Changing the Rules

by Lerris

The Rowan surviving the accident that took her parents was a miracle. Her falling between universes to end up in front of the USS Enterprise was another. Her catching the attention of Q, well that was something else entirely. There were a lot of problems with his plan, not the least of which is he would have to change the rules. Rowan/Trek/Stargate/Doctor Who/Multicross

63. Chapter 63

Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.

-=oOo=-

They appeared in a clearing before an old collection of buildings that seemed to be in disrepair.

"What the hell?" asked the man who had fired the gun, and now noticed the gun and picked it up, though he pocketed it this time.

"What happened?" asked Rin, who was still riding the strange bike.

"I moved everyone here, rather than add the complexity of dealing with the police," said Pyrrha.

Pyrrha's com badge chirped. She tapped it.

"Do you require assistance?" asked Riker.

"Not at this time, though I fear I've made a mess of things."

"Continue."

"Understood."

A gray haired man on another strange bike, but rather than red and shiny this one was gray and clearly military spec.

"Okakura, what the heck are you doing here, let alone with these people?" asked the man.

"I did not intend to come here. The woman in red brought us here somehow."

Rin turned, face the gray haired man with the scar. She was still on her bike. She said, "You. You fired that missile."

"I did, though I still don't understand how it missed."

"My friends diverted it. It certainly wasn't clear that the people in the helicopter deserved to die," said Pyrrha.

"The GGP has to be destroyed."

"How about explaining it to me? If my people agree we might do something, though it could easily be to lock you up with them," said Pyrrha fiercely.

"You are a brave one, but why should I tell you?"

"We need to get out of here and forget we were ever here," said Okakura.

"It is more important to understand what is really going on. People are dying. That must stop," said Pyrrha.

"I am Kiefer. I am a soldier with the borderless military alliance. I served in the GGP with Romanoff. He is a sick killer. I may be a terrorist, but he has committed far greater crimes. He has to die."

"Who is he?" asked Pyrrha.

"Don't you even know the leader of the GGP?"

"I do now. Thank you. Falcon, did you get all that. Can you verify any of it?"

"We are working on it now," came Jadzia's voice.

"Thanks."

"Just who are you?" asked Kiefer.

"Just a member of a group wanting to solve this mess before more innocents are hurt. Ideally we figure out how to get everyone that is not involved back to their normal lives."

"I drew a gun on her when I found her where she should not be. The bullet did not penetrate her skin. Then she does something to knock it out of my hand before summoning a spear of some kind, from nowhere," said Okakura.

"And now she is here. Interesting. How did you do it? Some government super soldier program perhaps?" asked Kiefer.

"No. I am not affiliated."

"I tend to doubt you are, since you are not trying to kill me."

"Can we go home?" asked Shouko.

"I'm not sure. Was anyone identified?" asked Pyrrha.

"Not that we have found," said Sobaash through her communicator.

"Are you willing to go home and not mention this to anyone? You could put Rin in danger," said Pyrrha.

"Not could, will. That bike has to be destroyed as well, or at least never seen again," said Okakura.

"I'm not leaving Rin," said Shouko.

"I want to go home," said Suzuru.

"Um, if we can go home that might be best," added Hishida.

"I didn't want you found with that vehicle. It would implicate you and make it harder to undo. I will send anyone who wishes it home," said Pyrrha.

"Do not mention any of this, ever, not even to each other," said Okakura.

"What about the club?" asked Hishida.

"The club just closed. Ridebacks are far too dangerous right now."

"I was hoping to ride one," said Pyrrha.

Kiefer laughed.

"Well If I have to give Fuego up, I suppose I could give you a ride, but I'm pretty tired," said Rin who finally got off the bike.

"We are slowly correcting the records. It should be safe to send them home if you want. This conflict will need resolved though. Okakura was part of the same group, though does not appear to be currently involved," said L'Nea through Pyrrha's com unit.

Rin turned to Pyrrha who asked in surprise, "You do all these strange things, and think we are just going to forget?"

"What would you have of me?" asked Pyrrha softly.

"Answers," said Rin.

"Answers are things I cannot give. I am sorry. Your handling of that ground vehicle was very impressive though. Is that something you want to do?"

"I was a dancer, but I hurt my foot," said Rin.

"But what do you want? To dance like that with a vehicle, on your own, or something else?" asked Pyrrha.

"I like Fuego's light," she said softly. The fact that she was tired was somewhat obvious now.

"I can help you wake up if you want. You could show me."

Rin blinked. "That sounds strange. How?"

"A cup of something like quite strong coffee or well another use of my abilities."

"I could use some coffee."

"Just coffee, or our favorite?"

"Better than coffee?" asked Rin hopefully.

Pyrrha nodded.

"Sure."

Two tall cups of Klingon coffee materialized on the ground. Pyrrha picked up one and handed it to Rin. She then picked up her own, but was surprised when Kiefer grabbed it and drank it down.

"That is quite strong. Drink more slowly," said Pyrrha.

He kept drinking.

"Well don't blame me then."

Rin started drinking more slowly.

"He is probably used to stronger stuff," said Okakura.

Kiefer finished his cup. "That was good. I'll take another."

"We have rules against drinking those too frequently. I am surprised you were not more affected."

"I have a lot of bad habits," admitted Kiefer.

"Whoa. This is good," said Rin, who was about a fourth of the cup down.

"I want to try it," said Shouko.

"Sure, you take the rest. I think, that is enough for me," said Rin.

"Ready to ride?" asked Pyrrha.

"Yes. Are you coming?"

"Your being quite trusting."

"You clearly mean no harm. I'm just glad that missile didn't kill anyone," said Rin.

Rin got up on the bike and started it, then pulled Pyrrha up behind her.

"Mind if we do this together? You can say no."

"Will you answer our questions if I say yes?" asked Rin.

"I will tell you something more. I'm not sure what," said Pyrrha.

"That's not much, but I do want to ride. Things seem simpler on Fuego," she said softly.

"Please," asked Pyrrha, without promising anything more.

"Alright."

Pyrrha got up behind her and held onto Rin loosely as she took off, and was soon going at a breakneck pace, using the arms on the side of the bike to stay upright, or make impossible turns, or even to pirouette.

Back at the entrance to the terrorist base Kiefer said, "They are both synced to Fuego somehow. I do not understand it, but look at them move. Even I could not match it."

"Rin," said Shouko softly.

About ten minutes later they came back and got off.

"Did she answer your questions?" asked black haired Suzuri.

"Part of them. They think my ability to link like I do to Fuego could be very valuable, if I wanted to use that talent."

"To do what? Work for the GGP?" asked Okakura.

"No, we are going to address the GGP, somehow, but for now people need to go," said Pyrrha.

"I'll go now. You can drop me back in my room can't you?" asked Rin.

"If you grant me permission and focus on it, yes," said Pyrrha.

"Then I do."

Pyrrha took her hand for a moment, looked in her eye, and then Rin vanished.

"Next?"

"How do we know Rin is okay?" asked Shouko.

"So little trust. You can of course stay here if you want."

Shouko looked over at Kiefer and said, "Um no."

Pyrrha held out her hand, took Shouko's and then Shouko vanished. She repeated with the others including Okakura.

"What are you going to do with Fuego?" asked Kiefer.

"I think we will keep it for now." Pyrrha turned to Kiefer directly. "Do not misunderstand this. I could crush your entire organization alone, and if you try to harm another innocent I will do so." She flared her well and he and his bike shot straight into the sky for over a thousand feet before suddenly appearing back where he was. He reached for a gun, only to find it was missing.

"Do we understand each other? Harm no one. Stay hidden. Let us sort this mess out," said Pyrrha.

"You have killed before."

"Yes, we try to minimize it, but we do have blood on our hands. I would prefer not to have more, but I will not permit further loss of innocent life. This is your last and only warning. The GGP are not the good guys, but your actions don't make you them either."

Kiefer smiled, started his bike and rode off.

Pyrrha and the bike beamed up, the bike going into the cargo bay.

"Having fun?" asked Riker.

"I fear I've messed that all up. What would you have done?"

"Tried to avoid the guy firing in the first place. After that things got interesting," said Riker.

"We are pretty sure we can expose all of the corruption. We are just making sure we have it all," said Jadzia.

"Good, and Rin? She seems somewhat interested, though she doesn't know what the details are. As to that bike, I'm not sure it is entirely healthy. I think it tries to switch off parts of your mind so you can focus," said Pyrrha.

"I'm going to go examine the bike. That thing she wore on her wrist is part of it. We may need to retrieve that," said L'Nea.

"I'd love to test her with the interface on this ship. We don't necessarily need another pilot, but there are certainly ships that do," said Lafiel.

"I pushed as much as I dared, but I suspect she may not want to risk her life on a regular basis," said Pyrrha.

