A Legacy Reclaimed (AU-SG/ST Crossover)

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:06pm

Made Entirely by Wolf of Dawn

This is an AU-Stargate/ST crossover that I've had in mind for a while now. I've been hesitant to try and write it though because frankly I'm not all that well versed in Star Trek. In the end I gave up and started writing though so hopefully I can get some constructive feedback to help me make it less craptastic. The general idea for the crossover came from Beneficia's "Reboot" challenge and certain parts have been adapted from Beatrice Otter's "Reboot: The Chase". The challenge just really grabbed my attention, but I made a few modifications.

Per a suggestion here are links to the fics that inspired this story:

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June 2nd 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47025.31, Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

It’s been just over a month now since a work crew in San Francisco uncovered proof of an extraterrestrial presence on earth prior to the Vulcan arrival. While the relics uncovered (most notably the disembodied head of Lieutenant Commander Data of the Enterprise) proved to be associated with an alien life form utilizing time travel the entire situation left Starfleet with a new sense of curiosity. What else might be buried beneath Earth’s surface we don’t know about?

In a joint operation Starfleet Science and Corp of Engineers began the most exhaustive and extensive set of scans ever conducted of Earth itself. None of the members of the operation expected to find anything, but find something they did.

The scan picked up signs of a faint energy signature located just over fifty miles from the McMurdo Polar Observatory in Antarctica and more than a mile beneath the ice. Initial speculation revolved around the possibility of a ship which had crashed onto Earth and was later covered by the polar ice.

Further examination revealed that the energy signature did not match any waveform in Federation records. Starfleet Command immediately classified the discovery and brought myself and my team from Starfleet Intelligence into the operation. That was two weeks ago.

Early today we arrived at the designated site and found ourselves in for another surprise. Scans of the ice over the energy reading showed signs of having previously been “bored” into. Tests concluded that the ice which now filled the shaft formed sometime approximately three hundred and fifty or sixty years ago. I use the word “bored” rather than drilled in reference to the original opening because scans indicated a once perfectly smoothed shaft. Admittedly, this only raised further questions as, to our knowledge, Earth technology was not advanced enough to have created such a perfect bore during the early twenty-first century.

Despite the growing mystery the team quickly set up an industrial laser drill and set about reopening the previous shaft. Due to concerns over possible instabilities in the previously opened ice the drilling process took nearly eight hours to account for close monitoring and adjustments. When the shaft was finally fully opened to its former depth we geared up and began the long journey down.

Upon reaching the base of the shaft we found indications of a previous opening supported by what appeared to be metallic struts. This seemed to confirm our curious assumption that the energy source had previously been discovered. Clearing the obstructing ice from the opening with hand phasers we were instantly rewarded for our troubles.

Finding what on initial inspection appeared to be a previously-excavated alien structure was certainly not what anyone had expected. While tricorder readings on the overall dimensions of the structure remained inconclusive due to interference we did manage to find a set of blueprints among what was clearly abandoned twenty-first century technology. If the blueprints are accurate then the outpost is nearly the same size as many of the Federation’s small science observatories.

As the primary objective of the mission was to locate the unknown energy source we focused our initial efforts there. Near the our entry point we located a circular room whose single feature appeared to be a short platform with a throne-like chair situated in its center. While the scans of the chair and platform were not totally clear the presence of highly sophisticated technological components was obvious. This belief was quickly confirmed when Ensign Rosik located the mysterious energy source within a covered alcove in the platform.

The energy signature was apparently some sort of crystalline construct which our best guess is a power source for the systems built into the platform and chair. When the Ensign attempted to extract the construct there was no obvious means to do so as it sat flush in the “socket”. Oddly, when Commander Lucas began feeling around the alcove’s edge for a release mechanism the construct simply released and rose out of the alcove on its own.

Once the construct was free of the alcove we were able to get far more, but still baffling, scans of it. Somehow the device extracts vacuum energy from an artificial region of subspace-time. Commander Lucas is the closest thing we have to an expert on subspace and even he was totally baffled by the construct. Two things were clear though; first the construct was obviously at the end of its life as its energy signature faded into nothing within minutes of being extracted from the alcove. Second, this device or one like it had unimaginable potential for power generation.

I ordered the construct sealed in a secure transport container and will arrange for its transport when we report in shortly.

We’ve setup a base camp just inside the outpost. In the morning we plan to begin our investigation with the earth-based equipment we’ve found. Lt. Commander Harris seems to believe that some of the obviously human equipment looks more advanced than it should. Given her love of all things old I’m inclined to follow her lead on this issue.

End Entry.

June 3rd 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47028.71, Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

We have completed our first full day of investigation into the alien outpost and all members of the team, me included, are only getting more and more excited. Funny though it may sound the “remnant equipment” as we’re calling it (Computer note future references to R.E. as remnant equipment) has been invaluable in helping us prioritize our search. Examining the equipment confirmed conclusively that a multi-national scientific expedition uncovered and studied the outpost in the early twenty-first.

Among the RE we located the remains of early portable computers which Harris identified as “the ancestor of the PADD”. The devices were apparently modified to allow the use of crystalline technology interfaces. Luck was on our side when Rosik located what has been determined to by a crystal memory device. Though damaged, the device survived both time and temperature enough to provide us logs from the expedition. I’ve assigned Lt. Cmdr. Harris to review the logs in hopes of shedding some light on the human side of this puzzle.

While Harris and Rosik worked with the R.E. Lucas, M’Sess and I used the blueprints to further explore the outpost. Even after only a single day here it has become clear that Starfleet is going to need to dedicate far more than just our team to studying this outpost. I have a feeling that the very future of the Federation is going to change by what we discover here.

End Entry.

July 17nd 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47147.36 Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

I can’t believe how quickly time has passed since we first discovered the outpost. We finally managed to solve one of the biggest mysteries of the technology in the outpost even though we all felt rather stupid afterward. In the expedition logs we salvaged there were references to something called they called the ATA Gene. It was actually a wisecrack by Chief Yvoss about the “doors not liking Vulcans” that tipped us off.

Sure enough Dr. Enri was able to determine that the people the outpost’s technology responded to carry a unique and previously “undetermined” genetic marker. I don’t think the bulk of the Federation is going to be happy when they find out that the marker doesn’t appear in any race other than Earth-descendant humans. That is just a new mystery among so many.

Starfleet Intelligence is practically drooling over what they’ve learned during the process of trying to break the encryption on the alien computers. If rumors are to be believed they’ve already begun making plans to incorporate the discoveries into current and future systems. I haven’t been privy to much of the decrypted data, but everyone is now aware that this outpost is actually all that’s left of what was apparently a once huge complex or city.
I’m starting to doubt that the language translation, minimal as it is so far, is totally accurate though because if it is then the majority of the complex “left”. I’m not going to try and figure out what that’s supposed to mean.

Tomorrow I’ll be turning command of the outpost research over to Captain Jarrod from Starfleet Intelligence in order for my team to start following an almost four hundred year old trail of breadcrumbs. We believe now that the human expedition to the outpost reported to another facility we’ve only found reference to as the “SGC”. Though there’s a lot of guesswork and speculation going into this we believe that this facility was under the control of the old US Air Force and somewhere in Colorado. While that leaves a lot of space to search it’s the best we have to go on.

End Entry.

August 9th 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47209.76 Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

I have to say that when the old earth governments wanted to hide something they knew how to do it. We finally located and began excavation on what we believe to be the “SGC” referenced in the expedition logs. The real breakthrough came when we correlated historical records for the NORAD facility under Cheyenne Mountain with references to an “Area 52” below NORAD. Hiding a facility nearly a mile under a mountain and another base; whoever was behind this “SGC” didn’t want it found.

End Entry.

August 11th 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47215.72 Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

Two hours I’ve been trying to think of how to make this entry. The Christian Bible has a verse which says, “And ye shall know the truth. And the truth shall set you free.” Perhaps though sometimes the truth isn’t what we want because the freedom it brings carries a horrible price.

We discovered the SGC or “Stargate command” as we now know it. We discovered a truth that carried a price almost too horrible to imagine, but one paid for with the blood and sacrifice of people whose bravery is nearly unimaginable. I’ve spent two hours trying to figure out how to relate what we discovered, but I can’t put it into words. Instead, I’ve included a copy of exactly what we found waiting in the ruins of the SGC.

Play recording…

An image a blond woman standing beside a large conference table comes into view. She wore functional black boots, green pants, a black t-shirt, and a green bush jacket with a patch of some sort on each sleeve. “To whomever finds this my name is Colonel Samantha Carter of the United States Air Force. If everything goes according to plan this message will not be found for several thousand years relative Earth-time.”

She looked down, seeming to find it hard to speak, but her eyes were clear and dry when she looked up. “At the time of this recording, under the authority of the IOA and President of the United States, Stargate Command is hereby initiating Dakara Protocols. The remnant forces of the Ori have activated a WMD designed to destroy all life in this galaxy. The weapon was largely successful and our best estimate is that nearly 93% of all life in the Milky Way has been destroyed.”

Carter looked away to her side briefly and the flexing muscles in her jaw are obvious before she looks back. “In an attempt to prevent the weapon from being used we committed all available ships to engaging the Ori forces at Dakara before they could bring the reconstructed weapon online. Despite the clear superiority of our weapons the Ori ships still proved to be too powerful in large numbers. The Odyssey, Apollo, Sun Tzu and Daedalus were lost with all hands. This has left Earth with only Atlantis, the Antarctica Outpost, and the USS George Hammond to defend it.”

Closing her eyes she took another moment to still the obviously deep emotions running through her.

“Atlantis’ long range sensors have detected that after the Dakara weapon completed its cycle the Ori fleet entered hyperspace on a direct course for Earth. This has prompted the order for the Dakara Protocols. Within the hour Earth will be safely out of danger from any enemy we’ve made. The SGC personnel and members of the “Alpha List” will be on their way to a new home aboard Atlantis and Earth will forget the nightmares it has faced.”

“Humanity was entrusted with the Legacy of two great races: the Alterans and the Asgard. Now, the men and women of the SGC will safeguard Earth’s legacy. The blood of countless heroes has been shed in wars and battles conducted in the shadows so that Earth may survive and we will not let those sacrifices go in vain. Though we will never see Earth again in our lifetimes know that we will always do what we must to ensure a safe and free future for Humanity.”

End Entry.

September 12th 2369
Secure Facility, Undisclosed Location, Earth

Newly elected Federation President Jaresh-Inyo sat in quiet contemplation as the other officials both political and military began to arrive. The Grazerite politician barely acknowledged the new arrivals as his mind considered the briefing they were all about to receive. He knew what the topic was and the revelations about to be made, but what the ramifications of his executive orders would ultimately be weighed heavily on him already. He never wanted to be President, but somehow he’d been convinced to run and now he would not shirk the great responsibility that came with that decision.

As the final delegates arrived, Jaresh pulled himself out of his thoughts and leaned to the fifty-something Admiral already seated beside him. “Is everything prepared Admiral?”

Slate blue eyes shifted from their idle watch over the delegates as they seated themselves to look at the President. “Yes Mr. President. We’ll be ready for the practical demonstration whenever the Captain completes his presentation.”

With the President’s nod of approval and attention turning to the rapidly quieting room Rear Admiral Greg Northridge looked down to the display built into the conference table before him. Each of the delegates at the meeting was similarly equipped to help facilitate the meeting. During Captain Kember’s presentation pertinent details would be displayed for the delegates’ closer examination, but at the moment all displays other than his own were set to a static image of the Federation seal.

Currently the Admiral’s display showed the status of the facility and its security. Never before had Starfleet, or the Federation, taken such unprecedented security measures on Earth. However, as inconvenient as the security made getting into or out of the facility it was a small price to pay by his estimation. The potential risks presented both by and to the facility were too great; after all the lid to Pandora’s box had to remain firmly affixed even if you were going to “sneak a peek” now and then.

The President moving to stand drew Northridge’s attention away from his display and to the meeting about to begin.

“Ladies and Gentle beings thank you for joining us. I apologize for the unusual and extensive security procedures, but before this briefing concludes you will all understand the necessity. Now, I will turn the meeting over to our presenter: Captain Ethan Kember of Starfleet Intelligence.”

Standing from his seat at the rear of the room the young human Captain strode to the center of the room where all eyes fell on him. His Dress Uniform combined with short-cropped black hair made him appear the quintessential Starfleet Captain. “Thank you Mr. President.”

Sharp brown eyes surveyed the room’s occupants at a steady pace as the Captain began his briefing. “Let me begin today with a history lesson. I beg your indulgence as I know many of you are far more learned in the various fields of history than I am, but everything you are about to hear has been…within all reasonable means…verified as accurate.”

With a click of a handheld control the displays in front of each delegate changed to display a map of the universe. “Several hundred million years ago a race evolved in a galaxy they called Celes,” Kember began and the displays highlighted a galaxy opposite from the local cluster by no small distance.

“This race called themselves the Alteran and they were the First evolution of the human form.”

Hours passed as Captain Kember and various members of his team presented their findings both from the Alteran Outpost and the ruins of Stargate Command. The delegates were understandably shocked and unsettled to discover that the complete history of the galaxy was such a far cry from what anyone had suspected or knew. The live demonstration of a working Stargate connection between Earth and a secure facility on Betazed suitably awed everyone, but the true “bombshell” came when the Captain detailed the newly reformed Stargate Command.

“The President has issued an executive order forming a new division of Starfleet. I’ll let him explain. Mr. President.”

“Thank you Captain. Effective immediately I am ordering the formation of a new division of Starfleet: Starfleet Stargate Operations. I have selected Rear Admiral Northridge to be the first Director of Stargate Operations so I will allow him to detail this new branch of Starfleet further.”

As the President retook his seat Admiral Northridge leaned forward and gave a steady appraising look over the faces watching him expectantly. “I don’t think I need to tell anyone here how much the existence of the Stargate alone can, and will, alter the balance of power in this Galaxy. Until such time as Starfleet and the Federation can properly prepare for the cause-and-effect ramifications this must remain the Federation’s greatest secret.”

Understanding nods and words of agreement passed through the room.

“Those of you in this room today consist of the voting voice we will use to determine when to make these discoveries public knowledge. Until such time as it is decided to provide full disclosure Stargate Operations will be sub-divided as necessary to accomplish its charter functions which are as follows: the advancement of the Federation’s knowledge of the galaxy and its inhabitants by utilizing the Stargate as a means of Deep-space Exploration, the advancement of the Federation’s science and technology through the study of the Stargate and related technologies, and the military defense of the Federation by augmenting Starfleet’s operations and missions through use of the Stargate.”

Taking a short breather the Admiral continued, “However, above even those functions the first priority of Stargate Operations is simple. Captain please explain your first assignment.”

All eyes turned to the now madly grinning Captain with a sense of anticipation.

“Last night we made a breakthrough in our research into what happened to the members of the SGC when they left Earth aboard Atlantis. Stargate Operations first priority assignment will be to make contact with the city of Atlantis.”

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:08pm

Chapter 2:

September 15th 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47312.85, Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

Today feels like we won the lottery. Ever since we discovered the Antarctic Outpost we’ve been working from scraps of information and a lot of assumptions, but finally we got something solid. The excavation teams at Cheyenne Mountain finally managed to break through the blast door which had prevented us from reaching the bulk of level 26.

Analysis shows that the door which was giving us so much trouble was not part of the original base as the others, but added sometime shortly before the “Dakara Protocols” were enacted. What’s more is that this blast door was made out of an alloy that has the engineers over the moon. At the moment all we know is that it contains a considerable amount of the previously unknown mineral “Naquadah”, an unidentified mineral that on its own makes tritanium look like aluminum, and carbon. I’ll leave it to the scientists to “ooh and ahh” further.

Inside the sealed areas of level 26 we found what had obviously at one point been laboratories used by the SGC to study advanced technology. The majority of the labs were empty though a few still had pieces of machines that may have been too bulky to rapidly remove. The major find came when a hidden safe made of the same material as the level’s blast door was found in the largest lab. While we were preparing to start the arduous task of cutting into the safe one of the crewmen operating the phaser drill brushed up against the front panel and the damn thing just slid open. It has since been determined the safe used the same genetic marker as the Ancient technology to ensure the safety of its contents.

Inside the safe were three items. The first and most exciting item was a perfectly preserved, intact, and FULL data crystal. Second, a handwritten note, and finally a thick printed file containing what appears to be a briefing on Alteran Culture and language. I’ll dictate the contents of the note for record:

Good enough for Merlin, good enough for us. The Key lies with Excalibur. 51° 8' 38.48" N. 2° 41' 46.54" W

I’m starting to think this job will make me old before my time from the all the shocks and excitement. This could prove to be the lead we need to contact Atlantis. We know where she went in general terms, but without a specific gate address I’m afraid we’re no closer than before. Here’s to hoping that the crystal’s contents tell us what we want to know. Unfortunately it appears that the crystal is “locked” in a dormant state. We believe the “key” mentioned in the note is going to be required to access its contents.

End Entry.

September 16th 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47316.32, Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

Merlin was an alien. As stupid as it may be that is the “revelation of the day” that I can’t get over. Sure, locating the fabled Excalibur and nearly being killed by a holographic knight does stick in the memory, but… Merlin was an alien.

On a side note I’ll never again complain on the thoroughness of Vulcans. If Ensign Rosik hadn’t made a meticulous study of the briefing on Alteran culture and language found inside the safe I might have been killed underneath Glastonbury Tor.

The note found with the crystal and briefing provided the longitude and latitude for the Tor, but to be honest we were baffled at first when every scan we attempted to run showed nothing. That’s when we realized that there was actually too much nothing. Countless sensor adjustments later and we located what was identified as a set of “ring transporters”. While we don’t have a set of rings, we were able to match our transporters to mimic the transmission stream of the devices. This allowed us into the caverns beneath the Tor.

An adventure of sword fighting and deadly riddles later we were gifted with a device that allowed the data crystal recovered to operate. The literal “key” referenced in the note just as we suspected. We also determined that Alteran technology was able to produce solid holographic projections. Annoyingly enough those projections were also sophisticated enough to only allow solid interaction with specific items or people.

I’m going to be sore for a week.

End Entry.

September 17th 2369
Stargate Operations Command, Unnamed facility, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Ethan couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he quickly traversed the incomplete halls of the new Stargate Operations facility. There could be no question in anyone’s mind that this was the place to be in Starfleet right now. He still had to snort in amusement over the choice to hide the facility inside a mountain like its predecessor.

“It worked for them nearly four hundred years ago; it’ll work for us. Don’t rewrite the playbook if you don’t have to Captain,” had been Admiral Northridge’s response when questioned about the choice.

Kember had been in the middle of overseeing the final transfer of R.E. out of Cheyenne Mountain when the Admiral’s Aid had contacted him. An immediate briefing could mean only one thing: they had found something of urgent importance on the data crystal. He couldn’t help but loose a little of the grin at the thought. It had been less than a day since they found the “key” to using the crystal hidden within Glastonbury Tor and already the data had people hopping. The Captain wasn’t sure what to make of the situation.

So caught up in his thoughts and excitement Kember almost didn’t stop himself from running face-first into the briefing room doors. Both his dark eyebrows rose in confusion and a bit of amusement as the doors briefly tried to open, shut again, tried to open, shut, and finally slowly opened enough for him to slip through. Apparently all the kinks hadn’t been worked out of the new facility.

“Careful Captain, that door’s a menace. Almost took off Captain Jarrod’s foot a few minutes ago.”

“Yes,” grumbled the aforementioned Captain, “thank you for sharing that Commander Lucas.”

Lucas simply flashed his ‘I have no idea that you hate me’ smile and replied, “No problem Captain.”

Kember couldn’t hide the chuckle that escaped him as he moved to take his seat at the conference table. He had barely had a chance to sit before Admiral Northridge entered the room glaring over his shoulder at the door.

“Alright. Let’s get started. M’Sess you called for this get-together so it’s your show.”

“Thank you Admiral.” The Caitian Lt. Commander called up a diagram of a large domed structure on holographic display in the center of the table. “As you all know we began the process of analyzing the data found on the crystal from the SGC. Thus far we have determined that the crystal contains the full records of the SGC’s activities and personnel, multiple complete linguistic databases including several languages we’ve never heard of, a vast collection of photographic and video records, and an assortment of scientific data ranging from purely human to purely alien.”

An impressed whistle came from the far end of the table. All eyes turned to the young Andorian Lieutenant who immediately began to blush a darker shade of blue. “My apologies,” she muttered.

Trying to hide a smile M’Sess continued on with the briefing.

“In order to facilitate our current primary goal of locating Atlantis’ specific destination and contacting them we began a search through all available data for certain key phrases including “Dakara Protocol”. After sorting through a considerable amount of miscellaneous data we ‘hit pay dirt’ as the Human’s say.”

With a look down the table to Commander Rindon Tal, M’Sess handed off the briefing before retaking her seat. The Trill stood and picked up where M’Sess had left off. “What you see before you,” he began with a gesture to the hologram, “is the Dakara Weapon.”

“The original ‘weapon’ was designed by the Alterans and located on a world named Dakara. In simple terms the device is capable of emitting a wave of energy that manipulates the most basic molecular structures of anything it comes in contact with. The energy wave ‘fired’ from the weapon is able to engulf an entire planet and even reach into orbit.”

The hologram shifted to add the image of two Stargates. A simulation the weapon emitting an energy wave which translated from one Stargate to the next began to loop. “The Alterans initially programmed the device to alter the molecular structures of countless worlds in the galaxy in order to ‘seed life’. This was accomplished by allowing the weapon’s energy to pass through the Stargate on Dakara and then wash over the connected planets.”

“Wait, they did this one at a time? That must have taken an unimaginable amount of time and energy,” interrupted Captain Jarrod.

Tal shook his head. “No sir they didn’t. Through a means that our best Physicists can’t even begin to imagine the Alterans used a single Stargate to dial every other gate in the galaxy simultaneously.”

The sound of a pin dropping would have been thunderous in the wake of that revelation.

Commander Rindon continued the explanation of the Dakara Weapon’s functions and history of use much to the shock and horror of everyone. None of the gathered officers had the clearance that Admiral Northridge did or the long years of service in Starfleet Intelligence. While the idea of a device such as the Dakara Weapon was new and terrifying to them it was more so to the elder officer. His thought raced to the old files and recordings of Project Genesis.

“My god,” the Admiral thought to himself, “these Alterans had mastered the use of ‘Genesis technology’ to this level. The comparison of the Stargate to Pandora’s Box seems more and more appropriate each day. What have we gotten ourselves into?”

“Thus, despite the weapon being destroyed,” Tal’s words shook the Admiral out of his private contemplations and returned his attention to the briefing, “the IOA decided it was prudent to have a ‘doomsday’ plan in place.”

“The original plan involved the use of a ‘time-loop’ device which would separate Earth from the rest of the universe by ‘folding’ it into a continuous 10-hour loop of subspace-time.” Here the Commander paused before shrugging and adding, “I won’t even pretend to understand how that would’ve worked.”

Clearing his throat Tal resumed. “However, that plan was placed on indefinite hold after the discovery of a dimension shifting device referred to as ‘Arthur’s Mantle’. This device, with enough power, would allow them to fully displace Earth into an ‘out of phase’ state where enemy forces would not be able to engage them.”

Ignoring the numerous incredulous looks and dropped jaws the Commander pushed ever onward. “This became Plan A and the Time-loop Plan B. In the end it was a hasty combination of the two that was used.”

Admiral Northridge couldn’t help but be intrigued. Leaning forward his’ slate blue eyes latched onto the Trill. “Why? What changed their tactics at the 11th hour?”

“The Death of the Galaxy,” was the quiet response from Tal as the hologram in the center of the table once again shifted. This time it revealed a tall man in a deep blue uniform adorned with a large collection of ribbons and metals. His silver hair, tanned skin, and sharp eyes added to his overall appearance as a leader to be listened to.

The hologram began to speak in a clearly tired tone and it was obvious that the man hadn’t wanted to make the recording.

