The Nemesis was at P9C-372 establishing relations with that planet. Initial reports indicated success, and O'Neill was excited to hear that good news. O'Neill was in the gateroom waiting on Janus and his other ascended troop to send off to Celestis. Hammond had volunteered to go, O'Neill wanted to make sure Janus understood Hammond would be in charge.
Janus, Hammond and another dozen ascended appeared in the gateroom. However, it wasn't Janus or Hammond that caught O'Neill's eye.
"Aren't you supposed to fighting Anubis?" asked O'Neill.
"Thanks to your friends here, Anubis, won't be a problem anymore," replied Oma Desala.
"I'll take him off my Christmas Card list," replied O'Neill, "So what happened to him?"
"I thought it would be a good exercise for us to practice taking down an ascended," replied Hammond.
"I thought Anubis would make an excellent practice dummy," replied Janus.
"So Anubis is dead?" asked O'Neill
"Relatively speaking, yes he is dead," replied Hammond, "He will not be coming back."
"Well then, when you get back the first round is on me," replied O'Neill.
"Are we ready for Celestis?" asked Hammond.
"First thing, General Hammond is in charge. What he says goes. Understand?" asked O'Neill.
"Yes, Commander O'Neill. He is the military mind here," replied Janus.
"There are fourteen of you and all better return. If Adira can be reasoned with good, if not, destroy her and bring back Morgan Le Fay," order O'Neill, "We will dial the gate for Celestis in two hours for you to return."
"Understood Commander!" replied Hammon.
Harriman dialed up the gate address for Celestis. Hammond leads the ascended group through the gate. Once on the other side, they all disappeared and excelled in the Flames of Enlightenment. They could see the energy stream that was the battle between Adira and Morgan Le Fey. They encircled the two, and it took only a minimal blast of energy at the two, to bring their battle to an end.
"Greetings Morgan," spoke Janus.
"It is a surprise to see you, Janus," replied Morgan, "Has the day we have worried about finally come?"
"The Old Ones are prepared to wage direct war. We need you," replied Janus, turning toward Adira, "However we don't need you."
"Wait, what harm can I do?" asked Adira.
"I will give you one chance and one chance only. Tell us where the weapon Moros created is located, and we will see about sparing your life," replied Hammond.
"So I have a bargaining chip," replied Adira, "I will give you the weapon you seek if you give me the Daniel Jackson."
"I'm tempted to that deal because Commander O'Neill would use you as target practice," replied Hammond.
"They couldn't hurt me, I am ascended," replied Adira.
"Things have changed Adira. They have destroyed an Old One already. Their weapons are far more formidable than when you encountered them," replied Janus.
"Here is the deal we will give you. Tell us where the weapon is, once we have it, we will let you live. We will descend you to a human form. You won't have your powers. You will be given the chance to live here on Celestis," replied Hammond.
Adira was watching around the group, looking for a weak spot, if she could get outside of this group, she would have a chance to escape, just a thought is all she needed. There it was the one called Hammond let slip a moment contemplation. Adira sent a blast of energy at Hammond and attempted to break the circle where he was. She never expected a short red haired ascended being to materialize behind Hammond. Fraiser sent her own blast of energy right back at Adira throwing her to the ground.
Janus didn't hesitate, "Destroy her!"
All the remaining ancients were drawing power for a single powerful energy burst.
"Wait it's on the Ori ship in orbit, it's cloaked," shouted Adira.
"Too late!" replied Morgan.
A blast of energy rolled from each Ascended striking Adira directly. She wreathed in pain. Her energy force began to falter, as it was shredded. A defiant scream could be heard from her. She used all of her energy to hold herself together, but in the end to no avail. All that was left was like a whiff of smoke that quickly faded, and Adira was no more.
"Shall we find this Ori ship?" asked Janus.
"Yes let's do that," replied Hammond, "Where did you come from?"
"You think I'm going to let you out of my sight? No sir, your mine and I intend to keep you," replied Fraiser, kissing Hammond on the cheek. Morgan and Oma both smiled, as the other ascended quickly moved toward orbit to find the ship.
"I am going to speak to the Doci, see if we can establish better ties with the people here in the Ori Galaxy. Janus finds that weapon. You have one hour fifty-nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds before they open the gate for us," ordered Hammond.