"It's a useful ability. There are non combat roles. Possibly even civilian pilots, or instructors," said Jadzia.

"Let's deal with the things getting people killed. We can feel her out a bit more and anyone else of interest before we leave," said Riker.

"Of course. We nearly have a plan, though its possible simply pointing out the corruption won't be enough," said L'Nea.

"Let's start with easy and then escalate. This is technically a problem they should solve themselves, but now that we know about it we can't just ignore it."

-=oOo=-

Rin and the others were still hanging around the club, despite Fuego being missing and even the smaller RB-Z gone. Okakura was taking no chances that they would draw attention back to people.

Suzuri turned up a news report.

"Extensive evidence has come in that the entire GGP organization is corrupt with their leader being a murderer. The people that died the other day in the terrorist attack, we now now that the GGP made no serious attempt to save the hostages. The Rideback we saw fleeing the seen we now believe to be someone who managed to rescue a hostage, but we are unable to figure out who's Rideback it was, or who was riding it, or who the likely former hostage was. If you have any details please call."

"Don't call," said Pyrrha as she walked in.

"Rin is a hero," said Hishida.

"Yes she is, but your life will remain simpler if you leave it be."

"Are you going to leave again?" asked Rin.

"Yes I am." She then smiled.

"What are you thinking of? Why are you smiling?" asked RIn.

"Oh, I was thinking of a story someone I knew told me about. There was this girl called Alice who bravely followed a rabbit down a rabbit hole."

"I know that story. Alice in Wonderland is a great story," defended Shouko.

"So, are you offering to show me what is in the rabbit hole?" asked Rin.

"That is up to you. We do have Fuego. We also stole your wrist thing. Sorry, we had to make sure it was safe. It isn't, not long term. Your fine and we will return it as is, but I'm telling you not to keep using it."

"Then what is the point of having it back?" asked Rin.

"I don't know, but it isn't ours. It is not so dangerous we are going to destroy it rather than return it, but it could cause brain damage long term."

"And if I just wanted to know about the rabbit hole?" asked Rin.

"That I can do, but you need to keep what you learn a secret. I mean, I guess you can tell these people, but if you or they tell others it will likely cause you needless trouble, and you won't be able to prove any of it."

Okakura walked in from outside.

"Been listening long?" asked Pyrrha.

"Since the beginning. I recommend you walk away. Keep the bike, or destroy it. It is too dangerous to come back, and as it is my bike I get to say."

A small pouch materialized at Pyrrha's feet. She picked it up and tossed it to Okakura who caught it. He opened it up and spilled the contents in his hand, before putting them back. "Diamonds?"

"Approximate value of the bike, and a bit more. You can quietly find a way to sell that and buy a less controversial replacement."

He nodded and pocketed them.

Pyrrha turned again towards Rin. "I'll leave till tomorrow and ask once more, but before then Celeste, could you do that favor I mentioned?"

The beautiful blond appeared out of nowhere. "I'm here to fully heal Rin's foot, and anyone else. In the unlikely event I can't, I know those who can."

"How?" asked Rin in surprise.

Pyrrha smiled and began singing softly.

One dream, one soul

One prize, one goal.

One golden glance of what should be.

It's a kind of magic

One shaft of light that shows the way.

She trailed off and was surprised when Okakura added another verse to the the Queen song. "No mortal man can win this day."

"I assure you I am very much mortal. It is just a song," said Pyrrha.

"But is it an answer?" asked Rin.

"You can find that out tomorrow if you come. Please, trust me in that Celeste will cause you no harm."

"I'll go first," said Okakura.

"As you wish. Please sit down," said Celeste.

He sat in a chair and Celeste took his hand and spent nearly an hour healing him, while they watched. Pyrrha helped Celeste, transferring energy to her.

Okakura got up. "I can't believe it. It has been so long since I moved without pain. Thank you."

Celeste turned to Rin.

"You know my foot is mostly okay now."

"I'll be the judge of that. Please sit."

Rin did so and ten minutes later she did a short sequence that ended in a pirouette.

"Just make sure to build the muscle back and you should be fine," said Celeste.

Celeste checked the others, waved, and vanished in a silent pop.

"Why?" asked Rin.

"Because we may make you an offer. We wanted it to be a fair choice. Repairing your foot is no great problem for us. You can live your dream. You certainly seem to have the skill. You don't need us."

"Do you need me?" asked Rin.

"No, but potentially others could use your potential, if you choose to develop it. We are guessing a little. There is a test."

"What do you do? Randomly help people?" asked Hishida.

"Sometimes, but it is not always so simple."

"You call taking down the GGP simple?" asked Okakura.

"We also made sure Kiefer was arrested. Do you have a problem with that?" asked Pyrrha.

"No. I probably deserve it as well," said Okakura.

"We didn't think so, but we also won't stop you, if you decide to turn yourself in."

"I think I'll pass," said Okakura dryly.

"So is it just me?" asked Rin.

"The rest of you are likely fine. Live your dreams. You can too Rin. Dance, if that is your hearts desire."

"I wouldn't mind being bullet proof and doing all that stuff," said Hishida.

"Sorry, I doubt you have the potential."

"And Rin?" asked Okakura.

"The reason we are interested is related to how well she was able to operate that vehicle."

"A non answer," noted Okakura.

"Partially. I'll be back tomorrow. None of you owe us anything."

Pyrrha vanished.

"I so want to be able to do that," said Hishida.

"There has to be technology involved," said Okakura.

"I wish she would have brought me today. Now I have to wait," said Rin.

"She is offering you the chance to say no and walk away. You saw her when she faced my gun. It didn't remotely concern her. Whatever they are, they are military of some kind. They have enemies. I'd bet on it. You should walk away. Leave this club, and go dance," said Okakura.

"I don't think so," said Rin.

"It's the damn bike. I should have never built it. They said it was dangerous. They aren't going to give it back to you."

"How does it do it.. The light?" asked Rin.

"It is intended to bring a compatible person into nearly perfect sync with the bike itself. It was too good to just throw away. I had hoped to sync with it, but it was not to be."

"Will that guy report Pyrrha and all the rest to the authorities?" asked Suzuri.

"I doubt it. He mainly wanted Romanoff to pay. He got that. He probably considers it a better outcome than he could hope for. He probably also respects her for flat out telling him to his face, even as she threatened to kill him if he harmed anyone else. They also made sure all the evidence that might partially exonerate him was delivered. They were fair," said Okakura.

"They threatened to kill him?" asked Rin.

"Yes. He is a terrorist. He may have been fighting for a cause, but innocents were getting killed. He deserved what he got," said Okakura.

Rin nodded.

-=oOo=-

Lafiel walked into the shop at about the same time the next day.

"Who are you, and what's with your ears?" asked Shouko.

"I'm a friend of Pyrrha's. She was curious if you still wanted to know how deep the rabbit hole went."

"You think blue hair and odd ears are going to scare me away?" asked Rin.

Lafiel blinked. "That is ridiculous. My hair is a great color and I am quite proud of my ears. They are part of my family."

Rin smiled. "Yes, I want to find out how deep the rabbit hole goes."

"Alright." Lafiel walked a bit closer to her, tapped her com badge, and said, "Two to beam up." They vanished in sparkles.

"Told you it had to be technological," said Okakura.

"It was different," said Hishida.

"Maybe."

-=oOo=-

"Welcome to the bridge of the Alliance Emergency Response ship Falcon," said RIker.

"Your aliens!" exclaimed RIn.

"I would have thought Lafiel made that obvious," said Pyrrha dryly.

Rin turned to Pyrrha and said, "Your look better in that uniform."

"They picked me up awhile back. Well, I volunteered. Piper here helped a great deal on our world before the rest of these people found us." She motioned to Piper who waved.

"Hello, I'm Jinto." Jinto held out his hand and she shook it numbly. "The big secret they haven't told you yet is you might be very good with integrating with our neural interface, which would make you ideally suited for well a lot of our newer technologies that use it."

"Fuego's light," she said softly.

"Ours won't do that. Fuego's link was truly advanced for your planet, but as we said, its bad, don't use it," said L'Nea.

"Your blue."

"Really? Why does no one tell me these things?"

"Sorry."

"Relax, it takes a bit to get used to. I'm Will Riker, Captain of this humble ship."

A beeping was heard at Sobassh's station. "Enterprise has an emergency. We are needed," said Sobaash.

Lafiel jumped into the pilot's seat. Jinto got into the other one just as fast.

"Stay or go, your choice, but choose now," said Riker.

"Stay."

"ID drive checks are complete. Course is laid in. Diving and accelerating to emergency speed," said Lafiel.

"17 minutes," said Jinto.

"All hands Red Alert. I repeat Red Alert. We are going into a combat situation. Something has got the Enterprise worried enough to call. They sent specifically to us and also a general distress. Be alert. Sixteen minutes," said Riker.

