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

64. Chapter 64

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

-=oOo=-

"Good Morning. I am Doctor Marin Carrick," said a very pretty Abh doctor who appeared to be around Plakia's age.

"We thought the Doctor here was Doctor Julian Bashir," said Daniel.

"Doctor Bashir was called away on a priority assignment. I assure you I am also highly qualified."

"No, that's fine. Just surprising. What do we do?"

Each of you lay on a bio bed and I will begin the necessary scans.

She sat behind her desk and began to slowly and methodically go through the data as the scan data came in. A half an hour later Daniel asked, "Um, are we done?"

"Yes, you can both get up. I was almost done figuring this out. Do you want to hear together or separately?"

"Together," said Sha're.

"Sha're has a minor genetic issue. It is possibly repairable, but that is very advanced work, and somewhat dangerous, and as it does not affect her health, not recommended."

"But I cannot conceive. Can you not fix it?" asked Sha're.

"Genetic re-sequencing is possible, and even correcting the abnormality is possible. I know Starfleet can do it, but I honestly do not see a point in taking this risk when you could just use a gestation cradle, have the minor issue fixed during the creation of the embryo, and easily have a healthy child."

"Wait, you can grow a child outside a woman's body?" asked Daniel.

"Yes, we easily can do so. The Federation do not use this tech as often, but we have it readily available at our home. I would recommend spending some time there. That way we can assure a healthy child and you can be near him or her as is custom."

"You would do that for us?"

"You would of course be expected to try to find a job of some kind. You are a historian are you not?" asked Marin.

"Yes, how is that relevant?"

"There are no doubt many who have questions about Earth history. You may even be able to advise the Emperor on our continuing efforts to finally end the conflict with the United Mankind."

"I'm going to need some more information," said Daniel.

"Of course. I'll be glad to inform you and you can ask others on this ship as well."

-=oOo=-

"I can't believe I barely met Daniel and now we are leaving him behind in another universe," said Sam.

"He is going to be able to start a family. I can kind of envy that," said Jack.

"What do you think about the mysterious meeting with the Asgard? We know Doctor Bashir vanished."

"I think its something related and that we aren't going to be told," said Jack.

"I suppose. A part of me doesn't want to go home. Another part of me wonders how much trouble never comes knocking thanks to these people," said Sam. They were in Jack's room.

"A friend needs help. We are going to emergency interdimensional flight. Yellow Alert," said Riker through the com system.

The ships lights dimmed momentarily as nearly all reactor power was shunted to the dimensional engine.

"That's probably enough energy to crack a planet like an egg being used to propel this ship," muttered Sam.

"Let's try to go to the bridge," added Jack.

-=oOo=-

They arrived on the scene on a mostly ocean planet. Lafiel took the ship into the atmosphere releasing the cloak. It was pouring down rain.

"Where are they?" asked Riker.

"I've got them. I'll lead them there." Ami touched Lafiel's face briefly. The ship immediately began to move.

"I think Nanoha is dying. Hurry," said Celeste.

"Going as fast as we can," said Jinto.

They continued to fly through the pouring rain. Lightning strike after lightning strike bounced off the shields, as water also sluiced off.

"Almost there. We will have to let the lightning hit. I need unrestricted sensors. I have to get her inside our shields fast. Nanoha is not responding to queries. She is just floating there. I also can't find Fate," said Lafiel.

"Do it. Find them. Celeste, Piper."

Sara wrote furiously. Sam and Jack tried to stay out of the way.

"Pyrrha and I will head out, once Lafiel clears us. It is likely that Nanoha has expended so much magic and is so exhausted that she is not thinking clearly, or possibly at all," said Ami.

"Alright," said Riker.

"There she is. Shields are down. Moving under her carefully," said Lafiel.

Pyrrha vanished while Ami was in the middle of a transformation, and then she too vanished.

"Anything we can do?" asked Jack softly.

"Not at this time," said Riker.

Celeste said, "We've found Fate. God she is so hurt. She is under the ocean. I don't think I can port her like this. We are going," said Celeste before vanishing with Piper.

"Reading Celeste and Piper putting space suits on. They may not work down there," said Jadzia.

"Keep a lock on them. Ekuryua, launch in a runabout. Best available crew. You are to rescue them," said Riker.

"Understood. Deploying now. We were already ready."

"Good."

"Shields are back up."

Lightning struck the ship twice in a row.

"Show us Nanoha," said Riker.

Ami and Pyrrha were giving Nanoha all the energy they had to spare on the top of Falcon. She wasn't responding.

"Can you get them inside?" asked Riker.

"Negative. Nanoha is maintaining some kind of anti transport magic," said L'Nea.

"And if they could port in they would have done it. What about the side door?" asked Riker.

"Not meant to be opened in flight, but I can override," said L'Nea.

"Sobaash take command. I'm going to the door."

"We'll help," said Jack.

"Follow me."

-=oOo=-

The reached the side door nearly five minutes later after going through the turbolift and getting to the seldom used door. Riker commanded the door open. Sam and Jack helped pull the heavy door the rest the way in.

The wind noise made it impossible to speak. Pyrrha and Ami flew in with Nanoha held between them. They were all soaked with water that was splashing everywhere. Riker, Sam, and Jack slowly pushed the heavy door closed again.

"We have to get her to sick bay," said Riker.

"We gave her almost all we had," huffed Ami.

"You can stay here then."

"Alright."

Sam and Jack held Nanoha between them while Riker tried for her staff."

"You must save my master," said the red gem around her neck.

"We will try our best. Here let me at least carry the staff," said Riker.

"Very well. I cannot break her transformation. She is below the critical threshold. She will die."

Riker took the staff. They began to carry her to sick bay.

"What does she need?" asked Riker.

"More magic than exists on this ship. What was taken must be replenished. She lost control when she thought Fate was killed. She killed the monster, but almost died in the attempt."

"We will leave as soon as we retrieve our team and Fate. Is Mid-Childa the destination the closest?"

"No, the dimension containing Hogwarts is much closer. Time is essential, likely for both of them," said the device.

"Understood." Riker tapped his com badge. "Contact Mid-Childa. Tell them we are taking Fate and Nanoha to Hogwarts to try to replenish their magic. Tell them her life is in critical danger."

"We will be ready to leave the moment the others return," said Sobaash.

"The moment of. Leave the runabout if need be. We will come back for it," said Riker.

"Understood."

They got her to Marin and her staff. Marin immediately infused her with all the life energy she could spare. Riker helped as well.

"Wrong type of energy, but its the best we can do," she muttered.

"Will more help?" asked Riker.

"Doubt it. She was swimming with the others before we added what we could. I've read about this, but am really am not qualified to treat her. We need a magical doctor and we need it now!"

"We are leaving as soon as the others are back."

Celeste, Piper, and a nearly drowned Fate popped in.

The sounds of the engines picked up and became a dull roar.

"Get her on the bed. I have to get that water out of her fast," said Marin, who scrambled to work even as another Abh doctor took over for Nanoha.

Marin worked the controls on the bed. "Water is beamed away, most of it anyway. Starting artificial oxygenation and restarting her heart."

Fate spasmed on the bed, and then did so again.

"We have a pulse."

"Gave her all we had. Barely enough to get back," said Piper before passing out.

"Ekuryua and others still there," added Celeste before also passing out.

Riker tapped his com badge. "ETA to Hogwarts?"

"Four minutes. I have already sent a message through our tactical net informing them of our status and that we plan to return to pickup Ekuryua and her team," said Sobaash.

"Good. Do you have coordinates to the front of Hogwarts? I want to beam right in front of the door. Inside might result in someone trying to kill us," said Riker.

"We do. We will beam them down as soon as we arrive, except of course for Celeste and Piper."

"Good job. I can't predict if we will need to leave again. Until we know more, hold off on returning."

"Understood."

Sam looked at Jack. They gave minute nods to each other. They volunteered to help.

-=oOo=-

Sam and Jack beamed down with Nanoha between them while the two Abh doctors did the same for Fate. Sara beamed down as well, trying to write whatever she could in her notebook.

Jack was the first at the big door and hit it with his free hand about once a second for a whole minute before a very large and tall man opened it.

"Medical emergency. We need help," said Jack.

"Come in. I'll be fetching Madam Pomfrey."

They walked in and encountered Snape next. They ignored him and gently lifted each up to lay onto the Hufflepuff table which had space at the end.

"What is the nature of the injury?" asked Severus.

"Extreme overuse of magic, I think," said Marin.

Snape waved his wand over Nanoha and then over Fate. He grimaced at the result before pulling a potion out of his inside jacket pocket and pouring half down Fate's and the other half down Nanoha's mouth and helping them swallow.

"Will that help?" asked Marin.

"A little. Not remotely enough. Something that will restore more of their strength is not stored here. I shall have to go to St. Mugnos and get it and a master healer. Tell Pomfrey where I went and why."

Snape ran out of the door. Minerva walked up. "Is there anything else we can do?"

