Record keeping time: Hello everyone. I wanted to answer a couple of questions that were posed to this story.
To guest: The answer is yes, there is a story about the SGC contact with the colonials. All of them are cross related to this one. 1) Reunions are a deleted by Bob Regent. This is the definitive story. 2) Worldwar: Finding the Balance. And Roads paved in Shadows. All three are interrelated as the authors have worked together and cooperated in each of the stories. This is why the names of the characters are similar. These are all on fanfiction net. And yes, I am doing okay, just busy with a lot of things.
The Tok'ra were almost wiped out, but there are a few left but not many and their reproductive capability is not good given that they do not have a queen. They ae an endangered species.
In the upcoming chapters, I will be beating a dead horse. But I am trying to get a point across. The Colonials are new to this situation and it takes time to adjust. Interesting, because of their culture, war seems to be their first response if they cannot get what they want. However, this is a simplistic answer to a very complicated culture. War to them is not the same as war for us. The definition is different. That is something they will learn. Next, they haven't begun to adjust to aliens and near humans (Jaffa) with the exception of a very few of them. The Gemenons are screaming mad because they are not allowed to step foot on earth because they refuse to undergo the medical screening protocols. So Kunningham has got his hands full. Then Colonial culture is NOT Earth culture although it is similar in many ways. Finally, Earth refuses to lay down for the colonials and for the life of them, the Colonials don't understand why a single tribe won't submit to their seniors.
And to the rest of you, please start writing your own stories. I would love to read what you have in your brains!
Finally, Every few years, I have to repeat this. Everyone since BSG2003 knows my opinion of the creator's vision. It Is reflected in all of my stories. I hate writers and developers that try to manipulate the viewers to advance their story the way theyd did in BSG2003. My first impression of the characters (all but one) made me twitch and outright hostile. None of the characters on the BSG or the Cylon ships were worth spit. Now, on the planets they may have been different and I believe tey were, but I focus on the current main characters. Lo and behold what you see is what I got. 'nough said.
Now, as I always say, please enjoy. The next chapter will not take as long.
AlbertG/Skeet
Roads Paved in Shadows
Chapter Forty-five
Sol System
Home II
Their two hours up, the visitors prepared to step through back through the stargate once more. The three senior members of the Delegation fleet, Admiral Kunningham, Ambassador Isahan, and General Halima Cain, were suffering a condition in what could be best described as in a daze. Everything they'd seen, everything they'd experienced, just changed their world views of existence forever. All of them knew this, and they were hard at work, processing each in their own way.
Kunningham reeled with the implications. The ability to travel to other worlds by simply stepping through a door was a strategic wonder, and advantage the Colonies could exploit to their fullest. Once the Earthers shared this technology, anything was possible.
Those possibilities were almost enough to make him forget the current situation at home. If the Earth people had more devices like this, and he was sure they did, then it was absolutely imperative that this mission succeeded. Unification was more critical than first thought. Their resources, the sheer knowledge of this tribe (Thirteenth or otherwise), made them assets that the Cylons could never be allowed to acquire. When this upcoming fight was over, he intended to find out what was truly happening at home.
The Colonial admiral was not a man who indulged n fantasies. Helping his brethren at home, if indeed they were in conflict with the Earth Alliance, was something he had no control over. It was impossible for the military assets of the fleet to return in time to make a difference. He could only fight the battles he was in front of, and he had faith that the CDF would weather the storm. As disturbed as he was, he was more determined than ever to successfully complete his mission.
The upcoming fight here had become even more critical. This was the time for the elder brethren to shine and show what they were capable of, and how valuable they were to Earth. If worse came to worst, his people would establish a base here and slowly integrate themselves into Earth's reign of influence. And as stubborn as the tribe was, he was positive that the continued influence of the Twelve would slowly push them towards enlightenment. At least, that is what he hoped would happen. If they were to be stuck here, he sincerely prayed Earth culture wouldn't overwhelm them. But only time would tell.
On the other hand, Ambassador Isahan hadn't even begun to process everything she had experienced in the last two hours. They had been on another world filled with aliens! This wasn't just seeing aliens walking around on Earth. This was stepping foot on another world that was the home of intelligent alien life forms. It was more than stunning watching the lizards, correction, Lizardians, strolling around, carrying groceries, walking their pet… lizard creatures around on leashes, building homes, and drinking at their versions of bars. It gave her a different perspective, a sense of realism that simply speaking to them could not compare to. As an ambassador, her job responsibilities had just tripled. It was now truly real to her in a way she couldn't yet form the words to explain.