Sarah held out her hand to Rin. "Hi, I'm Sara Jane Smith. I used to travel with a different trouble magnet. You get used to rushing around."

"Hello. Rin Ogata."

"I know it doesn't make any sense, but we have now gone completely out of your universe and are crossing a region outside of all universes. Some call it the dimensional sea, though we are using an older form of this travel that hardly anyone uses."

"What, you can't use the new one?" asked Rin curiously.

"We can build either. This ship was designed to use the old one. It is more dangerous, but also faster. As the Captain said we are emergency response. We go where the fire is hottest," said Sara.

"Is that what you want for me?" asked Rin.

"No. I mean, you could possibly go that way, but there are a lot of calmer jobs available, or you could teach or possibly operate equipment or any number of things, well if it works. I tried that interface once. I didn't like it," said Sara.

"You get used to it," said Lafiel.

"No you don't," said Jadzia.

"Okay, we got used to it," said Jinto.

"But it's safe?" asked Rin.

"In combat, no, it isn't truly safe. It has caused Jinto and I a little brain damage, but it was easily healed," said Lafiel.

"It is certainly safer for everyone else. If we can react quickly enough everyone onboard is safer," said Jinto.

"I see, but your safe now?"

"This speed is something that takes getting used to, but yes," said Jinto.

"How can you comprehend at this speed?" asked Rin.

"You don't, at least not really. The sensors, however have some tricks to see ahead in enough time for us to react and the computers help us a great deal," said Lafiel.

"I want to try it."

"Once we get through the current crisis. Just so people know. Rin is a non combatant. In the event things go badly, her safety is to be prioritized, including over mine," said Riker.

"You don't have to do that," said RIn.

"They won't change. I was the one at the top of the list before you," said Sara.

"Why?" asked Rin.

"I'm a reporter, not a normal member of the crew."

"You report on all this?"

"Yes."

"Amazing. Do they have interesting art events and things on some worlds?" asked Rin.

"I'm sure they do. We could probably catch one if you want, when there is time," said Riker.

A little while later Lafiel said, "We are about to come out. Cloak is engaged, but our power signature is so high, I'm not sure it will help."

"Can't be helped. They hit the distress button. Get the data from the tactical link and do what you have to do."

The ship shuddered as they shot out of the dimensional sea at their max velocity.

"Give me an update when someone has one," said Riker.

"It is another damn invasive species. Lafiel. Jinto. Do not let those things touch us. I don't fully trust our shields based on the Enterprises feed," said L'Nea.

"Understood. Weapons are hot. Firing on ships noted as targets," said Lafiel.

Others began firing auxiliary weapons.

"Request for communication from allied vessel," said Samson.

"On screen."

"I am Supreme Commander Thor. I request that you destroy my ship before the replicators finish obtaining control of it. I have lowered my shields, but they will take command soon."

The little brownish tan guy seemed extremely tired.

"We cannot lower shields in these conditions," said L'Nea.

"I can get him off his ship. It is just you right?" asked Celeste.

"It is."

Celeste's well flared as she ported the small alien through both layers of shields. Lafiel sent three Quantum Torpedoes at the Asgard ship. It was obliterated and they moved to the next.

"Can you help us understand this situation?" asked Riker.

"The replicators devour any material compatible with their replication process. If they devour an advanced ship such as yours, then they will be much stronger and much harder to kill. They generally resemble about fifty centimeter metal spiders, though can form larger structures. We believe they were originally created using Alteren technology by a child.. They must be destroyed."

"Are they sentient?"

"It depends on your definition. By some yes. By some no. They are not compatible with organic life. We have tried to reason with them, but have failed," said Thor.

Lafiel and the others continued to pick off ships.

"The ships in my targeting list now have some allies on them. Can you remove them?" asked Lafiel.

"I've got your priority list. We are beginning," said Piper.

"Where are they going?" asked Thor.

"We directed Julian and others to the Cargo bay. Sorry no time to sort," said Ami.

"Be very sure you do not pull in a replicator block. I do not exaggerate when I say it would be better to let everyone die than give them another advanced ship," said Thor.

"We know. We do try not to read people, but they are panicking, our mental shields are low to accomplish this. Some of it is unavoidable," said Celeste.

"The Enterprise reports a possible infestation, but they believe they are handling it. Rowan and Deanna are apparently on a rampage porting every block they can find off the ship," said Jadzia.

"I'm working on a detection program, but they are masking in different ways," said L'Nea.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance," said Thor.

"By all means. Here let me help you in that chair. You look like your going to fall down as is," said L'Nea.

"We are now under 50% of our torpedo supply," said Jinto.

"Battle is what percent complete?"

"40% at best, but Athena is coming. I believe that is them now," said Jinto.

Athena emerged from the dimensional sea and began to tear apart the replicator infested ships that were empty of people with a vengeance.

"I'm still glad they are our allies. That ship is still arguably stronger than any of the newer Alliance ones," said Riker.

"Indeed," said Thor.

"Coms request from Athena," said Samson.

"On screen."

"You have found quite the troublesome enemy. Our initial conclusion based on the tactical net is to exterminate every one in this zone. Do you concur?" asked Shion.

"Our new ally does. Jean-Luc also does. Between those two that is good enough for me," said Riker.

"Very well. We will evaluate again once the situation is secure," said Shion.

"Enterprise may be infested. Rowan and Deanna are dealing with it. I'm not sure if you can help or not. Worst case we pull off her crew and destroy her."

"Agreed."

"Good, let's finish our job and how about a nice dinner?" asked RIker.

"That sounds like a plan. Shion out."

"Were you flirting with her?" Asked Sara curiously.

"Nope. She loves Allen and I'm married. That is a complicated story. Either way, I just meant dinner."

"You have strange priorities," said Thor.

"That we do," agreed Jadzia in amusement.

"How are you and Jinto doing?" asked Riker.

"I believe we can last through this battle, but will want Ekuryua to swap in after," said Jinto.

Thor pointed out an issue with L'Nea's design. She fixed it and moved to another part of it. They started reading and modifying the design with very few words. Thor would either interact with the computer directly or point and speak the fewest words possible.

"Enterprise is out of torpedoes, but their phasers remain effective," said Sobaash.

"Noted. Try to look for ways to help them. If it is needed I want a plan for the Enterprise crew to be removed from that ship without bringing along any of those things," said Riker.

"That is going to have to wait for our detection system, at least for most, I'm afraid," said L'Nea.

"How long?"

"Several hours to be sure. Could we field something sooner? Yes, but these are not something I take lightly, at all," said L'Nea.

"I advise against proceeding before we are complete," said Thor.

"Enterprise has a full complement of escape pods, which is handy here. That would be the plan," said Sobaash.

"Yes, ours assumes at least half the runabouts will be used. Remind me to check if that assumption makes sense after this," said Riker.

"I'm sure many people will," said Jadzia with a grin.

"No doubt."

"We are at 75% complete thanks to Athena," said Jinto.

"Keep at it. How is the ship?"

"All systems are functioning normally," said Jadzia.

"I want a check on everything in detail before we leave this dimension," said RIker.

"Agreed. Since you are dimensional travelers we must be absolutely certain no replicator blocks leave this dimension. That is vital," said Thor.

"I was thinking of a problem we had with our ID drive awhile back, but that is equally valid. We are pretty sure we solved the former."

"I would like to formally request your groups help until this threat is mitigated. If they had gotten past our line here they would have reached our home planet," said Thor.

"We have someone here we thought might be interested in joining our group, but she should not remain in a combat zone. Getting her back home will have to be a priority, as soon as we safely can," said Riker.

"I'm Rin Ogata. I'm the one they are talking about. I am please to meet you Mr. Thor."

"Just Thor is fine. I am curious as to why you are aboard," said Thor.

"Oh, I had this Rideback, err well it is a bike, you know two wheels with a motor."

"I am somewhat familiar."

"It had a system which links the pilot to the vehicle, and I used it to save a friend of mine from a terrorist attack. Apparently, how well I linked to it impressed them, even if they said the system on the bike wasn't safe. They use that kind of thing here too apparently."

"I am aware of the technology. The Asgard make extensive use of it."

"Oh. Is it rare to have people that link to it well?"

"It is not rare per say, at least among Asgard. Before I saw these ships I was not aware any humans had similar technology," said Thor.

"There are humans in this system?" asked Riker.

"Yes, though no where near here. They are another reason we must not fail. They would likely be unable to face such a threat. They are still relatively primitive."

"FTL?" asked Riker.

"No."

"Almost done, at least with the obvious targets, but this is going to be a mess to cleanup and make sure every block is destroyed," said Jinto.

"Understood."

"I'll swap in as soon as you are ready," said Ekuryua.