Janus and the other ascended took to the orbit of the planet. It took a little while to find the ship, it was cloaked and behind a moon. They found the ship to be entirely empty. There right where Jackson had left the device it was still resting. Janus searched for any indication the device was still active or trapped. He could find no indications.
"I think we should take the ship back through the supergate to the Milky Way, so the Alliance would have the Ori ship, I am confident there is technology here they could use, and the weapon," replied Janus.
"Isn't the supergate near the edge of the galaxy where the Old Ones are gathering?" asked Oma.
"You are right on that point, this could be too valuable of a target for them to ignore," replied Janus.
"Let's wait for Hammond to see what his thoughts are," replied Oma.
Meanwhile down on Celestis.
"Doci, I am here representing the people of the Milky Way, the humans you were at war with," replied Hammond.
"I know who you are," replied Doci.
"I would like to propose we establish better relations, now that the war has come to an end. Tomin has become the leader here among your people. I would like to propose that a representative from my world meet with you and Tomin to begin formal peace talks," replied Hammond.
"That would be acceptable. What are your demands?" asked Doci.
"Demands? Peace," replied Hammond.
"Peace? After all, we did?" asked Doci.
"We are not here to be vindictive," replied Hammond, "That is not our way. We only want to become friends."
"That would be agreeable," replied Doci.
"Then send for Tomin, I will return for formal discussions," replied Hammond, as he left heading for the ship the others had located.
Hammond arrived at the ship, found everyone staring at the device.
"So this is the device we fear and admire?" asked Hammond.
"Yes, this is it. It is a very intriguing design. Moros seems to have made is overly complicated to prevent the Ori, from being able to quickly disable it," replied Janus.
"Did he not agree with you all that the Old Ones would one day become a problem?" asked Hammond.
"He did, which is all the more intriguing. Why he didn't leave us something of instructions for this. Instead, he created a single instance of it," replied Janus.
Morgan contemplating something, "Well maybe he didn't intend to be in suspension for as many years as he was. However, I suspect Moros may have left a clue for us. He used a device to phase shift to do his research. Could he have left a clue in there?"
"Worth investigating," replied Janus.
"Janus was thinking we should take this ship and device back through the super gate and return it all to Earth. However, the supergate is near the edge of the galaxy where the Old Ones are gathering. What are your thoughts Hammond?" asked Oma.
"I think Morgan and Janus should head back when the gate is reopened and immediately investigate the notes Moros left behind. You have Commander O'Neill, send the Hades here, to transport this Ori ship back to Earth. Oma and I will head back down to meet with the Doci, and Tomin to discuss an alliance," replied Hammond.
"I'll go with you as well," replied Fraiser.
"Napoleon I didn't think for a second you would do otherwise," replied Hammond.
"Napolean? You're hanging out with O'Neill too much," replied Fraiser.
Nearly two hours later the stargate on Celestis activated for a reverse wormhole. Janus and Morgan returned to Atlantis. They informed Commander O'Neill of the results and requested the Hades to be dispatched to Celestis to retrieve the entire Ori ship. They went off to Daniel's lab where the device was still located.
Hammond, Fraiser, and Oma returned to Celestis, to meet with the Doci and Tomin.
"General Hammond?" asked Tomin.
"Formerly yes," replied Hammond.
"General Landry mentioned you. Seemed to speak highly of you," replied Tomin.
"Now Commander Landry is essentially my boss," replied Hammond, "I think very highly of him."
"Let me get this straight, the Ascended in your galaxy, are working for the Stargate Command there now?" asked Tomin.
"It's a bit more complicated than that," replied Hammond.
"There is an alliance of races now that run things. Commander O'Neill is in charge," spoke Hammond.
"Know of him," replied Tomin.
"Commander Landry and Commander Caldwell are under him. Both in charge of different aspects. Our planet now knows about the Stargate and the races we have met," replied Hammond.
"That is a change," replied Tomin, "How id Vala?"
"I wondered when you would ask about her. She is doing well. She is with Daniel Jackson," replied Fraiser.
"I expected that, but I am glad she is doing well," replied Tomin.