The Earth-Apellai tribe was much different from what she could have ever predicted. Isahan hadn't quite adjusted to the fact that they were less primitive and malleable, as everyone believed, but she was rapidly adjusting, and that little trip went a long way towards furthering that readjustment.
The possibility that her Colonies were being attacked worried her, but there was nothing she could do at the moment except try to ensure that the UCW could help when the dust settled. Earth was far richer than expected and the Colonies could use that wealth to rebuild, whatever the situation was at home. Her job hadn't changed, just gotten bigger.
But the stargate, that would change everything! Having a stargate, (she preferred to call it the doorway of the gods because only the gods could possibly create such divine technology) could open the universe to the Twelve Tribes. Nothing would be beyond their grasp! More importantly, its presence indicated that Earth and its allies weren't prepared to handle the future influx of humanity spreading everywhere. They were too small and whether they knew it or not; they needed the help of their Colonial brethren, if Humanity was to reach its, as of yet, undreamed-of heights.
The Protected Planets situation was a major case in point. The tribes of Man had to be united. The Tau'ri's policy of leaving the primitive cultures to their own devices and allowing them to develop their own beliefs and unique societies was reckless and irresponsible. The possibilities of what they might become chilled her. A perfect example was Earth and their half million religions, which to her mind was an absolute recipe for disaster. It was only a matter of time.
Whether those people on those isolated planets knew it or not, they already had a culture thousands of years old. The fact was that they'd forgotten their heritage, for whatever reason, and it was essential for them to regain what they had lost to become whole once more.
The near-humans and aliens were another story. She couldn't deny their existence, didn't want to. They had their places, but Humanity was paramount. If humanity was to survive, then it needed to come together. She was positive her Kobollian brethren would adjust to the new reality. Both aliens and near-humans would find a place in the new order of Human unification.
And the stargate was the key.
If everything she'd heard so far was true, then that stellar Transportation device, as her aide called it, was the key to the galaxy. No one tribe could be allowed to control such power alone. That gate was the doorway to the Gods. Nevertheless, she was also aware that the doorway to the gods presented a danger that she was only beginning to comprehend.
Senators Sheridan and Peterman were awestruck, as was Captain Jon Sheridan. Like everyone else. They each had dozens of questions they wanted to ask. Almost two decades ago, a much younger General O'Neill and Daniel Jackson mentioned the stargate's existence. It hadn't really connected to David Sheridan, but Peterman had understood and believed the story. Any doubts he had were snuffed out when he first spoke to O'Neill. Their technology had confirmed his words during those dangerous times. The presence of such a stellar transport device would have changed the face of the Earth Minbari war.
Earth Alliance could have developed assets across dozens of worlds that the Minbari couldn't have touched, much less discovered. Instantaneous travel was a dream that these people apparently took for granted. Earth Alliance scientists would have pounced on this. The sky would have been the limit in terms of the technological discoveries that would have been uncovered.
Once more, he cursed Harris and the others who purposely antagonized this other Earth. Clark and his cronies were definitely up to their noses in what happened afterwards, and they nearly got away with it!
Peterman did admit that he could understand Clark's point and the temptation facing every person living in his world. Earth was in danger of suffering genocide from the Minbari. The Achilles and Prometheus offered technological salvation, and they wouldn't share everything they had, which was critical for his Earth's survival. Clark and his people tried to hijack the Earth ships and the crew for their secrets and only God knows what would have happened to the crew. His people would have sucked everything dry. The Jaffa ship was targeted as well. In a short time, Earth Alliance could have dominated everyone.
What that fool Clark didn't know was that there were other ships in the area. Another Jaffa ship would have come in and massacred Earthforce ships left and right. Then, as they had found out very recently. O'Neill and the others had another ally, the Asgard. He still felt shivers of fear at what might have happened if those aliens had found out that the Earthers had been captured or killed. The Minbari wouldn't have needed to commit genocide. The only thing they would have found was a burned-out planet where Earth used to be. He didn't doubt that for a moment.
Clark's greed, although understandable in those desperate days, would have doomed Earth Alliance. He didn't understand it then, and certainly wasn't capable of understanding it now. However, Peterman felt he was right in one thing. These people should have established control of the stargate system for their own safety and that of humanity, and for the life of him. He could not understand why they hadn't pursued that agenda.
All too soon, it was time to return to Earth. For the Alliance visitors like the Colonials, the experience was a marvel to the testament of technology.