“This is Lieutenant General Jack O’Neill, Director of Homeworld Security. In accordance…” the man suddenly stopped, narrowed his eyes and then exclaimed, “Oh for cryin out loud!”

The hologram promptly unbuttoned its jacket, loosened its tie, and shoved its hands into the pockets of the trousers it wore. “Look, we screwed up. We got cocky and thought that the Ori Army would go home and lick its wounds after we killed their Gods and their precious Orici; we were wrong and it cost everyone but us.”

“Now, the IOA is cryin for us to once again save their sorry asses. We just lost some of the best men and women to ever serve this world aboard the ships we sent against the Ori, but now the IOA wants to run and hide.”

O’Neill shook his head with a mirthless laugh. “Sadly it appears that in this case that they’re right. We can’t survive the Ori force that’s coming for us.”

“In a last-ditch worse-case scenario, which is exactly what has happened seeing as our entire galaxy is destroyed, we plan to essentially ‘bench’ Earth until we can deal with the Ori once and for all. As far as people on Earth are concerned, only a moment will pass, and the night sky will get a slight makeover. They’ll be fine; in time Earth will rejoin the universe and they’ll get on with their lives. No stargates, no aliens, no galactic neighbors. As far as they’ll be concerned, the SGC never happened, and of course they’re alone in the galaxy.”

With a sigh O’Neill concluded this speech. “I want to be clear on this. This has been done in order to preserve the lives of everyone on Earth. It’s not the best solution, but it’s the only one we’ve got that does what it needs to in the time we have. If history wants a punching bag let it be me, but at least there’ll be someone around to throw the punch.”

When the hologram faded from view the gathered officers remained silent for a few minutes. Finally, Commander Lucas broke the silence with a simple question, “What did he mean by ‘benching’ Earth?”

Tal nodded to M’Sess and the two exchanged positions. A new hologram with three distinct schematics appeared. “These three components when used in tandem create an artificial ‘bubble’ in normal, and sub, space-time and then shifts the bubble slightly out of normal phase. The ultimate effect is that anything caught within the field of the combined device is literally ‘frozen’ in time and completely intangible to the rest of the universe.”

The holographic display focused on one device which looked like nothing but a rectangular box with an insanely complicated mesh of parts inside. “This is a time dilation device. Alone, the device is able to speed up or slow down time within a localized field.”

“Here we have an actual, fully functional time travel device.” The display moved to a larger device which looked roughly like the shell of a photon torpedo.

“And lastly we have this device,” M’Sess concluded as the display shifted to a small, blocky, device that vaguely resembled a boomerang. “This is a dimensional shift device used to move anything in its field out of phase with our dimension.”

Yet again silence held dominion over the conference room before Lt. Commander Harris couldn’t help herself and blurted out, “Seriously?”

Chuckles broke the tense silence and M’Sess continued. “Records indicate the SGC combined the three devices and attached them to an active Stargate in a system they called P4X-639. There the Stargate had already been designed to work with another time-related device by dialing into thirteen other Stargates at once. More importantly, the Stargate and device here designed to draw energy directly from the highly ionized atmosphere of the planet.”

“That’s where we think their plan went wrong,” Commander Tal stated as M’Sess retook her seat once again. “The planet, as they knew it then, went through cycles of waxing and waning levels of ionization. At the time they enacted their plan the planet was experiencing incredible levels which would sustain the nearly incalculable levels of energy required to sustain the ‘bubble’ they planned to hide Earth in. They believed that within approximately two hundred years the planet would naturally move far enough from its star that the ionization levels would drop below required levels and the device would shut off.”

Nods of understanding prompted the Trill to continue.

“What they had no way of predicting, or perhaps even the time to consider, was the other various cosmic phenomenon in the star system. Due to various stellar effects the star began to go supernova. Today, in fact, the system is populated by only one thing: a black hole. We believe it was the unanticipated change to the star’s proximity, the planet’s ionization, and ultimately proximity to a forming black hole which prolonged the effects of the device.”

“How long did it last Commander?”

A nervous glance around the table told everyone they wouldn’t like the answer. “We can’t determine the exact length of time, but we do know that it was long enough for life to revolve in the Milky Way.”

“Good lord,” was the Admiral’s, indeed anyone’s, only reply.

Shortly after the shocking revelation the Admiral called for a short break to allow everyone to stretch their legs and clear their heads. Once they were reassembled M’Sess once again took the reins of the meeting.

“Now all of that was the bad news,” she started with a smile that made everyone think she had perhaps had a Canary for a snack during their break. “How about we end the day with the good news?”

The holographic display once again appeared at the center of the table. This display showed a star map of the universe briefly before focusing in on the Ida Galaxy and eventually a small star system. A set of Stargate coordinates began to appear over the M-class planet in the system. “We knew in general terms from our last discovery where Atlantis was heading when they left Earth. Now we not only know exactly where they went, but have the Stargate address.”

Cheers went up throughout the room and even the ever-stoic Admiral Northridge cracked a smile.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:09pm

Chapter 3:

September 18th 2369

Operation Log, Stardate: 47321.26, Captain Ethan Kember commanding.

This will be my final Operations Log entry. As of tomorrow morning Stargate Operations will begin operating in its official subsections and teams. My team and I have been assigned to what will be known as Stargate Mission Operations and will serve in much the same capacity as the old “SG teams” did. After a lot of discussion it was agreed that the SG teams (we flatly refused to be known as SMO teams) would honor our predecessors by leaving the first 25 SG team designations as “Lost in the Line of Duty”.

Tomorrow I will officially be the leader of SG-26.

A few of the Federation Council members in-the-know about Stargate Operations will be coming tomorrow for the official dedication ceremony. Once the pomp and circumstance is over we will attempt to contact Atlantis. Knowing how important that moment will be I can’t help but think of an ancient quote by Alan Shepard, Jr., “Please, dear God, don't let me fuck up.”

Almost immediately after the briefing yesterday the level of activity around the facility went through the roof. I can honestly say that I doubt anyone will be sleeping well tonight; well except maybe the Vulcans. There is an absolute excitement “high” throughout the base that is nearly tangible.

Everyone is performing at levels that would make even the renowned Captain Picard comment favorably. I even watched the engineering team transport in, install, and calibrate the fusion reactors that will be powering the Stargate all in a single day.

Commander Tufri never did say how she managed to procure a dozen reactors and frankly I don’t think the Admiral really wanted to know. I am curious, however, about how that many reactors can secretly be sent anywhere.

End Entry.

September 19th 2369
Stargate Operations Command
Unnamed facility, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

It has been said that the Federation never did anything small and looking around the three hundred strong staff of the new Stargate Operations Command Captain Kember couldn’t help but agree. In the scheme of things three hundred officers and enlisted personnel weren’t that many, but here it was just a sign of things to come. Around him Ethan could see some of Starfleet’s best Intelligence operatives, brightest new minds from Starfleet Academy, and old experts whose names were nearly synonymous with their fields of expertise. These people all gathered together under a single purpose was humbling to say the least.

The Captain and the rest of the Starfleet personnel snapped to attention as the Admiral and President made their entrance into the auditorium. Everyone was in full Dress Uniform for the occasion along with the civilians who were dressed “to the nines” as the saying went. When the President stopped behind the podium he signaled for everyone to take their seats.

Jaresh-Inyo began speaking and his voice carried with it a quality of sincerity that alone seemed to add to the auspicious moment. “Today I stand before you to commence events of historic proportions. When I was elected months ago I frankly had hoped only for a quiet term in office followed by a much anticipated retirement. That was before I learned about the Stargate.”
A quiet chuckle ran through the gathering.

“As I stand before you I am revitalized,” the President continued, “revitalized by a sense of anticipation for what will come; revitalized by a belief that what you will do here shall only further propel the Federation and its people toward those lofty goals it was founded upon. I find myself contemplating the endless possibilities opening up before us and find that retirement no longer holds the attraction it once did.”

The Grazerite’s furrowed brow and snout-like nose curled toward one another and his eyes reflected the smile on his face as scattered laughs broke out. After a moment his features turned serious and his deep-set eyes grew darker.

“Let us not forget though that with the potential for greatness there is also the potential for danger. This is a fact made all too clear by the original Stargate Command and those events so long ago that lead us here today. There are dangers amid the stars we already tread so we must be mindful of those that await in the far reaches.”

His features relaxing slightly, the President was clearly building to the main portion of his speech. “The Federation was founded on the principals of universal liberty, rights, and equality, and to share their knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation and space exploration. At the heart of the Federation’s origins were the Humans of Earth. Fitting, is it not, that countless ages before even the first meeting of Human and Vulcan that the people of Earth fought intractable enemies in the hopes of upholding those same principals.”

“Today we dedicate this facility and command in the hopes of seeing the dream that became a reality reach new heights. In that vein we make this dedication to the men and women who stood defiantly in the face of Gods that would deny the principals we today hold so dear. We acknowledge a people who reached out to the stars in hopes of discover and exploration; refusing to be cowed by even the most daunting of circumstance…”

The President paused to collect himself. “We make this dedication to people who showed a greatness of spirit that elevated them in the eyes of ancient races to be seen with hope and respect; to those who sacrificed their lives both physical and emotional in the hopes of saving those who could not save themselves.”

From behind the President the Admiral stepped forward and called out in a thick voice, “Atten-tion!”

Immediately and in a single echoing snap every Officer and Enlisted member of the command rose and snapped into a rigid stance. The civilians among the gathered stood, albeit slower, and waited in silent respect.

His tone turning more formal the President continued. “In accordance with Presidential Executive Order this facility shall be henceforth known as Legacy Base.”

The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur as Ethan’s mind replayed the President’s speech over and over. Truly he and the members of his team were stepping into a legacy of daunting proportions if even a tenth of the records were to be believed. He could only wonder what the future would bring.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye he and the other members of his team were out of their dress uniforms and into the new Field Uniforms of the SG teams. It was a unique blend of the still in development Excursion and Combat uniforms and the “Classic SG” BDUs or Battle Dress Uniforms. Looking at himself in the mirror Kember couldn’t help but think that these uniforms would soon become the envy any member of Starfleet that spent time trekking around planets.

Once his team acknowledged they were ready they assembled in the Briefing Room. Already gathered were the various officials and command officers staying to watch the attempt at contacting Atlantis. Many eyebrows rose and accompanied curious looks over his team’s uniforms and he couldn’t help but fidget slightly. Admiral Northridge motioned his team over to the collected Admiralty.

“Captain, good timing; I was just telling the others here about the new uniforms you and Harris came up with.”

Kember nodded to the various Admirals as his team lined up for an impromptu inspection. “I’d be happy to answer any questions sir.”

Northridge nodded and gestured to an older Tellarite to his left who spoke up. “Captain I have to say I don’t like it. Far too militaristic and a throwback to primitive ways. What possessed you to select such a thing?”

Ethan almost couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. Oh how he loved Tellarites and their fondness of arguments and insults. Every conversation was an adventure. “Well frankly Admiral…”

“Neshaar,” the shorter being replied.

“Frankly Admiral Neshaar your opinion is about as useful as a tribble in a grain silo,” Kember responded as the smirk overwhelmed his ability to hide.

Laughing at the insult the Admiral flashed a fanged grin at Northridge. “I like him Greg.”

Admiral Northridge simply rolled his eyes and motioned for the Captain to continue.

“To address your concern though Admiral you are correct. These uniforms are far more militaristic than the standard Starfleet issue. Frankly though, we feel it’s better to be prepared. That’s why we appropriated certain elements from both the Excursion and Combat uniforms being developed by Starfleet.”

Stepping back to stand at the head of his squad the Captain directed the collection of Admirals attention to Commander Lucas’ uniform. It was a dark charcoal gray color with a single dark forest green stripe across the chest. Matching trousers lead to a pair of obviously rugged black boots. The material looked a far cry more durable than the standard uniform and certain spots even appeared to be reinforced by some sort of plating. A thick belt around the waist held a securely holstered tricorder while a rugged thigh holster held the latest issue phaser. The ensemble was rounded out with a black tactical vest sporting an assortment of pockets.

“The uniform itself is made of state of the art materials that allow the wearer maximum flexibility, but also provide excellent protection. This protection has been augmented as you can see with inserts of a new type of armor we replicated using designs found in the SGC data crystal.”

That warranted a few raised eyebrows and interested looks.

“Honestly I can’t explain what it is as we’re still working that out. What we do know is that this material was designed by one of Earth’s enemies as proved almost absurdly efficient at absorbing both physical and energy-based weapons fire. The SGC was able to get a detailed analysis of the material, but couldn’t replicate it. We cheated and used a replicator.”

A round of chuckles followed that admission before one of the Admirals enquired, “Does our version provide the same ‘absurdly efficient’ protection?”

Kember winced a little at the question before answering. “We’ve determined that what we’re able to replicate does not appear to have the same protective qualities. The best guess we have at the moment as to why is that we can’t replicate what we believe to be the key component: Naquadah. As-is the armor still provides better protection against most phaser and disrupter fire that we’ve ever found.”

The Admiralty nodded and considered the response while the Captain continued his impromptu briefing. “The tactical vest, frankly, is too useful to have not included it. With them we’re able to securely carry any assortment of supplies that may be necessary. A prime example is that Lt. Commander Harris, who acts as our Field Medic, is able to carry almost an entire Medical field kit on her vest thus freeing up her hands or space in a backpack as needed.”

Several Admirals appeared ready to ask more questions when Northridge’s Aid approached the group and announced that they were ready to attempt the dialing. Giving the aid a sharp nod Northridge turned back to Kember.

“Captain, I’d hate to think you got all dressed up for nothing so be prepared to depart on my order.”

Ethan and his team snapped to attention. “Aye sir. We’ll be ready.”

The other Admirals dispersed to rejoin the other witnesses as Admiral Northridge made his way to the control room on the floor above. As the gathered officials watched the “Gate Bay” as it was being called Kember and his team quickly assembled in the Mission Staging Hall and watched the monitors displaying the gate intently.

In the control room Admiral Northridge couldn’t help but admire the layout and view before him. This room truly was the nerve center of the entire facility and it showed. Designed in a layout similar to the bridge of the still in development Intrepid-class starships the “front” of the room boasted an arcing main console designed for two. At one end of the station were the controls for the Stargate itself while the facilities primary communications controls sat at the other. In front of the station a large reinforced window looked down over the Gate Bay.

The center of the control room was occupied by a large circular table his people had taken to calling a “Command and Control Station”. The table was equipped with a holographic display in the center and assorted control stations built around its outer edge. In the back of the room on a slightly raised platform stood numerous banks of consoles and displays built into the curving back wall. These stations provided real time control and information on each of the facility’s functions.

Focusing his attention now on the Gate Control station the Admiral stood directly behind the young Ensign assigned to the duty. “Ensign you may begin dialing sequence when ready.”

“Aye sir. Engineering reports all backup reactors are online and ready; commencing dialing procedure.”

The Andorian’s fingers deftly glided over the specialized interface before her. The display built into her station showed each of the Stargate’s symbols as she entered them and when the eighth symbol was entered the words “Address Accepted” flashed beside them. Steadying her trembling hands she entered her security code followed by the execute command.

The occupants of the base seemed to suck in a collective breath as the Stargate’s inner ring began spinning and its chevrons lighting up. Near the back of the control room one of the engineers monitoring the reactors couldn’t contain their surprised exclamation as all of the reactors were taxed to their limits feeding the monster that was an Intergalactic wormhole. When the final chevron locked into position and the explosion of unstable energy whooshed outward from the gate a roar of cheers, congratulations, and other excited noises filled the base.

While the Admiral fully understood the excitement and need for release after an admittedly tense moment he knew the clock was ticking. “Quiet down people,” he barked to the crew of the control room who immediately obeyed. “Communications transmit the greeting.”

“Aye sir. We are now transmitting on all known frequencies.”

Tense minutes passed as everyone waited for a possible response. “Lieutenant any sign of communications at all?”

“None sir. No reply to our transmission and no other known form of communication is coming through the wormhole.”

With a nod Northridge turned his back to the main viewing window and directed his attention to one of the rear stations. “Tactical, launch the probe.”

“Aye sir.”

In the Gate Bay a hatch in the ceiling slid open. Dropping from the opening the specially designed “Gate Watcher” came to a hovering stop mid-height to the gate. The probe had a silvery elliptical casing similar to a photon torpedo, but the device reached only four feet in length. When the Tactical officer’s station reported that the probe’s systems were online a quick command activated it’s anti-grav propulsion system and sent it into the gate.

“Probe is away,” reported Tactical. This report was quickly followed by the Ensign at Stargate Control announcing, “The system has confirmed matter transmission.”

“Receiving probe telemetry now,” the Lieutenant reported from the tactical station, “putting it up on displays now.”

Admiral Northridge focused his attention to one of the inset displays on the C&C table. The probe’s visual sensors showed it to be hovering within a cavernous room of obviously artificial design. High above the Stargate’s level the room was being lit by sun filtering in through a series of windows. A few feet from the probe stood a console approximately four and a half feet tall with a slated surface which couldn’t be seen from the probe’s angle. On either side of the room a long series of columns lined the length of the hall.

As everyone studied the image and other sensor readings before them Captain Kember’s attention focused on a discoloration on the floor of the room. Tapping his communications badge he quickly addressed the control room. “Control this is Kember.”

“This is control. What can I do for you Captain,” asked the Admiral in a tone that made it clear he didn’t appreciate the interruption to what was a very carefully planned event.

“Sir please have the probe rise about five more feet above the surface and angle its visual sensors toward the discoloration on the flooring approximately six feet in front of it.”

Northridge gave a nod to the tactical officer who followed through with the Captain’s request. As the probe made its adjustments everyone was able to clearly make out what Kember had noticed.

Inset in the floor was an image at least ten feet in diameter. The outer ring of the image was a thick ring of what appeared to be black marble outlined on both the inner and outer edges by a fine silver line. Etched within the ring words could be seen, but not clearly deciphered. Inside the center of the image housed a large stylized version of the Stargate point of origin symbol for Earth. A beautiful rendition of the Milky Way Galaxy lay cradled within the ring portion of the symbol while depictions of the Ida, Pegasus, and Celes formed a line along the wide-open base of the pyramid symbol. The pyramid symbol itself was done in a light silver color and the right side was broken with a set of six “hash mark” indentations. The ring containing the Milky Way was gold colored and contained writing inside it as well.

Clearly the address in the data crystal had been correct.

Admiral Northridge’s eyes seemed to squint a bit and his lips rebelliously began to curve into a smile. “Tactical, are we getting any life signs? What are the atmospheric conditions?”

“No life signs within the probe’s range Admiral. Readings indicate a viable atmosphere within the building. Initial scans are…well sir the complex the Stargate is in can only be called massive.”

“Very well. Move the probe further in and get a scan of that pedestal. It appears to be a version of what was described as a ‘DHD’. Can you confirm?”
The visual feed from the probe adjusted once again as it repositioned itself. The pedestal was quiet obviously a fare more modern variation on the DHD than the images included in the data crystal. The smooth, glossy, angled surface looked much like Federation standard consoles. A total of 42 symbols were depicted on it with a large ornate circular symbol centered at the top.

“Doesn’t look too different than what we’re using. Are you reading any power signatures from it?”

“Aye sir…a rather impressive one.”

“Excellent,” replied the Admiral. “Captain Kember.”

The voice of the Captain filled the control room. “Kember here.”

“Your team has a go Captain.”

Down below in the staging hall Kember and his team were grinning madly at one another. “Aye sir. Moving out,” he replied before taking the lead and stepping through the large opening door into the Gate Bay.

The five man team took up a diamond formation in front of the gate with the Captain on point. Though not normal protocol there was no way Ethan was going to let anyone go through the gate before him. With a glance up to the control room window he nodded to the watching Admiral before looking to the wormhole before him.

“Alright, let’s go to work people.”

Swallowing an instinctive nervousness Kember lead his team forward and into the calmly rippling event horizon of destiny.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:09pm

Chapter 4:

Earth Date: September 20th 2369

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47326.78

I don’t really know where to begin with this entry. Frankly I’m finding myself a little overwhelmed. Yesterday afternoon SG-26 became the first team from Starfleet to travel through the Stargate, to travel to the Ida Galaxy, and to begin the search for answers untold years removed from the questions. I feel safe in declaring us “Explorers” now that’s for sure.

When we first emerged through the Stargate we found ourselves in a room that frankly the probe’s images had done an injustice too. After reporting a successful journey with no complications Operations sent through a hoversled loaded with an assortment of gear ranging from survey equipment to rations. A shock came moments later when the Stargate shut down unexpectedly.

After considerable discussion we believe that the power requirements to maintain the wormhole as long as we did finally overcame the reactors. Now isn’t that a sobering thought.

Though a little disconcerted to have been so abruptly cut off from home no small level of relief fill us when the energy signature in the “DHD” matched those of a ZPM only an order of magnitude greater. A test run later and we had reestablished contact with Earth.

Once we were back in contact with Stargate Operations it was confirmed that the reactors had all but given up the ghost keeping the connection open as long as they had. As Earth couldn’t send any more supplies or aid through in the immediate future it was decided our team would remain for 3 days and then return. Being cautious it was decided that we would not attempt to dial Earth again until it was time to return unless in an emergency. This would preserve the ZPM as long as possible.

After securing the hoversled it was time to start looking around. It was a good thing too because I’m not sure how much longer Harris could have contained herself.

The area that the Stargate is located in is something of a reception hall for the greater complex around it. Scans show that the hall itself is exactly 2200’, or 220 stories, tall by 780’ in length and 180’ wide. We’ve counted sixty two doors on the main floor leading either into various rooms or what appear to scans to be transporter stations. The entire top fifteen stories of the hall are lined with a continuous row of windows that allow sunlight in no matter the time of day while the other floors of the hall have balcony walkways and more doors or hallways.

Strangely we haven’t located an exit out of the complex; at least we haven’t found any obvious signs of one.

We limited our survey so far to the Hall itself only giving superficial inspections to any of the rooms we found. No blatant decoration or cultural references other than the emblem on the floor have been found. What was obvious from even a cursory glance at the adjoining rooms is that the furniture at the very least was designed for bipedal humanoids. Most of the rooms appear to have been used for small gatherings or meeting as only couches and chairs in different arrangements were obvious.

The emblem on the floor of the hall has proven to be of great interest all on its own. The writing found inside both the outer ring and the origin-symbol’s ring resembles English, but there are obvious differences such as the incorporation of elements we believe to be both Asgard and Ancient as well as completely “new” (I say new in that we don’t know their origins) aspects.

Thanks to the addition of the linguistic databases found on the SGC data crystal the Universal Translator has kicked out what we believe to be a relatively accurate lexicon.

Inscribed around the sides and top portions of the outer ring of the emblem are phrases that when put together translate to:

We are the Curators of Heritage,
We are the Preservers of the Lost,
We are the Eternal Guardians of the Fifth Race.

Along the base of the ring is the inscription:

May the Library serve in Perpetuity

When that final translation came through I thought M’Sess was going to pass out. The idea that this place is some sort of library built by the descendants of Atlantis made us all a bit lightheaded.

The translation of the writing around the origin-symbol’s ring reads as follows:

Lest we forget the price of hubris,
Our origins can never forgotten,
Unending must our Vigilance be.

The next step on the agenda is to expand our search and hopefully find a way to get outside the complex.

End Entry.

Earth Date: September 23rd 2369

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47333.21

We will be returning to Earth soon and that realization has most of us acting like kids leaving an amusement park at the end of the day. I can only say that I hope Stargate Operations has the reactors back online so we can send a far greater expedition through as soon as possible. We may well be studying the contents of this place and this planet alone for decades or centuries.

I have refrained from making entries into the Field Log pertaining to what we have found as frankly it’s going to take me a week to even put it all into the mission report.

I will say this much though; no one will be left untouched by what we’ve uncovered here.

End Entry.

September 25th 2369
Stargate Operations Command
Legacy Base, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

“Take your seats everyone and we will begin,” ordered Admiral Northridge from behind the main podium of the base auditorium. The vast majority of the base’s staff was gathered for this briefing as it would set the direction for Stargate Operations in the years to come.