"We would like to welcome both of you to come to Atlantis, and meet with the council. I believe we can find it beneficial to both of our galaxies," replied Hammond.
"What is occurring that has brought together so many races?" asked the Doci.
"Friendship is how we have come together. I won't lie to you. We are at war. There are ascended beings that are far older the Ori, or the Ancients. We call them the Old Ones. They fear us and are coming for us. Every human in the galaxy is in danger," replied Hammond.
"I remember the Ori discussing the Old Ones. It was never good, but I never understood who or what they were, as I was blinded," replied Doci.
"Is there friendship among the people for us, after what we have done?" asked Tomin.
"There will be those who won't trust you. Those who will be against you even. You can't change minds till they have had a chance to learn you," replied Hammond.
"Trust is built between people," replied Oma.
"Very well, I am game to return with you," replied Tomin.
"Will my presence disturb the efforts?" asked Doci.
"Yes it will, but that needs to be done." replied Hammond, "Oma here will be with you, the entire time. Watching you, and keeping you safe, as well as to reassure others you mean no harm."
"Then let us be on our way," replied Doci.
Hammond and Fraiser swept up the Doci and Tomin. Taking them to the Ori ship in orbit. Hades arrived about an hour later. Coupling hooks connected the two crafts, and a quick wormhole jump back to Earth. The Ori ship was taken to Pacifica in orbit where it would be examined and taken apart for any advanced technology.
Tomin and the Doci were led to a conference room where Thor, Freya, Bra'tac, Lya, Hammond filling in for Janus, and Woosley. They would be in a conference for many hours, as they discussed the issues they faced. Breaks were arranged and quarters were arranged for them to rest in. A tour of Atlantis, and Col. Sheppard provided a flyover of Altera. Tomin and Doci were introduced to the Tollan, they were still trying to find there place.
Janus had spoken to O'Neill that Hammond would be better suited to have his position on the council.
Tomin and Doci had entered the Council chambers. They appeared to still be meeting with the Tollans.
"Thank you for all the information you have provided regarding the Old Ones," spoke Thor.
"I once again wish to convey my apologies to you and the people of Stargate Command," spoke Narim, "I have spoken at great length to the remaining seven Tollans. They understand that I was under the influence of a Goa'uld. The statements I made against the people of this planet were false. They have let go of their ill feelings."
"That is excellent news Narim. I believe the council would like to learn what is the intention of your people now?" asked Lya.
Narim shook, "Our homeworld is destroyed. There are only eight of us remaining. We have nowhere to go. We are lost."
"Narim you have known me from the beginning, once again we offer you a home for your people. Here at Atlantis. No longer do I think you will find our people technologically inferior. In fact, you may find we have progressed in some areas ahead of the Tollans," spoke Hammond.
"You would offer us a place here, after what I have caused?" asked Narim.
"No place this universe, can you find an audience with a greater understanding of the evils a Goa'uld can do," spoke Bra'tac.
"I will speak to the others, I believe they will agree to this," replied Narim.
"Excellent the Tollans have always and will always have friends here," replied Hammond.
"Now we must turn our attention to those people in the Ori galaxy," replied Freya.
Narim bowed slightly to Tomin and the Doci as he left the council chambers.
"Was that a show for us?" asked Tomin.
"No, it was something that has taken far to long for them to come to terms with," replied Freya.
"We have shown you great hospitality over the past couple of days. We have shown you how things have changed since our last meeting. It is our wish that the people of the Ori galaxy feel they have a place in our great Alliance," spoke Woosley.
"Exactly what are you offering?" asked Tomin.
"Friendship, and knowledge," replied Hammond.
"Friendship we have. We owe your people a great debt and our friendship," replied Tomin, "Knowledge what can we offer you?"
"Many things, but it is also what we can offer you. I believe many of your people would like to advance in the sciences. We can offer them instruction in those fields. New medicines to help you. We are willing to share much of our technology with you. You would be able to send people here to study and for those interested to join our forces as well," replied Woosley.
"So you want soldiers?" asked Tomin.
"We are now entrusted to protect multiple galaxies. The forces to do so are needed. We are not asking you to send soldiers. Those who wish to do so, may, however, there is no requirement," replied Woosley.
