"Can someone tell me what is going on?" shouted Landry.
"Sir, we have another nine wormholes with drones exiting," explained Harriman.
"Open a channel to the lead one," ordered O'Neill.
Caldwell appeared next to O'Neill, "This takes some getting used to."
Mir, appeared on screen, "Commander Caldwell we came to assist you in your battle with the Old Ones."
"Commander O'Neill, this is Mir, he helped convince the Furling council to help us with the drones we brought with us."
"The battle has been won, the Old Ones have moved on to another universe. I thank you Mir for your assistance," spoke O'Neill.
"Our sensors indicate significant damage on your planet can we render assistance?" asked Mir.
"That would be wonderful. Commander Caldwell and Landry here will coordinate with you," spoke O'Neill, "I need to have a talk with certain Asgard, then my wife."
O'Neill met with Thor, and after much yelling, that could be heard three levels below O'Neill's office, Thor agreed to remove all of the anti-ascended weapons, the Asgard had planted. O'Neill had much to explain to everyone. He started with Carter, who now had an ascended husband and three advance children.
"So you're ascended now?" asked Carter holding Jacklyn.
"Yes," replied O'Neill "According to Daniel who is a pro at this, once you are ascended you are always ascended."
"What does that mean for us?" asked Carter watching Jacob float across the room.
"I'm finally as smart as you," replied O'Neill in disbelief at watching Samantha walk.
"Also that means your better at watching the kids than I am!" replied Carter.
Donovan over the world alert system "I am able to announce that the battle is over. Earth has been devastated from the battle. Indications are that forth to fifty percent of the planet has been leveled. Those in the bunker where it is safe will be allowed to return home. Those where it is not safe, militaries around the world are working to get to you. We have lost many lives, the exact total is not known at this time. Fortunately, Dr. Janet Fraiser, an ascended being was able to ascend most people who were in danger, unfortunately not everyone was able to be saved."
Alliance Guard took command of al the military around the globe. It was learned that President Hayes had been among those killed, as well as the Russian Premier. Landry coordinated all the ground troops while Caldwell coordinated the off-world help that came to assist. Members of the Alliance did not disappoint. Bra'Tac arrived leading the Jaffa fleet, immediately help in every way possible. The Nox began using their skills to heal the planet, it would take several generations before it could all be healed. Langara sent every doctor they could spare to assist. Hebridan sent devices to assist in moving of collapsed buildings. Freya appeared with a number of Tok'ra who brought crystals for creating shelters for the homeless. The Doci appeared and a large number of followers came forth to assist as they could. Thor coordinated the Asgard who came by all forms of ships. Beaming debris from the surface. Hammond coordinated the newly ascended, some searched for a loved one, and some helped were and how possible.
The second day after the battle, the Alliance Council met.
"Commander O'Neill please explain what happened at the end of the battle," asked Landry.
O'Neill took a deep breath, that he no longer needed, "I was activating an overload on all of the remaining DN-1103's in an attempt to wipe out the remaining Old Ones. Safety measures in the Asgard core had to be overridden, which meant I had to remain in the chair to keep them overridden. I evacuated everyone from all the ships moved them to what I hoped as a safe distance from Earth and started the override. Right before it detonated, I found my self in the ascended plane. I think Dr. Jackson may want to give us some information on Quetzalcoatl now."
Dr. Jackson explained, "Destiny reached the center of the universe. We found a wormhole, that will take you to the next universe. From what we have learned, people can move on to the next universe, but they can never come back. We also found a star and a planet. On this planet, we discovered four obelisks and a pyramid. Our examination found a really old dialect of the Ancients or Ori language. Inside the pyramid, we found my grandfather Nicholas Ballard. He joined Quetzalcoatl on P7X-377 several years ago. What we learned there was an ancient race called the Quichean, created this universe, but also four races the Ori a people of the earth, Nakai a people of water, Jinn a people of air, and Ifrit a people of fire. The Old Ones were the Jinn. The Ori and Ancients were the descendants of the original Ori. The Nakai are still around as they have battled Destiny. The people of the Ifrit were wiped out of existence in a great flood, caused by Quichean. Afterward, they created a covenant with the remaining three races to never interfere with the races again. I believe this is where the many flood myths come from, like Noah. Originally these four races lived together on this planet we found, however, once they reached a certain level of knowledge they were exiled from the planet out into the universe. This is very much like our Garden of Eden story, instead of four rivers it was four races that flowed from it."