Settling into their seats the collection of officers and enlisted personnel quickly fell into an anticipation-laden silence. Northridge waited another moment to allow everyone to settle before continuing. “Everyone here should know by now the importance of what SG-26 has uncovered during their mission to the planet Atlantis traveled to after leaving Earth the second time. Today you will all be briefed on the extent of SG-26’s mission and their findings followed by the new directives of this command. Captain Kember whenever you’re ready.”

A portion of the front row of seats emptied as SG-26 made their way onto the presenter’s stage and the Captain took position at the podium. Wasting no time Ethan tapped a control on the podium which dimmed the room’s lighting and activated the massive display overhead. “This is the City of Alexandria on the Planet Ollera.”

An aerial image of megalithic cityscape drew everyone’s attention immediately. Primarily constructed of what at first glance looked to be a crème-colored stone and silver metal the city’s most dominating feature was its positioning at the center of an impressive series of waterfalls. The entire northern side of the city was built into, and rose above, a cliff which acted as the first “tier” of the waterfall as an immense river tumbled over the edge. The falling water split into a dozen thick rivers which ran around and through the city before cascading over the southern border and into a chasm lake below.

The city boasted lush vegetation in sprawling parks, buildings of all shapes and sizes, bridges, and docks jutting into the large outer rivers framing the city. Everything seemed to be designed in a graceful combination of classical earth and a more futuristic style of architecture that denoted slightly more concern over aesthetics than function. Dominate among all other features, however, was the building rising above the northern cliff.

Towering columns rose high above the city framing the front of a structure in a style reminiscent of the Acropolis. Framing either side of each column great silver metal supports jutted down and outward at a ninety degree angle. The building itself seemed to be separated into three sections; two wider, yet shorter, wings connected with a slimmer, but taller, middle section. Shaped into a graceful light arc the roof of the center building almost seemed to be held up by a continuous row of windows.

“The building you see in the background dominating the skyline is simply called ‘The Library’; an obvious tribute to the fabled Library of Alexandria of old.”

The Captain moved through a series of aerial images of the city from various angles.

“The best estimates we can get from scans say that the city is approximately 17,000 years old. The vast majority of the major structures of the city are constructed from a mixture of an artificial stone composed of at least four elements we have no record of and an alloy that makes even neutronium seem flimsy.”

A chorus of exclamations ranging from shock and disbelief to excitement broke out among various sections of the auditorium. Kember grinned at the audience but continued.

“While I could spend a few hours speaking about the city itself SG-26 honestly didn’t get a chance to explore much of it. We didn’t even manage to get outside the Library until mid-afternoon the day before we returned. There will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to study the city though so just be patient.”

Good natured grumbling followed.

The pictures of the city halted and shifted to a slideshow of images from the inside of the Library itself.

“The Library is, to be blunt, mind blowing. The western wing is a museum of sorts with a collection of artifacts ranging from art to technology. We have identified at least a handful of items as belonging to Milky Way civilizations including two matching relics from the Tkon Empire.”

The murmurs running through the audience began taking a far more subdued turn as people began drawing conclusions they didn’t like.

“The east wing is where the actual ‘library’ is kept. There are a nearly limitless variety of records stored here,” Ethan continued.

The images shifted to a variety of shelves, computer terminals, displays, and even what appeared to be a collection of large chiseled stones. “Scans of a few scrolls, books, and data crystals indicate a range of age from a few hundred years to several hundred thousand years.”

Tapping the control on the podium turned the display off and brought up the lights in the room. Everyone’s focus now shifted exclusively to the Captain.

“We accessed the central library’s repository and though it is simply too large to truly comprehend we were able to obtain information on a select number of subjects we felt were most pertinent.”

The room fell into a total silence as the gathered knew they were about to hear the answers the both desired and feared.

“First, we can now conclusively say that Earth was removed from time for a period of nearly 2.6 Million years. Though it will be up to the experts to study; the records we located confirm suspicions that the excess energy of the device’s star expanding during its nova phase, the release during its final collapse, and subsequent multiple effects from the black hole had an obviously profound effect on the device used to protect earth.”

Complete silence remained as everyone tied to take in the news. 2.6 million years the Earth had been removed from the universe and no one had been the wiser.

“We have also determined that the rapid, in galactic terms, re-evolution of species in the galaxy was due to our ancestor’s use of the Dakara Weapon some five hundred years after their ‘exodus’. After utilizing the device they destroyed it once and for all. During our search of these records we also came across a few facts that help us better understand what we believed to be the ancient history of the Milky Way. To explain I will now turn the briefing over to Lt. Commander Harris who is our history buff.”

With a grin Kember stepped over to where his team stood allowing the younger woman to take his place at the podium.

“Thank you Captain. Included in the Library’s records was information pertaining to a collection of planets that had survived the destruction of life in our galaxy due to either not possessing a Stargate, or as in the case of the Iconians having buried their gate sometime previously in their history. That’s right everyone the Iconian ‘gateway’ technology was actually their discovery and use of the Stargate network.”

Smirking at the reaction of the audience Harris continued on thoroughly enjoying throwing everyone’s sense of history out of whack. “While the Iconians did eventually create their own versions the jumping off point was the Stargates and a set of Alteran Ring transporters they discovered approximately 150 thousand years ago.”

“The Tkon are an example of a race whose planet had no Stargate and thus not only survived the extinction, but never knew a thing about the rest of the ‘First Evolution’. The records in the Library also discuss the end of the Empire as it was brought about by a race of ‘Ascended Beings’. The specifics are a little confusing, but the long and short is that the Tkon technology used to create their guardian ‘Portals’ somehow drew the attention, and displeasure, of an Ascended being. Eventually, for reasons unknown, the being destroyed the Tkon’s star wiping out their home world.”

“As you might have guessed by now the SGC Remnant did keep a very close watch on the Milky Way even after they left. The information we have obtained so far on their activities be made available in a separate briefing to designated staff at 1000 hours tomorrow. Ensign Rosik will now speak briefly on a topic sure to leave everyone confused.”

Giving her Vulcan teammate a winning smile Harris resumed her former position at the side of the dais. Rosik blatantly ignored is teammates “Human behavior” and moved to the podium.

“Since the discovery of Earth’s remove from time and space was made a series of continuity issues have been discussed. Starfleet records provide clear indications of temporal displacement from post-freeze time periods to periods preceding it. In many of these cases precise calculations were utilized to allow for the displacement; calculations that could not have taken into consideration the 2.6 million yearlong freeze.”

Many in the audience began to groan when they realized where the Ensign was taking the briefing. No one liked trying to understand Temporal Mechanics and Causality.

“Currently the majority of the science referenced in the Library regarding temporal displacement is beyond Federation understanding. Study of related records has provided an illuminating set of possible explanations. Current theory expounds on subspace-time distortion echoes within a long-term field and the interaction of those echoes with phase-shifted supra and subspace matter.”

Baffled silence followed the Vulcan’s matter-of-fact explanation.

If a Vulcan could sigh in frustration Rosik would have. “Due to the methods combined to create the temporal stop there was a lasting effect on the systems involved. Space and time around Sol and the other involved stars still “echoes” with the temporal dilation and displacement. Any attempt to move into Earth’s past is likewise distorted by those echoes. Many times effects will be unpredictable and result in missing the desired “target” date. Other possible effects could be more or less pronounced.”

“Further speculation indicates that this effect is non-persistent outside the effected systems. This would indicate that should you travel into the past to a point during which Earth was in the “freeze” while both starting and ending the displacement on Vulcan or a similarly unaffected planet you would be unable to then travel to Earth. Should you travel from another system, backward with a destination on Earth or an effected system you would pass through the subspace-time distortion barrier and find yourself an equivalent number of years in Earth’s past.”

Kember saw the glassy eyed look on many of the attendee’s faces and decided it was time to step in. “Thank you Ensign.”

Rosik nodded to the Captain before returning to his former spot.

Kember took a breath and then began again in the hopes of waking the audience up again. “Moving on to less confusing topics; while we were able to determine that the city of Alexandria is unpopulated our long range scans via the probe did confirm humanoid life elsewhere on the planet. This reconfirms what the Library’s records told us.”

Once again dimming the lights and activating the display an image of the emblem on the Library entrance hall floor dominated the view. “We now know this to be the emblem of ‘The Great Alliance’. The specific history hasn’t been closely scrutinized yet, but we know that humans and various other species from the Pegasus, Celes, and Andromeda Galaxies eventually came to join the Alliance which primarily settled in the life-devoid Ida Galaxy. Though it should be noted that the Andromeda races were mostly refugees fleeing another race or races.”

“The people settled on Ollera appear advanced and we did detect signs of vessles entering and leaving the atmosphere. There were also indications that while Alexandria is uninhabited the Library does have the occasional visitor to add new relics or data.”

The display deactivated as the lights resumed their standard level once again. Admiral Northridge strode to the front of the dais while SG-26 retook their seats. “More details from SG-26’s mission will be available for review in Division-specific briefings starting tomorrow morning. Right now what everyone here needs to understand is that Stargate Operations now has a very specific agenda.”

All eyes were on the Admiral now as everyone waiting for the orders about to come. “In one week we will send SG-31, our Diplomatic team, to meet with the local populous of Ollera. We will likewise begin sending research teams to the Library on one month rotations. Unless objections are raise by the locals the teams will set up residence in the city of Alexandria and we will permanently maintain a presence there.”

“Second,” Northridge continued, “We have been given a mandate to begin utilizing the information we have already obtained and that in the Library to provide technologies to the Federation for immediate development and use. The top priority is power generation specifically Zero-Point Module technology. Next is any and all technologies related to ship design and construction including shielding technology and weapons systems. Finally, we will look for and study any supporting technology that enables the development, construction, or maintenance of the other aforementioned technologies.”

Assorted conversations began to break out among the staff but the Admiral quickly brought it to an end with his next declaration. “The Federation is heading into troubled times. Intelligence reports regarding everyone from the Cardassians to the Gamma Quadrant are getting restless with their own problems and it’s only a matter of time until they spill out onto us. The Federation and Starfleet need what only we can provide and it is up to all of you to make it happen.”

Commander Lucas’ comment of, “So no pressure huh” was not as quiet as he meant it to be.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:10pm

Chapter 5:

November 28th 2369
Stargate Operations Command
Legacy Base, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Phaser fire lanced out across the wide clearing bisecting the dense foliage and scattered ruins shattering the worn remains of a stone column. Moments later the answering retort of disrupter fire filled the impromptu battlefield. Commander Lucas, lifting his head slightly from beneath the cover of his crossed arms couldn’t keep the shit-eating grin off his face as he looked to his CO prone beside him in much the same condition.

“Guess I struck a nerve eh Captain?”

“I’m going to let M’Sess sharpen her claws on your worthless hide for getting us into this Lucas!”

The tale-tale whine of an incoming plasma charge cut short the string of threats the Captain had thought up as both men leapt to their feet and rushed deeper into the foliage and trees to escape the imminent blast. Before the detonation could occur however the entire environment suddenly wavered and vanished leaving only the black panels and gold striping of the holodeck around a very sweaty SG-26.

Each of the team members looked curiously to one another in question before a voice sounded from the holodeck’s communication system. “SG-26 report to Briefing Room 17-Delta-3. Repeat; SG-26 report to Briefing Room 17-Delta-3 for briefing in fifteen minutes.”

Rubbing his sleeve over his brow Kember called out to his team, “You heard ‘im. Let’s get cleaned up on the double. It must be something important to call us out of a designated training session.”

SG-26 filed out of the holodeck into the tan carpeted hallway of level 8’s south wing while exchanging good natured jibes over one another’s performance during the simulation. Traveling just down the hall the team split to their respective locker rooms and quickly hit the sonic showers before dressing out in their standard uniforms minus jackets, tac-vests and thigh holsters. The simple black undershirts of the uniform each sported the single dark forest green stripe denoting service in Stargate Operations. It had been decided that the less formal version of the Field Uniform was fine for wear around the base.

Twelve minutes from the time they had exited the holodeck the five members of SG-26 gathered at the level 6 Port Station. The doors slid apart and the team quickly filed in with Kember instructing the computer as to their destination when the doors closed once again. “Level 17, West Wing.”

A brief pulse of white light later the doors reopened to the blue carpets of level 17’s west wing. Stepping out of the station and continuing down the hall following her team Lt. Commander Harris looked over her shoulder back to the closing doors of the station and commented, “Man I love those things.”

“You’ve said that every time we’ve used one since they were installed last week Harris. We get the picture,” replied Lucas with a roll of his eyes.
Harris never had the chance to retort as the team stepped into Briefing Room 3 to find the Admiral already waiting for them at the head of the conference table. As the team entered they each greeted their commander and quickly took seats around the table.

“Thank you for being prompt SG-26. We have something of an urgent matter or I wouldn’t have called you out of your training time,” began Admiral Northridge as he leaned forward to rest his forearms against the edge of the table. “Approximately twenty minutes SG-34 made contact and informed us that they were transmitting new data from the Library’s archives under a priority flag for Mission Operations.”

The interest level of each member of SG-26 instantly went up a notch. A priority flag for Mission Operations coming from the Library meant that they had found a new gate address and details regarding it that they felt warranted an SG team’s dispatch ASAP. Seeing that each of the officers understood the situation Northridge tapped a control on the console built into the conference table to call up the pertinent files.

The team immediately began to review the information sent by SG-34 as it appeared at the displays around the table. Moments passed in silence as they each familiarized themselves with the file. Finally Captain Kember looked up from his display and to the Admiral. “When do we leave,” was the all-business question.

Kember’s brown eyes showed seriousness that the Admiral could appreciate. If the data from the archives was correct, and every bit so far had been, this mission could literally turn the SGO’s efforts into an all new ballgame. “SG-27 is due back from D52-177L within the hour. Once they’ve returned there is no scheduled gate activity until tomorrow morning. That’s your window Captain. You and your team need to put together your mission proposal, brief, gear up, and be ready to depart before I send the next schedule team through. Are we clear?”

A chorus of “Aye Sir” preceded the team standing in near unison. “Permission to get to it Admiral,” requested Kember.

“Dismissed SG-26.”

The team wasted no time in exiting the briefing room and heading toward the Port station. As they walked Kember began issuing orders. “Lucas I want you to review the archive data again. Determine exactly what gear we will and might need.”

“Roger,” replied the Commander as the team filed into the station.
“Level 12, North Wing” commanded Kember before resuming his orders ignoring the all-too-minor interruption of the transport. “Rosik I need you to get with the Engineers. Find out what they will need from us then relay any equipment needs to Lucas. M’Sess, cross-reference the archive data with the current R&D hit list. Let’s find out if there are any priority items that might be important aside from the obvious. ”

The burgundy carpet passed beneath the team’s feet at a swift stride before they passed through a set of doors marked “Planning Room 2”. Immediately the Vulan of the team made his wait to the communications terminal while Lucas and M’Sess took up two of the information consoles. Kember turned to the remaining member of his team. “Harris I need you to review current SGO staff for anyone even remotely specializing in Shipyard operations while I find us someone from Starship Development.”

“What if we don’t have anyone available for the timeframe,” asked the Lt. Commander as she claimed one of the remaining stations in the room.
“Then find someone who meets the security criteria that’s at the San Francisco Fleet Yard that knows how the place runs and drag them in here.”
Grinning madly Harris began poking at the controls on the console while quipping, “I love this job.”

November 29th 2369
Alliance Orbital Platform, Taranis System, Pegasus Galaxy
Station Gate room

The pitch black of the ancient room suddenly washed away under the explosive activation of the Stargate. Microseconds after the gate’s activation a silver energy field encompassed the stabilized device. A nearby console beeped softly as the automated defense system of the station interfaced with the gate. Fractions of a second later the defense system enacted protocols never before used and the shield around the Stargate shut down.

Moments later a Gate Watcher probe passed through the event horizon and began transmitting its sensor data back to Earth. Even as the SGO staff observed the initial video feed from the probe they could see the light level of the Gate room rising while consoles were coming online. It was a scene that was starting to become familiar to them. A dozen Alliance Outposts they had visited in both Ida and Pegasus had responded automatically to their dialing into the Stargate.

Fifteen after the initial gate activation SG-26 accompanied by two civilian specialists emerged onto the station. The team immediately spread out throughout the small room while the civilians waited near the gate. Once satisfied that everything was as the probe reported Kember tapped his combadge and reported, “Clear to shut down the gate. Will contact in 3-0 minutes.”

“Acknowledged SG-26. Good luck,” replied the voice of Admiral Northridge prior to the wormhole ‘evaporating’ closed.

“Alright,” Ethan said as he turned to his team, “Lucas most of the Alliance tech likes you so why don’t you see if you can’t coax a schematic of this place out of one of those consoles.”

“One ‘you are here’ sign coming up,” Lucas quipped with a mocking little salute as he walked to the nearest terminal and began tapping on the interface.

Harris rolled her eyes at the ever-immature Commander’s back.

While Lucas tried to sweet talk the station’s computer everyone else began to move out into the hallway immediately outside the Gate room. The design style was clearly what they were coming to associate with the Alliance: crème-colored walls lined with various silver accoutrements and slate-black floors. Just as the others were ready to check on the Commander’s status he joined them in the hall with a tricorder held up for display.

“Got the schematic. You all are not going to believe this until you see it,” he said and his tone conveyed a tightly constrained sense of ‘kid in a candy store’.

Exchanging looks with one another the rest of the team and two civilians stepped out of Lucas’ way so he could lead them wherever he intended.
Just down the hall from the Stargate was a now familiar Port station which the Commander gestured them all into. “Observation Level,” he instructed once everyone was in and the door slid shut.

In the blink of an eye the door once again opened and the team stepped out into a large circular room entirely covered in a transparent dome. A half-dozen arcing couches were set up around the room facing outward while the center was dominated by a pristine, but empty, pond and fountain. Clearly the room was designed for relaxation more than any official ‘observation’.

“Wow,” stated M’Sess in a breathless voice. All eyes followed the direction she was looking and everyone’s thoughts echoed the Caitian’s single word.
The station was an orbital shipyard the spanning nearly three miles at its widest point. A tall central station similar to many Starfleet space stations connected with two massive arms spreading out away from the hub but with an inward curve. Branching off from the two main arms were multiple smaller arms jutting out perpendicular to their parent. The overall effect made the station look as if it has a giant pair of wings.

“You’re right Lucas; this is something you have to see to believe,” agreed Harris as she walked slowly around the outside of the room.

“The Alliance never did anything by half did they,” commented one of the civilians.

“No they didn’t. Now it’s time for us to thank them properly. Everyone back in the Port station. Lucas get us to the control center for this place,” ordered Kember.

Giving last wistful looks out at the starry scene the team and civilians followed Lucas’ lead through the station to the nerve center of its operation. The control center was a large affair filled with various control stations, several holographic displays, and a dozen other unidentified interfaces and terminals. The team and their extras wasted no time getting to work. It wasn’t long before a sudden thud drew everyone’s attention.

Harris rushed from the console she had been fiddling with to the collapsed from of Dr. Lithro. Her tricorder was out and open before she had even knelt at the man’s side. Running the device over the elder human’s body her eyebrows first shot up in astonishment before collapsing in annoyance. She looked up with a huff at the others who had gathered around the scene as it played out.

“He passed out. Nothing serious,” she answered the unasked question.
Rosik felt it logical to ask, “What could have incited such a reaction?”
The question had barely left the Vulcan’s mouth when Lithro’s fellow civilian gasped while looking over the station the man had been using prior to his collapse. Rosik turned and examined what had generated such a reaction.

“Most interesting. It appears to be a database of Alliance ship schematics.”
No one said anything. Slowly all eyes shifted to peer at the Vulcan Ensign as if he were the strangest creature to roam the galaxy. In a very slow and measured tone Lucas asked, “I’m sorry. Could you repeat that please?”
“It appears that the information Dr. Lithro has accessed is a database of Alliance ship schematics. While this may not actually be a complete list of all Alliance ships it does appear to be rather extensive.”

“That’s what I thought you said,” replied Lucas with a thoughtful nod. Turning his head he looked to his commanding officer and with total sincerity asked, “Permission to throw Rosik out an airlock?”

Smirking at his XO’s reaction to the blasé pronouncement from the Ensign the Captain shook his head. “Sorry Lucas we need him alive.”

Earth Date: December 8th 2369

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47542.95

Did we leave anyone working at the San Francisco or Utopia Planitia shipyards? The number of yarddogs running around this station makes me seriously wonder.

In a few hours SG-43 will be relieving our team for some much needed down time. I’m not sure that we’ve slept since delivering the news of our find to SGO.

After we realized exactly what kind of a find the station’s database was we immediately moved on to check the status of the station’s ability to function, material stores, etc. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that as with most of the Alliance tech we’ve found the station was as good as new. In addition we found that the reason for the station’s position over a planet that is basically nothing but a giant volcano is because of the abundance of raw materials present.

While we were waiting for additional personnel to join us on the station Dr. Lithro had time to play around with what he referred to as a “Drafting Suite”. Apparently the Alliance created an interactive system to allow ship design when incorporating multiple tech-bases by cross-referencing components with other known sciences and technologies.

Given what we know about the Alliance I can’t help but think that this type of program was developed early in its existence. Perhaps this is a direct offshoot of the program we now know they used to integrate the Asgard and Ancient databases when they first got to Ollera.

As of today I understand that the eggheads from Starfleet Ship Design have already loaded nearly the entire Federation design database into the station. Rosik suggested, and I agreed, that before anyone starts building ships we need to check the station’s database against the Library’s archives. We know that someone has been updating the archives off and on up to as recently as fifteen years ago so there’s a chance that more up-to-date designs can be found there.

On a more personal note I’m starting to wonder if we might not be rushing a bit too fast into all of this. We still don’t even have a clear idea what happened to the SGC Remnant or what happened to the Alliance’s people. All we’ve found out so far has been from the locals in the Ida galaxy and most of them only don’t have a reliable answer. I just hope we don’t stumble over our own feet by pushing too hard too fast.

End Entry.

December 16th 2369

Personal Log, Stardate: 47565.48

In my spare time I’ve been reading through the historical records we’ve copied from the Library Archives. It’s hard to believe that while all the answers we want are there finding them is such a problem simply due to the sheer volume of information to sort through. This evening though I think I’ve stumbled onto something interesting. It seems that the Remnant of the SGC was indeed the founding force of the Great Alliance, but more so of its defense/military.

If I’m reading the records correctly (we think the translation matrix is correct) then the descendants of the SGC personnel mostly left the running of the civil government aspects of the Alliance to the ‘natives’. They always seem to refer to themselves semi-separately from the rest of the Alliance. There’s no doubt in my mind that they participated in and contributed to the Alliance whole heartedly, but they seem to have always carried on their own agenda on the side.

The more I think about it I believe this “alternate agenda” is exactly why we’ve been having so much trouble pinning down what happened to the Remnant and their descendants. We’ve found countless records of colonization, admittance of new races or planets, public works, etc. but nothing that really says “The Earth descendants picked up and moved to X” or “We decided to go on vacation for a million years”.

Something else I noted, and have sense pointed out to the Admiral, is that we’re having too easy of a time locating major finds. I mean the inhabitants of Ollera believed that the planet no longer had a Stargate since it has been, and I quote, “Generations almost beyond counting” since the planet was accessible that way. Then there’s the fact that wherever we go someone’s “left the lights on for us”.

There’s something more going on with the Remnant and their history than we’re finding and I’m firmly of the opinion it’s because they wanted…or maybe even want…it that way. I have no doubt that we’re being purposefully if gently, blocked from answers.

End Entry.

January 9thth 2370
Marva IV, Federation / Cardassian DMZ, Avalon (Milky Way) Galaxy
Outside suspected Maquis Camp

Commander T.J. Lucas watched their primary target slowly creeping out of the camp and into the rocky terrain. He hated what they were here to do, but he hated the consequences of not doing it even more. Resisting the urge to sigh he tapped his combadge lightly.