"Out of curiosity, is this Earth developing in a stable manner?" asked Riker.

"Not particularly. We have nudged them a few times to prevent the worst outcomes, but there are certainly considerable problems."

"Why does my home planet have to be such trouble?" asked Riker rhetorically.

"Thankfully many of us don't come from there," teased Jadzia.

L'Nea said, "This design isn't terrible. I'm sending it to Enterprise to help with their issue, with the relevant caveats, using an additional one time key that Mr. Data memorized, to be sure it remains secure. From what I can tell of our sensor data. Deanna and Rowan may have removed all the blocks, but a lot of scanning is required. I'm certainly not assuming they have them all."

"Good. Do you need help from anyone to finish that design?" asked Riker.

"I'm sending a request for Momo's help to do check this, and then check us all. Mr. Data has already decoded what I sent."

"Are you certain the replicators cannot break your encryption?" asked Thor.

"We keep one time encryption pad data for such emergencies. I used Enterprise and Commander Data's for what I sent to Enterprise and I used Athena's plus an additional key question for Athena. They should be secure. Data is an Android. On top of that is our standard four thousand ninety six bit encryption. It cannot be broken, as long as our ships are not broken into."

"The replicators were on that ship."

"That was why I added the extra layer using Data. Now I read both Momo and data working on the issue, and that they are confident in the security," said L'Nea smugly.

"Good work. Jinto, Lafiel, how long?" asked Riker.

"We haven't found another target in about two minutes.. Let's give it another five, then we swap," said Jinto.

"Understood, but given the intensity you have to be exhausted. No more than that," aid RIker.

"We are also fairly tired. We don't need to stop, but if this isn't the end, well, we won't be able to do much more," said Celeste.

"Is this the end, or do we need to call for more help?" asked Riker.

"We are going to have to go get replacement ordinance, as soon as we can confirm both our ships are clean. You should call in more help anyway," said Jadzia.

"Agreed. Get me Alliance dispatch."

"I recommend waiting at least a day and re-scanning. We may be able to produce replacements for your weapons systems if you want. If someone comes, they cannot leave for that period," said Thor.

"We generally don't give out design specs for weapons. Sorry," said Riker.

"It is an understandable precaution, though I believe we may have comparable levels of technology," said Thor.

"I'm not saying we can't get to that point, just not today," said Riker.

"I understand."

"I have them online," said Samson.

"Will, how are you doing?"

"Admiral DeSoto. I wasn't aware you had transferred."

"Times change. What do you need?'

"The work out here to help Enterprise deals with an invasive species of robotic spiders. They are potentially a Borg level threat. Enterprise had an infestation that we haven't confirmed cleared. We have had to destroy many allied ships after porting survivors off, no Alliance one yet, but it wouldn't surprise me. Our torpedo supplies are dangerously low and Enterprise is out. I also have one civilian who may want to join us at some point, but has no business here. I'm asking a ship be sent I guess to restock what they can of our weapons and get her out of here. The ally suggest no one leave for a day, to be very sure nothing is brought back."

"The previous Enterprise has the required Cargo space to restock you and has been upgraded to the same torpedoes you are using. They should be able to pause their current mission, load up additional supplies and bring them out to you. Is there anything else you need?"

"If they get time they might stop by the Earth in this universe. Apparently our new allies which also call themselves Asgard have tried to help a little, but well, I'm sure you've seen how many Earth missions there are."

"You know Will, you'd think that since our Earth managed to get through these phases that others would, but on average reality is quite sad. I'll ask them to get us status information if there is time."

"Thanks."

Lafiel got up, having a bit of trouble standing. Ekuryua steadied her for a moment even as Sobaash helped Jinto up.

"We are okay. It's just being in for that long that deep is exhausting," said Lafiel.

"It truly is. Part of the reason Lafiel and Jinto take most combat jobs is because they managed to split the load between them," said Ekuryua.

"Want me to help you somewhere?" offered Rin to Lafiel.

"You might as well. Flying this ship is the honor of my life, but then there are times like this," said Lafiel.

"I'll lead you to the sick bay," said Sobaash.

-=oOo=-

Rin was surprised when she appeared in an odd room on the other ship about an hour and a half later.

"Am I where I should be? I went to the bridge on the other one," said RIn.

"I'm Captain Morgan Bateson. The shift to using site to site transporters for everything was part of the next generation of craft. This one, while much better than my old craft doesn't have that. This is known as a transporter room. This is the normal place to leave or return to."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"We are going to check up on this Earth. I hear you have an interest in the interface tech."

"I do. I haven't had a chance to see if I'm really compatible yet. They got busy."

"It happens. We will see if we can get you some time on ours, just in simulator mode initially at least, but we can at least get you started."

"I'd appreciate that. They seemed so exhausted."

"Contrary to what you might believe, we fight very few battles like the one they just did. They do more than most of course, given they are a front line vessel."

"And this is?"

"This used to be the flagship of the Federation about five years back, now even with the modifications it can't keep up with the new ones. Still, she is a very fine ship. Come, I'll introduce you to Guinan, who elected to stay on this ship for now rather than moving to the new ones."

-=oOo=-

"I can't believe how much fun flying this ship was. Sure it was only in simulation, but it felt real," said Rin to Guinan the next day.

"I'm glad, but maybe you should check into safer careers."

"Are you going to try to talk me out of it too?" asked Rin.

"Maybe a little."

"They even fixed my foot and said you should just dance, but how can I go back and leave all this?"

"What about your family?" asked Guinan.

"They said my mother could come, probably to live on one of their worlds, if she wanted."

"They do this you know. Help people. Some choose to come with them. They don't pretend to be perfect, but Captain Riker and his crew have certainly came into their own since they were on this ship."

"He was Captain of this ship?" asked Rin.

"First officer actually. It has been awhile, and he was due for being Captain long before that, but, he wanted to be on the flagship of the Federation."

"Is Falcon the flagship?" asked RIn.

"The Alliance doesn't really work like that. I suppose the replacement for this ship, the one they helped is the flagship, but not really. They both do good work, so does this one for that matter. It's just a bit less exciting here," said Guinan.

"Do you think I should do this?" asked Rin.

"No."

"What?" exclaimed Rin.

"No. Go join Starfleet, have some fun, learn all kinds of stuff, then decide. They will surely let you join. I know people, if need be, but I would bet Captain Riker would give you the necessary recommendation."

"Recommendation?"

"Federation worlds can get people in Starfleet pretty easy. Those outside of it need a recommendation from Captain or above rank. Again, you will get it. I'm sure I could get it, probably from Captain Bateson, but I'd make a request to get Riker's. Simply say your interested. You wouldn't be on his ship if he didn't approve on some level."

"What do you do at Starfleet and can I bring my friends?"

"That might be harder, but given that you did test well in that thing, it could happen. Do you think they might like a career in Starfleet?"

"I don't know."

"Then read up, or better yet, come with me, I'll introduce you to where you can see it all."

"Really?"

"Yep. I'll show you the holodeck."

-=oOo=-

Captain Bateson beamed back down to Rin's home planet with her at his side. He walked with her to the club's building where they already knew everyone was.

"Rin, your back," said Shouko.

"Hey guys."

"Your not staying are you," said Okakura.

"No, that is the reason I'm back. This is Captain Morgan Bateson of the Enterprise-D. I'm going to attend Starfleet Academy. It's a place to learn everything with most going on to serve in their space forces."

"If they all graduate. The Academy is difficult. Our standards are quite high," said Morgan.

"Oh, he exaggerates. Most that are serious make it through," said Rin.

Morgan nodded.

"The point being is I asked and well begged for all of you to have the chance and they agreed. My mom has already agreed to come with me."

"Begging really? We weren't that hard to persuade. Everyone here is the same as any other human in Starfleet and they get in," said Morgan dryly.

"I don't know Rin. I don't know," said Shouko.

"It's an option, not a requirement. Choose your own path, but it is really cool," said Rin.

"I would like to go. Sooner or later my past is likely to be a problem. I would truly like a fresh start and will work to earn it," said Okakura.

"Are you willing to to teach a course at least every two years about your experiences? Terrorism is not something many have to face these days, and some actual experience in our faculty was what we were looking for when we considered you," said Morgan.

"Sure, whatever you need. Could I still work with the bikes and such?"

"Well they won't burn liquids, but we certainly have our share of fast toys. The bike that was loaded on Falcon is actually on the Enterprise now. It can't be used without the engine being replaced and the dangerous linking technology removed or replaced, but could be after that."

"Could I install whatever you have?" asked Okakura hopefully.

"And could I ride it?" asked Rin.

"It won't be the military grade version, but yes, I don't see that as a problem," said Morgan.

"I would like to go and at least see it. I'm an orphan, so maybe that is simpler," said Suzuri.

"That isn't a problem."

