AN1: Time to merge two universes that have many things in common and yet have stood apart.
Mystery Solved
Disclaimer: The characters of the Stargate Universe belong to MGM. The characters of the Four Orders are entirely my own.
AU/SGU/FO: A powerful being from another universe appears on the Destiny just as Eli's time had run out. Stranded on the ship he has to figure out how to go home and the best way is to help the crew of Destiny.
Season Seven – 'Tempus Magnarum'
Premise:
The crew of Destiny exited stasis only to discover two new passengers from another universe, which have spent their time fixing the ship. After some deliberations, they choose to keep them onboard as their newest allies.
As an Ancient seed ship tries to kill them, they set out to discover the reason. Tasking the SGC to assist, Diablo hopes for some results but the lack of progress prompts his decision to return to the Milky Way Galaxy.
Returning to Earth surprisingly fast, Diablo makes use of a base of a race as old as the Ancients. Firmly decided not to share them, he joins the SGC to expedite matters and while things develop fast uncovering the Ancients' history proves more challenging than anticipated.
But Diablo provides the SGC with invaluable information on the location of the fabled Clava Thessara Infinitas and that changed everything for Earth. SGC moves to reveal the Stargate program to the public in order to gain the benefits from it.
Meanwhile on the other side of the universe, Destiny continues on its course set out million years ago hoping for a better future.
Chapter 8
Rhea had finally managed to breach the language barrier with the aliens. Learning their form of Common as they called it proved less complicated that she originally believed. The language proved to have many similarities with their own language. It was simply the way these beings pronounced it that threw her off guard the first time around.
Of course, she wondered how any of that was possible. Their Common shared much of the same construction as English. The reason the aliens did not understand them when they spoke in English was due to some component in their physiology. She had wondered how they had overcome that issue in their own galaxy.
She quickly got the answer to that. One of the aliens ran to another building and returned with a small circular device. He placed it around his jaw area and suddenly he could understand everything her team spoke about. Of course, may things would not be the same as context in different place would not be the same but the main aspects were there. Conversation was now possible. They still sounded weird but at least they could understand one another.
It seemed to her that they were just as shocked as her at first hence the difficulty but once they understood the common points, they had with their humans it was only a matter of calibration and especially when Ron went to relieve himself did, they make the proper connection.
"You could've mentioned the robots." Matt said as he returned from the toilet.
"And deprive you of the great experience, no chance in hell." Ron smiled deviously.
"They called Cleaning Probes." One of the aliens named Sak Hul explained.
"It suits them." Ron continued to smile.
"You arrive in big space vehicle?" The leader of the group – Koran Vazee asked.
"Yes, we call it Destiny. It was built long ago by our ancestors." Rhea explained.
"Big space vehicle your home?"
"Currently, it is."
"What call you your homeworld?"
"We call it Earth."
"It has lots of earth then?"
"Ah, actually, it has more water than earth on it." Rhea knew that such topics would be difficult to explain as they lacked the context to understand them. "It is about the ground on which we walk that inspired the name for it."
"I understand. Meaning not only literal but meaningful too. "
"What do you call your homeworld?" Tamara asked. It was only fair.
"Our home usually cold and dry, we call Mirial."
"But we can be on other climates too." Sak Hul added.
"We were somewhat surprised you know what a human is." Matt shared.
"Humans, we have on many worlds spread throughout our galaxy. Humans not native to our galaxy, their origin home is unknown."
That statement bore much thinking. The People of Earth had always assumed that they originated from Earth but this new information shed some different light. Their recent discoveries on the weird planets with the moon teleports showed a possible different explanation. And Diablo had mentioned that the Greater Human Race was not native to the Milky Way Galaxy.
Back at the SGC, Sarah Gardner had moved to Daniel's office. She perused through his things in order to find something that could help her with that abstract clue. She had exploited many meanings that they spelled gibberish.
"Sarah Gardner," A melodic voice filled the room. He sounded almost exactly as Viz but when she looked up, she saw in the frame a man dressed from top to bottom in black. She even noticed a mantle.
"That is my name, yes."
"Spirited, I like it." Diablo said. "I am the resident annoyance."
Resident annoyance – Sarah remembered General O'Neill mentioning him. "You are Diablo. Viz's twin…"
"He's a transdimensional being – not the same, doctor. He may share my physical appearance but that's all."
"Well, the way he describes you it would appear you are his sidekick."
"Does he now?"
She sensed it touched a nerve but it lasted a mere second. He resumed his observation that as she noticed was transfixed on her. Viz did study her in a similar manner but at least she did not feel naked under it. His gaze was far more penetrating though he had a soft touch.
"The general laundry seems to think you have hit a wall."