On the opposite side of the camp Harris followed her target noiselessly through the empty streets of the tiny camp. When Lucas’ signal came through she quietly unholstered her Phaser and fired.

The sound of weapons fire drew the camp’s sentries immediately from their posts, but by the time they reached the source of the disturbance neither attacker nor victim could be found. No one ever heard the second phaser fire that night. In the morning the Maquis would have two new members to suspect of treason to their cause believing that one had killed the other but not knowing which was the true traitor.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:11pm

Chapter 6:

January 15thth 2370
Stargate Operations Command
Legacy Base, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

“Good morning,” began Commander Rindon Tal as the new personnel settled. The Trill Commander’s eyes swept over the thirty new recruits to Stargate Operations. This batch consisted of personnel being assigned to Advanced Sciences and Engineering. The discovery of the Alliance shipyard had set off an even larger demand on the R&D departments for both divisions and they had been screaming for more help.

“This is your introductory briefing on SGO Technologies. Much of what you are about to learn will be expounded upon by your division commanders after your assignment so this is more of a high-level overview. Additionally, I can assure you that at least seventy five percent of what you will hear here today will go against everything you think you know while the last twenty five will simple make you think I’m insane.”

Several of the young officers couldn’t help but chuckle earning them disapproving glances from the older NCOs among the new personnel.
“I will tell you right now that we don’t have a lot of time so I will not be taking the time to stop for every gasp of disbelief, defiant declaration of impossibility, etc. Keep your traps shut and your minds open. Do I make myself clear?”

A chorus of “Yes Sir” met with the Commander’s approval and the briefing began in earnest.

“We’re going to begin with the one piece of technology that everyone must be familiar with but will not under any circumstances touch, test, attempt to utilize, or even be in the same room with unless authorized by more of the Admiralty than you can cram into this room.”

Several sub-audible gulps accompanied the intensely sharp look Rindon held on the room.

Satisfied again that his message was clearly understood the Trill activated the large display on the wall to his right. Two images appeared side by side. The first was a yellow-orange crystalline construct of some sort and beside it was a device similar in appearance except resembling two of the first construct attached based-to-base with a smooth white sphere in the center joining the two.

“I present you the Zero-Point Module,” Tal began with a gesture to the singular crystalline construct, “and its ultimate incarnation the Arcturus Module.”

At the words “zero-point” the entire room’s attention level went up several notches.

“The Zero-Point Module, or ZPM, is capable of generating massive amounts of energy, which is drawn from a pocket of artificial subspace-time. These devices were the cleanest and most potent energy source in the known universe until the perfection of first the Arcturus Reactor, and later the Arcturus Module also known simply as an AM.”

With a click of his control the Commander shifted the display to a picture of the AM by itself laying set into an identical indention on a hexagon-shaped pedestal.

“Unlike the ZPM which utilizes an artificial layer of subspace-time the AM extracts zero-point energy from our universe. During this process random exotic particles are created in within the containment area and will eventually breach as hard radiation. However, thanks to extensive research and understanding of both temporal and dimensional mechanics by the Alliance the AM is able to turn the greatest obstacle of the original generator into its greatest boon.”

The image shifted again to look at the two ZPM-like components.
“As the AM generates exotic particles they are siphoned out of the reaction into one of two artificial region of subspace-time much like the original ZPMs created for zero-point energy creation. These regions of artificial subspace-time are then utilized to maintain the mutiphasic containment shielding around the core. The alternating nature of the siphon prevents any one artificial region from having to take in too many of the exotic particles at once. In theory an AM will remain at full charge until the universe comes to an end.”

Another click cleared the image from the display and put up a picture of what looked like a cargo room filled only with ten crates. One of the crates had been opened and inside were nine ZPMs and one AM.

“Recently one of the SG teams was sent on a reconnaissance mission that resulted in locating the cache you see here. They were highly protected and if it were not for a member of the team possessing the ATA Gene it is most likely that none would have survived. As it is only the Lieutenant with the gene was only ever able to enter the building with the storage bay, and two members of the team were killed.”

Clicking the image away the display returned to its blank state. “These devices, aside from the high cost of life involved in obtaining them, represent the only ones known to exist. We are unable to recreate the AM technology and frankly I don’t know if we will be able to within our lifetimes. ZPM technology, however, may not be too many years off but that is still a ways off. Now you all understand why there is no use of these devices without a hardy amount of authorization.”

Only a moment passed as the Commander let the recruits absorb the information before he pressed on. The struggle he saw in many of the eyes around the room to keep from blurting out questions make him want to keep moving. The more he kept their brains busy the less chance they would interrupt. Repressing a sigh the Trill pressed on cursing the bet he lost to get landed with this briefing assignment.

January 15thth 2370
Southern Quarter Waterfall district
Alexandria, Ollera

Stepping out of the most recently surveyed building in the district Lt. Commander M’Sess tapped her combadge and reported, “M’Sess reporting building designation D4-12L clear. Building identified as commercial-style building. Nothing of note to report; I’m moving on to D4-13L.”

“Confirmed M’Sess; I’ve updated the building designation to D4-12L-C,” replied the bored sounding Lt. Commander Harris’ voice.

M’Sess never had the chance to begin walking the short distance to the next building when a new voice broke the mind-numbing boredom of searching the city building by building.

“Lucas here team. I’ve found something we should all check out I think. Building D4-21K; you can’t miss it. It’s the only building in the entire city I’ve seen with stained-glass and the door is a dark rusted brown color.”

When each of the members of SG-26 confirmed that they were on their way Lucas took the time before their arrival to finish looking through the rest of the building. Ensign Rosik was the first to arrive followed quickly by M’Sess as their designated search grids had been adjoining Lucas’. Harris and Kember walked into the building roughly ten minutes later. Once they were all assembled Lucas lead them to a basement storeroom.

“I was about to call in another all clear when this,” Lucas began before walking in front of the southern wall of the empty storeroom causing five light fixtures to waver into view along the wall, “happened.”

Rosik’s left eyebrow rose in a classical indication of interest while the rest of the team just stared at the fixtures in confusion.

“Ok so you found magically appearing lights. So what,” questioned Harris.

“So this,” retorted Lucas before poking one of the fixtures and causing a high-pitch tone to sound. He followed this by poking each of the remaining fixtures to produce a variety of tones.

“Yeah,” agreed Harris, “that’s different.”

Kember rolled his eyes at his team’s behavior. “So does anyone have any ideas about what this could be?”

Harris’ eyebrows furrowed a bit and her head tilted to the side. “It’s a puzzle. One of those ‘figure out the pattern’ things.”

The young Lt. Commander’s proclamation incited curious stares, and a raised eyebrow, from her team.

“Come on I can’t be the only one who did those as a kid,” snapped Harris defensively.

“No, no you’re not,” soothed her CO, “but how’d you come to that conclusion?”

Staring at her team as if they were a bit dim she replied simply, “Light fixtures that only appear if you have the ATA gene and play a variety of musical tones.”

Exchanging looks the remainder of SG-26 just shrugged and Kember finally responded, “Worth a shot.”

Twenty minutes later saw Harris still poking at the fixtures. M’Sess and Lucas had taken seats leaning against the adjoining western wall while Rosik watched Harris. Kember was sitting on the stairs up into the building proper while he stared at the northern wall in a near comatose state of boredom. When Harris completed yet another series a slight waver in the wall he was staring at drew the Captain’s attention. “What the…”

Everyone’s attention shifted to their suddenly lively CO’s movement as he moved to the wall and began running his hand over its surface.

“What is it Captain,” questioned Rosik.

“I’m not sure,” Kember replied before turning to face Harris. “Repeat that last sequence.”

Nodding she turned and repeated the sequence she had tapped the fixtures in. Her back turned to Kember she didn’t know anything had happened until she heard M’Sess and Lucas scuffle to their feet with various exclamations. Rosik’s call of “Captain Kember” had her turning quickly to see exactly what had been there moments before with the exception of the now missing Captain.

“What happened,” questioned Harris as she watched her team begin beating on a blank wall.

“The captain fell through the wall when you completed the sequence,” answered Rosik in his usual matter-of-fact tone.

Blinking in confusion Harris simply asked, “through the wall? The solid, hasn’t changed since we got here, wall?”

While Harris and Rosik discussed the issue M’Sess was busy trying to contact the Captain with her combadge while pressing against the wall.

“Correct.”

“Huh.”

“Would you two quit being cute? Harris, repeat the sequence again,” barked Lucas in irritation.

Another play of the tone sequence and M’Sess and Lucas had vanished into the wall too.

“This is going to look bad in my service record I know it,” muttered Harris under her breath.

When the tone sequence echoed again through the room without Harris having touched the fixtures she and Rosik simply stared at each other. Their attention was drawn again to the north wall when Lucas appeared out of thin air before it.

“Commander are you well,” inquired Rosik with as much concern as a Vulcan could hope to put into their voice.

“Yeah, both of you get over here. We figured out what those things are for. When you hear the tones again move through the wall here,” instructed Lucas with a jerked-thumb at the wall.

Deciding questions could wait the two junior officers moved to obey the order. When the tone sequence occurred again moments later all three moved through the now apparently insubstantial wall. On the other side they found themselves on a narrow platform at the head of a set of spiraling stairs leading downward at a sharp angle.

“Fascinating; some sort of harmonic disruption device used to alter the state of the wall while keeping its base appearance and structure intact,” commented Rosik.

“Yeah, we’ll look at that later, but right now I’m more curious about the hidden staircase that leads under the city,” replied Lucas dryly.

Sounds of agreement preceded SG-26 decending the stairs into the darkness below while activating flashlights. The staircase began to feel unending as the team continued downward with no obvious sights revealed by their lights.

“Much further and we’ll be down near that chasm lake under the waterfall,” muttered Kember.

As if he had predicted the future the sound of light waves lapping at a shore met their ears from beneath them. Lights instantly focused directly downward and the rippling reflection of water greeted them. Further searching revealed a small island nearly covered entirely with the presence of something which they still couldn’t make out.

Minutes passed as the team completed the trek to the bottom of the staircase which deposited them on the small island. “Well I’ll be damned,” stated Kember with a tone of amazement and amusement. “That’s a puddle jumper! I saw images of it in the Archives.”

“The Ancient ship,” queried Lucas.

Nodding an affirmative Kember gestured toward the rear hatch. “See if it’ll open for you Lucas.”

While the Commander went to open the ship M’Sess was looking between it and the water curiously. Rosik noted the look and inquired, “Is there something wrong Commander M’Sess?”

“Captain,” M’Sess called rather than answering the Vulcan’s question. “Can this ship travel underwater?”

Peering curiously at the Caitian Kember replied with a simple, “Yes. Why?”

“I believe that’s why it’s here. Look around; this island is surrounded by water and you yourself said that we must be at or below the lake’s level by now.”

Nodding in understanding Kember quickly followed Lucas to the rear of the ship just as the hatch began to open. “Lucas you’ve qualified on most shuttlecraft haven’t you,” he inquired while stepping into the ship and trying to keep the child-like excitement out of his voice.

“Yes sir,” replied the commander cautiously. He had a bad feeling he knew where things were heading.

“Then get yourself into the pilot’s seat. You shouldn’t have any problems.”
“Is that a good idea sir,” questioned M’Sess. “I know there’s a reason this is here, but should we really just go running off in a ship we know next to nothing about?”

“We? No not all of us. Lucas and I will go, you three,” he replied with a gesture to Rosik, M’Sess and Harris, “head back up and contact Library Operations. Let them know what we found and where Lucas and I are going. One way or another we’ll be able to fly this back up to the city.”

Uncertain looks were exchanged, but eventually everyone trusted in their CO’s judgment and complied with his orders. Once the three returning to the city were a fair distance up the stairs Lucas touched the controls of the ship and it came to life and began to hover above the island. A manic grin covered his face.

“Ok, that’s nice.”

Kember grinned at him. “Take us into the water Commander.”

“Eh, not seeing any displays here sir. How do we know the water’s de…” his words were cut off as a heads up display suddenly appeared in front of him, “..pth. That works for me. In we go!”

As the sound of a great splash made its way up to Harris’ ears she couldn’t help but sigh. Somehow she could just imagine Lucas screaming “Yahoo” right then.

The Puddle Jumper quickly began to navigate through a series of wide tunnels under the water before emerging into the greater lake beneath the city.

Looking at the elevation indication Lucas’ eyes went wide as they emerge from the final passage. “This lake’s huge,” he exclaimed.

Kember numbly nodded as he too examined the HUD. His eyes narrowed then as a range indicator appeared and began counting down. “What is that displaying the range to?”

“Uhm,” Lucas began as he considered the question. Suddenly a line of text appeared over the range.

Neither of the ships occupants said anything for a moment as they watched the indicator continue to drop. Then, before them through the window they could see the glinting reflections of the sunlight so far above off a metallic structure. The water distorted view of Atlantis’ gleaming spires became clear.

Suddenly Lucas’ attention was snapped away from his reverie when he realized the ship was no longer in his control. “Uh sir, the ship’s flying itself.”
Considering that announcement for a moment Kember concluded, “It must be an automated docking procedure.”

Lucas nodded in understanding before asking the question hanging in the air, “Is that what I think it is?”

“If you think it’s the twice-lost City of Atlantis then I think so.”

Another moment of silence preceded Lucas’ astute observation of, “It’s a lot bigger than I expected.”

Kember simply graced his XO with a disbelieving look as the Puddle Jumper began to move into what was clearly a docking bay on one of the piers.

Then the ship finally came to a full stop and its system powered down the occupants began to wonder how they were supposed to get out in the still-flooded docking bay. In answer to their questions the sound of water rushing out of the bay could be heard.

“This whole technology anticipating what you want and doing it before you can even ask a question could get annoying,” Lucas theorized.

With a sigh and shake of his head Kember opened the hatch and exited out into the now empty but wet bay.

Standing just outside the ship the Captain turned to his XO and instructed, “You’re going to need to take lead T.J. If this is Atlantis then it will most likely require your gene to do much of anything.”

The two officers began to slowly move through the city. After finding a transport room they shifted their search to the main tower and more specifically the control room. Everywhere in the city they went lights and consoles came to life. The idea that this city which was ancient when the Remnant found it was still here, whole and functional, was humbling. What wonders has the Remnant been able to create with something like this as a basis for their advancement.

They spent some time examining the consoles and displays in the control room. There they found numerous encrypted databases that couldn’t be accessed much to their frustration. During their search of the computers Lucas found what at first seemed to be an innocuous file, but realizing it was in plain Earth English he immediately called Kember over to examine it with him.

“Looks like an old file discussing how the original expedition found a holographic display that told the history of the city. I don’t get it, why are all the other files locked, encrypted, or in Ancient except this one.”

Kember’s thoughtful eyes gazed away from his XO. “It stands out doesn’t it,” he muttered.

Glancing to the Captain Lucas’s eyebrows rose, “You’re right it does.”

Ethan nodded to himself before making a decision. “We need to check that room out. Now.”

Lucas was shocked at the speed his CO rushed off for the hologram room and had to rush to catch up.

Once the two found the room Kember ordered Lucas to step up on the dais and touch the control panel. The moment the commander’s hand touched the panel the doors of the room rotated shut and the lights dimmed. What followed send ripples throughout the Milky Way for generations.

The holographic representation of an older woman with honey blond hair coalesced before the two Starfleet officers. Her clothes were clearly some sort of military uniform. Black slacks accompanied a white jacket with silver shirt underneath. No accoutrements could be seen on the uniform or any indication of rank. Only a brief moment of silence passed after her appearance before she began to speak.

“My name is Governor Saundra Eddington and I welcome you to the Descendant city of Atlantis. If you have found your way here then you are our long lost family from Earth that we have long wished to meet. Sadly, the time of the Descendants among the Great Alliance has nearly ended and we will never be able to meet face to face as we have wanted for so long.”
Kember and Lucas exchanged looks before returning their attention to the hologram.

“Over two and a half million years ago the First Generation of the Forbearers, in an act of desperation to save our home world, trapped Earth in type of temporal and dimensional halt. Sadly, despite exceptional knowledge and resourcefulness they simply lacked the knowledge to properly understand what dangers lay within their actions.”

“The First Generation of the Forbearers was filled with an unimaginable pain for the actions they had taken to defend their home planet. Their guilt over the loss of their home and the anger they felt lead them to delve deeply into the Great Legacies and though their numbers were small they rallied allies to them from the Pegasus Galaxy. Thus began the Age of Retribution.”

A star map appeared over the hologram’s head showing the Ida Galaxy.

“The galaxy which the First Generation had fled to in Atlantis was devoid of all life having been ravaged to uncounted eons by a scourge known as the Replicators. When the Replicators had been defeated and the Great Race of the Asgard was gone the galaxy sat desolate and abandoned. In their bid to see the enemies of Earth and Humanity defeated the First Generation and their allies spread throughout the Ida Galaxy establishing resource gathering efforts.”

Dozens of planets began to highlight with a silver ring around them and words naming them and their Stargate addresses.

“Soon, with the aid of the technologies provided to them in the Legacies a small fleet of ships more powerful than any enemy they had faced left Ollera, their new home planet, and traveled to the Celes Galaxy to confront the forces of the Ori.”

The map altered to show a trajectory from Ida to Celes. Thousands of red-circled planets appeared when the view again changed to display the Celes Galaxy only.

“The Forces of the First Generation burned a trail across the stars of Celes decimating the forces of the Doci. No mercy was shown to any Prior, but those innocents who had been mislead their entire lives were spared if they would throw down their arms. Indeed, many of the humans of the Celes Galaxy welcomed the freedom from the oppression of Origin. Sadly, many more believed fervently and perished.”

Slowly the red circles began to fade from around planet after planet until none were left.

“Relations were forged on numerous world throughout Celes with those who were thankful for the freedom the First Generation provided. Thus, the Forbearers gained countless new allies.”

Silver circles began to form around a dozen worlds.

“With the most hated of enemies resigned to the annals of history the First Generation turned their attention to the Pegasus Galaxy.”

The map again shifted to the mentioned galaxy. A dozen or so worlds highlighted with blue circles with over two dozen had red ones.

“The Pegasus Galaxy had all but been decimated in the wake of the Wraith-Tau’ri-Asuran War. Thousands of refugees from around the Pegasus Galaxy had already fled to the safety of new homes with the First Generation in Ida. Yet, the First Generation would not let the Wraith win. Due to the devastating civil war the Wraith had resorted to they made an easy target for the new ships of the Forbearers and in time they became a species on the brink of extinction.”

All but a single red circled planet faded away.

“The Forbearers met with the last leader of the Wraith, a being they had named Todd. The Armistice was signed under the agreement to conduct honest research into curing the Wraith dependency on humans for sustenance. In time the cure was found and administered, but it came too late to save the Wraith as a species.”

The final red planet faded.

“With the immediate threats to humanity snuffed out the Age of Retribution ended. In time the First Generation passed and their children took up the sacred charge to destroy those who would harm Earth, protect and free those races found to be in danger of enslavement or destruction, and seek a way to free Earth. These began the three tenants we the Descendants have followed for countless generations.”

“After the First Generation’s passing the Age of the Search came. Generations spent their lifetimes looking for a way to free Earth from its bonds. The knowledge of the Descendants grew to unimaginable heights as they incorporated new ideas with those of the Great Legacies. During this Age the Great Alliance was formed to help those struggling worlds rebuilding from oppression. Spanning three Galaxies and with the might of the Descendants no species be they human or otherwise need fear for their lives or resources.”

The image changed to show a rapidly growing number of silver banded planets in all three galaxies.

“Sadly, by the end of the Age of the Search it was determined that Earth could not be freed until the device creating the effect was destroyed. With this knowledge the Third Tenant was changed to a mandate to Prepare for Earth’s return and our people began to closely watch the Avalon Galaxy once again. In time new life took root, old life which had survived on those planets without Stargates destroyed itself, and we prepared.”

“Then the refugees from the Andromeda Galaxy began to appear in all three galaxies within the Alliance’s influence. Some were a barbaric people believing themselves greater than all others. They had turned their empire into a radioactive wasteland and sought new lands to claim for their own. Those excursions into Alliance space soon learned the error of their ways. Many other races from Andromeda eventually came to Ida, Celes, or Pegasus in search of refuge from the irradiated galaxy the Kelvans had created.”

The holographic map altered to show the Andromeda Galaxy.

“Since that time we have sent numerous expeditions to Andromeda in the hopes of finding habitable worlds for the refugees to return to, but to this date none have been found. Much as Ida once was, Andromeda is a desolate and empty galaxy.”

The map shifted outward to display the universe at large.

“In time, we the Descendants grew apart from the Alliance as they no longer needed our active assistance. Thus began the Age of the Vigil. We watched from the sidelines of the Alliance and the Milky Way, or Avalon, and we waited. Over time we witnessed the rise and fall of many races and recorded what we could of their history. We saw entire peoples fade into oblivion much as the Asgard might have had it not been for the First Generation and Earth. Knowing this could have easily been our own fate we created the Fourth Tenant: Preserve the memory of any race possible.”

Overhead the map began to “ping” countless stars in a dozen galaxies.

“We gathered the Great Legacies and all the other knowledge we had acquired and we prepared to build a place to store this knowledge so that no people would ever vanish into the shadows and Earth could one day learn all they had missed. However, a dangerous secret was discovered during our Vigil. The Alliance could not be trusted for they began to seek more territory and their eyes were turning upon Avalon.”

The Governor’s face grew stormy as she continued.

“We had not waited and worked for countless eons for the very peoples we had elevated from near extinction to attempt to steal what we protected. Thus, the Age of Reclamation began. The Descendants began to isolate out cities. We hid Atlantis beneath the Lake of Alexandria even as we built and hid the city far above. Our post powerful technology was secreted away and soon we were as a memory to the Alliance. Finally we knew our time among the stars was rapidly coming to a close, but we could not guarantee Earth’s safety from the Alliance or other outside influence if we moved on to the next Plane; or so we thought.”

“As the first of us began to Ascend we realized an erroneous assumption was made. In the galaxy we had so long called home the Others were not there to dictate to us their rules. When more and more of us began to Ascend a new society was created and while they believed in non-interference they would never allow wholesale destruction as the Ascended Alterans had. When all that remained of the Descendants were the occupants of this city the Guardians used their power to isolate Avalon by creating a great barrier around the galaxy and its core.”

A red border formed around the Milky Way and the galactic core.

“While those of us who remained mortal do not know what transpired next we do know the Others were angered by the Guardians. In time the last of us in the city will Ascend, but not before the final act of our people. We leave all that is ours to Earth. Your Stargate and those belonging to the Descendant controlled planets alone may dial one another. The controls of our facilities await your commands. Use it well, for though we have always protected Earth and our cousins there we are now guarding much more.”

“We will always watch over you.”

With the message delivered the hologram faded away.

Kember and Lucas could only stare at the spot the hologram had occupied in stunned silence.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:12pm

Chapter 7:

March 3rd 2370
Starfleet Command – Intelligence Division
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, CA

Newly promoted Captain Kathryn Janeway quietly sipped her precious coffee while she observed the others waiting in the reception area. Her innate curiosity was running her imagination in overdrive as she tried to suss out the reason why five new Captains were waiting for a mysterious meeting with an unspecified Admiral in Starfleet Intelligence’s headquarters. Not-so-idle conversation with the other Captains added a new piece to the puzzle; each of the new Captains was originally going to be meeting with the Admiralty for their ship assignments. Now what could Starfleet Intelligence want that could supersede a Captain’s ship assignment?

Her musings were cut off abruptly when a Vulcan Lieutenant stepped into the room and asked them to follow him. Setting her cup on the serving table Kathryn straightened her uniform and quickly joined the others in the short trek down the hall. Shortly the five captains were standing in an undecorated office across of a rather stern looking Admiral. The man’s slate-blue eyes seemed to judge each and every one of them in the time it took for the Lieutenant to show himself out and the door to close.

“Welcome Captains,” the unnamed Admiral began. “I am Admiral Greg Northridge. Please, take seats and get comfortable. We have a great deal to discuss today and I’d like to be done before dinner.”