"I think I'm staying," said Hishida.

Rin nodded and smiled.

"Think about it till this evening. We are going to track the work Falcon did for a little while to make sure it doesn't become undone, and then we will leave this evening," said Morgan.

"It really is great. They are.. They are, how I hoped our world would be," said Rin softly.

"It took us a lot of mistakes to get there and the road to ruin is surprisingly short. We aren't angels, but we do what we can," said Morgan.

"Did you learn any of Pyrrha's tricks?" asked Suzuri.

"No. I should get a chance to learn what I can at the Academy, but time with a trainer is so precious it is really hard to get," said Rin.

"No kidding. I have a single T4 telepath for everything we do. They are snapped up by ships as fast as we can train them. Those like Falcon has are very hard to get, but then they get the hardest jobs, so it works out I suppose," said Morgan.

"Can I meet him or her?" asked Rin.

"Sorry, there are like four hundred people on his to train list before you."

"Oh, I didn't realize how rare they were," said Rin.

"They actually aren't. It would be unheard of five years ago to have a telepath on every ship ranked T4 or higher. We have done it, and it has helped a great deal. We just have a lot of ships. The key was when Rowan taught how to teach almost anyone some skill, but still there aren't a lot with the highest levels of potential," said Morgan.

"You mean we would have the potential too?" asked Shouko curiously.

"Most likely. I'm not one that has learned so I can't test you. A lot can only manage to talk quietly to someone near."

"I'd like to learn if I can learn to do that," said Shouko softly.

"I can ask Andy to beam down and test you, but actual training has to wait till he works through everyone else on the list. You'd be better at the academy."

"Your welcome to room with me Shouko," offered Rin.

"I don't know. My family and everyone."

"Could you come with me to take a look?" asked Rin.

"You understand that we aren't trying to make this complicated. I just have no one I can leave to help teach you. I honestly wish I did," said Morgan.

"I thought my ability with the interface and such," said Rin uncertainly.

"I'm sure we hope you will choose that path, and I fully believe you should go through Starfleet Academy, and it is likely if you do end up in a vital role that we can maybe spend more resources here, if nothing else to try to find more with your potential. Perhaps, it is not random. None of that has happened yet. As I said I honestly don't have anyone we can post here."

"Do you think you will sometime?" asked Rin.

"Sure. Every person we train trains multiple people. It is a geometric progression, except most don't reach a particularly high level. I'm not saying never, just not today. I'd guess within a few years, particularly if someone like Rin is there to remind people now and then. I guess I'm saying everyone is welcome for the tour."

"How long would I have to train?" asked Shouko.

"Just for the telepath training it is probably six months. If you join Starfleet that is years. We would want, at minimum to make some commitment to help this world, or some world, for the training. That doesn't have to be using telepathy, but you have to do something. At the very least you would have to tell us, or someone, if there are problems."

"I could do that, and probably more," said Shouko.

"We might also contact you if we return for some reason. It would likely not be to get you to act, but just for more information."

"The Academy really is great. I bet once you see it you will want to stay," said Rin.

"Could I take a course while I was there, other than the telepathy thing?" asked Shouko.

"Yes, but they would want to know what you are going to do with it. Most things are provided, but you are expected to contribute for anything beyond subsistence living, and we do want to see you use the skills you acquire," said Morgan.

"You mean like a place to sleep, meals, and stuff?"

"Correct, we don't let anyone starve or go without, but we also don't waste massive amounts of energy and resources on those who aren't contributing."

"That seems reasonable. Maybe I can wait tables or something," said Shouko uncertainly.

"Much of that is automated, but some places still need people for that. Most likely there are many things you could do. Either way, anyone who is coming for the tour, meet back here this evening. Do not tell people who can't keep a secret, and no more than a few more," said Morgan.

They ended up getting the whole group, as well as Shouko and Hishada's parents. None wanted to go back.

-=oOo=-

Back on Falcon three weeks later the job of destroying the Replicators was exhausting work, though they estimated that they were seventy percent done. The Asgard wasted absolutely no time destroying the replicators with prejudice and had even figured out how to duplicate the Federation torpedoes without being given the technical data. In return they offered the technical detail of their more effective plasma cannons, which they gladly accepted. The Alliance's point singularity reactors were stronger than the Asgard Neutrino Ion reactors, though the Asgard it seemed were familiar with that as well and could build the tech without help. The Alliance offered for them to apply as members. The Asgard were considering it. They did, however point out a request to deal with a new problem on Earth, which they thought humans might have better luck at.

-=oOo=-

"Welcome everyone to your first team meeting. I'm general Hammond. Our goal here is to rescue the team member kidnapped and that's it. There is no authorization at this time to further use the Gate."

"Sir, we can't do that. That gate is too important," said a pretty blond.

"I don't make the rules. We are going to return to Abydos, try to find our missing airman, and that's it."

Riker ported in, with help from Celeste and Piper.

"Hello."

"Who the hell are you?" asked the General.

"Captain William T. Riker in command of the Alliance ship Falcon. "I'll make you a deal. We will try to help you get your missing person returned, and you bury that trouble you uncovered."

"Explain that," demanded the General, even as military police rushed in and covered Riker.

"I didn't bring any weapons. You can relax."

"What do you mean you will help us get her back?" asked an older man.

"You are again?" asked RIker.

"Jack O'Neill, with two ls."

"The problem with finding your missing person is we are not precisely sure where she went. Though our people may be able to extract it, maybe."

"It goes to Abydos. We know that," said General Hammond.

"No, that is a general portal to any number of worlds with matching portals with any amount of trouble you will find if you are not careful. One of those particular problems is the Goa'uld, which we honestly didn't know about until the Asgard informed us."

"Asgard. That is Norse right? I'm Sam."

"They are the protectors of this universe. Little brown skinned guys with big eyes about this tall." Riker indicated less than five foot.

"You were saying about the Goa'uld?" added Hammond.

"The Asgard are fairly certain that is who has her. The Asgard intend to eliminate the problem once they finish with the issue we are helping them with."

"You mean they intend to kill the Goa'uld," said Jack.

"For the most part yes. I don't have their precise battle plans, but we have no sympathy for aliens that decide burrowing into humans and taking over is how they are going to live, though we do want to try to save the hosts, if we can."

"I've got no problem with that," said Jack.

"Where would you begin?" asked Hammond.

"Well a trip to Abydos is probably not a bad idea, just to pickup your citizen and see what he learned, but really we were hoping you would let us have access to your gate so we can try to extract where they went."

"I can't authorize that."

"We could just remove it, but we are trying not to cause a worse overreaction. If you use the gate, it might wipe any memory retained. It might also get wiped if you have an incoming wormhole."

"That's plausible, but it would depend on how the system is designed," said Sam.

"So, anyway, if you want to go see Abydos and see what is there, we will be making the trip in a few minutes. Your welcome to bring the team that you wanted to send through the gate."

"Why can't we just go through the Gate? Wait your saying that may delete where they went," said Hammond.

"Yes. There is also, regrettably a good chance she was chosen as a host. We don't actually yet know how to remove these symbiotes, but the Asgard do and we can just bring anyone there we need to. The main thing is don't use that gate before we extract the destination from it."

"Could you extract the information Captain Carter?" asked Hammond.

"I'd be guessing, which I've done a lot of, but if this is in some kind of temporary storage it would be easy to clear it and never retrieve it."

"She is welcome to help. I will insist you not point weapons at my people."

Hammond motioned the guards to lower their weapons. They did, but they remained where they were. Hammond then turned to Jack who turned to Carter.

"Sirs. They clearly have the ability to transmit matter somehow, which implied they could have taken the gate or dropped a bomb in this room, and have done neither. They clearly have the technology to take what they want. I can only conclude that they want cooperation. I cannot obviously say for certain what that cooperation is for. Frankly, I'm not sure why they just don't go without us."

"We considered yanking the gate and doing so, but in the end it would be theft and we didn't consider the risk to you great enough, with the Asgard nearly free to properly defend this universe. Had that not been the case, we might have removed it, and you never saw us. Honestly, and I know this will come out as condescending, but you have a lot of issues to solve here first," said Riker.

"You could help with that you know," said Jack.

"We have plans for batteries, solar panels, better heat pumps, things like that, and the plans for the plants to manufacture them. They are a huge step up from what you have. We always intended to give you a copy."

"But no big honking weapons?" asked Jack.

"No. You are in no way ready for more lethal ways to kill each other," said Riker.

"And who are you to decide that?" asked Jack.

Riker sat down in a free chair and stared across at Jack. "Tell me Jack, this country could be delivering your latest fission weapons to every other country on the planet, including the really unstable ones. Are you going to?"

"Well no, that would be insane, but we are better than that."