It took her a moment to assimilate what he said. It brought a smile to her. A man with a sense of humor, this was a rare sight in her line of work.
"The message delivered by and I quote:'His Starlight' is more than abstract."
"He's always been a cryptic bastard. I think it makes him feel more involved with the lesser beings."
'Lesser beings' Sarah processed. She was led to believe he was this man's equal but she hoped that was not true.
"So, let's have it."
'On the Sword of the Ancients lies an old darkness protected by vile intentions. Destiny is written in the stars where the light meets the dark. Seek the crescent star cluster to unveil the path of old.'
"Hmm, a curious choice of words," Diablo became pensive. "Does the translation to other languages hold the same structure and meaning?"
Sarah looked up surprised. It was the first thing she did. "No, it doesn't."
"Alright, let's see what it does look like in the other ones."
She showed him what she had scribbled. He looked at it for a long time.
"Sword – sword – it is not typical for our Ancient friends."
"I agree."
"Between the light and the dark – a gray area,"
"Yes!"
"And the star cluster, did you look at the stars constellations to see which may match this description?"
"I did." She showed it to him. So far, they were of one mind. It was very refreshing and astonishing unless he was reading her mind.
"It is only logical, Doctor. I have no telepathic abilities only good observational skills, and the occasional empathic path."
"Empath?"
"Yes, but your emotions must be surfacing you,"
"You can't make a deeper reading?"
"I could but this requires focus, which is currently best used on the issue at hand."
Sarah blushed a bit. She was finding this man strangely intoxicating and worst of all he was not her type. She thought he would comment on her recently surfaced thoughts but either he did not sense them or decided best not to engage her on them. Either way she liked him, and liked him a lot. Now that was the kind of colleague she would enjoy working with.
What Diablo noticed about what she has discovered so far about the star cluster was that they were not on the correct planet to look at it. Of course, that posed another problem and that was that on the correct planet it may not be what she found. This was very frustrating. He hated when his starlight does that. Why it is so difficult just to say – go here and find that.
But which planet was that? Sword of the Ancients – that continued to be peculiar.
"Ok, our Ancient friends do not use swords in the literal meaning of the word. It doesn't fit with the other translations either but…perhaps…" Diablo trailed off for a moment then he resumed. "Perhaps, it is not a sword. Sword is a common word to describe aggressiveness or maybe just maybe that could simply mean…"
"…weapon," She completed his phrase. It only logically made sense.
"Alright, Weapon of the Ancients,"
"That could be only one planet in the Milky Way."
"Which is?"
"Planet Dakara. It housed a super weapon that the Ancients used to wipe out all life in the galaxy when the Priors of Origin released a deadly plague via the Stargate network. It is also the same one that SG1 used on the recommendation of Baal to wipe out the Replicators, hitting them simultaneously so they won't have the chance to react. " Sarah explained. "Also, the Jaffa used it once on the Orici and her warriors though that worked only partially as she resisted the effect and then she came to Dakara and destroyed it."
"The name of the planet with a simple explanation, Doctor, would have sufficed." He was beginning to understand why she and Daniel was an item long ago and why it ultimately failed.
"Context is always important." She countered.
"On the Weapon of the Ancients lies a darkness protected by vile intentions."
"An old darkness…"
"Vile – vile – again, it is an interesting choice. It can have so many meanings. But perhaps in our case, it could be just devious."
"It would be more like evil."
"Hmm, I do not agree on this one. Evil would always imply evil deeds not intentions."
"Ok, then malevolent, "
"Not necessarily," Diablo remained pensive. His starlight had an annoying tendency to fit his cryptic messages to its receiver and in this case Diablo. He shared that with her.
"You believe this message is for you purposively?"
"Yes, unlike the Ancients, I like swords, a lot. Vile tends to be favoring me hence devious. Of course, it could easily be deadly or revolting. It would be something that has been done that is repulsing or revolting as an act, a heinous deed and yet still devious."
"Dishonorable,"
"Yes, that could be his insinuating intention."
"But is it something that you have done or something you will do?"
"Now that is an interesting question and the only way, I would be able to answer it is when we find whatever it is that he wants me to find."
"So why don't we go to Dakara and find out?"
"That is an excellent idea, Doctor. Let's inform the laundry service and go."
Colonel Young arrived on the planet with the second shuttle to meet these Mirialians. He reached the town, settlement or whatever it is called and gaped. They told him they were humanoid but he was not expecting the varying color scheme.
"Colonel, this is Koran Vazee, leader of the Mirial people." Rhea introduced.
"Colonel Everett Young, leader of the colonists of the Ancient vessel Destiny." He introduced himself.