A round of casual agreement filled the moments as each of the Captains found a seat in front of the barren desk the Admiral occupied. Janeway couldn’t help her intrigue from jumping to warp as she added the new elements to the equation; an unknown Admiral with enough pull to alter five Captains schedules for a meeting in a near-empty office. There were times she felt that Starfleet Intelligence has seen one too many mystery holonovels.

“Let me get right to the point. Each of you is slated to assume your own commands. Some of you,” his eyes strayed between Janeway and another, “are even being considered to take the reins of ships still under construction. However, plans have changed. Each of you is being assigned to me effective as of about ten minutes ago.”

Confused and annoyed looks flew between the Captains. Seeing a few about to put a foot in their mouth Kathryn spoke up first. “Admiral could you tell us what it is we’ll be doing that obviously takes precedence over command?”
The older man opened a drawer of the desk and began handing out PADDs.

“Understand Captains that the information locked inside those PADDs is considered among the Federation’s most secure. You will speak of it to no one outside our chain of command unless authorized.”

Janeway’s eyes narrowed as she read the single line displayed on the still-restricted device. “NX-913422 USS Jackson?”

The Andorian Captain beside her echoed her, “NX-924541 USS Carter”

“NX-931154 USS Thor,” stated another to be followed by statements of, “NX-946321 USS Teal’c” and “NX-953714 USS O’Neill”.

“This is your one chance Captains. If you are willing to take a leap of faith; to put your trust in Starfleet as it is placing tremendous trust in you then proceed through that door,” he ordered with a gesture to the innocuous door on the far side of the room, “and you will be briefed. If you would rather continue on as you had expected to then place the PADD on my desk and you are dismissed.”

Kathryn didn’t waste a moment. She was always one for a challenge and her instincts were telling her that whatever this mystery assignment was it would be an adventure like no other. Stepping through the door she found herself in a small turbolift like room. Confused, she was about to exit again when a flash of white light pulsed and the door opened of its own accord. Janeway couldn’t help but blink at the sight before her that was clearly not the Admiral’s office.

Stepping out of what was clearly a transporter of some type Kathryn found herself in a burgundy-carpeted hallway with a female Lieutenant. The color of the uniform’s division caught Janeway’s attention as she didn’t know of any branch of Starfleet actively using dark forest green.

“Welcome Captain. If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to the briefing room after a standard security scan.”

“Of course. Lead the way Lieutenant,” Kathryn responded as she mentally decided to just go along for the ride.

It had only been another twenty minutes before Captain Janeway decided stepping through that door had been the smartest move she had ever made.

April 17th 2370

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47899.4

SG-26 is on its way back from New Sydney in the Sappora system. SGO recently set up a covert mining operation among the many on the planet under a false civilian corporation. Using the guise of a company under independent and slightly eccentric ownership the operation was setup in the desolate north polar region of the planet. The region was nearly devoid of other mines due to the belief that nothing of value existed in worthwhile levels in the area.

How wrong they were.

Now that the Federation knows what Naquadah, Trinium, and several other useful minerals are we’ve begun to look for them. The naquadah “mother lode” came in the form of an asteroid we located just floating its way through the outer reaches of Sol. Next to that though was the Trinium deposits located on New Sydney. Everything with the mining operation was going fine until a crate of the ore disappeared from the storage facility.

SG-26 was dispatched to poke around the planet until we could find the ore and whoever had taken it. In the end we were forced to conduct a Sweeper operation much like the one earlier in the year on Marva IV. Thanks to an Ensign looking for an easy lifestyle the Orion Syndicate on the planet had learned of the “secret mineral” being mined. Luckily, the fact that the operation belonged to the Federation was never brought to light.

The Ensign and six Syndicate members are now in custody and will be sent to the new Detainment Center in Pegasus. In time they’ll be quietly added to one of the Federation’s public penal colonies, but we can’t risk the exposure of the SGO or its operations especially with those proven to be loose-lipped.
We might not like putting people away with only a shadow-trial, but the security of the SGO has to come first. An all out war would erupt if our operations were exposed to the quadrants-at-large.

End Entry.

June 21st 2370

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48075.18

The latest intelligence briefings are getting more and more depressing. Starting off the fun we have the Maquis “officially” declaring war against the Cardassians. I can’t help but wonder if they really think there was anyone who didn’t see where their intentions were from the start? Next, we’ve got a whole assortment of rumors and unsettling things from the Gamma Quadrant and DS9.

I honestly am glad that we’ve got the modified Runabouts doing some scouting in Gamma now. There are just so many things that can go wrong over there that I don’t like the idea of not knowing about trouble until it comes flying out of the mouth of a wormhole.

Speaking of wormholes SG-26 is finally going to be heading home in a few days. I don’t think I could take much more site-seeing in the lovely Beta Quadrant of Celes. These worlds seem to have been settled primarily by societies that preferred the quiet rustic way of life (not counting the “essentials” of matter-replication, water filtration, and weather control systems). If I see one more farm or ranch it’s likely that I’ll go nuts.

On the positive side we’ve managed to make a few friends who seem to be interested in opening trade negotiations. Politically speaking we’re not seeing any signs of the Alliance existing as more than a token statement anymore. Most of the other SG teams are reporting the same. The Alliance certainly still exists in the form of trade and friendly relations, but there doesn’t appear to be any indication of a central government still operating.

Given what we learned in Atlantis I’m inclined to believe that’s a good thing.

End Entry.

August 14th 2370

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48225.46

Starfleet is starting to get more and more concerned over the Gamma Quadrant. While there’s nothing solid yet to present a credible threat no one likes the possible strategic issues that could arise. What most of Starfleet doesn’t know though is that SGO has already begun taking steps.

SG-26 was given the privilege of being the first SG team to use one of the new Jumper-class Runabouts to do some scouting. The aptly named USS Sheppard is the first of the Runabouts, but if everything continues on schedule SGO will have a dozen out of the new Abydos Shipyards within the month. I still find it somewhat funny that Starfleet is now operating six shipyards no one knows about.

The stealth systems aboard the Sheppard (which I’ve been assured do not violate the Treaty of Algeron because we didn’t call it a cloak) are amazing. We literally sat within an Andorian antenna’s length from a local patrol vessel without them having even the slightest clue.

The new propulsion systems have Lucas drooling and attempting to find an excuse to “jump to hyperspace” every five minutes. The fact that we traveled straight from Earth to the Gamma quadrant in half the time it would take to get from Earth to DS9 has me awed enough…I don’t even want to consider the so-called “Gate Drives” the larger ships will be sporting.

As we locate uninhabited planets in Gamma we’re tagging possible staging locations in the event we ever need to set up a rapid-response line of bases, supply depots, or whatever else might pop into some Admiral’s head. Once we tag a potential planet another ship will come through in a few weeks and drop off a Stargate that will remain under cloak…excuse me…under stealth until we need it in the future.

While the use of the Sheppard has been fun for a change, I don’t think I’ll volunteer us for this kind of assignment again. I don’t need to be Court Marshaled for killing my team after all. How people can serve long-term on Starships is beyond me. We’ve been here two weeks and I’m already going stir-crazy.

I’m also going on record that if Harris and Lucas get into one more argument over anything I’m going to toss them out the airlock.

End Entry.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:13pm

Chapter 8:

September 7th 2370
Priority One Communiqué to all Starfleet Vessels
From: Office of the Chief of Staff Admiral Gene Roddenberry
For: Captain’s Eyes Only

All ships are hereby ordered to review the attached schedule and report to the assigned coordinates as designed without fail. Any ship which believes they will be unable to arrive on schedule is to reply to this communiqué immediately for reschedule.

Captains are to ensure their ships are prepared for immediate refits upon arrival. Command Staff may be briefed 72 hours prior to arrival to facilitate preparations.

Upon arrival at the refit facilities all crew will disembark for immediate briefing. Captains and Command Staff will report directly to the Chief of Staff’s Briefing while remaining crew members will be briefed by their designated Division Heads.

No discussion of these orders may precede the 72 hour window.

End Communiqué

September 7th 2370
Priority One Communiqué to all Starfleet Starbases
From: Office of the Chief of Staff Admiral Gene Roddenberry
For: Admiral’s Eyes Only

All Base Commanders are hereby ordered to review the attached schedule and to report to Starfleet Command as designated without fail. Anyone that believes they will be unable to arrive on schedule is to reply to this communiqué immediately for reschedule.

Admirals are to ensure their stations/bases are prepared for immediate refits to begin on the scheduled stardates. Command Staff may be briefed 1 week prior to refit to facilitate preparations.

Base Commanders will receive further instructions during their scheduled briefings at Starfleet Command. No discussion of these orders is allowed until after the briefing.

End Communiqué

October 9th 2370
Federation Council Chambers
Federation Council Building, San Francisco, CA

It was a rare moment in history to find the Federation Council Chambers so quiet while the council members occupied it. The lights of the hall began to slowly increase back to the standard daytime illumination as now Vice Admiral Greg Northridge completed his presentation. Considering there had been no outbursts for the past three hours he could only assume that he and the rest of the Admiralty might escape with their heads after all.

Turning to the approaching President Jaresh-Inyo he gave a respectful nod before showing himself off the dais at the head of the chamber. The President took up his post behind the podium and prepared to “close the sale” as the human’s saying went. His deep-set eyes surveyed the still mostly quiet council and he began the speech he had been writing since he first learned about the Stargate.

“Members of the Federation Council,” he began, “I have been in the position you now find yourselves in. When I was first briefed on the find which began this wondrous journey I too felt overwhelmed. I too had to reflect deeply on what the logical course of action based on these revelations would be. I too considered the infinite wonders and dangers these discoveries might bring.”

“Throughout the last year and half I have considered daily the ever evolving ramifications of my decisions. The Admiralty of Starfleet, members of the Federation Security Council, and I have struggled with weighing every action with possible reactions; predicting the eventual ripples this particular stone would create in the pond of the galaxy we call home and beyond.”

“We cannot wish these truths away and to ignore them or hide them would be a crime to the pursuits of knowledge in a multitude of forms. Yet, we cannot brazenly throw around the fruits of this discovery as to do so would invite unnecessary strife among the stars. A balance must be found to allow the Federation and its citizens to grow and prosper with these new discoveries.”

The President’s countenance seemed to change before the eyes of the council members. His shoulders seemed to take on a new firmness and his chin lifted in an obvious show of resolve. The dark eyes which so often showed deep thought and a touch of weariness had turned clear and starkly piercing to any who caught their gaze.

“In the end, however, no matter how well we predict and counterbalance possible negative repercussions of these discoveries there will be forces who seek only to destroy us for them. Some will fear the drastic shift in “power” as they perceive it and seek to steal the knowledge to restore a balance. Others will desire to control and dominate those weaker than themselves through the abuse of these discoveries. No matter their motivations these outside forces cannot and must not be allowed to corrupt the knowledge of the universe which has been bequeathed to the Federation.”

“There is a quote from Earth’s antiquity in a long-dead language: Si vis pacem, para bellum. In common translation it means’ If you wish for peace, prepare for war’. We of the Federation desire peace above all, but we are not afraid to fight for that which we have strived so hard to build. The United Federation of Planets was conceived under the principles of universal liberty, rights and equality, and to share each species’ knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation and space exploration.

The announcement he knew the council was not going to like was here, but the President pushed forward.

“These principles cannot be upheld if we allow thieves in the night to rob us of our resources. These dreams cannot be made reality if we alone pursue peace through negotiation while those who seek only domination or profit rob our citizens of liberty. There can be no rights or equality if those who believe themselves superior can corrupt our own knowledge to be used against us. It is with these things in mind that the Federation must precede into the future with our eyes open.”

“By Executive Order I have instructed the Chief of Staff of Starfleet to begin an immediate refit of all starships in service with many of the new technologies we have discovered. These refits will include propulsion systems upgrades to utilize Hyperspace travel, improved shielding, power generation upgrades where possible, and weapon system upgrades.”

Now the volume among the council began to rapidly increase but the President carried on.

“I will not let our people waste the unimaginable opportunities these discoveries have presented us out of political fear. The use of Hyperspace technology is going to immediately and irrevocably alter the perceived balance of power among the stars. The Federation, however, has never shied away from better ourselves out of fear and We Will Not Start Now,” Jaresh-Inyo stated in an unwaveringly firm tone.

“We will ensure that those charged with defending the dream that is the Federation have all the means at our disposal to do so. The Federation will continue on as it always has and the actions of those who wish to see us destroyed, who seek our downfall for their own ends, will face whatever consequences befall them. I, nor any of the Stafleet Admiralty, seek confrontation, but no longer will we be caught off guard when others do.”

“Within the month a dissemination of the information we are discovering will begin to all Federation organizations, libraries, research institutes, and interested citizenry. Certain technologies will, as always, be classified for the security of Starfleet. The activities of Stargate Operations will remain highly classified as will those locations, facilities, and bases under their preview.”

The hardest part of the speech concluded, Jaresh-Inyo began to relax and his face began to show much of the excitement he had begun to feel for the future.

“Gentle-beings we are today setting our feet at the beginning of an incredible path. We have an unprecedented opportunity to journey bravely into a bright an ever expanding future. Even as we lay down our own unique footsteps along the path of exploration, knowledge, and understanding of the universe we have the opportunity to see the footsteps of countless others who journeyed before us.”

The President’s face broke into a grin.

“In a sense the Federation has the chance to grow and expand our horizons as we gain insight and guidance from those who came before us. Much as a child learns from a parent and yet still forges their own identity so too shall the Federation. We will not be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past and that…that Gentle-beings will allow us to surpass our predecessors.”

“Today,” the President stated with a firm poke of the podium which resounded through the again-silent hall, “we ensure that the Federation will endure.”

“Today,” the President repeated as his volume rose and with a firmer, louder, poke of the podium, “we ensure that the citizens of the Federation have the liberty to pursue their dreams wherever in the universe they may go.”

“Today,” Jaresh-Inyo once again repeated louder with a firm smack of his fist against the podium, “we ensure that everyone, no matter their race or beliefs, has the access to the knowledge and wisdom passed from all prior generations in the hopes of a better tomorrow.”

“Today,” the Grazerite statesman nearly yelled as his fist slammed against the podium, “we embrace untold generations of sacrifice, hope, determination, and thirst for knowledge and understanding that have brought us here as the United Federation of Planets!”

The final syllable of his speech had barely passed his lips before the entire council stood as one and began to applaud. Everyone in the chamber could feel it in that moment: the history of the Federation had officially entered a new chapter.

October 12th 2370

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48401.35

The universe we know it is changing. Two days ago the SGO and everything it entails was disclosed to the Federation Council. It’s only a matter of time now before the rest of the three quadrants know and we begin to see how people react. I can only say that I’m glad the refits have begun and that the new ships are coming out of the Fleet yards. The automated shipyards are amazing to watch especially if you’ve seen the normal Starfleet yards slow-moving pace.

With disclosure out of the way most SG teams have been recalled to the Alpha Quadrant to assist in Stargate dissemination throughout Federation planets. SG-26, however, is not among those teams. We’ve been dispatched aboard the new USS O’Neill to covertly join the Galaxy-class USS Odyssey on its mission into the Gamma Quadrant. With the relative unknown that is this “Jem’Hadar” Starfleet wants to ensure that the Odyssey (who hasn’t had her refit) is safe.

SG-26 is accompanying the O’Neill because her crew is still relatively undermanned and has no combat units aboard yet. Hopefully we won’t be needed, but if there’s a threat to our people waiting across the galaxy then SG-26 will be ready.

The O’Neill is, to use an old Earth phrase, “one sweet ride”. She’s easily the biggest ship in the fleet and is without a doubt packing the most firepower anywhere in the Milky Way. I’m actually a little scared to see what the USS Thor must be like if the O’Neill is just an “Enhanced Strategic Deterrence” (I wonder which politician came up with that nice way of saying "Battlecruiser")ship as opposed to the Federations first honestly-designated “Carrier”. I have no idea what the Thor carries, but I have a feel that it’s not all roses and sunshine.

The universe is changing, and damn if SG-26 isn’t stuck right on the tip of the spear. Fun times ahead alright.

End Entry.

judgeking · Sep 28th 2009, 8:14pm

Chapter 9:

October 12th 2370
USS O’Neill

“Captain, the Odyssey and two Runabouts are breaking from DS9 and preparing to enter the wormhole,” reported Commander Klastin. Looking to his right at the raised command chair the Betazoid added, “All stations report ready.”

“Very good Commander. Bring us into position to follow them through. Have engineering standby; once those three have gone to warp I want to be in hyperspace ASAP.”

Seeing his orders being carried out Captain Wayne Adair watched his new ship glide into an unseen formation with the other ships. The redhead still couldn’t keep the silly grin off his face at the idea of being almost totally undetectable. Oh, he knew what the geeks at the shipyard had said about no known race being able to pierce the stealth systems, but he also knew that nothing works as well as the geeks think. Breaking himself from contemplations of engineering realities the Captain turned to his Executive Officer once again.

“Commander, inform SG-26 that once we arrive I want them to be ready for immediate deployment. We don’t know what might be waiting for us, but I want to be prepared for anything.”

Klastin nodded his understanding. “I’ll let them know.”

“Entering wormhole in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, passing event horizon now,” reported the young Ensign manning the navigation systems on the left side of the bridge.

All eyes turned to the front of the bridge and the large viewport. It was the first time that anyone among the crew had passed through the Bajoran Wormhole and no one was disappointed. Reports of the sight didn’t do justice to firsthand experience.

“Ops, any sign that the wormhole may be affecting the stealth systems,” queried Klastin as he watched the sight before him.

The Vulcan Lt. commander quickly pulled up the specified systems on his display and reviewed the data provided. “Negative Commander. All system readings remain within the designated parameters.”

“Excellent. Commander Ev’ok I want a full sensor scan of the area on the other side of the wormhole before we jump to hyperspace. Let’s make sure we don’t have any curious eyes watching,” replied the Captain before the XO could.

“Understood Captain.”

Moments later the ships emerged from the wormhole and the Odyssey began scanning the area. The O’Neill hung silent and unseen behind the Galaxy-class ship conducting its own, far more extensive, scans. The Descendant-designed Long Range sensors stretched out in all directions searching for the unseen. After several tense moments the three overt Federation ships leapt to warp speeds.

“Sensors indicate no ships or orbital constructs in the area. However, we are detecting a series of low-band subspace distortions that may indicate a passive-level of sensor activity.” reported Ev’ok.

“Well,” muttered Klastin, “that’s going to complicate matters.”

“So someone is keeping an eye on the wormhole, but trying to not be obvious about it,” mused the Captain.

“That would be the most logical conclusion Captain.”

“Take us into hyperspace. I’d have preferred to leave no indication of a fourth ship, but at worst they should only detect a special anomaly.”

“Aye Captain,” replied the helmsman and moments later the ship sped forward into the opening cobalt maw of a hyperspace window.

Klastin’s attention shifted to his own display briefly before reporting, “ETA to coordinates is 5 minutes Captain.”

“I really love this Hyperdrive system Commander. I really, really do.”
Klastin tried to keep the Captain’s more child-like and amusing thoughts blocked out, but he could repress a chuckle. “It is an impressive bit of technology,” he replied with a perfectly controlled dry tone.

Adair turned and shot his XO an annoyed look. He didn’t need to be a Betazoid to know that his XO was making fun of him. “Why did I bring you along again?”

Kember and SG-26 silently went about their final preparations in the large Field Deployment Transporter room. The room was specially designed for the O’Neill class ships to allow for rapid deployment of strike teams larger than the average 5 person away teams. Utilizing the new Mark IX transporters virtually the entire room acted as an old-style transporter pad. SG-26 was already spread in their standard formation and geared out, but each member was now attaching a few last minute additions.

Due to the unknown dangers they might be facing Kember had decided to authorize the use of a few new toys that Stargate Operations had recently developed. The first was the Personal Stealth Cuff; a “not-a-cloak” cloaking device that generated a stealth field around the wearer. The other item was the brand new Optical Combat Glasses. Appearing much like a pair of solid-band goggles the O.C.G.s provides the wearer with a compact version of the new Sentinel Tactical Sensor Suite used in ships.

“Bridge to Kember,” called Adair’s voice over the com system.

Kember tapped the small ear-mounted communication device all SG teams had taken to wearing and responded, “Kember here.”

“Captain we’ve dropped out of hyperspace directly above the planet Commander Sisko had designated as his destination. Scans of the area show three ships circling the system at warp that match the configuration recorded by DS9 for a Jem’Hadar vessel. We’ve also detected one human and Ferengi life signs on the surface among several unidentified others.”
“Understood. We’re ready to go on your word Captain.”

“Good. We’ve detected a runabout in orbit around the planet with two life signs aboard one Human and the other Ferengi. We’re assuming that they’re the two boys that the Captain was escorting. The Odyssey should be arriving in about fifteen minutes and I don’t doubt that will draw those three ships into the system. While you’re on the surface we’ll be keeping an eye out, but I’d like you in and out if possible before things get ugly up here.”

Nodding to his team who quickly moved into formation and pulled their goggles down over their eyes Kember replied, “One quick jailbreak to go. You got it Captain. SG-26 is ready to depart.”

Pulling his own goggles down Ethan assumed his position in the formation and as one SG-26 drew their Phasers. The transporter activated and in a flash of white light the team’s surrounded went from the silvery walls of the O’Neill to a planet lush with planet life. Each member quickly activated their stealth fields and began a survey of their immediate area.

“I’m picking up several life signs directly ahead, Human and Ferengi among them, within a small cave network. There’s at least a dozen more a click to the East though,” reported Lucas as his eyes danced over the data scrolling over the HUD of his goggles.

“Confirmed. There’s some sort of distortion making one of the unknown life signs up ahead hard to detect. I’d bet they have some sort of stealth system of their own,” replied Harris.

“Alright here’s how we’re going to do this,” Ethan began, “M’Sess and Rosik will check out the unknowns to the East. Harris, take up an overwatch position outside the cave with a good view of the Eastern approach. Lucas and I will move into the cave and assess the situation.”

Each member of the team acknowledged their orders and began to move out.

Kember and Lucas approached the cave and knelt behind the broken trunk of a once-thick tree. Standing just outside the entrance was a sentry matching the description of the Jem’Hadar who boarded DS9. A few feet further the OCGs displayed what at first appeared to be a heat distortion in the air. The OCG system soon provided a red form-fitting outline to the distortion identifying it as another sentry.

“That confirms the guess on a stealth system,” Lucas stated blithely.

Kember shot his XO a withering look before tapping his communicator.

“Team, be advised we have confirmed that at least one of the presumed Jem’Hadar has a personal stealth system. The OCGs are able to compensate, but it takes them a minute and it still won’t be an actual visual, just an outline.”

The remaining members of the team acknowledged the shared intelligence. Only a heartbeat later Harris added, “I’m in position and have visual on sentry one as well as silhouette of the second.”

“Alright, we need to get into that cave and I’m not going to risk that they have some way to detect our stealth systems,” stated the Captain as he set his Phaser to maximum stun and aimed at the first sentry.

With a nod to his CO the Commander quickly followed the Captain’s lead and aimed at the cloaked sentry after setting his Phaser.

“M’Sess come in.”

“Here Captain. We’re in position by what appears to be a landed Jem’Hadar ship. Two sentries are visible, but the remaining life signs are inside the ship.”

“Keep a watch on them. We’re about to neutralize their guards at the cave. If their friends somehow know and try to come running I’d appreciate it if you make their journey difficult.”

Lucas turned his head to look at the Captain with a sarcastic grin. “You could’ve just said ‘shoot them please’ and it’d been faster.”

Ignoring his XO Ethan returned his attention to his target. “On three; one, two, three.”

Lucas and his commander tapped their cuffs disengaging their stealth systems and immediately opened fire on their targets. Two beams of crimson energy struck the unaware guards center mass knocking them both unconscious and dropping the cloak used by the second sentry. The two members of SG-26 stood and quickly moved over to the guards to confirm their condition.