Battlestar Junis
The commander of the Junis, Demetrius Eddleson, ordered every sensor and DRADIS system in the fleet to observe and record the event now taking place. One of the Earth heavy battle cruisers, and the Earthforce ship under the command of Captain Elizabeth's Lockley Sheridan, had fully powered up and slowly vectored toward the Terrans local moon close to the area where the delegation fleet was parked.
Eddleson was already aware of the action, so it didn't come as a surprise. But he hadn't been told the reason why this action was being taken. Kunningham should have been told about it and that information relayed to the fleet, as per standard protocol. But, he remembered that earth was independent and didn't answer to Colonial authority. just as well. The Apellai were far more than they appeared, and the admiral and the rest of the fleet had better understand that fact. They were all in unknown territory here and needed to keep their eyes opened, and their mouths shut until they knew was going on. For now, he would watch.
"Commander, both ships are holding position," Junior Officer Bettie Elisades informed him. "Sensor emissions show the Apellai ship is directing scans. I think they are subspace scans. Powerful, far more than we're able to generate. That tech is very advanced." The commander and colonel nodded. "Sir, the Earthforce ship is directing huge amounts of energy to the front of its bow. Sir!" she exclaimed. "Something is forming in front of it, like a vortex, an energy vortex!"
"Details!" Eddleson demanded. "What is it?"
"I can't identify it. Readings suggest that it's some sort of tear in the fabric of space!"
"That's impossible," Colonel Perris said. Looking at the anomaly on one of the video screens, it really looked like a circular tear. Inside the aperture, there was movement everywhere. "It's hypnotic. This defies what we know about space and science. It's impossible," she repeated.
"Why is it impossible?" her cousin intoned. "Half the things we've seen, aliens, a different FTL drive, stealth systems better than anything we've ever developed, powerful subspace tech, independent worlds not colonies of Earth, near humans and pyramid ships. What's out there isn't impossible, just new to us."
Eddlison never moved from the DRADIS control as he spoke, not wanting to miss any of what was happening. "You're asking the wrong question. The right question is, will we be able to catch up and do so responsibly? If the Colonies are okay, our government is going to demand integration and unification whether Earth wants it or not. That would start a war, one I am suspecting we could not win."
"We shouldn't start one in the first place," she muttered in agreement. "But I see your point."
Without warning, the Earth ship fired two high-speed missiles into the heart of the swirling vortex. The speed of the missiles took the battlestar's crew by surprise. They were faster than the DRADIS observers had anticipated. DRADIS barely tracked them, and that was enough to bring a shiver down their collective spines. It was another indication that the Apellai were more than what they first appeared to be.
A second later, the vortex collapsed as the Earthforce ship ceased pumping energy towards the anomaly. It disappeared as it folded into itself. Moments later, space was normal once more, but not before Colonial sensors detected a faint disruption a moment before the vortex completely collapsed.
"That was a nuclear explosion," DRADIS announced. "I wasn't able to get a yield calculation, but it was a strategic level detonation."
"Contact the Earthforce ship," Eddleson ordered. "I want to ask them exactly what they just did."
"Politely," his Second-in-Command suggested.
"Of course."
"Captain Sheridan is on. Lieutenant Colonel Kimei told him."
Elizabeth's no-nonsense face appeared on the viewer. "Hello, Commander. You don't have to ask. I'm about to explain. We use a different type of faster than light tech than you," she said through the translating system. "Our ships jump into that vortex you've just seen. It allows us to enter another dimension, a third space, if your will. This allows us to travel much faster than light in normal space, bypassing normal physics. Jump space is more compact than normal space, so the distances are closer. But one of the disadvantages is that there are no direct references to navigate from. So, we use beacons which allow us to travel from one point to another without getting lost in the swirls and eddies of jump space. Here, they don't use jump space. but someone placed a beacon in their system near the moon. We have removed it. It will not stop them from coming and it will let them know we are aware of them. But it will make it more difficult for them to get so close…"
Lemuria
When the group returned to Lemuria, the gate-travelling group didn't stumble, exiting the aperture. The entire experience was something they would never forget, and it was true. The first time was always unforgettable. Both the Colonials and Earth alliance visitors were changed forever. Ambassador Isahan's gaze, directed at the general, was filled with excitement and complete awe. She was so excited, the woman could barely breathe. Truly, this device was a gift of the gods, one that demanded to be shared with the other tribes. No single tribe and its colonies could be trusted to handle such power and responsibility. Instinctively, she understood that the elder tribes were needed to handle such a responsibility, and she intended to press this point to the Thirteenth or whatever they were derived from. But her approach had to be cautious. These people were immensely stubborn lot.
