O'Neill was showing Carter around the Enterprise. Carter was amazed by the advanced Stargate the Asgard had created. The ship as a whole had a look and feel more like Atlantis than their previous ships. Medical bays, science labs, and manufacturing facilities were all integrated throughout the ship. Even the crew quarters were a step above anything they had previously, with each crew member having their own private quarters. Avidan was fully integrated throughout the ships just like Atlantis.
"I have to admit Sir, I'm jealous," spoke Carter.
"You could be my first officer?" replied O'Neill.
"I don't think that is a good idea," replied Carter, "I would lead a mutiny to have this ship as my own."
O'Neill laughing.
"No seriously who are you going to get?" asked Carter.
"Lya from the Nox, she wanted to be assigned a unit, she will be here with me. Jinn and Eli as my tech specialists. Hlin will be joining on as well. Sarah Gardener will be my Daniel. I was thinking Cassie, but if something happened to hear, I would fear her mother Napolean," explained O'Neill.
"You would need to fear me as well," replied Carter.
"Yeah Cassie is stuck to a desk," replied O'Neill.
O'Neill continued to show Carter around the ship. The Enterprise would be the flagship for diplomatic missions, and essentially for leading the armada with the number of ships now at O'Neill's command. Larin had provided her top two hundred pilots to the Enterprise. Teal'c and Ronon were training a special group of five hundred infantry to handle tactical situations that may be required.
Odai Ventrell had signed on to the Alliance Guard. He would be O'Neill's security chief. Most people were amazed at O'Neill's decision, but the two had a day-long conversation in O'Neil's office. Nobody knew for sure what was discussed but O'Neill would say he trusted Odai with his life.
Captain Tamara Johansen would be coming on board as his Medical staff. Lieutenant Riley and Marks would be the primary bridge crew on the Enterprise.
O'Neill realized that he could not just stay in Altera anymore. He needed to be visiting around the alliance. The recent issues with the Asgard were proof he had been too complacent.
There were a number of planets he planned to visit and try to establish relations with. Langara is one of the first places to visit. The last contact had been after aid was offered to them after the Ori attack. SGC at the time learned the sad fate of their friend Jonas Quinn had died in the attack, defending the small village where he was from originally.
As the crew for the Enterprise was taking shape, O'Neill, Landry, and Caldwell decided to meet.
"So Jack your going to be going all diplomatic?" asked Landry.
O'Neill smirking, "Hank you know how much I love diplomacy."
"About as much as I enjoyed having a Goa'uld," replied Caldwell.
"Been there done that!" replied O'Neill.
"That was a Tok'ra, a little different," replied Caldwell.
"Not as much as you think," replied O'Neill.
"So what exactly is the plan?" asked Caldwell.
"We can't have another incident like the Asgard. Nobody going off script and doing things as they did," replied O'Neill.
"Yes well having a fleet of five thousand DN-1103a's is something I'm not losing sleep over," replied Caldwell.
Landry chuckling, "Me neither!"
"Well from a military point of view it is nice, but from a diplomatic view it's caused a lot of problems," explained O'Neill.
"The Jaffa was not happy about that," replied Caldwell.
"We can't have that happening again. The Enterprise will be our flagship, and it will be out visiting worlds routinely. Hopefully building a better coalition among the planets and alliance members," replied O'Neill.
"You know it dawned on me that we have better control of every galaxy except our own," replied Landry.
"I know Pegasus, Ida, Othalla, Milky Way, Ori, and the new Othalla galaxy, that is a lot of territories to cover," replied Caldwell.
"New Othalla galaxy? We need a better name," spoke O'Neill.
"So where are you off to first?" asked Landry.
"Remoc, too see the Jaffa Council and make nice. Then to Langara, to see if we can work out a diplomatic solution with them. Wish Jonas was still around," replied O'Neill.
"Langara would be great, get our hands on more Naquadria," replied Caldwell.
"We will hold things down here while your traveling," replied Landry.
"I can be back here quickly if the need arises," reminded O'Neill.
The rest of the meeting was planning on how to deploy out the fleet. DN-1103's were deployed to Remoc, Nox, Corlan, Earth, Celestis, Genii and Tok'ra homeworld for security. In addition, a complement of six DN-1103's was sent to Orilla, Celestis, and Lantea stations on permanent assignment. Primus and Midway stations received two each for security. Pacifica was established as an orbital extension of Altera, transporters were connected between the two, allowing for personal to move freely between the city and station.
Two days later, the Enterprise began it's shakedown test flights. O'Neill was very excited with how well his crew performed. Riley and Marks were ready for any action that O'Neill needed and the command chair gave him great information into the status of the ship as needed. Odai was working with the security personnel. He had visited Destiny to see how Tomin had trained and instructed his security details, hearing the high praise that Commander Mitchell had given to O'Neill. A week of flying around the solar system, and a few jumps out, they were ready to begin their duties.
The first was to Remoc, to meet with the Jaffa Council. Bra'tac, Rak'nor, and Cha'ra met the Enterprise on board the Remembrance. They were transported directly to the bridge to meet with O'Neill.
"Welcome onboard the Enterprise," grinned O'Neill.
"Commander O'Neill this is a formidable ship," spoke Bra'tac.
"I want our enemies to know that," replied O'Neill.
"And your friends?" asked Rak'nor.
"Our friends have access to DN-1103's as well. The DN-1105 will be limited for the time being," replied O'Neill.
"Interesting as I see no DN-1103's in the Jaffa fleet," replied Cha'ra.
"Yes that is a problem that has been bothering me, it is why the Asgard is constructing ten DN-1103's for you as we speak. Thor expects to deliver within a week," replied O'Neill.
"Ten DN-1103's?" asked Bra'tac.