"Tomin you are familiar with my people. We are warriors, none were forced to come here. Over twenty thousand have volunteered. I have some that get on their knees begging me. They are warriors at heart, they come here to learn new ways to fight. In fact, I now have twenty-seven Jaffa that wishes to come and study medicine, because healing is their heart. It took much convincing for my people to understand we wouldn't be serving a new master, but part of a new community," spoke Bra'tac.
"You offer us your protection?" asked Doci.
"Yes, one of the things we would like to do eventually is to place a city ship similar to Atlantis in the Ori galaxy. It would be our base of operations. A place for your people to work with us, and travel not just here, but around the universe," answered Hammond, "We would station one or two of our ships there, to provide support as needed."
"We already have a city ship," stated the Doci. All eyes in the chamber turned to him.
"We have a city ship?" asked Tomin.
"Not as grand as Atlantis. Celestis is a ship. It has a control chair that controls it. However it has been dormant for thousands of years," replied Doci.
"I did not know that," replied Tomin.
"We would be happy to work with you on learning what it offers," replied Hammond.
"I don't know if I can say yes for everyone. Your terms are agreeable to me. However I would like to see more of the workings here before I return to my people and discuss this with them,' replied Tomin.
"How would I, or the priors fit in here?" asked Doci.
"We would have to ask that you limit the use of your powers here. If any wanted to join our forces then we would be working with them to integrate with their strengths. At this point we would not use the inhibitor unless it was to become necessary," replied Freya.
"Let us have more time then to learn about you and the people here," replied Tomin.
"Very well, please let us know when you wish to return home, or if you have any further questions," replied Lya.
Tomin and the Doci left the chamber then.
"I am pleased the Tollan have decided to stay here," replied Lya.
"I believe they will be an excellent addition to our team," replied Bra'tac.
"If the Ori joins us, then we will have another galaxy we need to protect," replied Woosley.
"Yes we already need to establish bases in Pegasus, and Old Othalla to monitor those galaxies," replied Thor.
"I find this revelation that Celestis is a city ship very interesting. I believe Janus won't want to wait to study it," replied Hammond.
"Let us discuss the proposal on the wraith," spoke Bra'tac.
"For the record, I am against it," replied Woosley.
"If we can remove their life draining ability, they would be capable of integrating into our society. They are very skilled warriors and scientist from what I have learned," spoke Lya.
"They can not be trusted," replied Woosley, "I have no problem treating them. Dr. Keller and Dr. Beckett believe they have perfected the process, fine give it to them. However, integrating them I do not agree with."
"For now let's table the discussion," replied Freya.
"We need to discuss the expansion of Midway station. Dr. McKay had discussed the practicality of expanding it. Currently, it's central to the Milky Way, and Pegasus. However it also in a prime location to Cetus, Aquarius, and Andromeda should we decide to explore those galaxies," spoke Woosley.
"Might I suggest building a station similar to Pacifica. Capable of the large jumps and a point to which to monitor all galaxies in general," replied Bra'Tac.
"I agree with Master Bra'Tac as this would be a wise decision," replied Hammond.
"We have the materials to easily build many more stations and ships. I will send work to put together a design and begin production," replied Thor, "Now I need to leave to speak with Commander O'Neill. He requested a meeting for this time."
Thor called Avidan and beamed to O'Neill's office.
"Greeting Commander," spoke Thor.
"Thor buddy, Col. Carter has sent back word requesting a science station be built and delivered to P9C-372. Apparently, things are going well, and they wish to set up a permanent station there to speak and study with this Primus," spoke O'Neill.
"We do have a design ready for a science-based station. This will take a few days to construct. We will have a station ready as soon as possible. I assume it will need to have defensive capabilities as well?" asked Thor.
"Yes," replied O'Neill.
Tomin spent the next couple of days, actually training with Teal'c. He learned many new fighting techniques, that the humans and Jaffa were bringing together. He also got to know several recruits. Doci, spent some time with Dr. Lee and Dr. Miller, finding out about some of the sciences that he was interested in. Whether the people of the Ori, accepted the offer, or not, he felt he would. A chance to study and learn these sciences greatly interested him. Finally, on the fourth day, they felt they knew what they needed and returned home.