"Not that much. I've seen worlds in your state turn into fascist states that are what you protest to fight, where any protest is put down hard, where countless innocents die, or worse. You are not ready."

"They why bother with us?" asked Jack.

"Because we honestly hope you don't do that, that democracy remains healthy and that you continue to advance in what is important."

"And what is important?" asked General Hammond.

"This is from a television show, but I always thought it was a short way of summing it up. Human progress isn't measured by industry. It's measured by the value you place on a life. An unimportant life. A life without privilege. The boy who died on the river, that boy's value is your value. That's what defines an age. That's what defines a species," finished Riker.

"I'll go," said Jack.

"Sir, I want to go as well," said Sam.

"Your our only expert that can figure out the gate. I'm sorry, as much as I want to trust Captain Riker here, I can't trust him with both of you. I'll authorize Jack."

"We want a little time. I want at least a week to be sure before you try that gate," said Riker.

"You can go there and back in so little time?" asked Hammond.

Riker nodded.

"I'll do my best. I have to take orders as well," said Hammond.

"Alright. Let's go."

"I don't have my gear," said Jack.

"You can use mine sir," said the MP near the door.

"That works."

"Just so there is no surprise. That weapon will get stored when we bring you up. I doubt you'd let me armed in a high security area either," said RIker.

"Sure fine," said Jack. Jack took his vest, and his gun.

"Anything else?" asked Hammond.

"Try not to overreact. Our goal is to get your person back and try to talk you out of using that Gate till your ready, particularly since until the Asgard and us have time to deal with them, those Goa'uld could come here and potentially kill billions," said Jack.

"I'll tell my superiors. We will see how it goes," said Hammon.

"Thanks. Now how about walking closer to me, so its easier to figure out who is being beamed up."

Jack did so and they vanished with a pop.

-=oOo=-

Jack's gun vanished just after they arrived.

"I lied about the transporter. Our transporters do not actually penetrate that deep, though Asgard ones oddly do. Either way, we have alternatives. Welcome to the Falcon. Let me introduce my bridge crew."

"Sweet," said Jack and then they went through the introductions.

"Ekuryua, please set a course for Abydos, and drop us into hyperspace as soon as we are masked by the moon."

"How long will this take?"

"Transiting. Nineteen minutes," said Ekuryua.

"Very sweet. I'll take ten."

"Will not happen. Let's just see what is going on. I really hope they don't use that gate. L'Nea were you able to extract the coordinates remotely?"

"Nope, but Sobaash did authorize Piper and me to port down by the Gate. I did, I believe do a complete data extract from it. I haven't figured it all out yet."

"Excellent work."

"I figured that way you didn't have to admit to working around them, and we didn't have to risk her dying due to bureaucracy," said Sobaash.

"Gee, you people are reminding me of me. You were literally acting as a distraction while the work got done," said Jack.

"We were hoping they would just say yes, but they didn't, and her time may be limited," said Jadzia.

"You get our airmen back, and I'll forget all about how you did it," said Jack.

"We are going to do our best. Time to figure out that data log?" asked Riker.

"It might take a day, unless we get lucky. It would help if we could get a few more of them scanned," said L'Nea.

"Well we are heading to one, so there is that."

"It's so blue," said Jack as he stared out the view screen.

"You'll get use to it, and don't mention it to L'Nea."

"Understood."

"I'm right here," said L'Nea dryly.

"More seriously, what are we facing on Abydos? We do have the destination thanks to the Asgard, but it was fairly sparse," said Riker.

"A desert world with a simple people. No real tech. Last time I was there we killed Ra. He was one of them, but I guess there are more," said Jack.

"Anything else?"

"Daniel married one of the locals, and he probably is the only one who knows the language."

"We will get you a com badge so the universal translator works."

"Thanks. So what's the plan when we get there?"

"We usually approach from cloak and determine the situation. Some people find that rude, but we find it avoids more headaches than it causes," said Riker.

"I worked with special forces and the missions I can't talk about. You do what you have to do," said Jack.,

"We try to avoid getting to the point that we must choose between decisions we least regret," said Riker.

"Real life is sometimes different," said Jack.

"You could join our org," offered Riker.

"That was quick. I'm retired, or I was retired."

"We did check everyone's background before the Captain beamed down," said Jadzia softly.

"So you know."

"We do. You have our sincere condolences," said Riker.

"Can't heal death huh?"

"No."

-=oOo=-

"In standard orbit, cloaked, and over the area with the gate," said Ekuryua softly.

"Details. Can you find Daniel?" asked Riker.

"We haven't yet, but this is purely scanners work. There is no tech on the planet," said Jadzia.

Celeste walked up to Jack. "I can find him, but your help would be helpful."

"How is that?"

"I'd use my mind to find him. I need to at least read some impressions from you, which requires your permission. If it was a larger area I might need more, but it isn't."

"You just want me to think of Daniel? You can do that?"

"With your permission yes. This is harmless. We would honestly prefer not to inadvertently teach you any of our skills because of what orders you might be given."

"Me reading minds? Sounds like a bad idea, but sure, if its harmless. This is a mission. I'll think about Daniel. What is next?"

"Nothing. I have what I need. Thank you."

"Do you know how creepy that is?" asked Jack.

"Yes. I apologize. Piper, Ami, Pyrrha. Help me find her."

They all focused where they were. Suddenly Ami walked up beside Jadzia and adjusted the scanners until they zoomed in on a small tent."

"That was quick. Want me to go down and say hello?"

"I'd honestly prefer someone who can fight go with you."

"They are harmless."

"How many missions have you made an assumption like that you have regretted?" asked Riker.

"Too many."

"Pyrrha, take him to get his weapons and replicate anything you need. Go down, attempt to figure out what is going on."

"Alright."

"Your a fighter?" asked Jack, who looked at her more closely. "On second thought, forget I said that."

Pyrrha smiled.

-=oOo=-

"Why did we appear so far away. Lots of walking is involved. My knees," complained Jack.

"You'll be fine. We will heal them later," said Pyrrha.

"You're so kind."

"I do try. Piper wanted to go as well, as did several others. I'll have to remind Riker that all of us can fight if we need to. I think he is trying to find me an excuse to try out my new spear in combat."

"Spear?" asked Jack.

Pyrrha reached out and silver rune encrusted spear as tall as she was appeared in her hand.

"Nice. You have the best toys."

"It isn't really necessary at least in this situation, but sometimes appearing dangerous is more important than being dangerous."

"This is true."

"We've been spotted," said Pyrrha.

"Yep. You can come out now guys. It's me, Jack."

"O'Neill?" said a boy.

"Skaara?" asked Jack.

"O'Neill!" exclaimed Skaara.

Daniel walked up from over a hill. "What are you doing here Jack?"

"Another freak kidnapped an airman. We are trying to get her back."

"She isn't here. Wait, you thought she was here? Jack, the Gate goes a lot of places, not just here."

"We know that now. Are you sure you don't know anything?"

"The gate has been silent since you left."

"We need you to bury the gate. The Goa'uld are out there and this place could be easily reached via the gate," said Pyrrha.

"I have no great problem with that," said Daniel.

"General Hammond also wants you to come back."

"I do have a problem with that," said Daniel.

"General Hammond doesn't control how we got here, so you can do what you want. We want that gate buried though," said Pyrrha.

"Who are you?"

"Pyrrha Nikos. I'm with the Alliance and there is no reason for that to mean anything to you, though if you want to help us, we could certainly use the help. You have actually studied some of this. We would of course return you here when we are done."

"They are good aliens. They have the best toys," said Jack.

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Wait, can you help my wife?"

"Probably. What is wrong with her?"

"We um, we are having trouble conceiving," said Daniel.

"You do know that pregnancy is one of the most dangerous things a woman can do, and out here without medical aid, well you should understand the risks," said Pyrrha.

"I didn't think of that, but you could help her, or me, if that is the problem."

"Almost certainly. We should go to your gate. Bring your wife and whatever you wish to bring."

"That quick?"

"There is a woman we are trying to save," said Pyrrha.

"Sorry. I forgot. Sha're is likely already there. Let's go."

-=oOo=-

They were half way back when Pyrrha said, "They are here. On guard."

She focused and the whole lot of enemies appeared before her.

"Jaffa Kree," said the one in gold.

They aimed their weapons at Pyrrha and the others.

"You know I know something you do not," said Pyrrha.

The mask came down on the one in gold.

"And what is that?"

"That my friends are of course watching us and are likely to be doing something about now."

All of their staff weapons vanished.

The Goa'uld shot his hand weapon at Pyrrha, who brought up her spear and parried it away.

"Surrender. You are a pathetic parasite that doesn't even have a body of his own," said Pyrrha.

Jack fired at the Goa'uld, but the bullets bounded off.

The Jaffa ran for her. They all vanished. Her well appeared briefly during that.