"That hardly compares to the five thousand the Asgard have," stated Cha'ra.
"That is correct, but keep in mind that Jaffa, Tau'ri, Tok'ra, and Nox are all being integrated onto their ships," spoke Lya entering the bridge.
"What are the Nox going to do in a battle plant flowers?" asked Cha'ra.
"Cha'ra that is uncalled for!" exclaimed Bra'tac, who was now seeing Cha'ra pressed against the ceiling with just a flick of Lya's hand.
"I thought the Jaffa were better fighters than this to underestimate an enemy," responded Lya.
"Calm down ladies," ordered O'Neill.
Lya gently eased Cha'ra back to the floor.
"It seems I have misspoken, the Nox are certainly more formidable than their reputation," replied Cha'ra.
"This galaxy has not seen the Nox at war in many millennia, and hopefully will never see us at war again," replied Lya.
O'Neill spoke, "That is the purpose of our alliance, to maintain peace."
"I agree, we need to settle our differences in peaceful ways, and guide the young races from repeating our mistakes," spoke Bra'tac.
The next few hours were spent giving a tour of the Enterprise. O'Neill pointed out the differences between a DN-1103 and DN-1105. O'Neill the diplomat was showing his skills in ways that impressed everyone on board. Gardner finally joined them, Rak'nor recognized her as the former host of Osiris.
"I apologize for any actions that Osiris did while in control of my body. I will forever carry many memories to my grave of the atrocities that she did," apologized Gardner.
Rak'nor shaking his head, "The Jaffa understand the control the Goa'uld has on a person. You have no apologies here. We are happy you survived your experience with Osiris."
They concluded their tour with a meeting to discuss the role the Jaffa would play in the alliance. From participating in patrols with their ships to providing transport between planets using their ships and the supergates. Rak'nor wanted to see the continued level of training and teaching on technology continue, while O'Neill insisted that was an area he felt needed to be increased.
"I am concerned over some of the technologies and them being shared. Such as the wormhole drive," spoke Cha'ra.
"Not everyone is going to understand all of the technologies. Wormhole drive is one of the most complicated technologies that we have. We will gladly share it with those who reach a level of understanding that can comprehend it. Only a handful of Tau'ri actually understands it. When the Jaffa has someone who is capable of learning it, they are welcomed to sit down with McKay or Carter to explain it," answered O'Neill.
"The farming techniques you have shared, have greatly increased our food supply, and a variety of foods. Many Jaffa has never known such a selection," explained Rak'nor.
Lya spoke, "I am glad to hear that. All the races have brought together their food crops and techniques that have benefited many."
"I'd like to ask how your histories are coming?" asked Gardner.
"Much of our history was wiped out by Goa'uld. However, we were able to find much on Dakara before it was destroyed. We have a few Jaffa who endeavors to learn more," spoke Bra'tac.
"If we can be of any help please let us know," replied Gardner.
The meeting lasted several hours and much was discussed. Later when the Jaffa returned to the Remembrance.
"I believe the Old Ones have woken the Nox. They seem nearly impossible to anger, but once you do, I would not want to face them in open combat," spoke Cha'ra.
Rak'nor agreeing, "If they are all like Lya, then I am glad we are on their side."
"I believe you both are correct," replied Bra'tac.
"As you were in insisting on joining this alliance. You have done great service to our people Master Bra'tac. Our place in this galaxy, this universe, has increased significantly thanks to your insistence," spoke Cha'ra.
The Enterprise settled into orbit around Langara.
"I want full surface scans, and as many details as you can gather on their current status," ordered O'Neill.
"Yes sir!" replied Riley.
"Before we go down there, I want to know as much as we can," replied O'Neill.
"I will have a security detail to escort you, sir," replied Ventrell.
Later that night O'Neill had a knock on his quarters.
"Come in," spoke O'Neill. Johansen entered.
"Sir, I was asked to be here, by Commander Carter. She is on video communication to speak to you," spoke Johansen.
"She asked you to be here? This can't be good," replied O'Neill. Flipping the video on.
"Jack, it's good to see you," spoke Carter.
"Sam why is Captain Johansen here?" asked O'Neill.
"Well I had my checkup today with Dr. Lam," began Carter.
"Is everyone alright? Are you ok? Is the baby ok?" asked O'Neill.
"The babies are all right," answered Carter.
Jack sat quietly.
"Captain is he still breathing?" asked Carter.
Johansen looking a second time, "Yes ma'am he is. I may have to check for a stroke. Congratulations!"
"Did she say babies?" asked O'Neill.
"Yes I did," spoke Carter.
"Twins?" shouted O'Neill, "Two babies a boy and a girl hopefully!"
"I did learn the sex, want to know?" asked Carter.
"Yes!" shouted O'Neill.
"One is a boy, and the other two are girls," replied Carter grinning.
Jack sat quietly.
"OK, I'm checking him for a stroke this time," spoke Johansen reaching out for O'Neill.
O'Neill slapping her hands away, "Triplets?"
"Triplets," spoke Carter.
"Let them take after you and not me!" spoke O'Neill.
Lorne woke in a completely dark room again, still unable to move his arms and legs. Everything was pitch dark still.
Lorne calls out, "Anyone here?"
Waiting, but no response, "We come in peace, we mean no harm! Please talk to me!"
Suddenly he heard, "Who are you? Why do you come?"
"We are the Tau'ri, we are part of a great alliance, in a distant galaxy," replied Lorne.
"Lies. You come from the water. Your technology is too advanced for any other means," replied the voice.
"We mean you no harm, we come in peace," explained Lorne.
"You have stolen technology from the Asgard, and the Lanteans!" shouted the voice.
Lorne found himself succumbing to the darkness before he could make a reply.