"A patronus perhaps. I remember that being written as possibly useful in cases of extreme magical exhaustion," said Snape.

Minerva nodded, pulled out her wand and cast her cat patronus which roamed between the two. She called to the students. "If you can cast a Patronus, do so. If you can't do nothing."

Over a dozen additional corporeal animals of all shapes and sized formed and began swarming their ethereal forms over Nanoha and Fate. Madam Pomfrey walked in a few minutes later and began checking them with detailed diagnostics charms.

"The other guy said he was going to get a master healer and a more powerful potion," said Riker.

"Good. It will be required. The charms seem to be helping. I'm honestly astounded they are alive. They have energy of some sort, but it is not what they need."

"We gave them what energy we could spare, but only two of us have magic, and they are certainly not mages of their caliber."

Pomfrey snorted. "I fairly confident there is no one on Earth of their caliber."

"Their own doctors should be coming too. We were told that replacing what they used was a higher priority than getting to their actual doctors."

"You were told correctly. This one shows as recently drowned, but I see you treated it, though I am not sure how. It doesn't matter. She is actually not in as bad of shape as the other. Drowning is less likely to kill one of us than draining yourself as dry as this one did."

"Nanoha. The other is called Fate," said Riker.

Pomfrey kept working and doing small things. Her spells were each small and careful. She added absently, "I honestly can't do anything big, not in their condition. The magic from the Patronus charms is seeping into them, and just being in Hogwarts helps some."

"Sobaash to Riker."

Riker tapped his com badge. "Riker here."

"Doctor Camber, Shamal, her team, Hayate, and Lindy are heading here at top speed. They are forty seven minutes out. We are going to meet them and get them here more quickly," said Sobaash.

"Understood. Be back when you can."

"We will. Falcon out."

"Well we know our dangerous drive is flat paying for itself," added RIker.

"What do you power that thing with anyway?" asked Sam.

"Twin artificial singularities," said RIker absently.

"Your harnessing something comparable to the power of a star. Two of them?" half exclaimed Sam even as she consciously tried moderating her voice.

"Small ones," added Riker wryly.

"Of course they are," added Jack wryly.

Five minutes later Snape returned with a man near his age in green healers robes. "Let me see the patients."

"If you brought a full dose for each, then give it to them," said Pomfrey.

"They can't possibly be that bad, not on top of Master Severus's potion."

Pomfrey moved out of the way even as he repeated the same tests. He paled and then pulled two potion vial containers out of his inside pocket. He set them on a table then tapped each with a wand to release the seals then unscrewed the metal lid from each before pulling out the glowing vial cradled inside and very carefully pouring the first vial down Nanoha's mouth, making sure she swallowed. Glowing magical light seemed to pour into her body and spread from her mouth to her toes. He repeated the same process with Fate.

"I hope someone has a lot of money. That is over two thousand galleons of potions i just spent, and a long time to make those. Each takes over a year of effort. One was actually produced by Master Severus with aid from Fawkes."

"We will pay whatever is required. It may take a little time, but we will pay," said Riker.

Fate suddenly lost her transformation and changed into ordinary more modest clothing. Nearly a minute later Nanoha did the same.

"Is that normal?" asked the new healer.

"Nanoha's magical device said that it could not drop the transformation without killing her. I think it means that enough was restored that it could," said Riker.

The Patronus charms began to fade away.

Almost half an hour later Shamal, her team, Doctor Camber, and Lindy came through the door.

Shamal immediately said, "Klarwind diagnostics on Nanoha now please." A magical circle formed under Nanoha and crawled up her body even as Doctor Camber repeated her work with his own device on Fate.

"I do not understand," said Shamal.

"What don't you understand?" asked the Saint Mugnos healer.

"Nanoha is basically stable. I do not understand how that is possible. Anything I might try would probably be worse than leaving things alone."

Doctor Camber also turned to the other healer.

"The potion we used is very very expensive and special. It should have restored their core energy back to full. As it is, I think between it and this charm work and what Master Severus did they are perhaps at a fifth. It seems to be enough as you said."

"We will want to learn how to make that potion, or simply buy it. One or the other. Fate is also at the point I would not recommend treatment at this time," said Doctor Camber.

"You can pay for someone else to take my teaching duties next year and I will try to get together a handful of additional doses. I will also need money for all the ingredients, if they can all be found," said Severus.

"Of course. We will get you whatever you need. Will gold do?" asked Doctor Camber.

"It is not as valuable as enchanted gold coins, but I can use it yes," said Severus.

"How many pounds would you need?" asked Riker.

"Perhaps ten. I'd have to do the math," said Severus.

"We will deal with that, after we go retrieve some people we left behind." Riker then turned to Lindy. "Are you okay here till your ship arrives or we get back?"

"Of course. Do you need treatment for any of your people?"

"Actually yes. Celeste and Ami were also deeply exhausted, though not to Nanoha's levels."

"Then let us go check on them before you leave," said Doctor Camber.

Sara kept writing diligently, every now and then looking around the wonder that was Hogwarts. She turned to Lindy after the others beamed up.

"Can I help you?" asked Lindy.

"I have so many questions. Your a society that is completely separate from any Earth right?"

"We are."

"I'd like to learn all about it."

"That would take years. I suppose you could visit. Who are you again?"

"Sara Jane Smith. I'm a friend of the Doctor. The Alliance met him awhile back. He does the same kind of thing. I'm a reporter."

"And you want to do a report on the Administration Bureau, or are people or?"

"All of the above."

"Alright. I'll discuss it with Captain Riker," said Lindy.

Sara smiled.

-=oOo=-

Sam and Carter were walking quietly on the final stretch of road to the Cheyenne Mountain base.

"They made it. On top of everything else. They just made a ten pound brick of it," exclaimed Carter softly, while still being a bit careful to make sure no one was near them to overhear.

"You act like that is difficult," said Jack in amusement.

"Difficult. Do you know how hard it would be for me to do that? It would be the work of multiple lifetimes, and be far cheaper just to buy it," she said in a clipped voice.

Jack smiled. "Come on. We have a long report to give."

"So what happened?" asked George when they were sitting in their secure conference room.

"Oh nothing much, just apparently saving two super powered magic girls by doing multiple trips to different universes and some insane magical thing that kept them alive, and a bunch of other stuff. You know Tuesday," said Jack.

George ignored Jack and turned to Sam.

"Can't we just say nothing happened? That might be for the best. We traveled. Did one minor rescue mission to pick up two women who's vehicle had engine problems then came back," said Carter.

"I like that story. Let's write that one down," said George.

"Mine was true," quipped Jack.

"Don't care. Not writing that in a report, and your not mentioning it to anyone who might read this report. Got it Jack?" asked George.

"Understood. Did I mention that the girls, well women really, we saved, were really hot and lesbians?"

"No Jack you didn't and it isn't relevant," said Hammond.

Sam rolled her eyes.

"And that they offered us jobs?" asked Jack.

"You should take them."

"Why is that? Surely the Stargate," asked Sam.

"The people that helped us did so in such an overwhelming way that the president is taking the advice of Senator Kinsey and he ordered a freeze of Stargate program with no exploration for the remainder of his presidency."

"He was just elected," deadpanned Jack.

"The stuff they gave us is all useful. Not particularly offensive, but the battery tech has some uses there as well. They also didn't skimp on the details. They gave exact plans on how to build and run it all, as well as how to recycle everything so you don't need many new raw materials. He is going to take the win and the popularity and avoid the headaches we might find on the other end of that gate, at least while the Goa'uld are around. Simply put, he asked me what was the odds of us saving another Lieutenant if it happened again?"

"And what did you tell him?" asked Jack.

"I told him the truth. We probably wouldn't have found her in time. If we did, it would have probably resulted in a wipe of the entire team involved with attention drawn to Earth."

"We would have done a bit better than that," said Jack.

"Maybe, but could you bet on it? I'm not giving the commander in chief an artificially rosy scenario. In your previous report you noted that they didn't want to go through the gate because it left them logistically in a bad situation. We would be in the same bad situation, with no ship to back us up, and to ever get there."

"We need to up our game. I don't like relying on the kindness of strangers," said Jack.

"Do you have any reason to believe they can't be trusted?" asked Hammond.

"Technically yes. You probably can't trust them entirely because they seem stretched thin. I think they are trying to do too much," said Jack.

"We are, apparently, the responsibility of the Asgard, whatever that means," said Hammond.

"They have their own problems I think sir, not that we know what they are," said Sam.

"I honestly doubt the Goa'uld will be a serious problem to the Asgard. They seemed a comparable in power to the Alliance," said Jack.

"Well, except the Alliance seems to be getting stronger. They more or less added the Asgard to it, or at least put them on the path," said Sam.

"Which would be another reason to consider joining them. That way we are not forgotten," said Hammond.

"They did keep offering us bribes if we would agree not to use the Stargate. I think they didn't want to potentially have to save us again," said Jack.

"I wonder if we could ask for something," mused Sam.