"This… this is a gift from the gods!" the woman excitedly exclaimed. "Where did you find this doorway? How many of them are there? Where can we obtain access to one?"
The woman maintained enough control to keep from asking who should ultimately have control of such power, one tribe or the whole of the Tribes of Kobol. The Colonies might be at war, but she was confident they would pull through, becoming stronger than ever.
Jonathan gritted his teeth. He knew this was going to eventually come up. The UCW's decision to reveal this was argued about for days, in the end, the members revealed the existence of the stargate. The secret couldn't be kept forever. Such secrets had a way of coming out whether one liked it or not, and usually, later turned out for the worst.
"Madame Ambassador, there are thousands of gates throughout the galaxy." He didn't add the words 'and beyond,' not yet. It would have been too much at this point. "The gods didn't make the gates," he clarified. "An ancient race we ironically call the Ancients, created the gates millions of years ago. It's a long story we will tell you about when we have the time. We're revealing this to you now so that you will be prepared when we really start discussing its existence. We have other priorities to worry about. A gate may be available to the Colonials in the future, but now is not time."
"And when will that time be?" hissed the admiral? "A hundred, a thousand years from now?" The man tried to reign in his temper, but he was progressively unable to do so. All of the events of this increasingly complex mission were throwing him off his game.
That the Earthers had zero interests in reuniting with their brethren, that there were aliens in starships intercepting them and threatening them if they didn't follow the rules (as if they had the right to do so in the first place!), the fact that said aliens were allied with the Earthers working with them as equals when said aliens tried to conquer Earth in the not so distant past, was unanticipated and shocking. The fact that there were different species of aliens and near humans further complicated the mission. Also, he strongly suspected his own government had previous contact with the Race and hadn't bothered to tell him the mission's secret. Secondary objective was to discover and do a threat assessment on them. Earh was more independent than anyone could guess and now, this stellar device was perhaps the greatest the Tau'ri had among a galaxy of secrets.
This gave the Earthers unparalleled military advantages. Those gates could be placed all around Colonial worlds, and his people would never know. Earth's resources and colonies could and probably were everywhere and if they went to war, the colonies would never find them all. As a military asset, the Colonies were at a distinct disadvantage. Worse, he doubted that the Earthers were willing to help the Colonies acquire a gate of their own. Why would they? They always said no to everything. Why would this be any different? The whole mission was a potential disaster of epic proportions. The Quorum would demand access to a gate, maybe even demand absolute control of the Earth gates, believing they had the authority. earth would, of course, say no. the ultra conservatives would vote for war.
Gods help them all. But only if the Quorum was still intact.
That was a big if. If what the Earth Alliance tribe said was true. There were too many variables, the secret of the god's gate being just the latest in a string of mysteries and revelations by these Apellai. They should have informed him of this as soon as they had arrived. They treated his authority like a joke, and he was tired of it.
"You could have told the Colonies about this when we first met you. It could have ushered a new age for mankind. We've come here in peace and you reject our entreaties, our gifts and dismiss our efforts to become one people again." The man looked furious.
"You wouldn't have believed us," O'Neill almost spat. He was tired of this man's constant attitude. "Your first conversations with us when we first met precluded us telling you anything. Your battlestar group tried to arrest us because of religious differences and making up that phony, which means stupid, excuse to commandeer our ship, show us exactly who and what you were."
"Oh, I disagree with your last comment," Kunningham gnashed. "This is one of the most important discoveries in the history of humanity. You could have told us the first day we came. Instead, you've been keeping your secrets shrouded in mystery and misdirection. Getting any information from you is like pulling teeth! The Tribes of Man, all of them should have benefitted from this discovery that the Tau'ri," and here he almost spat the name out, "hoarded for yourselves."
"Wait a minute," O'Neill pushed back. "We haven't hoarded anything. First, your system doesn't have one. We pinged it and got no response. And this idea of the so-called tribes of men crap is one of the reasons we didn't tell you at first. You've been here three and a half weeks, and we almost went to war in one way or another at least twice. These gates are not owned by us. They're used by a lot of folks, some of which are deadly enemies to us. And let me repeat this for you. We don't owe you anything."
"I have to agree with the admiral," added Senator Peterman, as he jumped into the conversation. The trip through the gate brought home the truth in a way nothing else ever could have. It was another boon that Clark and his people had ruined because of their greed. "When you visited my world more than a decade and a half ago, you mentioned the stargates. I remember it well,. To be truthful, we didn't fully believe you, but you showed us just enough for what you were saying for your words to have validity. I remember saying Earth alliance could help manage such important technology. The creators of the gate system are long gone. Humanity has so many enemies, both here and at home. Aliens should not be allowed to control such power. We could have helped you secure those devices. The Minbari would have been stopped without all of the extreme bloodshed."