“Lucas wait here and get as detailed of a scan with your tricorder as you can of these two; especially the one that was cloaked. I’m sure Intelligence is going to want to know as much about their tech as possible.”

“You got it. I’ll grab one of these rifles too. Might not hurt to have one to take apart later.”

With a confirming nod to his XO the Captain reengaged his stealth system and moved inside the cave to locate the prisoners. He had barely cleared the entrance when his communicator chirped and the voice of Captain Adair quietly filled his ear.

“SG-26, be advised the Odyssey has just arrived and we have three Jem’Hadar ships inbound at high warp.”

“Understood Captain. We’ve located the prisoners and I’m moving to free them now. We should be ready for transport shortly.”

“O’Neill,” M’Sess’ voice suddenly joined the conversation, “there is a fourth Jem’Hadar vessel powered down here on the surface. Rosik has planted a microtransponder on it.”

“We’re seeing it up here now. Tactical will keep an eye on it. O’Neill Out.” confirmed Captain Adair.

Kember quickly proceeded further into the cave where he easily spotted Commander Sisko, a Ferengi, and the unknown life sign. The trio appeared to be held behind a circular field emitter of some sort. Keeping his Phaser at the ready Ethan pulled the tricorder off his belt and began a scan of the emitter. As he reviewed the readings he listened to the Ferengi discussing the apparent telepathic suppression device around the neck of the unknown prisoner. Frowning to himself a bit the Captain turned his scans to the device.

Sisko kept a close eye on the cave entrance as Quark worked on their companion’s suppression collar. His brow remained furrowed as he could have sworn he heard Phaser fire in the distance only moments before. It was just as Quark managed to break the collar’s lock that the Commander’s eyebrows both rose in surprise when a figure appeared out of nowhere in front of their cell. The figure was wearing was Sisko quickly identified as the new Field Uniform for SGO teams. To say the New Orleans native was shocked would be putting it lightly.

Kember fired a brief pulse at the field emitter just as the Ferengi and unknown alien were standing. Their shock at his appearance froze all three prisoners in their tracks as the energy field failed after the emitter’s destruction. In the time before anyone could react to their newfound freedom the Captain leveled his Phaser at the female alien and fired again.

Quark and Sisko’s heads turned immediately to the crumpling form of their fellow prisoner. Instantly Sisko’s expression turned stormy as his attention snapped to the man who had just freed them. “What is the meaning of this,” the Commander barked.

“Commander Sisko I’m Captain Ethan Kember of SG-26. We don’t have time for explanations at the moment. We need to get you two out of here quickly. There are three Jem’Hadar vessels on a rapid approach.”

“Captain I want an explanation of why you just fired on her,” snapped Sisko with no small amount of irritation.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed unseen behind his OCGs and he responded with an equally annoyed, “The ‘suppression’ collar is a fraud. There’s no technology past the locking mechanism according to scans. We don’t have time to figure out why she was lying about it so I did what was expedient. She’ll wake up soon.”

Now both Sisko and Quark gave the fallen alien an appraising look before indicating their readiness to leave. “We need to find my son and his friend,” added Sisko as the trio exited the cave.

“They’re safely aboard your Runabout,” stated Kember before a beep interrupted his train of thought.

“Captain something’s spooked the Jem’Hadar at the ship. Three began to head for your location but have been neutralized. We’ve pinned down the rest at the hatch of the ship,” reported M'Sess.

Holding a hand up to halt Sisko and the Ferengi the Captain spoke quietly into his communicator. The two former prisoners raised an eyebrow at each other as neither saw an obvious communicator on the man.

“Kember to O’Neill,” the CO of SG-26 began while pulling two small strips from a pocket on his TacVest. He placed the tags on both the Commander and Ferengi before continuing, “Emergency beam out requested for all parties. Tags are on the guests.”

“Understood Captain. You’ve got good timing too. Standby for transport,” replied the ship’s XO.

A flash of light later and the planet’s only occupants were several unconscious Jem’Hadar, an unconscious Vorta, and a handful of very angry Jem’Hadar soldiers running for a cave.

Aboard the O’Neill Captain Adair acknowledged his Operations Officer’s notice that SG-26, Commander Sisko, and the Ferengi named Quark were aboard. “Activate Tactical systems and drop stealth. Let’s give the Odyssey a hand.”

The bridge of the O’Neill darkened and the tactical holographic situation map appeared in the center of the bridge. The display showed the Odyssey and Runabouts battling the three obviously superior Jem’Hadar ships. Slowly the image of the O’Neill turned into an approach from above the Odyssey and her stealth systems deactivated only to be instantly replaced by a hull-tight silver shield.

The 900 meter long O’Neill gracefully swooped down on the three attacking ships. Shocked crews aboard both Federation and Dominion vessels boggled at the sudden appearance and speed of the Battlecruiser. A heartbeat later a greater shock came when she opened fire.

The two bow mounted Phaser Pulse cannons opened fire on the leading Dominion ship in a deadly hail of mutliphased energy. Joining her assault two Phaser beams lanced out from the upper and lower stern Phaser Arrays on her port side to strike one of the strafing attack vessels while two similar beams struck from the starboard arrays at the ship engaged with the Runabouts. In the blinking of an eye the tide of battle had turned.

“Captain, reports show that the Jem’Hadar vessels are using a phase polaron beam. It’s bypassing the Odyssey’s shields no matter the variance. She’s sustained a lot of damage already and isn’t going to survive much longer.”

Adair nodded to his tactical officer. “Understood. Bring us around,” he began while motioning his hand to a spot on the holographic tactical map which instantly highlighted with a green sphere and a dotted course-line, “to these coordinates, maximum impulse. Continue suppression fire.”

The map displayed the O’Neill’s movements as she moved to the spot her captain wanted her in. The Jem’Hadar vessels were shown regrouping to engage the clear threat in the battle.

“Communications, signal the Odyssey and Runabouts. Tell them to get to the wormhole at best speeds. We’ll handle our friends here,” ordered Commander Klastin.

“Aye sir!”

The O’Neill shuddered slightly as the Dominion ships opened fire with their polaron beams. The Odyssey and Runabouts rapidly came about while the Jem'Hadar were distracted and soon jumped to warp and out of the engagement zone.

Klastin read the information streaming to his station with a smug tone, “Shields at 89% and regenerating. The initial strikes did manage minor shield penetration, but the adaptive systems have compensated. Hephaestus armor system has dispersed what portion of the beams penetrated with no damage.”

Captain Adair nodded. “Status of the enemy shields?”

“Vessels one and two have sustained direct hits from the Phaser canons and have only minimal shielding. The third vessel’s shields are fluctuating, but holding,” the Andorian Tactical officer replied promptly as the ship shook once again under another barrage of enemy fire.

“Alright,” acknowledged Adair while tapping the closest Dominion vessel that was rapidly jinking to avoid a salvo of canon fire. “Fire on target with bow MEB emplacement.”

“Aye sir!”

The bow of the O’Neill suddenly rose into a sharp incline as she raced forward in pursuit of her prey. Two of the Dominion ships came about and began to fire at her exposed stern. Shields glowed with an ethereal silver light as the Jem’Hadar weapons impacted against them in a feeble attempt to stop the Battlecruiser. Then, from the nose of the O’Neill a thick beam of green energy struck out and slammed into its target.

Everyone aboard the four vessels held their breath as the Dominion ship’s shields blazed into the visual spectrum before vanishing. The green Multiphasic Energy Beam speared through the helpless ship’s rear, through its entire length, and out the bow. Microseconds after the impaling energy passed through the ship it vanished into a bright flash as its warp core disintegrated into so much cosmic dust.

The bridge of the O’Neill was silent for a moment as her crew took in the awesome power at their disposal. Adair simply nodded to himself before tapping one of the two tailing Jem’Hadar ships. “Open fire with stern MEB.”
While the remaining Dominion ships were trying to process the effortless kill on the part of the unknown Federation ship another lance of green light sliced through the void of space from the rear of the Battlecruiser. The target vessel tried to evade the sudden strike but to no avail. Seconds later she joined her departed brethren on the cosmic winds.

Seeing the inevitable defeat at hand the Vorta commander of the third ship ordered an immediate retreat.

“Captain, third contact is retreating. We’re also reading the ship on the surface exiting the atmosphere.”

“Let them go. Stand down Red Alert,” ordered the Captain. “Activate stealth systems and take us back to Deep Space 9. We need to get our guests home and report to Starfleet. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of the Jem’Hadar.”

October 13th 2370

SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48387.37

Commander Sisko, his son and the two Ferengi have been returned safely to DS9. The O’Neill has been ordered to return us to Earth before taking up her next mission. Admiral Northridge, however, has already sent me the mission profile for SG-26’s next outing.

Looks like the Jem’Hadar have kicked over an anthill by trying to imprison Sisko. We’re going to be escorting a team of Engineers along with SG-28 and 33 to set up a forward outpost in Gamma. We’ll be using one of the planets that had a gate deposited on it earlier this year so it won’t be hard to get material and equipment there quickly.

No word on what we do once the outpost is set up, but I have a fairly good guess.

End Entry.

October 15th 2370
Cafe Elmont, San Francisco, CA

Admiral Greg Northridge sat quietly sipping a cup of coffee in an isolated booth at the rear of the café. His hard eyes watched as his long time friend entered the small building and spotted him. As the man slipped into the booth Northridge smiled slightly. “Luther, glad you could make it.”

The former Starfleet Intelligence officer returned the smile. “It’s been a while Greg. We’ve all been so busy since your section started up.”

“I know how you feel. I don’t have a lot of time. You got the latest report?”
Sloan nodded and replied, “I did. We agree with your recommendations and will leave it to you. Our attention is focused on Cardassians and Klingons at the moment so we don’t have the resources to look into the Dominion anyway.”

“Good,” replied the Admiral curtly before continuing in a more docile tone, “you know that I understand your operation Luther, but sometimes your agents lack the finesse necessary.”

Luther sighed and leaned back in the booth with a nod. “I know Greg, I know. I’ve been trying to weed out the ones who enjoy the wetwork too much. We’re protecting the Federation at any cost, but we shouldn’t enjoy the darker things we must do.”

“Glad you understand. I’m still working on the original proposal, but integrating the nonexistent with the highly classified isn’t easy.”
A wry chuckle escaped Luther’s lips, “Tell me about it old friend.”

Sep 28th 2009, 8:06pm	#1
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	A Legacy Reclaimed (AU-SG/ST Crossover) Made Entirely by Wolf of Dawn This is an AU-Stargate/ST crossover that I've had in mind for a while now. I've been hesitant to try and write it though because frankly I'm not all that well versed in Star Trek. In the end I gave up and started writing though so hopefully I can get some constructive feedback to help me make it less craptastic. The general idea for the crossover came from Beneficia's "Reboot" challenge and certain parts have been adapted from Beatrice Otter's "Reboot: The Chase". The challenge just really grabbed my attention, but I made a few modifications. Per a suggestion here are links to the fics that inspired this story: Reboot by Beneficia Reboot: The Chase by Beatrice Otter Reboot Legacy by Beatrice Otter --- June 2nd 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47025.31, Captain Ethan Kember commanding. It’s been just over a month now since a work crew in San Francisco uncovered proof of an extraterrestrial presence on earth prior to the Vulcan arrival. While the relics uncovered (most notably the disembodied head of Lieutenant Commander Data of the Enterprise) proved to be associated with an alien life form utilizing time travel the entire situation left Starfleet with a new sense of curiosity. What else might be buried beneath Earth’s surface we don’t know about? In a joint operation Starfleet Science and Corp of Engineers began the most exhaustive and extensive set of scans ever conducted of Earth itself. None of the members of the operation expected to find anything, but find something they did. The scan picked up signs of a faint energy signature located just over fifty miles from the McMurdo Polar Observatory in Antarctica and more than a mile beneath the ice. Initial speculation revolved around the possibility of a ship which had crashed onto Earth and was later covered by the polar ice. Further examination revealed that the energy signature did not match any waveform in Federation records. Starfleet Command immediately classified the discovery and brought myself and my team from Starfleet Intelligence into the operation. That was two weeks ago. Early today we arrived at the designated site and found ourselves in for another surprise. Scans of the ice over the energy reading showed signs of having previously been “bored” into. Tests concluded that the ice which now filled the shaft formed sometime approximately three hundred and fifty or sixty years ago. I use the word “bored” rather than drilled in reference to the original opening because scans indicated a once perfectly smoothed shaft. Admittedly, this only raised further questions as, to our knowledge, Earth technology was not advanced enough to have created such a perfect bore during the early twenty-first century. Despite the growing mystery the team quickly set up an industrial laser drill and set about reopening the previous shaft. Due to concerns over possible instabilities in the previously opened ice the drilling process took nearly eight hours to account for close monitoring and adjustments. When the shaft was finally fully opened to its former depth we geared up and began the long journey down. Upon reaching the base of the shaft we found indications of a previous opening supported by what appeared to be metallic struts. This seemed to confirm our curious assumption that the energy source had previously been discovered. Clearing the obstructing ice from the opening with hand phasers we were instantly rewarded for our troubles. Finding what on initial inspection appeared to be a previously-excavated alien structure was certainly not what anyone had expected. While tricorder readings on the overall dimensions of the structure remained inconclusive due to interference we did manage to find a set of blueprints among what was clearly abandoned twenty-first century technology. If the blueprints are accurate then the outpost is nearly the same size as many of the Federation’s small science observatories. As the primary objective of the mission was to locate the unknown energy source we focused our initial efforts there. Near the our entry point we located a circular room whose single feature appeared to be a short platform with a throne-like chair situated in its center. While the scans of the chair and platform were not totally clear the presence of highly sophisticated technological components was obvious. This belief was quickly confirmed when Ensign Rosik located the mysterious energy source within a covered alcove in the platform. The energy signature was apparently some sort of crystalline construct which our best guess is a power source for the systems built into the platform and chair. When the Ensign attempted to extract the construct there was no obvious means to do so as it sat flush in the “socket”. Oddly, when Commander Lucas began feeling around the alcove’s edge for a release mechanism the construct simply released and rose out of the alcove on its own. Once the construct was free of the alcove we were able to get far more, but still baffling, scans of it. Somehow the device extracts vacuum energy from an artificial region of subspace-time. Commander Lucas is the closest thing we have to an expert on subspace and even he was totally baffled by the construct. Two things were clear though; first the construct was obviously at the end of its life as its energy signature faded into nothing within minutes of being extracted from the alcove. Second, this device or one like it had unimaginable potential for power generation. I ordered the construct sealed in a secure transport container and will arrange for its transport when we report in shortly. We’ve setup a base camp just inside the outpost. In the morning we plan to begin our investigation with the earth-based equipment we’ve found. Lt. Commander Harris seems to believe that some of the obviously human equipment looks more advanced than it should. Given her love of all things old I’m inclined to follow her lead on this issue. End Entry. June 3rd 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47028.71, Captain Ethan Kember commanding. We have completed our first full day of investigation into the alien outpost and all members of the team, me included, are only getting more and more excited. Funny though it may sound the “remnant equipment” as we’re calling it (Computer note future references to R.E. as remnant equipment) has been invaluable in helping us prioritize our search. Examining the equipment confirmed conclusively that a multi-national scientific expedition uncovered and studied the outpost in the early twenty-first. Among the RE we located the remains of early portable computers which Harris identified as “the ancestor of the PADD”. The devices were apparently modified to allow the use of crystalline technology interfaces. Luck was on our side when Rosik located what has been determined to by a crystal memory device. Though damaged, the device survived both time and temperature enough to provide us logs from the expedition. I’ve assigned Lt. Cmdr. Harris to review the logs in hopes of shedding some light on the human side of this puzzle. While Harris and Rosik worked with the R.E. Lucas, M’Sess and I used the blueprints to further explore the outpost. Even after only a single day here it has become clear that Starfleet is going to need to dedicate far more than just our team to studying this outpost. I have a feeling that the very future of the Federation is going to change by what we discover here. End Entry. July 17nd 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47147.36 Captain Ethan Kember commanding. I can’t believe how quickly time has passed since we first discovered the outpost. We finally managed to solve one of the biggest mysteries of the technology in the outpost even though we all felt rather stupid afterward. In the expedition logs we salvaged there were references to something called they called the ATA Gene. It was actually a wisecrack by Chief Yvoss about the “doors not liking Vulcans” that tipped us off. Sure enough Dr. Enri was able to determine that the people the outpost’s technology responded to carry a unique and previously “undetermined” genetic marker. I don’t think the bulk of the Federation is going to be happy when they find out that the marker doesn’t appear in any race other than Earth-descendant humans. That is just a new mystery among so many. Starfleet Intelligence is practically drooling over what they’ve learned during the process of trying to break the encryption on the alien computers. If rumors are to be believed they’ve already begun making plans to incorporate the discoveries into current and future systems. I haven’t been privy to much of the decrypted data, but everyone is now aware that this outpost is actually all that’s left of what was apparently a once huge complex or city. I’m starting to doubt that the language translation, minimal as it is so far, is totally accurate though because if it is then the majority of the complex “left”. I’m not going to try and figure out what that’s supposed to mean. Tomorrow I’ll be turning command of the outpost research over to Captain Jarrod from Starfleet Intelligence in order for my team to start following an almost four hundred year old trail of breadcrumbs. We believe now that the human expedition to the outpost reported to another facility we’ve only found reference to as the “SGC”. Though there’s a lot of guesswork and speculation going into this we believe that this facility was under the control of the old US Air Force and somewhere in Colorado. While that leaves a lot of space to search it’s the best we have to go on. End Entry. August 9th 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47209.76 Captain Ethan Kember commanding. I have to say that when the old earth governments wanted to hide something they knew how to do it. We finally located and began excavation on what we believe to be the “SGC” referenced in the expedition logs. The real breakthrough came when we correlated historical records for the NORAD facility under Cheyenne Mountain with references to an “Area 52” below NORAD. Hiding a facility nearly a mile under a mountain and another base; whoever was behind this “SGC” didn’t want it found. End Entry. August 11th 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47215.72 Captain Ethan Kember commanding. Two hours I’ve been trying to think of how to make this entry. The Christian Bible has a verse which says, “And ye shall know the truth. And the truth shall set you free.” Perhaps though sometimes the truth isn’t what we want because the freedom it brings carries a horrible price. We discovered the SGC or “Stargate command” as we now know it. We discovered a truth that carried a price almost too horrible to imagine, but one paid for with the blood and sacrifice of people whose bravery is nearly unimaginable. I’ve spent two hours trying to figure out how to relate what we discovered, but I can’t put it into words. Instead, I’ve included a copy of exactly what we found waiting in the ruins of the SGC. Play recording… An image a blond woman standing beside a large conference table comes into view. She wore functional black boots, green pants, a black t-shirt, and a green bush jacket with a patch of some sort on each sleeve. “To whomever finds this my name is Colonel Samantha Carter of the United States Air Force. If everything goes according to plan this message will not be found for several thousand years relative Earth-time.” She looked down, seeming to find it hard to speak, but her eyes were clear and dry when she looked up. “At the time of this recording, under the authority of the IOA and President of the United States, Stargate Command is hereby initiating Dakara Protocols. The remnant forces of the Ori have activated a WMD designed to destroy all life in this galaxy. The weapon was largely successful and our best estimate is that nearly 93% of all life in the Milky Way has been destroyed.” Carter looked away to her side briefly and the flexing muscles in her jaw are obvious before she looks back. “In an attempt to prevent the weapon from being used we committed all available ships to engaging the Ori forces at Dakara before they could bring the reconstructed weapon online. Despite the clear superiority of our weapons the Ori ships still proved to be too powerful in large numbers. The Odyssey, Apollo, Sun Tzu and Daedalus were lost with all hands. This has left Earth with only Atlantis, the Antarctica Outpost, and the USS George Hammond to defend it.” Closing her eyes she took another moment to still the obviously deep emotions running through her. “Atlantis’ long range sensors have detected that after the Dakara weapon completed its cycle the Ori fleet entered hyperspace on a direct course for Earth. This has prompted the order for the Dakara Protocols. Within the hour Earth will be safely out of danger from any enemy we’ve made. The SGC personnel and members of the “Alpha List” will be on their way to a new home aboard Atlantis and Earth will forget the nightmares it has faced.” “Humanity was entrusted with the Legacy of two great races: the Alterans and the Asgard. Now, the men and women of the SGC will safeguard Earth’s legacy. The blood of countless heroes has been shed in wars and battles conducted in the shadows so that Earth may survive and we will not let those sacrifices go in vain. Though we will never see Earth again in our lifetimes know that we will always do what we must to ensure a safe and free future for Humanity.” End Entry. September 12th 2369 Secure Facility, Undisclosed Location, Earth Newly elected Federation President Jaresh-Inyo sat in quiet contemplation as the other officials both political and military began to arrive. The Grazerite politician barely acknowledged the new arrivals as his mind considered the briefing they were all about to receive. He knew what the topic was and the revelations about to be made, but what the ramifications of his executive orders would ultimately be weighed heavily on him already. He never wanted to be President, but somehow he’d been convinced to run and now he would not shirk the great responsibility that came with that decision. As the final delegates arrived, Jaresh pulled himself out of his thoughts and leaned to the fifty-something Admiral already seated beside him. “Is everything prepared Admiral?” Slate blue eyes shifted from their idle watch over the delegates as they seated themselves to look at the President. “Yes Mr. President. We’ll be ready for the practical demonstration whenever the Captain completes his presentation.” With the President’s nod of approval and attention turning to the rapidly quieting room Rear Admiral Greg Northridge looked down to the display built into the conference table before him. Each of the delegates at the meeting was similarly equipped to help facilitate the meeting. During Captain Kember’s presentation pertinent details would be displayed for the delegates’ closer examination, but at the moment all displays other than his own were set to a static image of the Federation seal. Currently the Admiral’s display showed the status of the facility and its security. Never before had Starfleet, or the Federation, taken such unprecedented security measures on Earth. However, as inconvenient as the security made getting into or out of the facility it was a small price to pay by his estimation. The potential risks presented both by and to the facility were too great; after all the lid to Pandora’s box had to remain firmly affixed even if you were going to “sneak a peek” now and then. The President moving to stand drew Northridge’s attention away from his display and to the meeting about to begin. “Ladies and Gentle beings thank you for joining us. I apologize for the unusual and extensive security procedures, but before this briefing concludes you will all understand the necessity. Now, I will turn the meeting over to our presenter: Captain Ethan Kember of Starfleet Intelligence.” Standing from his seat at the rear of the room the young human Captain strode to the center of the room where all eyes fell on him. His Dress Uniform combined with short-cropped black hair made him appear the quintessential Starfleet Captain. “Thank you Mr. President.” Sharp brown eyes surveyed the room’s occupants at a steady pace as the Captain began his briefing. “Let me begin today with a history lesson. I beg your indulgence as I know many of you are far more learned in the various fields of history than I am, but everything you are about to hear has been…within all reasonable means…verified as accurate.” With a click of a handheld control the displays in front of each delegate changed to display a map of the universe. “Several hundred million years ago a race evolved in a galaxy they called Celes,” Kember began and the displays highlighted a galaxy opposite from the local cluster by no small distance. “This race called themselves the Alteran and they were the First evolution of the human form.” Hours passed as Captain Kember and various members of his team presented their findings both from the Alteran Outpost and the ruins of Stargate Command. The delegates were understandably shocked and unsettled to discover that the complete history of the galaxy was such a far cry from what anyone had suspected or knew. The live demonstration of a working Stargate connection between Earth and a secure facility on Betazed suitably awed everyone, but the true “bombshell” came when the Captain detailed the newly reformed Stargate Command. “The President has issued an executive order forming a new division of Starfleet. I’ll let him explain. Mr. President.” “Thank you Captain. Effective immediately I am ordering the formation of a new division of Starfleet: Starfleet Stargate Operations. I have selected Rear Admiral Northridge to be the first Director of Stargate Operations so I will allow him to detail this new branch of Starfleet further.” As the President retook his seat Admiral Northridge leaned forward and gave a steady appraising look over the faces watching him expectantly. “I don’t think I need to tell anyone here how much the existence of the Stargate alone can, and will, alter the balance of power in this Galaxy. Until such time as Starfleet and the Federation can properly prepare for the cause-and-effect ramifications this must remain the Federation’s greatest secret.” Understanding nods and words of agreement passed through the room. “Those of you in this room today consist of the voting voice we will use to determine when to make these discoveries public knowledge. Until such time as it is decided to provide full disclosure Stargate Operations will be sub-divided as necessary to accomplish its charter functions which are as follows: the advancement of the Federation’s knowledge of the galaxy and its inhabitants by utilizing the Stargate as a means of Deep-space Exploration, the advancement of the Federation’s science and technology through the study of the Stargate and related technologies, and the military defense of the Federation by augmenting Starfleet’s operations and missions through use of the Stargate.” Taking a short breather the Admiral continued, “However, above even those functions the first priority of Stargate Operations is simple. Captain please explain your first assignment.” All eyes turned to the now madly grinning Captain with a sense of anticipation. “Last night we made a breakthrough in our research into what happened to the members of the SGC when they left Earth aboard Atlantis. Stargate Operations first priority assignment will be to make contact with the city of Atlantis.” Last edited by judgeking; Nov 5th 2009 at 10:29am. Reason: I forgot to Put in who this was made by.