"As you can tell there is a lot to hear," replied O'Neill.
"We met with Quetzalcoatl who told us we were the fifth race. A race that was made up of the four original races. The only time this has happened. All four races at one time or another left behind traces here on Earth, that somehow created us. Quetzalcoatl could not help us directly, however, it was clear that he wanted the Jinn to stop. Fortunately, Commander O'Neill had mentioned a name, Magister Tenebris. It turns out that Magister Tenebris is the last of the original Jinn. Quetzalcoatl was not able to convince him to intervene and stop the battle. Finally, he destroyed Magister Tenebris, and then brought us here to Earth," continued Jackson.
O'Neill picking up, "He froze time in this plane of existence, and pulled me and Quctenificaltenfinuhbudswer to the plane of the ascended. The Jinn refused to end their battle. However, when they realized that over one billion people from here on Earth had been ascended by Dr. Fraiser, they backed down. They agreed to leave with Quetzalcoatl and move on to the next universe. However, that is when Janus arrived and told everyone Thor activated an anti-ascended weapon like what we sent to the Ori galaxy. Quetzalcoatl informed us that the amount of energy that was bound around our solar system from the battle would act as a magnifier and send the anti-ascended wave around the entire universe. No ascended could approach it without being destroyed. After several ideas fell apart, I suggested we turn back time similar to how Carter did on the Odyssey. The agreement was all of the Jinn, Alterans, and Lantean ascended would have to move onto the next universe with Quetzalcoatl. Those who were not of those races were able to stay behind. I appeared in the gateroom in time to stop Thor from activating the device this time."
"That is a lot to digest my friend," spoke Bra'tac.
Much discussion continued for a couple of hours over this. Finally, Woosley knowing other subjects needed to be addressed.
Woosley spoke, "Commander Mitchell please give us an update on Destiny."
"I must confess, I am relieved to learn that Dr. Jackson, Vala, Thrud, and Oma did not perish on that planet," spoke Mitchell.
"Sorry for not getting back to you sooner," replied Jackson.
"Currently we are orbiting the star at the center of the universe. Destiny is not responding to any commands we give. Dr. Zalenka, Narim and Captain Hailey can find no problems across the entire ship," spoke Mitchell.
"Destiny is ready to move on to the next universe," spoke Lya.
"Excuse me?" asked O'Neill.
"Destiny was designed to seek out, it has found everything in this universe, now it's time for it to seek in a new universe," spoke Lya.
"I don't think any of the crew is ready to leave this one yet," spoke Mitchell.
"Destiny is waiting for you to leave," spoke Lya.
"That actually makes some sense," replied Jackson.
"What do we do?" asked Mitchell.
"I'll have a ship there tomorrow, you all can board it. Then we will see what Destiny does," spoke Caldwell.
"Yes, sir! I'll have everyone ready," replied Mitchell.
"Commander Caldwell, and Commander Lorne, I believe you both have some explaining to do?" asked Woosley.
"Lorne, you want to start?" asked Caldwell.
"We were making a routine wormhole jump to the Furling homeworld when we never exited from the wormhole. We were in complete darkness. Next thing I know I'm waking up in this white room. I couldn't tell how big it was and had these voices talking to me. They were convinced we were working with the Nakai. They kept my crew for months I guess. I'm honestly not sure how we survived, something must have been providing nutrients and water to our bodies. I only remember regaining consciousness three times," spoke Lorne.
"The same thing happened to us. However, we had an Asgard on board. It took a lot of talking by Vin to convince them who we were. That we were not enemies. They had been trying to Desotry Destiny to keep it from the hands of the Nakai. They brought Commander Lorne and me out first. We talked with them and they agreed to help us some, as we learned the battle was about to begin. They gave us control of their drones, and adjusted the frequency they fired at to the anti-ascended weapon on my ship," replied Caldwell.
"That's about all there is to it," replied Lorne.
"Well, now the Furlings are wanting to join our alliance. I've learned they have a city-ship larger than Atlantis in hyperspace," replied Woosley.
"That is a matter for another day," replied Bra'tac.