David Sheridan jumped in. "And it's a good thing they rejected us," he said to his companion, disputing his words. "We would have abused the tech. Worse, Clark would have gotten control of it. The aliens would have had more reason to fear Earth Alliance and war would have been inevitable."
"Obviously, you have aliens in your space, wherever that is," the Colonial admiral snarled. "I can see your reasoning." He turned to glare towards the general and the other Tau'ri. "I do not understand why you would trust aliens and near-humans to have access to such power. They're not human. You are at peace with them now, but what happens if they turn on you? And what about the primitive human worlds you are trying to protect? Do they enjoy having these devices?"
O'Neill was angry. "Let's do this again. You Colonials have been here all of three and a half weeks? You've been here trying to convince us that we need you. You claim to be the so-called elder tribe, and I hate that title," he added, much to the irritation of the colonials, "therefore you know what's best for a world you haven't seen in thousands of years and wasn't sure really existed until we came knocking at your door. and you, senators, tried to do the same thing. I remember saying something to the effect that you would treat us as junior partners if we had formed an alliance. Of course, we rejected that idea, then you tried to hijack my ships and kidnap my crews because we wouldn't play ball with you. We had to threaten your world to get our point across that we were leaving. Need I remind you that your General Harris almost got your seat of government nuked because of his stupidity? Speaking of which, is that clown dead yet?"
It was Senator David Sheridan who answered. The man looked embarrassed. "He's in charge of the invasion fleet attacking the Colonials and coming here."
"Of course he is." Jonathan snapped. Now he turned to face the sour-looking Kunningham and the ambassador. "It's not our responsibility to control the gates. We only control our own. And, If we did try to take over other gates, I am sure this galaxy would go up in flames."
"Mankind has a right to spread throughout the galaxy," Isahan defiantly told him. "The holy scrolls are very clear. The galaxy was made for humanity. I don't necessarily believe the scrolls meant that we have to kill off the aliens, as some of the fanatics in the colonies would interpret the scrolls to mean. But I do take it to mean that we should be the predominant species and that we have the right to usher in a new age for mankind previously unimagined, as is our right as the Children of Kobol." Isahan implored, trying to calm everyone down.
Jonathan eyed Daniel and whispered, "were we ever that arrogant?"
"Yes," he whispered back as he listened to the ambassador. "We got better by maybe twenty people.
"Oh good. I was going to go and get drunk," he whispered back as he again concentrated on the Earth Alliance ambassador's words.
"And we have the right to protect humanity against aliens that would surely try to enslave humanity if they detect weakness," Peterman added. "We don't have stargates, but we could acquire some after this conflict is over–and Clark deposed and done with. Clark won't live forever, and the rule of law will reestablish itself. These devices could change the course of our humanity and its destiny. Not now," he quickly amended.
"Do you even hear yourselves?" Daniel asked, finally jumping into the conversation. "You don't have any idea how many humans and aliens use the gate system. Ambassador Isahan, I can understand why you believe what you've just said. However, the scrolls can be interpreted in different ways. This universe wasn't created for humanity's sake. There are countless alien species inhabiting worlds in this galaxy, and they have every right to exist and not be dominated by humanity, just because we believe we have the right to do so because of something written in a scroll by some human, now dead thousands of years ago. Granted, I haven't studied the scrolls in detail, but I didn't get the impression that mankind was to go and kill everything different so that we could be the dominant species and rule over everything. You make it sound like humanity is on some holy jihad against other species you didn't even know existed until about a month ago." Isahan and the Colonials bristled at the series of insults from their perceived antagonist, Daniel Jackson.
Whether Kunningham believed in the scrolls or not, he didn't like his cultures and religion insulted, especially by a man he was slowly growing to despise.
"It makes the Colonies look like religious warmongers," continued Jackson. "The galaxy has had too much of that with the Goa'uld. It won't be tolerated by the other species in the galaxy."
"They're both friendly, and absolutely deadly," added O'Neill. "You need to know the history of the galaxy, and the stargates before you go off on some holy crusade, encountering other humans and spitting on their cultures," he explained. "The gates are dangerous and have to be handled with respect. We're still learning about the gates." He paused for a moment to give a quick history lesson before he lost the Colonials to their hostility completely.
TBC