"You do realize that they tend to well hack everything in sight and find the true lay of the land before they interact with people. They will know," said Jack.

"I'm not saying they wouldn't. I was thinking of selling it as a means to further delay our trips through the gate."

"Like what?" asked Hammond curiously.

"Not sure. Better basic space travel maybe. Just getting into orbit is crazy expensive for us," said Sam.

"I can see many people wanting that. You have a means of contacting them?"

"They gave us a phone number for a recorded line. Not sure how often they check it or how they pulled that off," said Carter.

"Call them and see what they say I guess, but no deals can be made without presidential approval."

"We understand sir."

-=oOo=-

Captain Jean-Luc Picard beamed down to the meeting room that had been setup with Sam, Jack, General Hammond, Senator Robert Kinsey and president Henry Hayes.

"Greetings," said Picard.

"Thank you for coming. We were half expecting the same people as before, but you are of course welcome," said General Hammond.

"We figured an additional perspective might not hurt. Falcon was primarily here to assist the Asgard in eliminating the Replicator infestation. They helped in this mission at the request of the Asgard, but I suspect the long mission of doing nothing but killing may have made them want to slightly rush through future missions in this universe," said Picard.

"Replicators?" asked Senator Kinsey.

"They are basically self constructing machines. They eat everything to replicate, and spread. They can construct ships, or take them over. People are not a primary food source for them, being metal, but they will and have killed anything in their way. They are adaptable and not easy to kill. We had no choice but to exterminate them because they were essentially incompatible with any life not their own," said Riker.

"That madness is out there?" asked Kinsey.

"No, they were Native to the Ida galaxy which is where the Asgard call home."

"That's a relief," said Henry.

"Not really. They could have easily consumed an Asgard ship and come here. In many ways they originated here," said Picard.

"What?" exclaimed Kinsey.

"In this universe at least, and probably in many, the form of life of you or I was the second, not the first evolution of this basic form. The first were called the Alterens and were peers of the Asgard race. Both were very strong, even way back then. It was a remnant of Alteren technology from which the first replicators were made. It was likely someone who knew just enough to make things work, without truly understanding the consequences of what they were doing."

"I don't believe this," said Senator Kinsey.

"That is up to you. Now you were hoping we would provide something?" asked Picard.

"Yes, Captain Carter was hoping you might help us develop a basic way to just travel our local solar system. In exchange we would agree to leave the Stargate buried."

"You do realize that we asked you to bury it for your best interest, not ours? You are not ready," said Picard.

"Who are you to say whether or not we are ready?" asked Kinsey.

"Calm down Robert," said the president who then turned back to Picard. "Is what they asked feasible? Lord knows every space development program we had went way over budget."

"Did they tell you what they hoped for planets like this one?" asked Picard.

"Actually we missed that," said Jack.

"Mostly for everyone to be able to live their life in peace and just live."

"That's a nice platitude, but how does fluttering around space achieve that?" asked Kinsey.

"I was getting to that. You come up with a serious multinational space program and give us another call. We may help you out," said Picard.

"We aren't sharing secrets with the Russians," said KInsey.

Picard grimaced. "We are of course not asking for you to be stupid. The direction that country is heading based on our earlier analysis is not promising, but surely there are countries you could cooperate with?"

"Perhaps. The five eyes countries certainly. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom," said Henry.

"That would be a fine start. Make it a serious one and let us know when you have. Now is there anything else?" asked Picard.

"Actually yes," said Jack.

"And?" asked Picard.

"Is that job offer still open? Not sure if you knew but not much is happening with the gate program," said Jack.

"We of course studied the situation first, so yes, we know. What is it you want to do?"

"Don't know. Hang around one of your ships like Falcon and help maybe?" asked Jack.

"I wouldn't mind helping more on the technical side at least part of the time. I get that I couldn't bring that knowledge back, but it was technology at least in part that made a lot of that possible," said Sam.

"The Alliance leadership has shelved our initial plans to make a fleet like Falcon, though the assembly line is still open, and we are likely to make more soon anyway. Most of the time the speeds that craft can attain don't matter. Our regular ships take what twice as long, but then the only way to save those two magical women was Falcon," said Picard.

"I don't remember reading about that," said Henry.

"My fault. Jack's story sounded nuts. I didn't think he was lying or anything, but really saving magical girls sounds absurd. I figured we were effectively closing up shop. At the very least I will not be here at the end of your presidency. My doctor practically ordered me to retire," said General Hammond.

"Perhaps we can help out?" asked Picard.

"I would honestly be eternally grateful if you could," said Hammond.

"I would like a corrected report before you two leave," said the President.

Picard tapped his com badge. "Commander Data, please repair a suitably redacted report of the mission Jack and Sam were last on with us and beam it down."

"In what form would you like the report?" asked Data.

Picard glanced at the mound of papers in front of the president and the senator. "Paper. Make a hardback book out of it."

"I will have it ready in a few minutes," said Data.

"Thanks."

"In a hurry?" asked Jack.

"Somewhat. When this mission came up I was scheduled for a three week vacation helping to excavate some ruins on one of the rim worlds in TSAB controlled space," said Picard.

"So your going to do work on your vacation? Doesn't sound very vacationy to me," said Jack.

"Vacations are the only time I can catch up on my engineering work," said Carter.

"Another one," muttered Jack.

"You can ask for Commander Data to task you with something, unless you have something specific in mind?" asked Picard.

"Did you have any ideas?" asked Sam.

Data beamed down a one inch thick book. Captain Picard warily opened it up, and was relieved that ninety percent of the text was solid black. It did have pictures of Falcon coming in during the storm, the Rescue, even briefly leaving the runabout and her crew behind. Pictures of them taking Nanoha and Fate inside Hogwarts. No pictures inside Hogwarts, after the doors closed, but several very nice pictures of outside. It seemed the active scanning that Falcon was doing didn't penetrate inside, and most of the details were blacked out as possible secrets of allies. It also had some harmless details about the trip back. He handed it over and Henry took it before opening the first page.

"You really made this in essentially no time?" asked the President.

"Yes," he said simply.

"A lot is blacked out," said Kinsey would was looking over one side, while Hammond looked over the other. Jack got up and looked from behind Hammond.

"Told you they were hot," quipped Jack.

"They are also married," noted Picard.

"Oh, I'm not going to bother them. I'm not an arse, well most of the time. Fate looks a bit like you Carter. Wrong eye color though," noted Jack.

"Yes well, I also can't fly, can't fight monsters of legend, or any of that," said Carter.

"So are you ready to go?" asked Picard.

"Don't we need to pack?" asked Carter.

"Not particularly. I assume your government can take care of the details."

"We can," said George.

Jack looked at Carter who nodded.

"Then I guess we are ready," said Jack.

"Splendid." The captain got up. "Now if you will walk over towards me. General Hammond as well." Jack, General Hammond, and Sam did so. Picard tapped his com badge. "Four to beam up."

"We should report Hammond for filing a false report and dock him a star," said Kinsey.

"George was going to retire. Leave him alone. Hell, had I seen this in a report I'd have called bullshit as well. Can we get this scanned in high resolution, or a bigger version made of it?" asked the president.

"I'm sure we can. Most likely the MP's outside can lead us to someone who can help."

"Go get that done and have someone get me another cup of coffee and send me in the secretary of defense."

The next day they were viewing high resolution prints of the material standing floor to ceiling. People particularly liked the views of Hogwarts. They could certainly find no evidence any of it was faked.

The book also included a stock photo of Nanoha and Fate back to back, both acting to decimate hundreds of magical drones. That one got out somehow, and became a favorite on the internet.

-=oOo=-

Senator Kinsey dropped a copy of the book on a desk.

"What do you want me to do about it?" asked the scruffy man.

"They are indecent, allowing girls to marry. I want you Harry for you and this organization to find a way for the United States of America and only the United States of America to become superior to this blasphemy."

"You do know America has lesbians too right?" asked Harry.

"They are sick and need help."

"You also know the only likely source of tech was the gate and we buried that."

"We will arrange to have it copied and the original brought here. The copy won't hold up to a close inspection, but we will do what we can."

"So you want us to go against a group that could probably wipe out our little shadow organization on their lunch break. Do you even read the reports? They sometimes deal with threats affecting galaxies."

"I'm not saying we will get there quickly. This must be kept secret, maybe for decades, but I refuse to let that be what leads. It is disgusting," said Kinsey.

"So, two operatives are gay. We know nothing about any of the others. I tend to assume some of them aren't or they aren't going to be around long," said Maybourne dryly.

"Are you going to do it or not?"

"Get the gate here and let's give these Asgard time to at least clear out some of the likely threats we would face, say a year. That will give me time to build teams we half way trust so we don't screw this up."

Kinsey nodded.

-=oOo=-

Jack woke up in the forest. He had his equipment and his uniform, which was dang odd, given he was sure he went to sleep in his pajamas. He heard the sound of what he just recognized as a gate activating and silently moved behind a tree. On the way there he saw two other women laying on the ground. He recognized both. He silently moved to near Carter and touched her softly, while making sure she didn't reflexively grab her gun. She opened her eyes without moving. He might not have noticed had he not been looking.

