when facing us. They must bring at least fifty thousand ships if they genuinely intend to confront us and secure a swift victory."
"If their goal is to subdue us swiftly, they'd have to deploy even more ships, perhaps around a hundred thousand," Jack acknowledged, understanding where Daniel was heading. It was easy to spare a hundred ships but not a hundred thousand. "Maybe you're right, and I'm overthinking this."
"We all are. We've once again steered the conversation toward the Vargas, even though we vowed not to," Daniel said. "Instead, tell me what's happening with the Jaffa."
"The JFN is reeling from Dakara's debacle. Teal'c is understandably furious and working tirelessly to root out all spies within their inner circle. The Empire will always be one step ahead without addressing this issue, regardless of their preparations," Jack noted. "However, it's not a one-sided affair, especially with the rumors circulating about the emperor's potential alliance with the Goa'uld. The Empire also grapples with its share of spies and traitors. Without them, Klaus would have had difficulty devising a plan to infiltrate the Empire."
"Oh, right. I nearly forgot about our agents infiltrating the Empire. Their task won't be a walk in the park, but if they manage to obtain concrete evidence of the emperor collaborating with the Goa'uld, the rest of the galaxy won't stand idly by. Many human races have suffered under the rule of the Goa'uld, and they won't easily forget and allow the Goa'uld to resurface," Daniel remarked.
Since the Jaffa had been the instrument the Goa'uld used to oppress humans in the Milky Way, few held favorable views of them. The Terrans and the JFN attempted to demonstrate that coexistence was possible between humans and Jaffa, and perhaps even an alliance could become a reality one day. However, the Jaffa Empire was making their mission difficult. Instead of improving their reputation, more people were becoming wary of the Jaffa as a race.
After the formation of the Jaffa Empire, they openly engaged in arms trading with anyone willing to pay. Consequently, space pirates were amassing substantial firepower, making it difficult for many worlds to protect their people from raids. This, in turn, would force them to seek assistance or procure decent weapons. Once again, the Jaffa Empire was ready to assist, seemingly unconcerned about the consequences for the Milky Way that saw an increase in skirmishes.
Exploiting less advanced worlds was another area where the Jaffa Empire excelled. They quickly made worlds reliant on their technology, only to later charge exorbitant prices for parts or fuel to keep them operational. Ultimately, humans on many planets were still compelled to toil in mines and surrender their earnings. Their resentment, once directed at the Goa'uld, was now aimed at the Jaffa. Whether they were from the Jaffa Empire or the JFN mattered little to them.
The most recent lucrative enterprise for the Jaffa Empire involved mercenary work, further tarnishing the reputation of the Jaffa as a race, mostly seen as people ready to kill if the price was right. They first supplied weapons to pirates and then offered their services to repel the same people when they invaded a world. Even if they succeeded in protecting the people, they would view them not as saviors but as opportunists primarily interested in their gain.
Anti-Jaffa sentiment took root in the Milky Way, primarily among the exploited worlds. This simmering sentiment was bound to grow and gradually spread to even the more advanced human races. That was not what Earth wanted for the Milky Way galaxy. However, recognizing that it would be nearly impossible to suppress such sentiment given the current circumstances, the Terrans planned to exacerbate the situation by proving a connection between the Jaffa Empire and the Goa'uld. Their main objective was to distance the JFN from this association so they would be perceived differently from the Jaffa Empire.
The final step involved the human races forming an alliance with the JFN and jointly combating the resurgence of the Goa'uld—a goal not easy to achieve. The JFN and the human races were opposed to any form of cooperation ever since the war against the Aschen ended, making the plan a long shot.
"I'd be satisfied if the human races perceived the JFN as distinct from the Jaffa Empire. Just that would be sufficient, even if they don't actively join the war," Jack noted. "Moreover, the idea that the JFN would accept assistance from other human races when they've vehemently rejected our repeated offers somehow doesn't seem realistic."
"You might be mistaken about that," Daniel countered.
"Why do you think that?" Jack inquired, not understanding Daniel's perspective. "Wouldn't they prefer us as partners in this war over the other human races whom they barely trust?"
"If they accepted our assistance, we would be the primary contributors to the downfall of the Jaffa Empire. Our ships would break through the enemy barricades, and our soldiers would first apprehend the emperor after storming the castle. That would reflect poorly on the JFN, as they would be perceived as depending on us to win the war," Daniel explained, taking a short sip before continuing. "However, even if other human races join, the JFN would still maintain the leading role. They would be breaching the enemy's final line of defense and compelling them to surrender. And there's more."