"You will make a very fine host," said the Goa'uld.

"I think the symbol on his servants would indicate Apophis," said Daniel.

"And that helps how?" asked Jack.

Pyrrha gestured briefly and the hand device on his hand was ripped off before vanishing.

"What magic is this?" asked the Goa'uld.

"Oh just me trying to figure out how to store you safely until we can extract the parasite. I'll tell you what. You tell us where the others you have kidnapped lately are and I might let you go."

"I will not tell you."

"You already did. Thanks." He collapsed, as if his strings were cut and was beamed up.

"We have him and the others. Good work," said Riker.

"I'm sending the coordinates I rather rudely ripped from his mind to L'Nea. One of us may have to go through in order to track it, unless she can make something of it."

"Thanks. I'll be down after you get there to figure out this gate. Maybe I can determine the destination. Actually, I'll just throw a crappy beacon set to self destruct through. That is way less work," said L'Nea.

"Sounds like a plan. We will meet you there shortly," said Riker.

"You know I really like you guys. Sure my weapons were useless, but you were acting more scary Goddess like than he was," quipped Jack.

"We are certainly not gods, and the Goa'uld are just parasites it seems."

"Sha're," said Daniel as he hurried up.

"She is unharmed. I saw a glimpse of them inspecting her when I noticed them, but no significant harm came to her," said Pyrrha.

He ran off anyway.

"Shall we?" asked Jack.

Pyrrha nodded.

-=oOo=-

"You don't seem to trust these gates for people," said Jack as Daniel dialed the symbols they had and L'Nea threw a small metal ball through.

"It is not that we don't trust them, but if one of us steps through we have no backup and are likely in the middle of an enemy stronghold," said Pyrrha.

"A fair point," noted Jack.

"We need to go, if we are going. Let's bury this and get out of here," said L'Nea.

Pyrrha said, "I've got it. It's a metal my Semblance seems to be able to directly affect."

She focused and it lifted out of its base. They walked out of the temple with it in front of them. Out front were Piper, Celeste, and Ami. They walked well away from the temple and then sat the gate down on the sand before all four worked to open a massive hole that had to be fifty foot deep. They lowered it in and covered it.

Sha're and Daniel were there. Everyone beamed up right after that.

-=oOo=-

"Welcome to Falcon. Lafiel. Get us underway," said Riker.

"Entering hyperspace. Destination is twenty four minutes away," said Lafiel.

"What about the ones that came through?" asked Jack.

"We have them, without weapons, in an empty cargo hold. A guarded empty cargo hold," said Riker.

"I'm also monitoring, just to be sure," said Samson.

"Sounds good."

-=oOo=-

"Does anyone else think that giant pyramids in space are ridiculous?" asked Jack as they viewed the three Goa'uld Ha'tak vessels over their target world.

"I don't think your going to get an argument from us," said Jadzia absently.

"We need to find our missing person. That is the goal for today," said Riker.

"Did you know the woman who was kidnapped?" asked Celeste of Jack.

"No."

"Then we do it the long way. We will find you your intel, but this may take awhile," said Celeste.

"Could ask snake face politely," suggested Jack.

"Perhaps, but I really don't want him getting desperate and further harming the host," said Celeste.

"All hands we are at Yellow alert. There will be no further warning," said RIker.

"Can you take them?" asked Jack.

"Probably, but I want to be sure we get the innocent out first, and it is likely their weapons are strong enough to hurt us, if we aren't careful."

"I like to avoid that," said Jack dryly.

"They are not running a lot of power. There is not a lot we can use to build maps of the ships," said Jadzia.

"You have sensors right, scanners, something?" asked Jack.

"We are cloaked. If we go active on our sensors we paint a target on us," said Neela.

"Ahh. Knew there had to be something. Anything I can do?"

"I can somewhat interface directly with the Mercury Link and it can somewhat interface with Falcon's systems. I think if we put it all together we can put together a holodeck model of these craft when we do the mental exploration. It will take some time," said Ami.

"What about his guards? Any chance of getting any of them to help?" asked Jack.

"Proceed. Sobaash you are in command. Jack, Jadzia, you are with me. We are going to interview our prisoners," said RIker.

-=oOo=-

"Well so far this has been useless," said Jack as they finished interviewing number five.

"Let's finish this then. Maybe we will get lucky at the end," said Jadzia.

"Might as well. Computer. Beam the remaining guard here," said Riker.

Jadzia and Riker held phasers while Jack held his gun on the remaining guard.

"Who are you?" asked the Jaffa.

"I'm Captain Will Riker with the Alliance. We aren't native to these parts. We helped out the Asgard with an issue. Now that their issue is mostly solved they plan on correcting the spread of the Goa'uld," said Riker.

"I'm Jadzia Dax. For what it is worth, I have a symbiont as well, but in my case the symbiont's mind and my mind blend as one. I certainly don't go around pretending to be a goddess."

The Jaffa raised an eyebrow.

"I'm Jack O'Neill. I'm from Earth and you stole one of my fellow airman, a woman with blond hair. I didn't know her, but I am here to get her back."

"Yes, it was I that took her."

"Where is she?"

"If you are the enemies of Apophis, why does he yet live?"

"It's not that we particularly value his life, but we do want to try to save the human he invaded," said Riker.

"You have a symbiote in that pouch of yours. It's not in control from what we can tell. Can you explain that?" asked Jadzia.

"Jaffa raise Goa'uld young. In exchange we retain perfect health and long life. We also serve the Goa'uld."

"Well having an enemy in your stomach is not something we care for. I assume they made it so if you remove it, something bad happens," said Jadzia.

"We die."

"Julian can possibly come up with something. Certainly some doctor in the Alliance can figure out another solution for this mess. The question is, do you want to continue serving these parasites?" asked Jadzia.

Teal'c looked at them as if considering. "How were you able to beat us?" he finally settled on.

"We have studied a lot of things. Some of us do have telepathic and kinetic abilities. That doesn't make us gods," said Riker.

"And yet you did things that no Goa'uld can do. Fine. I will help you. I am Teal'c. I do not believe there will ever be a better chance. What must I do?"

"Those of us that are telepathic, well more telepathic than us, can use what you know, but it will require you to consent to sharing that knowledge. You can also simply tell us where they are."

"Where are we?" asked Teal'c.

"We are at gate coordinates we believe she was taken," said Riker.

"Computer, display passive view of Goa'uld ships in front of Falcon on far wall," said Riker.

Teal'c turned around and looked. He raised an eybrow. "This is not Goa'uld technology."

"No, it isn't. Any idea which she is in?"

"There is no way to tell without communicating with the Ha'taks, but the person you look for is likely near the middle of the them. Since all three are up here, it is unlikely she remains on the planet. Something may have caused them to go on alert."

"We tossed through a small ball like object which sent out this position, before destroying itself," said Riker.

"That may have done it. Goa'uld communication devices are also small and round," said Teal'c.

"Great, had we known that we would have made it look like something else," said Jadzia.

"I just updated Piper. We should head to the holodeck," said Riker before turning to Teal'c. "Can I trust you to come with us?"

"If I return to Apophis's side and he suspects betrayal I will be killed. I have been here longer than the others. He will suspect betrayal."

"We can put you elsewhere if you want," said RIker.

"I will go with you. I will not harm anyone."

Riker nodded. Jack looked on warily but also nodded.

-=oOo=-

"Brace yourself. It will appear we are walking into the Goa'uld ship. That is false. There is no need to react to anything," said Riker.

They entered only to appear with the group as they seemed to wander a Goa'uld hallway.

"Will you lead the way?" asked Piper to Teal'c.

"I shall, though I do not understand."

A transformed Ami wearing her visor said, "It is not necessary to understand all of what we cobbled together, at least not today. Just know we are creating a faithful image of what is there, without, hopefully letting them know."

Teal'c nodded soberly and led them down twisting and turning corridors. Five minutes later they were there, in a room full of scantly clad women.

"Amonett does not appear to have chosen yet," said Teal'c.

"Can you bring them all here, after making sure they don't have a symbiote in them?" asked Riker.

"We can," said Celeste. The necklaces around their necks flared into visibility as the entire group was transported here. Their holographic forms vanished.

"What happened?" asked the air force officer, who suddenly appeared.

"Lieutenant Weterings?" asked Jack.

"How. Jack O'Neill. I thought you retired."

"I did. You are well."

"We need to get out of here. They want to stick one of those things in us."

"Computer end program," said RIker.

The illusion vanished to a black room with yellow lines. "Sorry for the illusion. We were mapping the ship that was holding you," said Riker.

"It's a long story Lieutenant," said Jack.

"Can't wait to hear it. Are we safe?"

"Not perfectly, but the danger is minimal." Riker turned back to Celeste, Piper and the others. "Can you check the others for more?"