"Carter, hide behind a tree now," he whispered.

She silently got up and did so without questioning. He moved over to the other woman. Her eyes were opening. He said, "A gate is activating. Hide."

The other woman didn't respond. She just silently got up and seeing Captain Carter followed her behind a group of trees. Jack followed her.

A half dozen Jaffa walked out of the gate followed by a Goa'uld and another six Jaffa and then the gate vanished.

"Great," muttered Jack in a whisper that was barely audible to the two women near him.

"Q," said Ami softly.

They waited till they went a thankfully different direction. Jack then went the opposite direction till they stumbled upon what seemed an invisible bird of some kind.

"That's new," said Jack softly.

"Also not important. If Q dumped us here, and I do remember volunteering, then he wanted something accomplished, and I doubt it is bothering local animals," said Ami.

"It's a useful skill if we could figure out how they do it," said Jack.

"Cloaking technology is known to us. We could probably build a personal cloaking device if we really wanted to. That is unlikely to be the reason we are here, unless perhaps they are endangered," said Ami.

"Your probably right. I don't suppose you got a mission briefing when you volunteered," said Jack.

"Q generally doesn't give us that much help and certainly not if we don't need it."

"Great. Let's say together. I'm not wild about us taking on thirteen enemies that are all trained," said Jack.

"We might be able to do it if I transformed, and we might not. The odds are not great. We need to avoid being seen and only take such risks if we must," said Ami.

A strange woman wearing seeming lavender rags with very puffy hair walked into the clearing.

"I am Lya and you should not be here. Do you understand me? We detected the devices on you."

"She likely means our com badges. They work as universal translators. They would be better with a ship, but we can at least communicate," said Ami.

"Why do you say we should not be here? Are you aware that twelve Jaffa and a Goa'uld are here?" asked Sam.

"We are aware. They will be encouraged to leave and then we will bury the gate. You should go."

"Your not scared of them. My shields are good enough not to read most when I'm not trying. I may not be one of the stronger telepaths, but I'm not useless either. The fact that I'm reading nothing would seem to imply a very developed mind. Perhaps Q intended us to meet," said Ami.

"Who is Q?" asked Lya curiously.

"Q is a member of the Q continuum. They are a race of near omnipotent beings. They have rules and for the most part are a force for order. Q has helped us from time to time build our Alliance into what it is. We actually owe him a great deal. I could possibly show you if you wish," offered Ami.

"If you seek to stay the weapons may not. The Nox will allow no lasting harm to occur to any who live in their domain," said Lya.

"Maybe we should just go, if we can," said Jack.

"I'm not going to fail what may be a very important mission. We are here for a reason. I'm reasonably certain it isn't to talk to that Goa'uld group. The animals seem irrelevant. It has to be these people. At the same token I can't hand over the phaser, unless you can prove you have equivalent technology," said Ami.

Lya waved her hand. All their weapons vanished.

"Looks like that choice was made. You do realize, we are pretty much dead if those guys catch us," said Jack.

"Antaeus is dealing with them. They will be returned through the gate shortly, believing they found nothing here. We considered not interfering longer, but we are both more interested in you, or at least in Ami."

"You pulled that from my mind," said Ami.

"No, from your friends. Their thoughts are not shielded at all. Some reading is difficult to avoid in those with no training," said Lya.

"We normally just do our best to try to act ethically. I'm sure we mess up sometimes." Ami sat down on the ground Indian style and invited Lya to do the same.

"You trust this Q a great deal," said Lya.

"I am actually quite scared, but I am the guest here, and it is a guest's duty to show respect to one's hosts. I believe your quite strong and I fear many things, but I will do this," offered Ami.

"And you two? Will you also join in this?" asked Lya curiously.

"If you want the tactical analysis, I honestly don't think we could win against Lya and her people, and my instinct is to trust her," said Carter.

"Why?" asked Jack.

Ami said, "Because I think they are the ones that hid the gate and the animals. Cloaking is a complex process technologically. I'm not sure if there is a magical counterpart, but it at least implies advanced technical ability of some kind. We also now have no weapons, and I didn't feel anything from her when she did it. I think Lya may be to us what some people see we are to well others."

"Fancy toys doesn't always determine victory," said Jack.

"And what is your definition of victory?" asked Lya.

"I can give you the Alliance one, more or less, but I'm honestly curious about Jacks," said Ami.

"I know why I am a soldier. It is not to kill the bad guys. It is to fight those fights that must be fought so my fellow Americans don't have to; so they can live their lives," said Jack.

"That is a fair definition. What is yours Ami?" asked Lya.

"We tend to go from mission to mission trying to make things better. Some take a day. Some take over a year or longer. Did we make things better? Can more people just live a fulfilling life? If we made a mess, did we clean it up? Is someone checking our work later to make sure how plans were intended to go is how they actually went."

"You believe you have a right to interfere. The Nox do not interfere."

"You interfered here, else we likely would have eventually fought the Goa'uld and Jaffa and some of us may have ended up dead," said Ami.

"This is true," said Lya.

"Do you believe our interference is wrong?" asked Ami.

"I do not know," admitted Lya.

Ami nodded, then turned to the others. "I say participate. You get your first lesson in telepathy and maybe earn a bit of trust in a potential ally. Yes there are risks, and yes you have far fewer defenses than me. You in fact have none."

"Your not selling this very well you know," said Jack.

"Okay, Sam, why don't you and I try? I'm betting Lya is in no hurry," said Ami.

"After this we should eat dinner," said Lya.

"I don't get it. Try what?" asked Sam.

"I'm going to show you a little bit of what the Alliance does and in so doing see what potential you have, at least a little. Normally we would have a doctor look you over to be sure, but it is not really a big risk and I can heal most things," said Ami.

"We will heal you if you are injured and need more help," offered Lya.

"Sir?" asked Carter.

"I have no idea. Make your own decision," said Jack.

Sam sat across from Ami and took her hands. Lya smiled and sat down a short distance away.

About five minutes later Jack asked, "Um, can you clue me in?"

"They are talking and understanding," said Lya.

"Just like that?" asked Jack.

"You assume because a thing is not known, that it is difficult. That is not always true, though it frequently is."

"For what it is worth, these Alliance types impressed the heck out of me."

Lya nodded, then held out her hand.

"I am so going to regret this." Jack walked over and sat down.

"No, I do not believe you will."

Jack took Lya's hands and he found himself guided by Lya as they walked through his memories of his experiences with the Alliance up to their time here.

-=oOo=-

Jack opened his eyes only for Sam to hand him his canteen. "You probably need to drink."

"Why does my head feel like crap."

"I do apologize. My telepathy is not quite the same as your own. The pain should subside in a short time," said Lya.

"I had a little headache too," said Sam.

"This isn't little Carter."

"Maybe I can help?" asked Ami.

"You can fix my head?"

"Perhaps."

"It should not be required, but please feel free. I am curious," said Lya

Ami sat down by Jack and then sent healing magic into his system. "Better?" she asked after a few minutes.

"Yes."

"You are quite remarkable, though I can also see the dim outlines of what was done to your soul. I am curious, who was the one that made the latest change?" asked Lya.

"The Time Space Administration Bureau was kind of horrified that the powers and part of our memories would be passed from life to life, effectively giving our reincarnations no choice but to follow in our footsteps. They think they have weakened it enough where my next reincarnation will have a choice. It is, apparently, a complex field they do not touch often," said Ami.

"It certainly seems a good attempt at that, but additional work appears to be required. They have dealt with the magical part of your soul, but your soul is not pure magic. All have both. The Nox have little true magic, but more energy that derives from life itself. Most are like us. You are nearly half of one and half of the other. The balance must be maintained."

"Maybe once we all know each other better, you can help?" asked Ami.

"Yes, I can understand being very very careful who you trust so deeply. We have decided that the Nox will visit our old friends the Asgard in time. Perhaps we will visit your Alliance as well."

"What happened with you and Jack?" asked Ami.

"She kind of went through my memories of meeting you," said Jack.

"That is not much to go on. We keep worrying that we will screw up; that our wisdom won't keep up with rushing around to try to fix all we can," said Ami.

"You will make mistakes. You know this," said Lya.

"Yes, we do, and we will do our best to fix our mistakes. We have the tech we need, but wisdom we are never as certain of as we wish we were."

"And do you believe we are more wise?" asked Lya.

"I believe Q put us here for a reason. It could have been just to draw attention between you and the Asgard. Maybe to get both sides talking again. There is another possible reason that I hesitate to mention."

"Why is that?" asked Lya curiously.

"It is private. I honestly can't say more without possibly betraying a confidence."

"It is something to do with the Asgard," said Lya.

"I can't say."

"You just did. Your skill is good for one your age, but I am much older than you. There is something wrong with the Asgard. Please tell us what. They are a very proud people, but we have debts, and even if we had not, we would help."