"More?" Jack inquired.
"Earth isn't viewed as a human race that has suffered under the Goa'uld oppression, so we can't possibly have the same hatred as the other human races or the Jaffa do. That's why they could easily unite with the right pitch: human races and the Jaffa Free Nation bonding to defeat evil ones again. Perhaps, through the spread of rumors, we could insinuate that the Jaffa Empire primarily consists of individuals who longed for the old days when they were seen as pure warriors. If we play our cards right, it might persuade many Jaffa to reconsider their allegiance, to avoid any association with the Goa'uld," Daniel mused.
"Sometimes, you sound more like an evil mastermind than Klaus, you know that?" Jack quipped. "But you're right. Earth has been free to progress for thousands of years while other humans across the galaxy endured suffering. However, many advanced human races have been free from Goa'uld oppression for a considerable time. It's why they've made significant progress. Unlike other planets, only now at the starting line."
"You're right; that could be a challenge. The Optricans and Galarans are the races that could contribute the most to this war, and yet they've been free from Goa'uld oppression for over a thousand years," Daniel noted thoughtfully.
"Well, it's all hypothetical at this point. And as you've said, if we craft a convincing narrative, I'm sure we can portray even the Galarans and Optrican as oppressed races who have only recently escaped the clutches of the Goa'uld," Jack explained his perspective. "But that's something we should only start contemplating once our agents return with solid evidence."
"It all depends on our two best agents," Daniel emphasized the 'best agents' part.
Jack smiled, thinking of how few missions those two had completed without causing trouble or requiring rescue. However, it was confirmed that they consistently delivered results, sometimes exceeding mission parameters. "They'll deliver, one way or another. I'm confident of it, and Klaus shares that confidence. The plan is sound. Of course, if the Goa'uld and the emperor were wise, they would have ceased all interactions when we caught them doing business the first time. But somehow, I think they'll continue their clandestine activities, convinced they're smart enough to get away with it."
"I believe it's less about choice and more about necessity. The Goa'uld are egomaniacal, so even if we leave them to dwell in a remote corner of the galaxy, they will likely attempt a comeback," Daniel said, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "The Vargas certainly did a number on their genes. It's a miracle that the Tok'ra broke free from their genetic shackles."
"And the Emperor must be aware that they would struggle to maintain and improve their fleet without the Goa'uld," Jack added, his expression turning serious. "But we have another problem."
"Which is?"
"Except for a few items, all the technology the JFN developed with our help ended up in the hands of the Jaffa Empire. Now that same tech has made its way to the Goa'uld," Jack explained. "There's no doubt the Goa'uld are building their forces with the new tech, in addition to whatever the Jaffa Empire is providing them for services rendered."
"They won't pose a direct threat to us, but they could become a significant long-term problem for the other inhabitants of the Milky Way galaxy," Daniel expressed what was on Jack's mind.
The Terrans were deeply engaged in a distant conflict, and that situation wasn't likely to change anytime soon. Everyone acknowledged that defeating the Vargas would take time, and since the Terrans were still building their forces, the slow pace wasn't cause for immediate concern. However, the races of the Milky Way galaxy would be on their own for a long time. Initially, the Terrans had been optimistic, assuming the Jaffa war would unfold in a few decades, possibly after the Vargas were no longer a threat. Yet, the war came sooner than predicted and might last longer than expected.
The unexpected involvement of the Goa'uld threw their predictions into disarray, proving that even the Asgard Prediction Core was not omniscient. "I wonder what the Tok'ra are doing."
"The Tok'ra? I haven't heard from them in a while, but I assume they are focused on expanding their numbers," Daniel remarked.
"True, we assisted them in creating a clone of Egeria, and the Asgard even loaned a time dilation device to accelerate the growth of their symbiotes. They should be offering many humans a second chance by now," Jack mentioned.
"Well, that's probably the primary, if not the only, reason anyone would join the Tok'ra. The imminent death due to a disease would likely compel many to accept a symbiote capable of curing them," Daniel replied.