"Welcome to our humble home," Koran Vazee said. His interpretation of the English has improved a lot.
"Thank you for having us."
They sat around something that could be qualified as a table despite its many angles. The Mirial people brought some food on the table that he assumed Tamara had already tested. She nodded and then Rhea explained to him that they were familiar with their species so they would never serve them something they could not eat.
Colonel Young directed the conversation to these humans that they have met. Establishing where their home galaxy was difficult at best. First both sides recognized they had to synchronize their understanding of measurement of everything before being able to engage into anything else.
He was pleased to see they had the same concept more or less about space travel – light years. Now they only had to see if it covered the same distance.
As it turned out their light year was longer than theirs. Also, their concept of hyperspace travel differed from theirs too. Apparently, they relied on a network of hyperspace lanes or in simpler terms they did not go in a straight line while the SGC's ships did, more or less.
The hyperspace technology also seemed to differ but was normal as every race had its own twist on it. The main difference however came on two fronts – they used something called Tibanna gas as fuel and some kind of power convertor as additional power source.
The SGC's engines required a constant supply of naquadah. And of course, they had the Asgard power core, and the ZPMs, although those were mostly used as additional boost for the engines. Still both sources of hyperspace fuel seemed to be equally explosive.
Still, even the Mirial people agreed that the fuel used by Destiny was probably the best alternative as it had abundant supply of stars in the cosmos.
The best thing they learnt was that their society was all accepting of all types of beings. Of course, there always some more accepted than others. And they also relied much on their droids that existed in all kinds and forms, and served various functions.
"Astromech?" Eli had asked. The story of this people and their galaxy had sparkled in an unusual interest in him as it reminded him of something. And if that something turned to be true then it would be very weird, not to mention impossible.
"These are droids that we put on our ships. They can run repairs in and outside of the ship if damage occurs."
"And do you use them on space fighters too?"
"Not all require the use of an Astromech, but some do."
Eli's mind was exploding. He did not dare to utter things he believed to be familiar with mostly because he did not know from what era these beings came from. But in everything else his guesses were found utterly accurate. They started to think he was like Rhea in many aspects. And hearing what they thought she was he could barely contain himself.
None of that should be possible and yet somehow it was. Eli had to contain his excitement that hopefully everyone misinterpreted as general joy of meeting an alien species. Still, there was one person that could shed some light into it but he was on Earth.
The Stargate opened on planet Dakara. Sarah and Diablo stepped through. They were greeted by a member of the Jaffa Alliance. He assured them they will be provided with everything necessary to conduct their search.
The Jaffa headed back to Dakara after the war with the Ori had been resolved. It was still their ancestral home. Most of the ruins remained though as they did not have the resources needed to rebuild. The Ancient weapon was also unsalvageable. Still Diablo went to see it. From little he was able to see he determined it utilized harnessed quantum energy to dissipate the desired effect through the Stargate.
"What is it?" Sarah asked. She did so as Diablo was making weird grimaces ever since they stepped through the gate.
"I do not know yet but it is something. Something is off on this planet. I sensed it the moment we came here."
"Is there something the Jaffa Alliance can further assist you with?" The Jaffa that came with them asked.
"Wasn't it the Jaffa Nation?" Sarah asked.
"Yes, but since our disagreements during the Origin conflict, we thought it best to consolidate ourselves under Alliance rather than nation. "
"Sounds like you are not ready to embrace the nation part." Diablo said.
"Apparently, not yet,"
"Well, thank you, we can manage on our own. We will call for assistance if needed."
Their Jaffa guide bowed and left. Diablo suspected that whatever he needed to find their current hosts may not enjoy.
"Doctor, as night approaches, focus on finding the crescent star cluster."
"And what are you going to be doing in the meantime?"
"I am going to venture out of these ruins and focus on the surroundings. Perhaps, I will spot something worth spotting."
He headed out. The undefined feeling, he got ever he came here grew exponentially as he left the ruins. There was something here, something powerful. He did not want to take the doctor with him so she would remain safe.
He reached the outer limits of the ruins. He headed out on the stony roads leading out of the settlement. The feeling diminished. He was not going in the proper direction. He was ready to turn back when he stopped himself.
'Of course, it would diminish.' He said to himself. If it was what he thought it was that would be the proper sensation he would get. He continued forward. The feeling seemed to die out in a remote area. There was nothing special about it at first glance.
The road continued so he followed it for a while. In the distance he could see another set of ruins so it could be a village. He returned though to the dead point. Here the road made a small deviation suggesting that there was something here.
But the area was empty. There was literally nothing interesting here. Still, he needed to check a theory. He got on the radio and called the good doctor to him. He waited patiently as she approached. He saw her from afar.