"Show me, your true feelings for the Asgard. I get that you're better than me, but that is still hard to fake," said Ami.

"As you wish." Lya held out her hand. Ami looked in her eyes and then tears started from Lya's eyes.

Lya said softly, "The Nox, the Asgard, the Furling, and the Alterans. Four impossibly strong races. An Alliance that should have stood the test of millennia scattered and broken. We are diminished from what we once were. There are so few of us anymore. The Furling have left this universe. The Alterans were killed by the great disease. We still do not know who killed them. Many Ascended, but if they know, they do not say. Even the Asgard are dying; killed by their own cleverness. The Nox will aid them. My word on it." Lya stood.

"Can we return with you to the Asgard? They should be able to contact our people and maybe we can help a little," said Ami.

"Of course. Do you all want this?" asked Lya.

"That sounds like a plan to me," said Jack.

They suddenly vanished.

-=oOo=-

They appeared in what seemed like a runabout style vessel, except it was clearly quite a different technology base. You could see very few controls. Another Nox was in the front. Two children were in the back with them.

"Husband, please set a course for Othalla," said Lya.

"I already did. This is an older ship. It will take a couple days to go so far."

The ship dropped into hyperspace.

"You are sure the Goa'uld are gone?" asked Jack.

"Yes, they will remember that they searched this world and did not find what they wanted and it was a waste of time. I also buried the gate."

"Well that is not scary or anything," said Jack.

"Do not your telepaths have such abilities?" asked Antaeus.

"We have adopted the rules Rowan brought from her universe, for the most part. We have occasionally strayed outside of them, when every other option was worse."

"Much like I did," said Antaeus.

"There is where we disagree. They will kill and enslave more people. The Asgard are just going to have to kill those guys you let go," said Jack.

"Yes, the Asgard and the Nox do not agree on many things," said Anteaus.

"I certainly respect the right of pacifists to exist and you have the resources to keep yourselves and those with you safe, but I do not see it as a feasible solution for everyone else," said Ami.

"The Nox have had their wars, and we have long memories," said Antaeus.

"Apologies."

"No need."

"It's a pity you don't have the Alliances newest toys. They could probably manage this journey in what an hour," added Sam.

"We have certainly built faster ships. This particular design requires very little maintenance," said Anteaus.

"They are using artificial singularities for power. It was mentioned in Jack's memories," said Lya.

"Yea. That seemed crazy when I heard it, but then the speeds they travel are crazy," said Sam.

"They have also resorted to using the old method of dimensional travel, where this is no exit should a failure occur," said Lya.

"Such haste usually doesn't end well," said Antaeus.

"Those two women would have died without such haste," said Sam.

'That is likely true," agreed Lya.

Antaeus nodded.

-=oOo=-

"We have an incoming communication request," said Momo aboard Athena.

"On screen," said a surprised Shion.

A small, more triangular, but still runabout sized craft appeared and then was replaced with a view of Lya and Antaeus, with their children, Sam, Jack, and Ami in the background.

"We came because we heard our old allies needed aid. Anteaus and I are very proficient healers. We are of the Nox race," said Lya.

"Then you are most welcome. Ami, how did you get there?" asked Shion.

"I volunteered for one of Q's missions. Apparently he kidnapped Sam and Jack as well," said Ami with amusement.

"Well, if this mission brought us additional help then I'm all for it. Heimdall is sleeping. The other Asgard are busy verifying the replicator mess is finished and beginning to address the problem of the Goa'uld," said Shion.

"We should meet," offered Anteaus.

"We could beam you over, or you could beam yourself over. Your choice."

"Your technology should be fine. The matter beam in this ship hasn't been serviced in a long time. I'd rather not test it today. We normally teleport when required," said Anteaus.

"That works. Who is coming?"

"All is fine. I will program this ship to keep a relative position," said Anteaus.

"Let us know when your ready."

"We are ready now."

They vanished.

-=oOo=-

"Before we begin again today, I have something I'd like to try," said Julian.

"What is it?" asked Shion.

"An apple. I've done what I could to duplicate something know to the Asgard... err the other Asgard. It's growth was also accelerated. I'm not entirely sure I did it right." Julian pulled the apple out of a small plastic container.

"And what am I to do with that?" asked Heimdall in confusion.

"Eat it, at least part of it," said Julian.

"May I see it?" asked Anteaus.

Julian cautiously handed it over to him. Anteaus examined it closely, then a swirl of energy went through it before he handed it to Lya, who repeated the process.

"That is not something I expected to see," said Anteaus.

"True, and it is a good approach, though poorly done. I suggest we not use that one, given how frail the Asgard are," said Lya.

"It's useless then?" asked Julian.

"No. you could give it to Jack I suppose," said Anteaus.

"Sure why not," said Julian.

Lya handed the apple to Jack who shrugged and started eating it.

"The Asgard suggested eating the core as well to theirs," said Julian.

Light and energy seemed to crawl around Jacks body, though not strongly. Jack shrugged and finished the apple, before also managing to swallow the core.

"SIr," said Sam.

"What? It was just an apple," said Jack.

"Your younger, I think. or I'm delusional."

Julian pulled out a tricorder and examined him. "Hmm based on the standby readings this gathered and the new ones I'd say possibly ten years were erased, but is it stable?"

"For a first time that will be fine. I would not recommend another of that quality," said Lya.

"Your kidding," said Jack.

"They are not," said Ami.

"Really? Reverse aging?" asked Jack.

"Your not going to report that right, to anyone?" asked Ami hopefully.

"Um, won't they notice?"

"We have bracelets that can fake your looks," said Ami.

"And we have other skills we can teach, if necessary," said Antaeus.

"Okay," agreed Jack.

"Why would that not work on me?" asked Heimdall.

"The idea might, but it requires a stronger foundation to begin, which you no longer have. We have to work much more slowly," said Anteaus.

Heimdall nodded soberly.

"One to one and time does seem the only true answer," said Lya.

"Can you explain?" asked Heimdall.

"Surely the technique of giving of oneself to help another is known by this group?" asked Lya.

"Well yes. We won't say we are masters at it, but we know it," said Bashir.

"You did it to save those two, right?" asked Jack.

"Yes we did, and even that is somewhat of a secret. Certainly discretion is required, at minimum," said Ami.

"Wait does that make you older or something?" asked Sam.

"No, at least not unless you are doing something very strange. Your body adapts. As long as you do not go too far, you grow stronger for it," said Lya.

"We think it is why many of us on Falcon are not aging properly. The giving and receiving, well that or the wine," said Ami fondly.

"Adding it to food or drink. Yes, the Nox do that as well, that is just before rather than as one grows," said Anteaus.

"You do realize if this gets out to the wrong sort, lots of bad will happen, right?" asked Jack.

"We are aware, and that is an exception to our rules. We will kill those we must to prevent the creation of truly evil immortals," said Lya.

Q appeared alongside Lya.

"Hello Q. This was the meeting you wished, correct?" asked Ami.

"Something like that. I just wanted to point out that I also will kill, whoever I have to, to keep these secrets from being abused, and I could snuff out all life on your planet, if I found it necessary. Don't ignore this warning."

"Wise advice," said Antaeus soberly.

Q waved and vanished.

"Could he really do that?" asked Jack.

"Yes, and if he didn't, another of his race could. Q is a friend, but he is a friend with a job. Never doubt that," said Julian.

Jack swallowed and nodded. Sam nodded as well.

"For that matter, so could Falcon, and easily so. Even the old Enterprise D could likely do it. We would not, but the power is certainly there. This is most certainly very serious," said Ami.

Antaeus snorted. "Even our old family craft could possibly destroy an unprepared world, that lacked defenses that could reach us. None of this is new. The Goa'uld for all their spread, are not spread because they are strong. They are spread because the Asgard have been busy, and we have been complacent."

"This is true," agreed Heimdall.

Ami turned to Lya. "You once asked me what winning means. I suppose it would be a war, but in this case the Asgard healed. Both of your races active enough in space that this galaxy is, for the most part, safe. Even if neither of you joined our Alliance, or we joined yours, well I'd call that a victory, and a true one."

Lya smiled and nodded. She then turned back to Heimdall. "The Nox will help, but we can also refine their technique. The likely key to your recovery is daily or perhaps twice daily assistance, ideally from the same person, who is as close to you in nature as practical. They will be small and it will take possibly years, but it should work."

"Teach me, and I'll help," offered Jack.

"Me too," said Sam.

"I'd honestly prefer to return to Falcon. I don't mind helping and will if others can't be found," said Julian.

"The Nox will also help," said Antaeus.

"I suspect most of us will help, if needed, including me. The former Abh Empress is interested in learning more about the greater multiverse. She likely would help in exchange for seeing more of it, or even without. The point is, we will find all that are needed and they will be those we can trust," said Ami.

"Agreed. The skills they mention, not many in the Galaxy Federation know since we are being careful, but I, and likely Allen and probably a few others if need be would probably help," said Shion.