"Yeah, but I'm more interested in what they are doing about the Goa'uld. There's no way they aren't trying to locate and eliminate them, especially after having fought them for so long. The Tok'ra are probably the faction that wants the Goa'uld eradicated the most, even more than the Jaffa or the enslaved humans," Jack said, contemplating the kind of grudge someone with genetic memory who had lived through centuries of conflict would harbor. It certainly wasn't a minor resentment. "Maybe we should contact them and see what they know. I'm sure they are aware by now that the Jaffa Empire is collaborating with the Goa'uld. Unlike the other human races that disbelieved us or chose not to act, the Tok'ra should have taken immediate action. Perhaps there's a way we can use them to expedite the end of this war."
"We're not exactly on the best of terms with them. Our relationship was strained even during the Jaffa uprising. They dared to blame us for disrupting their long-term plans or missions," Daniel expressed displeasure.
Jack grinned. "Ah, their grandiose long-term plans. Those were a hoot. We'd probably push up daisies before their schemes saw the light of day. I get it; they've been locked in a millennia-long struggle, and their playbook differs from ours. But planning missions lasting for decades? I genuinely can't wrap my head around it. And why were they so bent out of shape when we helped free the Jaffa and sparked a rebellion against their oppressors? Did they honestly think they could take down the Goa'uld solo?"
Even coordinating a simple dinner among a handful of people for the following month often fell prey to rescheduling or outright failure. Yet, the Tok'ra were busy concocting intricate and precarious plans with multi-year timelines while holding onto the belief that these schemes would bear fruit. No wonder their track record was less than stellar.
"Even worse, I'm pretty sure they're still holding a grudge against us," Daniel declared.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
"They haven't reached out to us or the JFN," Daniel pointed out. "Wouldn't that have been the most logical response upon learning that the Jaffa Empire and the Goa'uld were in cahoots?"
It made perfect sense. The JFN and the Terrans possessed the most recent intel on the Goa'uld. The Tok'ra should have eagerly seized the opportunity to learn everything about the incident, possibly even proposing cooperation until the Goa'uld were defeated again. However, months after the incident, there had been no communication from the Tok'ra. "They've chosen to operate independently, but that only makes sense if they have infiltrated the Jaffa Empire."
"I agree, but infiltrating the Jaffa is no easy feat for them," Daniel replied.
The Tok'ra could infiltrate human worlds and even impersonate a Goa'uld. But when it came to the Jaffa, that wouldn't be simple, as their spies could easily be discovered. Even having human collaborators without a symbiote would provide no advantage, as the Jaffa Empire would never grant humans access to anything significant. "Are we overlooking something, or are we overthinking it?"
Daniel pondered. "Not sure how the Tok'ra will get involved, but maybe we shouldn't stress over it too much. Their modus operandi usually involves years of meticulous planning and evidence collection before acting. Our guys will probably be back, maybe even retired, by the time the Tok'ra kick into action."
Jack grinned. "Miracles happen so they might do it sooner, against all odds. Let's drop the Tok'ra talk, or I won't enjoy my beer."
"Fair enough," Daniel agreed. "So, what's next on the agenda?"
"The reason we're here," Jack reminded him.
"Which is?" Daniel queried, a hint of uncertainty in his tone.
"Our recommendations for the future of our navy. We know the hurdles, but we must consider whether we should alter our current course," Jack explained.
"Isn't our current trajectory working fine?" Daniel questioned. "We've got the upgrades in the pipeline. What, six months?"
"More likely eight, especially with the fighter count. Capital ships will be ready sooner, though," Jack clarified. "We should also think about logistics. But we'll have a clearer target after the mission with the fairy queen."
"Getting a direction's good, but knowing the distance we still have to cross matters more," Daniel added thoughtfully.
Logistics, they all agreed, would be a nightmare. Supergates must be laid every few hundred million light-years, ensuring retreat was always an option. "Not one supergate can fall into enemy hands or get destroyed. Otherwise, we're not getting our people back," Jack emphasized.
"Maybe we should consider placing multiple supergates through enemy territory for retreat and resupply," Daniel suggested. "Just to be on the safer side."
"Could work, but it means doubling the number of gates, almost. If our journey is a matter of years, we'll need plenty of supergates," Jack pointed out.
They hoped Liam's voyage hadn't led him to the other side of the universe. Otherwise, years or even decades of travel still lay ahead. Not only traveling and laying supergates as they went, but it would necessitate clearing of hostile surroundings and closure of anomalies that could bring reinforcements.
"So, the question is, what are we producing next?" Daniel pondered. "Are we sticking to the current plan or scaling down the number of Argo battleships until we're sure the grav cannons are up to par?"