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Sep 28th 2009, 8:08pm	#2
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	Chapter 2: September 15th 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47312.85, Captain Ethan Kember commanding. Today feels like we won the lottery. Ever since we discovered the Antarctic Outpost we’ve been working from scraps of information and a lot of assumptions, but finally we got something solid. The excavation teams at Cheyenne Mountain finally managed to break through the blast door which had prevented us from reaching the bulk of level 26. Analysis shows that the door which was giving us so much trouble was not part of the original base as the others, but added sometime shortly before the “Dakara Protocols” were enacted. What’s more is that this blast door was made out of an alloy that has the engineers over the moon. At the moment all we know is that it contains a considerable amount of the previously unknown mineral “Naquadah”, an unidentified mineral that on its own makes tritanium look like aluminum, and carbon. I’ll leave it to the scientists to “ooh and ahh” further. Inside the sealed areas of level 26 we found what had obviously at one point been laboratories used by the SGC to study advanced technology. The majority of the labs were empty though a few still had pieces of machines that may have been too bulky to rapidly remove. The major find came when a hidden safe made of the same material as the level’s blast door was found in the largest lab. While we were preparing to start the arduous task of cutting into the safe one of the crewmen operating the phaser drill brushed up against the front panel and the damn thing just slid open. It has since been determined the safe used the same genetic marker as the Ancient technology to ensure the safety of its contents. Inside the safe were three items. The first and most exciting item was a perfectly preserved, intact, and FULL data crystal. Second, a handwritten note, and finally a thick printed file containing what appears to be a briefing on Alteran Culture and language. I’ll dictate the contents of the note for record: Good enough for Merlin, good enough for us. The Key lies with Excalibur. 51° 8' 38.48" N. 2° 41' 46.54" W I’m starting to think this job will make me old before my time from the all the shocks and excitement. This could prove to be the lead we need to contact Atlantis. We know where she went in general terms, but without a specific gate address I’m afraid we’re no closer than before. Here’s to hoping that the crystal’s contents tell us what we want to know. Unfortunately it appears that the crystal is “locked” in a dormant state. We believe the “key” mentioned in the note is going to be required to access its contents. End Entry. September 16th 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47316.32, Captain Ethan Kember commanding. Merlin was an alien. As stupid as it may be that is the “revelation of the day” that I can’t get over. Sure, locating the fabled Excalibur and nearly being killed by a holographic knight does stick in the memory, but… Merlin was an alien. On a side note I’ll never again complain on the thoroughness of Vulcans. If Ensign Rosik hadn’t made a meticulous study of the briefing on Alteran culture and language found inside the safe I might have been killed underneath Glastonbury Tor. The note found with the crystal and briefing provided the longitude and latitude for the Tor, but to be honest we were baffled at first when every scan we attempted to run showed nothing. That’s when we realized that there was actually too much nothing. Countless sensor adjustments later and we located what was identified as a set of “ring transporters”. While we don’t have a set of rings, we were able to match our transporters to mimic the transmission stream of the devices. This allowed us into the caverns beneath the Tor. An adventure of sword fighting and deadly riddles later we were gifted with a device that allowed the data crystal recovered to operate. The literal “key” referenced in the note just as we suspected. We also determined that Alteran technology was able to produce solid holographic projections. Annoyingly enough those projections were also sophisticated enough to only allow solid interaction with specific items or people. I’m going to be sore for a week. End Entry. September 17th 2369 Stargate Operations Command, Unnamed facility, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina Ethan couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he quickly traversed the incomplete halls of the new Stargate Operations facility. There could be no question in anyone’s mind that this was the place to be in Starfleet right now. He still had to snort in amusement over the choice to hide the facility inside a mountain like its predecessor. “It worked for them nearly four hundred years ago; it’ll work for us. Don’t rewrite the playbook if you don’t have to Captain,” had been Admiral Northridge’s response when questioned about the choice. Kember had been in the middle of overseeing the final transfer of R.E. out of Cheyenne Mountain when the Admiral’s Aid had contacted him. An immediate briefing could mean only one thing: they had found something of urgent importance on the data crystal. He couldn’t help but loose a little of the grin at the thought. It had been less than a day since they found the “key” to using the crystal hidden within Glastonbury Tor and already the data had people hopping. The Captain wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. So caught up in his thoughts and excitement Kember almost didn’t stop himself from running face-first into the briefing room doors. Both his dark eyebrows rose in confusion and a bit of amusement as the doors briefly tried to open, shut again, tried to open, shut, and finally slowly opened enough for him to slip through. Apparently all the kinks hadn’t been worked out of the new facility. “Careful Captain, that door’s a menace. Almost took off Captain Jarrod’s foot a few minutes ago.” “Yes,” grumbled the aforementioned Captain, “thank you for sharing that Commander Lucas.” Lucas simply flashed his ‘I have no idea that you hate me’ smile and replied, “No problem Captain.” Kember couldn’t hide the chuckle that escaped him as he moved to take his seat at the conference table. He had barely had a chance to sit before Admiral Northridge entered the room glaring over his shoulder at the door. “Alright. Let’s get started. M’Sess you called for this get-together so it’s your show.” “Thank you Admiral.” The Caitian Lt. Commander called up a diagram of a large domed structure on holographic display in the center of the table. “As you all know we began the process of analyzing the data found on the crystal from the SGC. Thus far we have determined that the crystal contains the full records of the SGC’s activities and personnel, multiple complete linguistic databases including several languages we’ve never heard of, a vast collection of photographic and video records, and an assortment of scientific data ranging from purely human to purely alien.” An impressed whistle came from the far end of the table. All eyes turned to the young Andorian Lieutenant who immediately began to blush a darker shade of blue. “My apologies,” she muttered. Trying to hide a smile M’Sess continued on with the briefing. “In order to facilitate our current primary goal of locating Atlantis’ specific destination and contacting them we began a search through all available data for certain key phrases including “Dakara Protocol”. After sorting through a considerable amount of miscellaneous data we ‘hit pay dirt’ as the Human’s say.” With a look down the table to Commander Rindon Tal, M’Sess handed off the briefing before retaking her seat. The Trill stood and picked up where M’Sess had left off. “What you see before you,” he began with a gesture to the hologram, “is the Dakara Weapon.” “The original ‘weapon’ was designed by the Alterans and located on a world named Dakara. In simple terms the device is capable of emitting a wave of energy that manipulates the most basic molecular structures of anything it comes in contact with. The energy wave ‘fired’ from the weapon is able to engulf an entire planet and even reach into orbit.” The hologram shifted to add the image of two Stargates. A simulation the weapon emitting an energy wave which translated from one Stargate to the next began to loop. “The Alterans initially programmed the device to alter the molecular structures of countless worlds in the galaxy in order to ‘seed life’. This was accomplished by allowing the weapon’s energy to pass through the Stargate on Dakara and then wash over the connected planets.” “Wait, they did this one at a time? That must have taken an unimaginable amount of time and energy,” interrupted Captain Jarrod. Tal shook his head. “No sir they didn’t. Through a means that our best Physicists can’t even begin to imagine the Alterans used a single Stargate to dial every other gate in the galaxy simultaneously.” The sound of a pin dropping would have been thunderous in the wake of that revelation. Commander Rindon continued the explanation of the Dakara Weapon’s functions and history of use much to the shock and horror of everyone. None of the gathered officers had the clearance that Admiral Northridge did or the long years of service in Starfleet Intelligence. While the idea of a device such as the Dakara Weapon was new and terrifying to them it was more so to the elder officer. His thought raced to the old files and recordings of Project Genesis. “My god,” the Admiral thought to himself, “these Alterans had mastered the use of ‘Genesis technology’ to this level. The comparison of the Stargate to Pandora’s Box seems more and more appropriate each day. What have we gotten ourselves into?” “Thus, despite the weapon being destroyed,” Tal’s words shook the Admiral out of his private contemplations and returned his attention to the briefing, “the IOA decided it was prudent to have a ‘doomsday’ plan in place.” “The original plan involved the use of a ‘time-loop’ device which would separate Earth from the rest of the universe by ‘folding’ it into a continuous 10-hour loop of subspace-time.” Here the Commander paused before shrugging and adding, “I won’t even pretend to understand how that would’ve worked.” Clearing his throat Tal resumed. “However, that plan was placed on indefinite hold after the discovery of a dimension shifting device referred to as ‘Arthur’s Mantle’. This device, with enough power, would allow them to fully displace Earth into an ‘out of phase’ state where enemy forces would not be able to engage them.” Ignoring the numerous incredulous looks and dropped jaws the Commander pushed ever onward. “This became Plan A and the Time-loop Plan B. In the end it was a hasty combination of the two that was used.” Admiral Northridge couldn’t help but be intrigued. Leaning forward his’ slate blue eyes latched onto the Trill. “Why? What changed their tactics at the 11th hour?” “The Death of the Galaxy,” was the quiet response from Tal as the hologram in the center of the table once again shifted. This time it revealed a tall man in a deep blue uniform adorned with a large collection of ribbons and metals. His silver hair, tanned skin, and sharp eyes added to his overall appearance as a leader to be listened to. The hologram began to speak in a clearly tired tone and it was obvious that the man hadn’t wanted to make the recording. “This is Lieutenant General Jack O’Neill, Director of Homeworld Security. In accordance…” the man suddenly stopped, narrowed his eyes and then exclaimed, “Oh for cryin out loud!” The hologram promptly unbuttoned its jacket, loosened its tie, and shoved its hands into the pockets of the trousers it wore. “Look, we screwed up. We got cocky and thought that the Ori Army would go home and lick its wounds after we killed their Gods and their precious Orici; we were wrong and it cost everyone but us.” “Now, the IOA is cryin for us to once again save their sorry asses. We just lost some of the best men and women to ever serve this world aboard the ships we sent against the Ori, but now the IOA wants to run and hide.” O’Neill shook his head with a mirthless laugh. “Sadly it appears that in this case that they’re right. We can’t survive the Ori force that’s coming for us.” “In a last-ditch worse-case scenario, which is exactly what has happened seeing as our entire galaxy is destroyed, we plan to essentially ‘bench’ Earth until we can deal with the Ori once and for all. As far as people on Earth are concerned, only a moment will pass, and the night sky will get a slight makeover. They’ll be fine; in time Earth will rejoin the universe and they’ll get on with their lives. No stargates, no aliens, no galactic neighbors. As far as they’ll be concerned, the SGC never happened, and of course they’re alone in the galaxy.” With a sigh O’Neill concluded this speech. “I want to be clear on this. This has been done in order to preserve the lives of everyone on Earth. It’s not the best solution, but it’s the only one we’ve got that does what it needs to in the time we have. If history wants a punching bag let it be me, but at least there’ll be someone around to throw the punch.” When the hologram faded from view the gathered officers remained silent for a few minutes. Finally, Commander Lucas broke the silence with a simple question, “What did he mean by ‘benching’ Earth?” Tal nodded to M’Sess and the two exchanged positions. A new hologram with three distinct schematics appeared. “These three components when used in tandem create an artificial ‘bubble’ in normal, and sub, space-time and then shifts the bubble slightly out of normal phase. The ultimate effect is that anything caught within the field of the combined device is literally ‘frozen’ in time and completely intangible to the rest of the universe.” The holographic display focused on one device which looked like nothing but a rectangular box with an insanely complicated mesh of parts inside. “This is a time dilation device. Alone, the device is able to speed up or slow down time within a localized field.” “Here we have an actual, fully functional time travel device.” The display moved to a larger device which looked roughly like the shell of a photon torpedo. “And lastly we have this device,” M’Sess concluded as the display shifted to a small, blocky, device that vaguely resembled a boomerang. “This is a dimensional shift device used to move anything in its field out of phase with our dimension.” Yet again silence held dominion over the conference room before Lt. Commander Harris couldn’t help herself and blurted out, “Seriously?” Chuckles broke the tense silence and M’Sess continued. “Records indicate the SGC combined the three devices and attached them to an active Stargate in a system they called P4X-639. There the Stargate had already been designed to work with another time-related device by dialing into thirteen other Stargates at once. More importantly, the Stargate and device here designed to draw energy directly from the highly ionized atmosphere of the planet.” “That’s where we think their plan went wrong,” Commander Tal stated as M’Sess retook her seat once again. “The planet, as they knew it then, went through cycles of waxing and waning levels of ionization. At the time they enacted their plan the planet was experiencing incredible levels which would sustain the nearly incalculable levels of energy required to sustain the ‘bubble’ they planned to hide Earth in. They believed that within approximately two hundred years the planet would naturally move far enough from its star that the ionization levels would drop below required levels and the device would shut off.” Nods of understanding prompted the Trill to continue. “What they had no way of predicting, or perhaps even the time to consider, was the other various cosmic phenomenon in the star system. Due to various stellar effects the star began to go supernova. Today, in fact, the system is populated by only one thing: a black hole. We believe it was the unanticipated change to the star’s proximity, the planet’s ionization, and ultimately proximity to a forming black hole which prolonged the effects of the device.” “How long did it last Commander?” A nervous glance around the table told everyone they wouldn’t like the answer. “We can’t determine the exact length of time, but we do know that it was long enough for life to revolve in the Milky Way.” “Good lord,” was the Admiral’s, indeed anyone’s, only reply. Shortly after the shocking revelation the Admiral called for a short break to allow everyone to stretch their legs and clear their heads. Once they were reassembled M’Sess once again took the reins of the meeting. “Now all of that was the bad news,” she started with a smile that made everyone think she had perhaps had a Canary for a snack during their break. “How about we end the day with the good news?” The holographic display once again appeared at the center of the table. This display showed a star map of the universe briefly before focusing in on the Ida Galaxy and eventually a small star system. A set of Stargate coordinates began to appear over the M-class planet in the system. “We knew in general terms from our last discovery where Atlantis was heading when they left Earth. Now we not only know exactly where they went, but have the Stargate address.” Cheers went up throughout the room and even the ever-stoic Admiral Northridge cracked a smile.

Sep 28th 2009, 8:09pm	#3
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	Chapter 3: September 18th 2369 Operation Log, Stardate: 47321.26, Captain Ethan Kember commanding. This will be my final Operations Log entry. As of tomorrow morning Stargate Operations will begin operating in its official subsections and teams. My team and I have been assigned to what will be known as Stargate Mission Operations and will serve in much the same capacity as the old “SG teams” did. After a lot of discussion it was agreed that the SG teams (we flatly refused to be known as SMO teams) would honor our predecessors by leaving the first 25 SG team designations as “Lost in the Line of Duty”. Tomorrow I will officially be the leader of SG-26. A few of the Federation Council members in-the-know about Stargate Operations will be coming tomorrow for the official dedication ceremony. Once the pomp and circumstance is over we will attempt to contact Atlantis. Knowing how important that moment will be I can’t help but think of an ancient quote by Alan Shepard, Jr., “Please, dear God, don't let me fuck up.” Almost immediately after the briefing yesterday the level of activity around the facility went through the roof. I can honestly say that I doubt anyone will be sleeping well tonight; well except maybe the Vulcans. There is an absolute excitement “high” throughout the base that is nearly tangible. Everyone is performing at levels that would make even the renowned Captain Picard comment favorably. I even watched the engineering team transport in, install, and calibrate the fusion reactors that will be powering the Stargate all in a single day. Commander Tufri never did say how she managed to procure a dozen reactors and frankly I don’t think the Admiral really wanted to know. I am curious, however, about how that many reactors can secretly be sent anywhere. End Entry. September 19th 2369 Stargate Operations Command Unnamed facility, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina It has been said that the Federation never did anything small and looking around the three hundred strong staff of the new Stargate Operations Command Captain Kember couldn’t help but agree. In the scheme of things three hundred officers and enlisted personnel weren’t that many, but here it was just a sign of things to come. Around him Ethan could see some of Starfleet’s best Intelligence operatives, brightest new minds from Starfleet Academy, and old experts whose names were nearly synonymous with their fields of expertise. These people all gathered together under a single purpose was humbling to say the least. The Captain and the rest of the Starfleet personnel snapped to attention as the Admiral and President made their entrance into the auditorium. Everyone was in full Dress Uniform for the occasion along with the civilians who were dressed “to the nines” as the saying went. When the President stopped behind the podium he signaled for everyone to take their seats. Jaresh-Inyo began speaking and his voice carried with it a quality of sincerity that alone seemed to add to the auspicious moment. “Today I stand before you to commence events of historic proportions. When I was elected months ago I frankly had hoped only for a quiet term in office followed by a much anticipated retirement. That was before I learned about the Stargate.” A quiet chuckle ran through the gathering. “As I stand before you I am revitalized,” the President continued, “revitalized by a sense of anticipation for what will come; revitalized by a belief that what you will do here shall only further propel the Federation and its people toward those lofty goals it was founded upon. I find myself contemplating the endless possibilities opening up before us and find that retirement no longer holds the attraction it once did.” The Grazerite’s furrowed brow and snout-like nose curled toward one another and his eyes reflected the smile on his face as scattered laughs broke out. After a moment his features turned serious and his deep-set eyes grew darker. “Let us not forget though that with the potential for greatness there is also the potential for danger. This is a fact made all too clear by the original Stargate Command and those events so long ago that lead us here today. There are dangers amid the stars we already tread so we must be mindful of those that await in the far reaches.” His features relaxing slightly, the President was clearly building to the main portion of his speech. “The Federation was founded on the principals of universal liberty, rights, and equality, and to share their knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation and space exploration. At the heart of the Federation’s origins were the Humans of Earth. Fitting, is it not, that countless ages before even the first meeting of Human and Vulcan that the people of Earth fought intractable enemies in the hopes of upholding those same principals.” “Today we dedicate this facility and command in the hopes of seeing the dream that became a reality reach new heights. In that vein we make this dedication to the men and women who stood defiantly in the face of Gods that would deny the principals we today hold so dear. We acknowledge a people who reached out to the stars in hopes of discover and exploration; refusing to be cowed by even the most daunting of circumstance…” The President paused to collect himself. “We make this dedication to people who showed a greatness of spirit that elevated them in the eyes of ancient races to be seen with hope and respect; to those who sacrificed their lives both physical and emotional in the hopes of saving those who could not save themselves.” From behind the President the Admiral stepped forward and called out in a thick voice, “Atten-tion!” Immediately and in a single echoing snap every Officer and Enlisted member of the command rose and snapped into a rigid stance. The civilians among the gathered stood, albeit slower, and waited in silent respect. His tone turning more formal the President continued. “In accordance with Presidential Executive Order this facility shall be henceforth known as Legacy Base.” The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur as Ethan’s mind replayed the President’s speech over and over. Truly he and the members of his team were stepping into a legacy of daunting proportions if even a tenth of the records were to be believed. He could only wonder what the future would bring. In what seemed like the blink of an eye he and the other members of his team were out of their dress uniforms and into the new Field Uniforms of the SG teams. It was a unique blend of the still in development Excursion and Combat uniforms and the “Classic SG” BDUs or Battle Dress Uniforms. Looking at himself in the mirror Kember couldn’t help but think that these uniforms would soon become the envy any member of Starfleet that spent time trekking around planets. Once his team acknowledged they were ready they assembled in the Briefing Room. Already gathered were the various officials and command officers staying to watch the attempt at contacting Atlantis. Many eyebrows rose and accompanied curious looks over his team’s uniforms and he couldn’t help but fidget slightly. Admiral Northridge motioned his team over to the collected Admiralty. “Captain, good timing; I was just telling the others here about the new uniforms you and Harris came up with.” Kember nodded to the various Admirals as his team lined up for an impromptu inspection. “I’d be happy to answer any questions sir.” Northridge nodded and gestured to an older Tellarite to his left who spoke up. “Captain I have to say I don’t like it. Far too militaristic and a throwback to primitive ways. What possessed you to select such a thing?” Ethan almost couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. Oh how he loved Tellarites and their fondness of arguments and insults. Every conversation was an adventure. “Well frankly Admiral…” “Neshaar,” the shorter being replied. “Frankly Admiral Neshaar your opinion is about as useful as a tribble in a grain silo,” Kember responded as the smirk overwhelmed his ability to hide. Laughing at the insult the Admiral flashed a fanged grin at Northridge. “I like him Greg.” Admiral Northridge simply rolled his eyes and motioned for the Captain to continue. “To address your concern though Admiral you are correct. These uniforms are far more militaristic than the standard Starfleet issue. Frankly though, we feel it’s better to be prepared. That’s why we appropriated certain elements from both the Excursion and Combat uniforms being developed by Starfleet.” Stepping back to stand at the head of his squad the Captain directed the collection of Admirals attention to Commander Lucas’ uniform. It was a dark charcoal gray color with a single dark forest green stripe across the chest. Matching trousers lead to a pair of obviously rugged black boots. The material looked a far cry more durable than the standard uniform and certain spots even appeared to be reinforced by some sort of plating. A thick belt around the waist held a securely holstered tricorder while a rugged thigh holster held the latest issue phaser. The ensemble was rounded out with a black tactical vest sporting an assortment of pockets. “The uniform itself is made of state of the art materials that allow the wearer maximum flexibility, but also provide excellent protection. This protection has been augmented as you can see with inserts of a new type of armor we replicated using designs found in the SGC data crystal.” That warranted a few raised eyebrows and interested looks. “Honestly I can’t explain what it is as we’re still working that out. What we do know is that this material was designed by one of Earth’s enemies as proved almost absurdly efficient at absorbing both physical and energy-based weapons fire. The SGC was able to get a detailed analysis of the material, but couldn’t replicate it. We cheated and used a replicator.” A round of chuckles followed that admission before one of the Admirals enquired, “Does our version provide the same ‘absurdly efficient’ protection?” Kember winced a little at the question before answering. “We’ve determined that what we’re able to replicate does not appear to have the same protective qualities. The best guess we have at the moment as to why is that we can’t replicate what we believe to be the key component: Naquadah. As-is the armor still provides better protection against most phaser and disrupter fire that we’ve ever found.” The Admiralty nodded and considered the response while the Captain continued his impromptu briefing. “The tactical vest, frankly, is too useful to have not included it. With them we’re able to securely carry any assortment of supplies that may be necessary. A prime example is that Lt. Commander Harris, who acts as our Field Medic, is able to carry almost an entire Medical field kit on her vest thus freeing up her hands or space in a backpack as needed.” Several Admirals appeared ready to ask more questions when Northridge’s Aid approached the group and announced that they were ready to attempt the dialing. Giving the aid a sharp nod Northridge turned back to Kember. “Captain, I’d hate to think you got all dressed up for nothing so be prepared to depart on my order.” Ethan and his team snapped to attention. “Aye sir. We’ll be ready.” The other Admirals dispersed to rejoin the other witnesses as Admiral Northridge made his way to the control room on the floor above. As the gathered officials watched the “Gate Bay” as it was being called Kember and his team quickly assembled in the Mission Staging Hall and watched the monitors displaying the gate intently. In the control room Admiral Northridge couldn’t help but admire the layout and view before him. This room truly was the nerve center of the entire facility and it showed. Designed in a layout similar to the bridge of the still in development Intrepid-class starships the “front” of the room boasted an arcing main console designed for two. At one end of the station were the controls for the Stargate itself while the facilities primary communications controls sat at the other. In front of the station a large reinforced window looked down over the Gate Bay. The center of the control room was occupied by a large circular table his people had taken to calling a “Command and Control Station”. The table was equipped with a holographic display in the center and assorted control stations built around its outer edge. In the back of the room on a slightly raised platform stood numerous banks of consoles and displays built into the curving back wall. These stations provided real time control and information on each of the facility’s functions. Focusing his attention now on the Gate Control station the Admiral stood directly behind the young Ensign assigned to the duty. “Ensign you may begin dialing sequence when ready.” “Aye sir. Engineering reports all backup reactors are online and ready; commencing dialing procedure.” The Andorian’s fingers deftly glided over the specialized interface before her. The display built into her station showed each of the Stargate’s symbols as she entered them and when the eighth symbol was entered the words “Address Accepted” flashed beside them. Steadying her trembling hands she entered her security code followed by the execute command. The occupants of the base seemed to suck in a collective breath as the Stargate’s inner ring began spinning and its chevrons lighting up. Near the back of the control room one of the engineers monitoring the reactors couldn’t contain their surprised exclamation as all of the reactors were taxed to their limits feeding the monster that was an Intergalactic wormhole. When the final chevron locked into position and the explosion of unstable energy whooshed outward from the gate a roar of cheers, congratulations, and other excited noises filled the base. While the Admiral fully understood the excitement and need for release after an admittedly tense moment he knew the clock was ticking. “Quiet down people,” he barked to the crew of the control room who immediately obeyed. “Communications transmit the greeting.” “Aye sir. We are now transmitting on all known frequencies.” Tense minutes passed as everyone waited for a possible response. “Lieutenant any sign of communications at all?” “None sir. No reply to our transmission and no other known form of communication is coming through the wormhole.” With a nod Northridge turned his back to the main viewing window and directed his attention to one of the rear stations. “Tactical, launch the probe.” “Aye sir.” In the Gate Bay a hatch in the ceiling slid open. Dropping from the opening the specially designed “Gate Watcher” came to a hovering stop mid-height to the gate. The probe had a silvery elliptical casing similar to a photon torpedo, but the device reached only four feet in length. When the Tactical officer’s station reported that the probe’s systems were online a quick command activated it’s anti-grav propulsion system and sent it into the gate. “Probe is away,” reported Tactical. This report was quickly followed by the Ensign at Stargate Control announcing, “The system has confirmed matter transmission.” “Receiving probe telemetry now,” the Lieutenant reported from the tactical station, “putting it up on displays now.” Admiral Northridge focused his attention to one of the inset displays on the C&C table. The probe’s visual sensors showed it to be hovering within a cavernous room of obviously artificial design. High above the Stargate’s level the room was being lit by sun filtering in through a series of windows. A few feet from the probe stood a console approximately four and a half feet tall with a slated surface which couldn’t be seen from the probe’s angle. On either side of the room a long series of columns lined the length of the hall. As everyone studied the image and other sensor readings before them Captain Kember’s attention focused on a discoloration on the floor of the room. Tapping his communications badge he quickly addressed the control room. “Control this is Kember.” “This is control. What can I do for you Captain,” asked the Admiral in a tone that made it clear he didn’t appreciate the interruption to what was a very carefully planned event. “Sir please have the probe rise about five more feet above the surface and angle its visual sensors toward the discoloration on the flooring approximately six feet in front of it.” Northridge gave a nod to the tactical officer who followed through with the Captain’s request. As the probe made its adjustments everyone was able to clearly make out what Kember had noticed. Inset in the floor was an image at least ten feet in diameter. The outer ring of the image was a thick ring of what appeared to be black marble outlined on both the inner and outer edges by a fine silver line. Etched within the ring words could be seen, but not clearly deciphered. Inside the center of the image housed a large stylized version of the Stargate point of origin symbol for Earth. A beautiful rendition of the Milky Way Galaxy lay cradled within the ring portion of the symbol while depictions of the Ida, Pegasus, and Celes formed a line along the wide-open base of the pyramid symbol. The pyramid symbol itself was done in a light silver color and the right side was broken with a set of six “hash mark” indentations. The ring containing the Milky Way was gold colored and contained writing inside it as well. Clearly the address in the data crystal had been correct. Admiral Northridge’s eyes seemed to squint a bit and his lips rebelliously began to curve into a smile. “Tactical, are we getting any life signs? What are the atmospheric conditions?” “No life signs within the probe’s range Admiral. Readings indicate a viable atmosphere within the building. Initial scans are…well sir the complex the Stargate is in can only be called massive.” “Very well. Move the probe further in and get a scan of that pedestal. It appears to be a version of what was described as a ‘DHD’. Can you confirm?” The visual feed from the probe adjusted once again as it repositioned itself. The pedestal was quiet obviously a fare more modern variation on the DHD than the images included in the data crystal. The smooth, glossy, angled surface looked much like Federation standard consoles. A total of 42 symbols were depicted on it with a large ornate circular symbol centered at the top. “Doesn’t look too different than what we’re using. Are you reading any power signatures from it?” “Aye sir…a rather impressive one.” “Excellent,” replied the Admiral. “Captain Kember.” The voice of the Captain filled the control room. “Kember here.” “Your team has a go Captain.” Down below in the staging hall Kember and his team were grinning madly at one another. “Aye sir. Moving out,” he replied before taking the lead and stepping through the large opening door into the Gate Bay. The five man team took up a diamond formation in front of the gate with the Captain on point. Though not normal protocol there was no way Ethan was going to let anyone go through the gate before him. With a glance up to the control room window he nodded to the watching Admiral before looking to the wormhole before him. “Alright, let’s go to work people.” Swallowing an instinctive nervousness Kember lead his team forward and into the calmly rippling event horizon of destiny.