"This is what the Alliance was, so very long ago, and I see can be again," said Lya.

"So your that old huh?" asked Jack.

"Aren't you not supposed to ask a woman her age?" asked Lya mischievously.

"You got that from me, right?" asked Sam.

"Yes. You can of course learn, though Ami or the others would be simpler," added Lya.

"It's going to be fine," said Ami.

"I'm feeling like I'm in a Disney movie," quipped Jack.

Ami grinned then pulled a pen out of nowhere before shifting directly into her transformed state. She then began to sing a familiar song.

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.

Sam smiled, but Jack rolled his eyes then said, "So magical girl too?"

"Certainly all girls are magic. Have you not learned this?" asked Ami mischievously.

"I still recommend your issue is fixed. We obviously hope you do not pass anytime soon, so there is time, but it should be fixed," said Lya to Ami.

"Let's get my team back here then we can make a decision together," said Ami.

"You know all this happy stuff makes me want to watch Simpsons," said Jack.

"I'm pretty sure we have all the episodes," noted Ami absently.

"What do you mean all the episodes? It's still being made," said Jack.

"We travel many universes, scooping up shows and things along the way. Time runs faster in some."

"So I can watch next weeks episode now?" asked Jack hopefully.

Sam rolled her eyes.

"I suppose we should have a copy of their database somewhere," said Shion dryly.

"Cool. Well I'm set," said Jack.

"We should contact Falcon. Perhaps they can pick up my friends along the way, who would be in a similar state. I also would imagine all would be willing to help, at least if the Asgard in question would agree to stay close enough they could continue their studies at Starfleet Academy," added Ami.

"We could also just go and get them," offered Shion.

"I kind of wanted to speak with them first, but either way," said Ami.

"I'll send them the message, or rather you can, if you will come over here."

-=oOo=-

They got a message back that Q had already informed them, that they were unfortunately busy trying to clean up on an unknown world, that just had a chemical weapons war, and could they lend a hand? Ami pointed Shion to the message that she quickly read, before passing the coordinates embedded in it to Momo.

"Momo warm up the dimensional drive. Lya, what about your ship?" ashed Shion.

"I could fly it inside your shuttle bay if you wish," offered Anteaus.

"It doesn't have anything that would prevent normal dimensional drive operation?"

"It does not."

"Sounds good. Someone beam Antaeus back and direct him to our main shuttle bay."

"The dimensional drive is now available. All checks are complete. We have now reached the point where a rebuild is recommended, but there is no indication it is required at this time," said Momo.

"Schedule it for our next free time then."

"I have done so."

"The Nox ship is heading for our bay. I estimate two minutes," said Alan.

"Ami notify them we are coming. I need to let the Asgard know where we are going and our expected time of return," said Shion.

Ami nodded and got to work, not even bothering to change back. A minute later she said, "Falcon reports that they have already requested the planetary terraformers. Unfortunately, only one is available which can do the job. They just need to have some assistance to remove the worst contaminants to give time."

"That does help a great deal. I know we are building more of those and so is the Federation, but the demand continues to outstrip supply," said Alan.

"Terraformer?" asked Jack.

"They are basically huge nanomist factories, except we scaled them down to make interdimensional flight more feasible. They also have the control systems for it all. They are the best technology we have discovered to do world wide cleanup and repair," said Ami.

"Neat. Who came up with that idea?" asked Jack.

"Neat?" quipped Sam.

"Um, we stole them, but from bad guys, and then we copied the tech. We also saved the lives of two very precious people and well maybe saved that universe," added Ami.

Jack laughed.

"It's not like we couldn't have come up with the tech, but we were in kind of a hurry," defended Ami.

"Sure," teased Jack.

"They are quite useful," added Shion.

"I would like to see the details of this technology, if that is permitted," said Heimdall.

"Sure, take a seat. Momo grant Heimdall the needed permissions," said Shion.

"Done and ship is secured. Scans confirm that it should not interfere. Engaging dimensional drive."

Ten minutes into his review Heimdall said, "I am certain we can build more of these, though having one to copy would be of great value. They lack the ability to do extremely complex tasks, which should never be added, unless you wish to create another replicator variant, but I can see them working very well as they are."

"I'll need permission from one of our government to lend out one to you. I'm pretty sure it will happen, just not when," said Shion.

"We can easily begin without it. Perhaps I could study the one that is coming?"

"That does seem an easier route," agreed Shion.

-=oOo=-

"Well Carter, what do you think of all this?" asked Jack. It was an hour after they got there and they were given a room. They were offered two, but they accepted the one.

"I think our Earth is not that important in the grand scheme of things. The number of alternate realities must be near endless. They have an impossible amount of work. They must know they can't help everyone, but they do not hesitate to try."

"These nano things?"

"In theory they will spread in the air and somehow neutralize the chemicals or gather them together or something. I'm not sure on the details sir."

"Think they would work to clean up nuclear and such?" asked Jack.

"Probably. We were given basic computer access. Lets ask." Sam turned to the wall screen and said, "Computer, please list the typical tasks for the terraforming ships the Alliance use."

"Terraforming, cleanup of viruses and bacteria, removal of radioactive waste, removal of chemicals including bio weapons. Most uses are paired with available matter transporters as well as available matter replications systems which usually have the facility to take the matter in its current state and deconstruct to base molecules. Hazardous waste is generally first destroyed via the transporters using a limited annihilation mode, which breaks it down into safer compounds which are then further broken down in linked replicators."

"Is that the complete list?" asked Jack.

"No, there are six thousand seven hundred known or theoretical uses at this time."

"Ask a silly question," muttered Jack.

"No kidding. The phrase giants in the playground comes to mind," said Sam.

"Simpsons is better," quipped Jack.

Sam rolled her eyes again then she gave him another look.

"What?" asked Jack.

"Oh nothing."

"Sure. So any ideas on how to help with this mess?"

"They have organized plenty of volunteers on the planet and given out what protective clothing they can make, which isn't remotely enough, but a whole planet is making the stuff, so they are probably okay at the moment. I think I'm going to ask to beam over to Falcon to get more lessons on telepathy and such, while there is time," said Sam.

"Might as well."

-=oOo=-

Two weeks later the problem of cleaning up the planet was left to the Federation crew responsible for the terraformer. The world was a little worried about the others leaving, but they could already see the improvements in their atmosphere from the big ship. The other Asgard soon got the same with different members of different parts of the Alliance and a lot of Nox volunteering to help them. Sam and Jack were not needed. L'Nea from Falcon volunteered to swap with Heimdall. She could help an Asgard and another on Falcon could help Heimdall. They were still on Falcon since there seemed no hurry to return to the Enterprise. Lya and her family stayed with Falcon for now. Their ship was loaded aboard.

"Status?" asked RIker once everyting was sorted.

"We are fully operational. We can return to Starfleet to pick up Ami's friends at any time," said Jadzia.

"What about the plans for upgrading our beam weaponry?"

"I am reviewing the work L'Nea and the others have done on this. It would, in many ways, be simpler just to get Asgard equivalents built to fit, rather than modifying what you have," said Heimdall.

"It isn't so urgent that we need them now. I'd rather we be able to build them," said Riker.

"Then I shall continue my work. You have come a long way, but your technology is quite different than what the Asgard use as standard," said Heimdall.

"We are here to help," said Neela.

"I am aware. Unfortunately, until I can familiarize myself with the current state, I cannot effectively do much."

"That's fine. Take your time."

The usual alert was heard. Heimdall opened the message window.

"Intriguing. It seems there is massive flooding on a colony world in United Mankind space. The Abh Emperor requests help from the Alliance to deal with it and perhaps improve relations there."

"It looks like our trip to help Ami's friends will be slightly delayed. Lafiel, Jinto, I believe you know the way."

"We do indeed. Checks are complete. Secondary reactor is online. Course is established. Diving," said Lafiel.

"I just press a button in my ship," said Heimdall smugly.

"We simplify it quite a bit, but it never hurts to cover the important things. This was a tossup if the minor time we will save using the secondary reactor was worth it," said Riker.

"You seem to have established sufficient safety mechanisms. I can see no reason not to go at the higher rate of speed, though I have also not studied your systems well yet."

"It is possible it makes sense to get Usagi and the others. I do not know. That crystal she has can do a great deal, but it risks her life," said Ami.

"ETA?" asked RIker.

"Twenty seven minutes," said Jinto.

"Let's see what we can do with our own skills, particularly with asking her to help has a risk to her life," said Riker.

"Thank you," said Ami.

"There is no need. I won't promise I never have to ask one of you to risk your life, or that none of you will ever die, but I do promise that I will never spend your lives lightly, and I will ask for volunteers, if such a situation arises, and if there is time."

"We know," said Jadzia softly.

"The same goes for me of course. Many Abh are on this ship running all the day to day affairs and giving us what we need to do our work. It is an honor to serve here. In fact, when there is time I would like to discuss a rotation program so more of my people might have a chance," said Sobaash.