"Yes that is for a different discussion," replied Woosley, "Commander Landry can you give us status around the planet?"
"We had a few militaries that tried to take advantage of the situation, but once I had a squadron of F-71's flew in overhead, they decided against that course of action," replied Landry, "We have taken control of nearly all the militaries around the world. China and a couple of African countries are holding out."
"I will reach out to the Chinese," replied Woosley.
"No need, I have multiple squadrons of F-71's and Commander Sheppard has been kind enough to go talk to them. I expect a peaceful transition of power," replied Landry.
"Recovery efforts?" asked Woosley.
"The evacuation system in the bunkers have made it possible to get most people out, however, we did have forty-three bunkers that were damaged with the evacuation system destroyed or malfunctioning. The devices from Hebridan on moving debris has really speed this process up. We expect to have everyone out in the next forty-eight to seventy-two hours," replied Landry.
"Excellent news. Commander Caldwell how are our allies helping?" asked Woosley.
"The Jaffa are here in mass, I'm not for sure what the total count is, but they have come in mass. Master Bra'tac I wish to thank you personally. Your people are helping clear debris, using their ships to house people who have lost their homes, and helping feed our people," replied Caldwell.
"You have done the same for us," replied Bra'tac.
"Our allies the Langarans?" asked Woosley.
"Langarans have sent three hundred doctors that had trained with the medical bays, here to help. They are certainly providing great assistance, from minor injuries to the more serious. The Hebridans, who are still rebuilding themselves, sent these devices for analyzing the debris to determine what is safe to move and what is not, then levitating this out. This has been a big help at those bunkers we are having to dig out." replied Caldwell.
"The Ori?" asked Woosley.
"The Doci here lead five thousand men to help, they are preparing food to be dispersed around the planet to help feed people. Also, he brought two hundred priors who are helping with healing and searching debris outside of the bunkers for people who didn't make it to bunkers. The Tok'ra have been able to create settlements for the homeless to have a place to shelter," replied Caldwell.
"Now for the part, I don't want to hear. What is our casualty count?" asked Woosley.
Fraiser spoke up, "I was, fortunately, able to ascend many individuals that would have died. We had over ten thousand bunkers fail, I was able to ascend all but one to two million of the people. Our numbers would be over one billion otherwise."
"The entire world thanks you for that, Dr. Fraiser," replied Woosley.
Everyone sat in silence for a bit. Letting everything sink in and realize that while many were lost, many were saved.
"So what do we do now?" asked Woosley.
"We rebuild," answered O'Neill.
"Rebuild what?" asked Woosley.
"An Alliance of worlds spread throughout the universe. Tau'ri, Nox, Tok'ra, Jaffa, Asgard, Langaran, Hebridan, Furling, and anyone else who wants to join. One government, working with everyone, helping everyone and each other. No more individual states or groups. We are one." replied O'Neill.
"That's a lofty goal," replied Woosley.
"And your the perfect man for the job," replied O'Neill.
The day after a newly christened DN-1105 named the Enterprise II arrived alongside Destiny.
O'Neill to Mitchell on Destiny, "Commander we are ready to beam your people over."
"Just a minute sir we have a situation here," replied Mitchell.
Onboard Destiny Mitchell was looking at Narim, "What do you mean you do not want to go?"
"I wish to remain on board Destiny and travel with her on to the next universe. There is nothing left here for me Commander Mitchell. My people are gone. The one person I care about most is with another. Let me do this, to start a new life," replied Narim.
Mitchell sighing, "If this ship doesn't enter that wormhole when your the only one left. Then your being beamed out. Understand?"
"Thank you," replied Narim.
Mitchell to O'Neill on the Enterprise, "Ready to beam out, except for Narim. He will be remaining with Destiny."
"Is he sure about that?" asked O'Neill.
"Yes sir," replied Mitchell.
The crew of the Destiny was beamed out. The bridge crew were now on the bridge of the Enterprise. Destiny was on the screen. The engines fired, and the ship headed toward the wormhole. O'Neill shook his head, Lya had been right.
"Sir we just a received a transmission from Destiny," replied Riley.
"What is it?" asked O'Neill.
"Text only, one word, 'Curiosity'," replied Riley.
Two years passed since the battle for Earth. Much had changed around the Universe.