They nodded. A few minutes later they said, "There seems to be a variety of slaves, but no groups of women."

"Can you get them out? Maybe put them in one of the other Cargo bays?"

"We can, though they aren't all in one spot. It is going to take hours, and they are going to notice something is wrong before we get done, unless perhaps we use the transporters," said Celeste.

Riker tapped his com badge. "L'Nea can you get all the pure humans without symbiotes or anything dangerous and stuff them in a cargo bay if we go active?"

"Five minutes, maybe a bit more. We will have to avoid firing on them until they are safe. We will also have to have the shields down, but we have armor for a reason."

"What about destroying their engines?"

"If we take out their engines with the energy their crude hyperdrive is powered from, its probably going to blow their ship. Killing them is not a problem. Keeping them alive long enough is," said L'Nea.

"What about sweeping everyone with a symbiote into a locked room, or failing that, into space? Prevent them from being able to control their ship long enough?" asked RIker.

"I'd rather beam the people to safety, given the numbers are less."

"We just found the control room. I'm sending you the information. If you keep people out of that, it should help," said Ami.

"That I can do. Shall we begin sequencing?" asked L'Nea.

"I want us to get back to the bridge first," said Celeste.

"Agreed. The rest of us will do what we can to help the new arrivals. Sobaash remains in overall command. Begin sequencing after we get the doctor and arrive at the cargo bay. All weapons to be removed in transports," said Riker.

"Understood. We will wait for you."

"I wish to at least offer the Jaffa there a chance to walk away," said Teal'c.

"I put Sobaash in command. Tell Sobaash I'm beaming Teal'c to the bridge. He is to make his own decision," said Riker.

"I understand." Teal'c vanished.

-=oOo=-

The slaves appeared and were packed in. Thankfully they were generally healthy. They just had to provide water, rations, and temporary bathrooms. It was nearly twenty minutes before they heard anything, other than occasionally a beam impacted mostly uselessly on their ship.

"Sobaash to Riker."

"I'm here. I take it they did not surrender or turn away."

"No. I let Teal'c continually call for fifteen minutes and then destroyed them."

"Understood. I'd have probably done something similar. It's a waste, but letting an army that has a history of doing horrible things go wasn't a realistic option."

"What are your plans for the slaves?" asked Sobaash.

"I don't know. We will have to figure that out, but first move us out of this area to someplace we can contact the Asgard without necessarily tracing it to this planet."

"Several subspace calls were sent," said Sobaash.

"We could try to help them," offered Jack.

"Let's go for now then. Take us back to Earth. We will be up there shortly," said Riker.

-=oOo=-

"We are entering cloaked orbit above Earth," said Jinto.

"Open a connection to Thor," said Riker.

Thor appeared on screen. "Were you successful?"

"We succeeded at most of our goals. All slaves on the ships were rescued, and the women who were to be chosen from were rescued. Earth is going to try to help them. One Jaffa defected and tried to get others to. That failed. We destroyed three Ha'tak class vessels."

"Are the Earthlings going to bury their gate?" asked Thor.

"I doubt it. We decided not to just grab it. We, however, do defer to you in this universe."

"The Asgard prefer not to interfere unless it is absolutely necessary. We have another week of effort we believe for known replicators plus several more weeks to be sure that they are eliminated. After that, we will address the problem of the Goa'uld. Your help is not required for that, though we do wish to speak with you in person before you leave this universe."

"Of course. We will head to your galaxy after we finish up here."

"Can't we come along for that?" asked Jack.

"Get them to agree to let us bury the gate, on a world you can't reach, say Mars, and I'll think about it," said Riker.

"Why are you so worried about that?" asked Daniel.

"Because we know our own history and all the mistakes we made. You aren't ready. You don't believe me I know, but you aren't," said Riker.

"They would never go for it, though they would want to send someone," said Jack.

"I'm willing to let you two, and maybe Samantha go, but that doesn't mean you will be involved with the Asgard. They asked for us, not you," said Riker bluntly.

"I just want to at least know what the situation is," said Jack.

"About Sha're?"

"Let's get these people situated then deal with that," said Riker.

-=oOo=-

Jack appeared in Hammond's office. Hammond reached for his desk.

"Relax General. It's just me. Mission success, more or less."

"Explain that."

"Lieutenant Weterings is safe and will be beamed down, well to outside when I signal."

"That's good. Why not here?"

"Apparently their tech doesn't penetrate as deeply. They can teleport people with their minds, or some of them can. They never did fully explain that. At any rate, I'm here, and the rest will be put outside."

"The rest?"

"Daniel is back, but he and Sha're are getting medical checks."

"Sha're?"

"His wife," said Jack.

Hammond nodded.

"They might be going back to Abydos. Still not sure there, oh and we have seven hundred and fifty five others. Most are slaves. Five of them were women taken like the Lieutenant. They were going to put a dang snake in one of them."

"You have seven hundred and fifty five people I'm supposed to do something with?" asked Hammond.

"They destroyed the Goa'uld ships. All three of them, and killed all their soldiers. Oh we have one of those two, but they are going to try to figure out a way so he doesn't need his own snake."

"Jack. Explain. Using small words, from the beginning."

"You probably should get some people to handle the refugees."

"Fine Jack, assuming the president doesn't demand my resignation after this. Then again I was supposed to retire soon too."

"Me too. Oh and they are going to go to another galaxy. Apparently this universe is watched over by well, I think they are the Roswell aliens."

"The people that came and got you were human."

"They don't work here regularly. They were helping out a problem the Asgard were having problems with. Quite frankly anything that requires these people to be serious scares the crap out of me. They basically let the big Goa'uld ships take shots at them for like twenty minutes just to try to save their lives, well not the Goa'uld, but the Jaffa or the hosts that contain the Goa'uld."

"Again jack, slowly. Pretend I wasn't there, but first I'll make a call."

-=oOo=-

Julian carefully examined Thor and then Celeste and Ami pushed their healing into him. It helped, a little.

"I do not believe the solution will be so simple, though it is remarkable you have come so far," said Thor.

"No, your bodies are not right. They don't seem quite real," said Celeste.

"It is a legacy of our cloning process. Your attempt did help, but probably much less than you expected."

"Computer try to open a secure connection to Athena and Shion," said Doctor Bashir.

"Working. Stand by."

A few minutes later they heard Shion say, "It is time for sleep here. What do you need Doctor Bashir?"

"I apologize for waking you. Can a sensitive conversation be discussed now?"

"Yes. I'm with Allen, but I trust him fully."

"We have a race here called Asgard as well. They are short brown aliens. You can check our recent entries. There should be something. They have a problem. I'm certainly willing to try to help and if I can, I will, but this is pushing beyond my expertise. Simply put they are a cloned race, and the process is beginning to fail. I thought your expertise may serve them better."

"I see. That is most troubling news. We will head there in the morning. I request you to transfer to my ship, unless there is a better choice, then I'll want them. What you describe is very difficult."

"I know, and I will. I'll miss Jadzia, but this is more important. There are several others here with excellent medical skills and most of the time they just have Celeste or Ami fix it, which still seems like cheating, but it works. We may want to involve the TSAB as well."

"They are facing a death sentence as things are right?" asked Shion softly.

"WIthin a century or two, the clones will fail entirely. The more we must be cloned the faster the decay," said Thor.

"Your already at the point where saving you is going to be difficult. Your imprinting your minds on new brain matter?"

"Correct."

"Which means if we grow anything other than what you expect the download will fail, unless we somehow get really clever," said Shion.

"That is also correct. I believe some rare humans may have the necessary mental capacity for most of our minds, but the configuration is quite different. It is a most vexing problem," said Thor.

"We will do what we can. I just can't promise it will be enough," said Shion.

"We thank you. At the very least we will be able to finish our duty to this universe before the end."

"Don't give up yet. What's that song, some of you sing sometimes?" asked Shion.

Ami sang softly, then Celeste joined in.

What can't we face if we are together?

What's in this place that we can't weather?'

Apocalypse. We've all been there.

The same old trips. Why should we care?

What can't we do if we get in it?

We will work it through within a minute.

We have to try.

We will pay the price.

It's do our die.

What can't we face if we are together?

What's in this place that we can't weather.

There's nothing we can't face together.

"It is reassuring to see humanity take the place that the Alterens once took. Just remember, the Replicators were their technology," said Thor.

"We have seen variations of this. Hopefully those lessons will prevent us from repeating this sad story," said Julian.

"Agreed," added Shion remotely.

"I'll let you get back to sleep and inform the Captain. I can also contact TSAB if you wish."

"Please do. I'm going to slightly abuse a bit of sleeping medication so I'm not useless in the morning."

"I officially didn't hear that," said Julian.

"Don't your crew regularly work around your replicator restrictions?" asked Shion.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," said Julian in an unconvincing tone.

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