"I agree in principle, though it would be to the whole Alliance, and ideally among all ships in the Alliance. You are right thought that our crews, partially due to all our rushing are more static than we would like. This is making it more dangerous when we field new ships. Obviously, there are some security concerns that must be addressed. That is also likely slowing such a thing down. Do you think you and whomever else you want to add can come up with a proposal and present it to the council?"

"I'll begin work as soon as I can."

"Also, can Neela, Julian, Samson and you also now review personnel for promotions. I set myself a reminder to do that more often and the reminder surprised me. I know no one is complaining, but it is still part of the job."

"We can do that," said Sobaash.

"Good. Am I missing anything Jadzia?"

"I think you hit the big ones. The biggest things about these ships is all the restricted tech that absolutely cannot be transferred all over Starfleet. That problem must be solved, but we still have to find new crew for new ships, so it is not as if that work isn't being done."

"Agreed. Overall this kind of program should lower the security risk by making sure experienced people are on the new ships."

"Just so everyone is clear, controlling massive amounts of water kinetically is hard. We can likely do it, but moving physical barriers in place is likely going to be a better use of our abilities, well that or getting people out, though we should be able to use transporters there," said Piper.

"Finding what Piper and the others need to mitigate this will be one of our first tasks," said Riker.

"In time I could design a planetary gate that could be lowered in one place and drain water to another, well that or copy one from the Asgard database when I next have access. They are of course energy intensive, but that is not an unsolved problem," said Heimdall.

"We used similar tech from the Galaxy Alliance. One may be there," said Riker.

"We don't have any gates onboard, and I don't think L'Nea kept any of those onboard since the Galaxy Federation wanted to keep those secure. We always just borrowed them and the people to operate them," said Jadzia.

"Pity," said Riker.

"I have found a set of plans, but they appear to be a work in progress, not a complete design," said Heimdall.

"Time to complete?" asked RIker.

"At least a week. It would be quicker and safer to return to my universe and copy existing."

"We will keep that as a backup plan. Feel free to see if you can make progress. We are not moving people, so other than making sure no one gets pulled in, we could in theory take almost anything that drained the water."

"Perhaps," conceded Heimdall.

"We can go do whatever is needed. Maybe help people organize sandbags if nothing else?" offered Jack.

"Leaders are always needed. Find a station, figure out where you can help, and go."

Jack nodded.

"I think I can make a magical version of a portal with Celeste's help, maybe. That we are moving water helps me a little," said Ami.

"We might need it, just don't kill yourself to do it," said Riker.

Ami nodded.

-=oOo=-

Jack carefully steered his borrowed motor boat next to the upper window of another house. Sam helped row them the rest of the way to get right next to the window, which was open. She tossed through a rope, which a tall boy held while the rest of his family scrambled into the craft. The boy then tossed then came in himself. They motored back to the camp, to unload these people before doing it again. In all their trips they probably counted about fifty other locals doing the same thing, thanks in part to boats they had relocated here. Many of the Abh crew had volunteered, but as they had no experience on water and they were out of boats, that was tabled for now. You could also see massive amounts of sand bags filled with via transporter tricks and placed all along the city sides. They were making a difference.

"Samson to O'Neill," came through his com badge.

He tapped it and said, "What's up?"

"Ami and Celeste think they finally have it this time. We were wanting to move you and your boat near them, but far enough away you would have time to do something. That is, if your done with your current task."

"Sure thing." They vanished boat and all in transporter light.

-=oOo=-

"it looks like they already have multiple rope lines with floats, so at least, if we are careful, we don't have to worry about our boat ending up in their portal," said Carter.

"Hopefully no one is in the soup. Look it is starting. The water is moving faster. Whatever portal thing Ami and Celeste figured out, it is working," said Jack.

"Soup? Really?" asked Sam.

"I'm going to title this in my report, if I ever write one, 'How to make a bathtub drain'"

"You would," said Sam, before quickly adding. "I think we have one." They saw a woman heading their way in the water.

"And she is gone via the transporter thing," said Jack.

"Stay alert. They may miss one," said Sam.

"I am."

Twenty minutes later a dozen children came down the river, barely swimming."

"Come on. The motor is to dangerous in this mess, and the boat won't get there in time with oars," said Sam.

They both dove in, urging them to grab the ropes that were laid across the water. They each caught one and helped them back to shore. The transporters managed to catch the others save for one, who had to hold onto the rope for a nearly half a minute before he was transported to shore.

Twenty minutes after that Ami and Celeste had to let their portal drop, but only minutes later Nanoha, Fate, Shamal, Vita, Signum, Yuuno, Arf, and Hayate flew in and took over. Hayate managed a much bigger portal by herself, and the others helped rescue people. They went back to work.

Nanoha made countless trips back and forth carrying people. Jack quipped, "She is very sprightly for being almost dead not long ago."

"Yes, they are. That says something," said Sam.

"Yes it says they have almost died so damn often that they no longer let it phase them," replied Jack.

"Either that, or they don't let it phase them when they are on the clock," finished Sam.

Jack nodded.

Two days later and the worst was over. The city would need a massive amount of work, but they had removed the water quick enough that mitigation companies planned to go in and mostly remove about two feet of wall covering and insulation in every house and apartment as fast as they could, to try to save the rest. A lot would still need major work, but some would just dry out and be repaired after that.

It wasn't ideal, but it was better than so many being without homes and the air conditioning they would need soon should further dry their houses. They had done what they could and the city of Aresto was deeply grateful. The city officials wanted to have a celebration to thank their new friends from beyond the stars, but a massive amount of work remained. This world had known about space travel and even had it on a local level for a long time, and now they knew of the Alliance.

-=oOo=-

They returned to the Earth that had rejected Ami now more than two years ago. Before they began Ami and her friends, including Piper, Celeste, and Pyrrha went down to Japan to spend a little bit of vacation time. Others went to other parts of that world. Jack and Sam went with Ami.

Usagi led the others to the crown arcade. There were gasps as they all walked in. Mamoru was there.

"Your back," he said softly.

"Hello Mamoru," said Usagi softly.

"Where were you?" he asked.

"Someplace safe. Someplace we will return to before long. We just came to visit," said Usagi.

"Please come back."

"No."

"Is that because of Ami and Michuru? I see they are back. I honestly doubt anyone will enforce that nonsense anymore."

"I'm glad, or rather we are glad," said Usagi.

"Some of the crazy is happening again," said Mamoru.

"We know, but it hasn't been too bad has it?" asked Usagi.

"No," said Mamoru in surprise.

"It will be okay. You'll see. You are welcome to travel with us for the limited time we will be here."

"I'll do that, so why exactly are you here?"

"Mostly to play the video games we never beat. Have some sense of priorities Mamoru-kun," said Usagi with a smile. She was now about as old as Mamoru was when she left. She smiled and the patrons of the arcade were caught near breathless at her and their beauty.

Jack smiled in amusement and directed Sam to a Pachinko game. They played for hours and had a lot of fun, though Mamoru was persistent in his efforts to get Usagi's attention, which she smoothly ignored, in favor of her own video game.

They left later that day and headed toward the shrine. There was disturbance up ahead. They walked quickly up to it. Several familiar uniforms clad people flew onto the scene. One turned and landed before Ami and the others. "I'm Sergeant Reynolds with the Mid-Childan Air Force. Is there a reason you are showing up today?"

"No Sergeant. We are just here visiting, though if you wish our help, you can of course have it," said Ami.

"Won't help. We keep waiting for them to bring out someone of actual value that we can track. Once they notice this crowd is here they will run."

"Then we will not keep you. You have our deepest thanks Sergeant," said Usagi formerly. Then she bowed to him. They all bowed shallowly to them in thanks. Even Sam and Jack followed along.

"Don't worry about it. We have each others backs. I just hope not many events occur that affects what many expect will be the next team of aces."

"We as well Sergeant. We as well, though we will prepare for that day regardless," said Setsuna.

"As will we." He saluted and flew off.

"They never talk to anyone," said Mamoru in confusion.

They slowly kept walking towards the scene of chaos, before stopping to heal those that were hurt by the monsters. One of the monsters got away from the others pursuit. Usagi started to transform, but Piper said, "No need" as the monster froze completely in place and then imploded.

"Thank you Piper. That was quite helpful," said Usagi. They continued on, continuing to help.

Mamoru was flabbergasted. "How did she do that?"

"She pushed, quite hard, from all over. It squished. It isn't complicated," said Pyrrha absently.

Usagi focused and transformed, and then transformed again to the form of Serenity. The others at her signal did the same.

The Senshi and the telepaths all flew up to the top of the tallest building in the area. Sam, Jack, and Mamoru also vanished and then also appeared on the same building.

"What is it you plan Usagi?" asked Ami.

"I was going to remind those that would harm this place that it is protected and we will return whenever there is need, but if you have a better plan? Tell me you have a better plan," asked Ami.

"She usually does," quipped Makoto.