The Furlings had joined the alliance. The Nakai had not been seen since the attack led by Caldwell. Mir was now the leader of the Furlings and spoke on the council. Travel to and from their city-ship known as Gerana was restricted to ship. Plans were being made to find a place to relocate them.
A modest fleet of one hundred DN-1105's had been built for security purposes.
The Tau'ri had traveled and spread out throughout the universe. Tau'ri now lived on Hebridan, Celestes, Langara, Tollana, Remoc, Othalla, Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. The use of nanites with time dilation greatly accelerated the recovery of Earth, the technology was also used on Hebridan, Langara, and Tollana. Earth was under the governance of the Alliance, as Woosley was still working on a new political landscape not only on Earth but across the entire alliance.
Walter Harriman had taken command of Midway Observatory as it was now called. It had been grown in size, now able to accommodate over a thousand personnel, with twenty-five observatories. The Astronomers and Astro-physicists made this place their home. Many never understood why we had an observatory when we could travel where we wanted. As astronomer and physicist alike would say we have to find where to travel to first!
Davis had been given command of Altera when Landry retired. The city was now fully staffed and had a booming tourist system. Caldwell had taken command of the new shipyard built in the Pegasus galaxy. He kept a close eye on the wraith. Sheppard took command of the fleet from Caldwell.
Thor, Mani, and Sol had all stepped down from their leadership position within the Asgard. Thrud had replaced her father, as the only ascended Asgard, she spoke on the council and lead her people. Thor's betrayal had hit O'Neill hard. Something he had not been able to get over. O'Neill had always believed Thor was the one person he could trust completely. Thor had broken that trust when he didn't destroy the anti-ascended device, instead of making over a dozen. His attempt to use them had nearly wiped out all ascended beings in the universe. Thus Othalla and all activities the Asgard did were under constant scrutiny, something that Thrud fully supported.
Several new shipyards were created around the universe. The location of each was kept secret. The shipyards sat on their own Stargate Network, allowing them to share supplies as needed while preventing access by others. Each was in a time dilation field and made use of nannites. Ships could complete the design phase and be constructed in a week. Mining sites were scattered all around the universe making use of the private gate network to deliver raw materials. Mining drones supplied the labor.
O'Neill had tried to retire, however too many demanded he remain as Supreme Commander of the Alliance.
The ascended came together and had discussed much in terms of how to move forward, they had adopted a few rules:
1) No ascending anyone under the age of 25, unless death is imminent, or against someone's will.
2) Ascended could only descend to a form they previously had.
3) No sneaking.
4) No ascending species that had not naturally ascended.
Approximately two-thirds of the population of Earth had been ascended. They found they could ascend and descend at will, by Samantha who figured it out at six months of age. Carter had planned not to ascended till her children were older, but once Samantha ascended then taught Jacob and Samantha how to, she immediately had O'Neill ascend her, being a mother to children who could ascend at will made raising children a little more difficult.
The Tau'ri had much to learn as newly ascended. Those like Hammond, Jackson and Fraiser were sharing much of their knowledge with the others. Yet The three O'Neill siblings were teaching as much as them. Samantha, Jacob, and Jackalyn seemed naturals at ascension.
Zalenka and Hailey were sitting around in the cafeteria one day, when Mitchell came up to sit down.
"What's eating you two?" asked Mitchell.
"The rim," replied Zalenka.
"Huh?" asked Mitchell.
"We're wondering about the rim of the universe. We found the center two years ago, but where is the edge? Where does it end?" asked Hailey.
"So finding the center of the universe and a wormhole that leads on to the next universe, isn't enough for you?" asked Mitchell.
"Just more questions. Like where is the exit from the wormhole that leads to ours? What is at the edge of the universe? Even our ascended knowledge is lacking," replied Zalenka.
"So that is the great next mystery?" asked Mitchell.
"Appears to be," replied Hailey.
Author's Note: The story doesn't end here. After all the Tau'ri have now been charged with caring for the entire universe. I will be taking a short break from writing, but the story will continue! Follow Atlantis Homeworld Command if you haven't, for the next part.
I would also like to thank everyone who has followed and written great reviews. Your reviews have pushed me on. I hope you have enjoyed the first part of the story, and now we are ready to begin the next part. **Cackles Evilly!**