She was maybe five hundred meters from him when he noticed and sensed her increased distress as though something was exerting pressure on her. She walked a bit more then turned around and returned back the same she came.
She did call though to see if he did indeed call her or it was her imagination. Diablo confirmed it and mentioned they would see each other in a couple of hours. He had now his confirmation. The area was protected by powerful wards.
The funny thing about wards was that they could last for billions of years without diminishing in strength especially if cast by a powerful wizard. The terrain which they protected would remain the same even if everything else around falls. And the area here was protected by very powerful wards.
Diablo sighed and got with undoing them. He had a funny feeling they will not resist him much. And he was not wrong. The wards fell somewhat easily.
As that happened, he noticed with relief that he was also standing on the correct spot. Two inches forward and he would be falling on his ass right now. In front of him, the terrain changed and there were stairs heading down.
He had down. As he continued forward, he stopped as though hit by a powerful force. There were traces here of powerful spells, dark ones.
"Vile intentions – well that is spot on."
As he turned around the very obvious Ancient designed corridor, he came into an opening. It showed a circular console with interfaces – definitely a computer. There was only one chair near the console. He turned it and stepped back.
The other funny things about wards were that it preserved the dead almost as good as the vacuum in space. Sitting on the chair was the body of a dead Ancient woman that apparently had kicked the bucket with a smile on her face. Still after all this time that creepy as hell.
Her eyes were frantically focused on something standing in a niche in the opposite well close to where he stood right now. So, whoever did that was hiding there until the opportune moment.
Diablo rummaged through his pocket and got out some incandescent candles. He lit them up and used the smoke they produced to induce a past vision. It was like a rewind button of what has transpired in that place.
The scenery changed immediately. Everything shined as though it was new and perhaps it was at the time. The woman came to the console and sat down. She invoked some directory and looked at it. Then she frowned and evoked another one.
Diablo moved in closer to observe what had intrigued her so much. The page contained coding, one that was strangely familiar. She had circled a line in it. Diablo focused and saw that it had something to do with signals but he could not see it clearly. Still, he tried to remember where it was so he can find it later provided it is still there.
Suddenly the woman lifted her head from the console's screen and looked in the direction of the entrance. A silhouette appears in it. Diablo could not make out its face but it was not necessary either. He read it on her lips – Time Eternal.
"So, who are you?" Diablo wondered aloud.
Weirdly enough he could see the general contours of the body but that was about it. It was very frustrating to be so close to the answer and yet so far. The Time Eternal then left. The woman called another screen. There Diablo was able to see it very clearly, which was also strange.
There was information on it but the language was definitely not that of the Ancients. Still, he recognized it immediately.
"Venkrat?"
That was surprising. It was not just the official tongue it was a cipher language used usually by spies. While he had no doubt that an Ancient could learn the language of the Venkrat he was absolutely certain the same did not apply for the cipher. That implied that the woman was a spy for the Venkrat or a high-ranking hybrid.
She started to call in information on everything Ancient. Diablo even saw the schematics for Destiny. So that damn console may contain the knowledge for which he twisted the SGC's arms. He even saw the names of the councilors.
Diablo had a bad feeling about this. It seemed that she was about to betray her adoptive kind but that did not happen as her eyes turned towards the niche. From it another silhouette emerged. What followed next he did not need to imagine as he had felt it when he had entered the room. But the energy of these spells was oddly familiar too.
He emerged from the room's memory. His face was pale. He looked at the console before him. There was only way one to be sure. He needed to reactivate it. The most useful thing about wards was that they preserved everything within its boundaries. Chances were favorable for the console to be fully functional.
He took a power source and jury-rigged it to work with the Ancient tech. The screens came to life. It was not important that they were no longer linked to main Ancient hub as they contained everything that console contained at the time they were frozen.
He sought the main directory. He was hoping, no, he was praying information on the Time Eternal was stuck in there. It would save him so much time. Alas there was no name. But there were the names of the Heralded Four – Sotra, Donos, Tealus and Jonus.
He sought also the directory for Destiny. He cursed under breath. It did contain information but it was partial. Still, it was much more than he could have hoped for. He copied the information. He would take a look at it later.
He focused on the Time Eternal and the Heralded Four. There was something odd about their names. He found a paragraph that described the Time Eternal and it is here that Diablo froze.
"NO! NO! It is not…how is this possible?" Now everything made so much more sense. Still, it did not explain the death of the woman. He knew for certain the Time Eternal would not have harmed her though she certainly deserved it.
"But if he did not kill her then who…" His voice trailed off. He returned to what she wanted to send and read it. He understood its meaning and implications. "But that would mean that…oh boy!"
To be continued in the last chapter of the season!
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Lordheaven