"There is a weakness in the dimensional fabric here, that Usagi with all of us helping might be able to partly repair. That is my suggestion," said Setsuna.

Ami nodded.

"We have to sing the song," insisted Usagi as they formed a circle. Sam and Jack were pulled in as well. Mamoru too changed and became a part, so the roof was filled with a circle of all those who beamed down and Mamoru.

"How about I Burn by Jeff Williams?" asked MInako.

Usagi smiled and nodded.

Celeste began it, before the others joined in.

Come at me and you'll see

I'm more than meets the eye

You think that you'll break me

You're gonna find in time

Usagi slipped out of the circle. It closed behind her as she walked to the middle and the silver crystal came out.

"Be careful Usagi," said Mamoru. She turned and smiled as the song continued.

You're standing too close to a flame that's burning

Hotter than the sun in the middle of July

Sending out your army, but you still can't win

Listen up, silly boy, 'cause I'm gonna tell you why

Can't hold me now

And you're not stopping me (I burn)

Swing all you want

Like a fever, I will take you down

Reign supreme in your dreams

You'll never make me bow

Kick my ass, I'm world-class

And super Saiyan now

Usagi suddenly rose on columns of silver and white light. Even Sam and Jack contributed a bit, though only a bit. A wave of silver magic spread out, healing and renewing. The Mid-Childan forces all flew up to see it, as the wave spread out to cover the whole and then dimly the whole world.

The Sergeant and a half dozen others flew up and landed on the building top. Mercury pulled out her portable computer and her visor formed over her face.

"Well?" asked Usagi.

"I believe we have successfully repaired about two thirds of the damage. Much of it cannot be reached from here. We would have to repair it in the other dimensions, and if we do that we might as well bring the ship and go blow something up," said Ami absently.

"You have gotten so practical. I like it," noted Haruka.

Ami blushed.

"We haven't reached the point where those level of sanctions are authorized," said the Sergeant.

"Then hopefully this helped a little," added Usagi.

"I'm sure it did. We had actually put in for a team to repair some of the local structure. It was actually scheduled tentatively for a few months from now, but I'm sure they will be glad that they can remove that task for the job jar."

"We were here. It made sense to do what we could. We have some other work to do of a personal nature, so we will leave you to your work," said Usagi.

"Thanks." He waved and flew off.

"You really are leaving," said Mamoru.

"Yes, and we would like to help you as well before we leave."

"Help?"

"Doctor Camber, our magical doctor is here to finish helping us. When we are done, our souls will be nearly repaired from the changes made so very long ago. Our reincarnations, hopefully many many years in the future, will have the choice to accept this duty, or let it go. Our children never will be bound," said Usagi.

"What have you done?" asked Mamoru in horror.

"There will be no grand dream of us ruling. All that has ended. Our hopes for the future are not remotely so limited. The asteroid that Setsuna saw would destroy most life was easily diverted nearly two years ago by a single ship. The future is open. We are not destined for anything anymore Mamoru," said Usagi softly.

Mamoru, still transformed, was shocked. He looked around and just ran off.

"That could have gone better," said Usagi.

Rei pulled her gently to her and then pulled her into a hug.

"We should return to the ship. Tomorrow is going to be the start of a rather long week, starting with, unfortunately, me," said Setsuna.

"We can stop back by Earth after Usagi's treatment, and see if Mamoru is willing," suggested Ami.

"I don't think he will be. I wanted the best for everyone but doubted our path. He believed in it. He believed we were destined, but never seemed to see me, but just our so called destiny. A part of me does not regret at all that Mamoru didn't join us. Ami has been apart for so long, and yet never was any less a member of our team. Mamoru never truly was," said Usagi sadly.

Rei hugged her more tightly.

"This was largely my fault," said Setsuna.

"You did the best you could with what you had, trying to come up with a plan for at least some to live. I regret that the child I can barely remember, that was created from your manipulations of time, will never be. That is all I regret," said Usagi.

Sam gasped at the mention of time manipulation.

"It's over now," said Ami softly.

"Yes it is," said Usagi.

-=oOo=-

"That was crazy. I can't believe we were part of all that if mostly as an observer," said Sam from their room on Falcon.

"Mamoru chose not to get the change," said Jack.

"They filed a report to ask Mamoru be offered it again at least once. It doesn't even make sense why he is being stubborn. The modern magical stuff they apparently have on Mid-Childa is arguably better that the default stuff he was just born with, and in any event it won't hurt him," said Sam.

"He wanted things as they were. This was just another thing that was different, rejected because it was part of the whole," said Jack.

"Watch it Jack, people might find out your smarter than you pretend to be," quipped Sam.

"Won't happen," said Jack in amusement.

"Sobaash to Jack O'Neill and Sam Carter."

Sam touched her com badge. "We are here."

"We have confirmed movement of your Stargate to a new location. Please read the report sent to both of you and reply accordingly."

"We aren't going to do anything?" asked Jack.

"You can make recommendations. They are not as yet using the gate, but we presume they intend to, and as they are bypassing much of your government, it is likely that a ship will be sent, though we could also simply notify your government about where their gate went. Either way, please read and reply with your suggestions."

"Will do," said Jack.

"They don't seem to be overly concerned," said Sam.

"In the grand scheme of what they deal with, they can likely fix it relatively quickly if it becomes necessary, well or the Asgard can," said Jack.

"Why don't we message General Hammond with whatever details they have and let him try to solve it," said Sam.

"Ferreti and the others may be looking for something to do, and George does have the ear of the president. If that fails, maybe we can help."

Sam nodded.

-=oOo=-

General Hammond listened to the phone message that somehow got to him in Jack's and Sam's voice. He was in his new office as head of the Five Eyes Space Program. They may need a better name, but they already had talented engineers working on ideas, and a host of volunteers that their combined governments were paying. He wrote down the key details of the message on a blank page in the spiral bound book in front of him, then checked it when Sam repeated the key information. Good. He had the details. He waited for the prompt and said, "I'll make sure the right people know what is required to stop this nonsense."

He then hung up his personal phone and went to his office, before extracting a phone from a locked safe. They hadn't gotten around to installing secure lines yet, and he had no idea how the Alliance did what they apparently just did. He took the phone up to the roof, and made sure no one was around, then turned it on. The border of the screen became solid red. The words Top Secret displayed up and down the left and right edges.

The pressed the only button next to the word call.

"You have reached the White House secure coms. You are currently calling on a Top Secret line. Is your location secure General Hammond?"

"I'm on the top of the roof. It is as secure as I can make it."

"Understood. Do you wish to be extracted for a meeting?"

"That would probably be for the best. A situation has arisen that I was informed about."

"Confirmed. A helicopter is being dispatched immediately from the nearest air force base. Do you have any unsecured information?"

"Notes. I have my gun."

"Confirmed. ETA for pickup is twenty five minutes. Please remain hidden as best as possible in your present location. The helicopter will land there. An agent can take your information once in the air, or you can show up and give a report in a secure area via video conference."

"I think I'll take option b. Please let the president know I'll be in touch."

"Confirmed. Thank you for following procedure. We will be with you shortly."

-=oOo=-

"What do you have George?"

"Are you secure. Is anyone with you?" asked Hammond through the secure video video conference.

"No, it is just me, well and my chief of staff."

"It seems our friends in the Alliance gained intel that some group has moved the gate."

"That's impossible," said the president.

"No, just difficult. If you dig it up you will find it is a bad copy. I also know where the new gate is and one name associated with it. Harold Maybourne is involved. Apparently, the Alliance left some way to monitor things but either they have more detail and it wasn't given, or they don't have more detail. Sam and Jack somehow forwarded a message via the phone system.

"Great. Who can I even trust to investigate this George?"

"I don't know. I'd give it to Jack if he was here. Feretti maybe?"

"This is Thompson. I suggest we go back through my old CO. He is fairly high up in the FBI. Obviously, we can't go through the existing command structure since there is clearly a leak. Someone and likely multiple someones must be involved to move that gate."

"I don't have a better idea," said George.

"If it screws up more, or you don't hear this getting resolved call them back. While I might have considered secretly using the gate if I had a good reason. This crap where they are undermining our chain of command will end, one way or another," said the President.

"Agreed."

"Good job George. We will get you those secure lines."

"Might want to wait till this mess is straightened out, to make sure they truly are secure," said George.

"Maybe. Either way good work."

"Thanks. On another note we are nearly ready. I was considering sending a message before this to indicate such."

"Go ahead. I'm betting that staying on their good side will result in more progress anyway. I know everything else they gave us was exactly what we needed, and we didn't have to reverse engineer it. The engineers I've spoken with have reported that the designs are, as near as they can tell, flawless, and they give every detail to build things correctly, with all the needed checks. The notes say the checks can't make up for hiring good workers, but a lot is automated anyway. The companies involved are more than willing so far to hire who they need. That may not last, but so far so good."

"That is good to hear. I'll make the call to update them."

"Goodbye George."

"Goodbye Mr. President."

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