"The same goes for the frigates. Production or wait until they're polished?" Jack added. "And should we ramp up battlecruisers or the dreadnoughts?"
"Dreadnoughts pack a punch, but they're hungry for ZPMs," Daniel remarked.
Jack nodded. "Exactly. Once the upgrades are done, we'll be producing more ships. If we increase Hercules production, we might run into trouble with the available ZPMs."
The Terrans' artillery ships granted a significant advantage with their devastating antimatter beams, especially in the initial volley. However, their slow recharge time made them less effective in sustained combat. Battlecruisers offered a more balanced approach and required only one ZPM, making them a viable alternative.
"We should maintain the current production rate for the Hercules. If we find ourselves with a surplus of ZPMs, we can reconsider," Daniel suggested.
"Sounds reasonable," Jack agreed. "Now, about the Argo. Sam's not too confident about the grav cannon seeing the light of day, maybe even in our lifetime."
Daniel pondered before explaining. "Let's stay positive. Assume our scientists will find a solution. Then, having a substantial number of battleships will be an asset. And if not, we can still utilize them as they are. Since the production time isn't significantly different from the battlecruiser, and with the Aegis V compensating for potential lower maneuverability, it's a win-win."
"Logical," Jack responded without much enthusiasm. "So, let's also assume the scientists will fix the frigate's issues soon and continue its production as is. Anything else? Ah, yes. What are your thoughts on boosting Corvette production?"
"Which ship production will suffer due to it?" Daniel inquired, aware that increasing the production of one meant decreasing another.
"The fighters," Jack replied.
"Any specific reason for the change?" Daniel probed.
"The Corvette is a complete product with extended travel capabilities, unlike space fighters with a short-range hyperdrive and limited piloting endurance. Two pilots in a corvette can embark on missions lasting weeks or months."
"How many of those missions will we have? Wait, what's the current corvette-to-space-fighter ratio?" Daniel asked, checking the report in his hands.
Jack responded promptly. "230,000 Peregrines compared to 47,000 Ravens. Ravens proved effective against the Dino fighters, although they have lower maneuverability."
"The more than five times longer production time and higher material cost are significant drawbacks," Daniel noted.
"True, I didn't consider that. Can one Corvette replace five spacefighters? Probably not, especially in dogfights against the Dino fighters," Jack admitted.
"I'd opt for five spacefighters over a single Corvette, too. Don't we have enough for any long-term mission where space fighters might fall short?" Daniel added.
"You're right. Let's maintain the current production," Jack concluded.
While Jack appreciated the Corvette's lower casualty rate in the fights against the dinos, he acknowledged that five fighters presented a stronger force. At present, their goal was to build the most potent navy possible. "Alright, that wraps up today's agenda. Let's finish our beer in peace."
The discussion wound down, and Jack, satisfied with the trajectory of their growing Navy, leaned back to enjoy the freshly opened beer. Overlooking the lake, he and Daniel observed its fishless waters. The artificial lake had been fishless, and attempts to introduce them proved futile. Jack, however, didn't mind; he had decided long ago that he had his fill of fishing for a lifetime. On the contrary, sharing a beer or two with Daniel, Sam, or Teal'c would remain a timeless pleasure, even if it extended into the next two hundred years.
"We haven't gathered as the old SG1 in quite a while. It's impossible for Teal'c, but even Sam is challenging to reach," Daniel remarked.
"Let me guess, she's caught up in a project and can't leave the lab?" Jack suggested.
"No, she's currently more into mentoring a new group of scientists," Daniel revealed.
"She did mention that her department is getting fresh blood," Jack recalled. "And Teal'c won't be available for a gathering until the war ends."
Miraculously, Daniel was available despite being occupied with his job. On the other hand, Jack found his workload light and was among the few who could leave the office after regular working hours. However, taking extended breaks or planning getaways was not feasible. Thus, sharing a beer with Daniel represented the pinnacle of entertainment Jack could aspire to.
However, even that ended as Daniel stood up after finishing his beer. "I'm beaten, and tomorrow I have a very early meeting."
"Yeah, it must be tough to engage in diplomacy when the other party is on a planet with a different rotational speed. It makes maintaining a regular sleep schedule that much more challenging," Jack empathized.
"Tell me about it," Daniel sighed. "Well, see you tomorrow."
"See ya," Jack responded, finishing his beer. "Well, let's see what Homer's been up to lately."
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