Sep 28th 2009, 8:10pm	#5
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	Chapter 5: November 28th 2369 Stargate Operations Command Legacy Base, Mount Mitchell, North Carolina Phaser fire lanced out across the wide clearing bisecting the dense foliage and scattered ruins shattering the worn remains of a stone column. Moments later the answering retort of disrupter fire filled the impromptu battlefield. Commander Lucas, lifting his head slightly from beneath the cover of his crossed arms couldn’t keep the shit-eating grin off his face as he looked to his CO prone beside him in much the same condition. “Guess I struck a nerve eh Captain?” “I’m going to let M’Sess sharpen her claws on your worthless hide for getting us into this Lucas!” The tale-tale whine of an incoming plasma charge cut short the string of threats the Captain had thought up as both men leapt to their feet and rushed deeper into the foliage and trees to escape the imminent blast. Before the detonation could occur however the entire environment suddenly wavered and vanished leaving only the black panels and gold striping of the holodeck around a very sweaty SG-26. Each of the team members looked curiously to one another in question before a voice sounded from the holodeck’s communication system. “SG-26 report to Briefing Room 17-Delta-3. Repeat; SG-26 report to Briefing Room 17-Delta-3 for briefing in fifteen minutes.” Rubbing his sleeve over his brow Kember called out to his team, “You heard ‘im. Let’s get cleaned up on the double. It must be something important to call us out of a designated training session.” SG-26 filed out of the holodeck into the tan carpeted hallway of level 8’s south wing while exchanging good natured jibes over one another’s performance during the simulation. Traveling just down the hall the team split to their respective locker rooms and quickly hit the sonic showers before dressing out in their standard uniforms minus jackets, tac-vests and thigh holsters. The simple black undershirts of the uniform each sported the single dark forest green stripe denoting service in Stargate Operations. It had been decided that the less formal version of the Field Uniform was fine for wear around the base. Twelve minutes from the time they had exited the holodeck the five members of SG-26 gathered at the level 6 Port Station. The doors slid apart and the team quickly filed in with Kember instructing the computer as to their destination when the doors closed once again. “Level 17, West Wing.” A brief pulse of white light later the doors reopened to the blue carpets of level 17’s west wing. Stepping out of the station and continuing down the hall following her team Lt. Commander Harris looked over her shoulder back to the closing doors of the station and commented, “Man I love those things.” “You’ve said that every time we’ve used one since they were installed last week Harris. We get the picture,” replied Lucas with a roll of his eyes. Harris never had the chance to retort as the team stepped into Briefing Room 3 to find the Admiral already waiting for them at the head of the conference table. As the team entered they each greeted their commander and quickly took seats around the table. “Thank you for being prompt SG-26. We have something of an urgent matter or I wouldn’t have called you out of your training time,” began Admiral Northridge as he leaned forward to rest his forearms against the edge of the table. “Approximately twenty minutes SG-34 made contact and informed us that they were transmitting new data from the Library’s archives under a priority flag for Mission Operations.” The interest level of each member of SG-26 instantly went up a notch. A priority flag for Mission Operations coming from the Library meant that they had found a new gate address and details regarding it that they felt warranted an SG team’s dispatch ASAP. Seeing that each of the officers understood the situation Northridge tapped a control on the console built into the conference table to call up the pertinent files. The team immediately began to review the information sent by SG-34 as it appeared at the displays around the table. Moments passed in silence as they each familiarized themselves with the file. Finally Captain Kember looked up from his display and to the Admiral. “When do we leave,” was the all-business question. Kember’s brown eyes showed seriousness that the Admiral could appreciate. If the data from the archives was correct, and every bit so far had been, this mission could literally turn the SGO’s efforts into an all new ballgame. “SG-27 is due back from D52-177L within the hour. Once they’ve returned there is no scheduled gate activity until tomorrow morning. That’s your window Captain. You and your team need to put together your mission proposal, brief, gear up, and be ready to depart before I send the next schedule team through. Are we clear?” A chorus of “Aye Sir” preceded the team standing in near unison. “Permission to get to it Admiral,” requested Kember. “Dismissed SG-26.” The team wasted no time in exiting the briefing room and heading toward the Port station. As they walked Kember began issuing orders. “Lucas I want you to review the archive data again. Determine exactly what gear we will and might need.” “Roger,” replied the Commander as the team filed into the station. “Level 12, North Wing” commanded Kember before resuming his orders ignoring the all-too-minor interruption of the transport. “Rosik I need you to get with the Engineers. Find out what they will need from us then relay any equipment needs to Lucas. M’Sess, cross-reference the archive data with the current R&D hit list. Let’s find out if there are any priority items that might be important aside from the obvious. ” The burgundy carpet passed beneath the team’s feet at a swift stride before they passed through a set of doors marked “Planning Room 2”. Immediately the Vulan of the team made his wait to the communications terminal while Lucas and M’Sess took up two of the information consoles. Kember turned to the remaining member of his team. “Harris I need you to review current SGO staff for anyone even remotely specializing in Shipyard operations while I find us someone from Starship Development.” “What if we don’t have anyone available for the timeframe,” asked the Lt. Commander as she claimed one of the remaining stations in the room. “Then find someone who meets the security criteria that’s at the San Francisco Fleet Yard that knows how the place runs and drag them in here.” Grinning madly Harris began poking at the controls on the console while quipping, “I love this job.” November 29th 2369 Alliance Orbital Platform, Taranis System, Pegasus Galaxy Station Gate room The pitch black of the ancient room suddenly washed away under the explosive activation of the Stargate. Microseconds after the gate’s activation a silver energy field encompassed the stabilized device. A nearby console beeped softly as the automated defense system of the station interfaced with the gate. Fractions of a second later the defense system enacted protocols never before used and the shield around the Stargate shut down. Moments later a Gate Watcher probe passed through the event horizon and began transmitting its sensor data back to Earth. Even as the SGO staff observed the initial video feed from the probe they could see the light level of the Gate room rising while consoles were coming online. It was a scene that was starting to become familiar to them. A dozen Alliance Outposts they had visited in both Ida and Pegasus had responded automatically to their dialing into the Stargate. Fifteen after the initial gate activation SG-26 accompanied by two civilian specialists emerged onto the station. The team immediately spread out throughout the small room while the civilians waited near the gate. Once satisfied that everything was as the probe reported Kember tapped his combadge and reported, “Clear to shut down the gate. Will contact in 3-0 minutes.” “Acknowledged SG-26. Good luck,” replied the voice of Admiral Northridge prior to the wormhole ‘evaporating’ closed. “Alright,” Ethan said as he turned to his team, “Lucas most of the Alliance tech likes you so why don’t you see if you can’t coax a schematic of this place out of one of those consoles.” “One ‘you are here’ sign coming up,” Lucas quipped with a mocking little salute as he walked to the nearest terminal and began tapping on the interface. Harris rolled her eyes at the ever-immature Commander’s back. While Lucas tried to sweet talk the station’s computer everyone else began to move out into the hallway immediately outside the Gate room. The design style was clearly what they were coming to associate with the Alliance: crème-colored walls lined with various silver accoutrements and slate-black floors. Just as the others were ready to check on the Commander’s status he joined them in the hall with a tricorder held up for display. “Got the schematic. You all are not going to believe this until you see it,” he said and his tone conveyed a tightly constrained sense of ‘kid in a candy store’. Exchanging looks with one another the rest of the team and two civilians stepped out of Lucas’ way so he could lead them wherever he intended. Just down the hall from the Stargate was a now familiar Port station which the Commander gestured them all into. “Observation Level,” he instructed once everyone was in and the door slid shut. In the blink of an eye the door once again opened and the team stepped out into a large circular room entirely covered in a transparent dome. A half-dozen arcing couches were set up around the room facing outward while the center was dominated by a pristine, but empty, pond and fountain. Clearly the room was designed for relaxation more than any official ‘observation’. “Wow,” stated M’Sess in a breathless voice. All eyes followed the direction she was looking and everyone’s thoughts echoed the Caitian’s single word. The station was an orbital shipyard the spanning nearly three miles at its widest point. A tall central station similar to many Starfleet space stations connected with two massive arms spreading out away from the hub but with an inward curve. Branching off from the two main arms were multiple smaller arms jutting out perpendicular to their parent. The overall effect made the station look as if it has a giant pair of wings. “You’re right Lucas; this is something you have to see to believe,” agreed Harris as she walked slowly around the outside of the room. “The Alliance never did anything by half did they,” commented one of the civilians. “No they didn’t. Now it’s time for us to thank them properly. Everyone back in the Port station. Lucas get us to the control center for this place,” ordered Kember. Giving last wistful looks out at the starry scene the team and civilians followed Lucas’ lead through the station to the nerve center of its operation. The control center was a large affair filled with various control stations, several holographic displays, and a dozen other unidentified interfaces and terminals. The team and their extras wasted no time getting to work. It wasn’t long before a sudden thud drew everyone’s attention. Harris rushed from the console she had been fiddling with to the collapsed from of Dr. Lithro. Her tricorder was out and open before she had even knelt at the man’s side. Running the device over the elder human’s body her eyebrows first shot up in astonishment before collapsing in annoyance. She looked up with a huff at the others who had gathered around the scene as it played out. “He passed out. Nothing serious,” she answered the unasked question. Rosik felt it logical to ask, “What could have incited such a reaction?” The question had barely left the Vulcan’s mouth when Lithro’s fellow civilian gasped while looking over the station the man had been using prior to his collapse. Rosik turned and examined what had generated such a reaction. “Most interesting. It appears to be a database of Alliance ship schematics.” No one said anything. Slowly all eyes shifted to peer at the Vulcan Ensign as if he were the strangest creature to roam the galaxy. In a very slow and measured tone Lucas asked, “I’m sorry. Could you repeat that please?” “It appears that the information Dr. Lithro has accessed is a database of Alliance ship schematics. While this may not actually be a complete list of all Alliance ships it does appear to be rather extensive.” “That’s what I thought you said,” replied Lucas with a thoughtful nod. Turning his head he looked to his commanding officer and with total sincerity asked, “Permission to throw Rosik out an airlock?” Smirking at his XO’s reaction to the blasé pronouncement from the Ensign the Captain shook his head. “Sorry Lucas we need him alive.” Earth Date: December 8th 2369 SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47542.95 Did we leave anyone working at the San Francisco or Utopia Planitia shipyards? The number of yarddogs running around this station makes me seriously wonder. In a few hours SG-43 will be relieving our team for some much needed down time. I’m not sure that we’ve slept since delivering the news of our find to SGO. After we realized exactly what kind of a find the station’s database was we immediately moved on to check the status of the station’s ability to function, material stores, etc. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that as with most of the Alliance tech we’ve found the station was as good as new. In addition we found that the reason for the station’s position over a planet that is basically nothing but a giant volcano is because of the abundance of raw materials present. While we were waiting for additional personnel to join us on the station Dr. Lithro had time to play around with what he referred to as a “Drafting Suite”. Apparently the Alliance created an interactive system to allow ship design when incorporating multiple tech-bases by cross-referencing components with other known sciences and technologies. Given what we know about the Alliance I can’t help but think that this type of program was developed early in its existence. Perhaps this is a direct offshoot of the program we now know they used to integrate the Asgard and Ancient databases when they first got to Ollera. As of today I understand that the eggheads from Starfleet Ship Design have already loaded nearly the entire Federation design database into the station. Rosik suggested, and I agreed, that before anyone starts building ships we need to check the station’s database against the Library’s archives. We know that someone has been updating the archives off and on up to as recently as fifteen years ago so there’s a chance that more up-to-date designs can be found there. On a more personal note I’m starting to wonder if we might not be rushing a bit too fast into all of this. We still don’t even have a clear idea what happened to the SGC Remnant or what happened to the Alliance’s people. All we’ve found out so far has been from the locals in the Ida galaxy and most of them only don’t have a reliable answer. I just hope we don’t stumble over our own feet by pushing too hard too fast. End Entry. December 16th 2369 Personal Log, Stardate: 47565.48 In my spare time I’ve been reading through the historical records we’ve copied from the Library Archives. It’s hard to believe that while all the answers we want are there finding them is such a problem simply due to the sheer volume of information to sort through. This evening though I think I’ve stumbled onto something interesting. It seems that the Remnant of the SGC was indeed the founding force of the Great Alliance, but more so of its defense/military. If I’m reading the records correctly (we think the translation matrix is correct) then the descendants of the SGC personnel mostly left the running of the civil government aspects of the Alliance to the ‘natives’. They always seem to refer to themselves semi-separately from the rest of the Alliance. There’s no doubt in my mind that they participated in and contributed to the Alliance whole heartedly, but they seem to have always carried on their own agenda on the side. The more I think about it I believe this “alternate agenda” is exactly why we’ve been having so much trouble pinning down what happened to the Remnant and their descendants. We’ve found countless records of colonization, admittance of new races or planets, public works, etc. but nothing that really says “The Earth descendants picked up and moved to X” or “We decided to go on vacation for a million years”. Something else I noted, and have sense pointed out to the Admiral, is that we’re having too easy of a time locating major finds. I mean the inhabitants of Ollera believed that the planet no longer had a Stargate since it has been, and I quote, “Generations almost beyond counting” since the planet was accessible that way. Then there’s the fact that wherever we go someone’s “left the lights on for us”. There’s something more going on with the Remnant and their history than we’re finding and I’m firmly of the opinion it’s because they wanted…or maybe even want…it that way. I have no doubt that we’re being purposefully if gently, blocked from answers. End Entry. January 9thth 2370 Marva IV, Federation / Cardassian DMZ, Avalon (Milky Way) Galaxy Outside suspected Maquis Camp Commander T.J. Lucas watched their primary target slowly creeping out of the camp and into the rocky terrain. He hated what they were here to do, but he hated the consequences of not doing it even more. Resisting the urge to sigh he tapped his combadge lightly. On the opposite side of the camp Harris followed her target noiselessly through the empty streets of the tiny camp. When Lucas’ signal came through she quietly unholstered her Phaser and fired. The sound of weapons fire drew the camp’s sentries immediately from their posts, but by the time they reached the source of the disturbance neither attacker nor victim could be found. No one ever heard the second phaser fire that night. In the morning the Maquis would have two new members to suspect of treason to their cause believing that one had killed the other but not knowing which was the true traitor.

Sep 28th 2009, 8:12pm	#7
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	Chapter 7: March 3rd 2370 Starfleet Command – Intelligence Division Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, CA Newly promoted Captain Kathryn Janeway quietly sipped her precious coffee while she observed the others waiting in the reception area. Her innate curiosity was running her imagination in overdrive as she tried to suss out the reason why five new Captains were waiting for a mysterious meeting with an unspecified Admiral in Starfleet Intelligence’s headquarters. Not-so-idle conversation with the other Captains added a new piece to the puzzle; each of the new Captains was originally going to be meeting with the Admiralty for their ship assignments. Now what could Starfleet Intelligence want that could supersede a Captain’s ship assignment? Her musings were cut off abruptly when a Vulcan Lieutenant stepped into the room and asked them to follow him. Setting her cup on the serving table Kathryn straightened her uniform and quickly joined the others in the short trek down the hall. Shortly the five captains were standing in an undecorated office across of a rather stern looking Admiral. The man’s slate-blue eyes seemed to judge each and every one of them in the time it took for the Lieutenant to show himself out and the door to close. “Welcome Captains,” the unnamed Admiral began. “I am Admiral Greg Northridge. Please, take seats and get comfortable. We have a great deal to discuss today and I’d like to be done before dinner.” A round of casual agreement filled the moments as each of the Captains found a seat in front of the barren desk the Admiral occupied. Janeway couldn’t help her intrigue from jumping to warp as she added the new elements to the equation; an unknown Admiral with enough pull to alter five Captains schedules for a meeting in a near-empty office. There were times she felt that Starfleet Intelligence has seen one too many mystery holonovels. “Let me get right to the point. Each of you is slated to assume your own commands. Some of you,” his eyes strayed between Janeway and another, “are even being considered to take the reins of ships still under construction. However, plans have changed. Each of you is being assigned to me effective as of about ten minutes ago.” Confused and annoyed looks flew between the Captains. Seeing a few about to put a foot in their mouth Kathryn spoke up first. “Admiral could you tell us what it is we’ll be doing that obviously takes precedence over command?” The older man opened a drawer of the desk and began handing out PADDs. “Understand Captains that the information locked inside those PADDs is considered among the Federation’s most secure. You will speak of it to no one outside our chain of command unless authorized.” Janeway’s eyes narrowed as she read the single line displayed on the still-restricted device. “NX-913422 USS Jackson?” The Andorian Captain beside her echoed her, “NX-924541 USS Carter” “NX-931154 USS Thor,” stated another to be followed by statements of, “NX-946321 USS Teal’c” and “NX-953714 USS O’Neill”. “This is your one chance Captains. If you are willing to take a leap of faith; to put your trust in Starfleet as it is placing tremendous trust in you then proceed through that door,” he ordered with a gesture to the innocuous door on the far side of the room, “and you will be briefed. If you would rather continue on as you had expected to then place the PADD on my desk and you are dismissed.” Kathryn didn’t waste a moment. She was always one for a challenge and her instincts were telling her that whatever this mystery assignment was it would be an adventure like no other. Stepping through the door she found herself in a small turbolift like room. Confused, she was about to exit again when a flash of white light pulsed and the door opened of its own accord. Janeway couldn’t help but blink at the sight before her that was clearly not the Admiral’s office. Stepping out of what was clearly a transporter of some type Kathryn found herself in a burgundy-carpeted hallway with a female Lieutenant. The color of the uniform’s division caught Janeway’s attention as she didn’t know of any branch of Starfleet actively using dark forest green. “Welcome Captain. If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to the briefing room after a standard security scan.” “Of course. Lead the way Lieutenant,” Kathryn responded as she mentally decided to just go along for the ride. It had only been another twenty minutes before Captain Janeway decided stepping through that door had been the smartest move she had ever made. April 17th 2370 SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 47899.4 SG-26 is on its way back from New Sydney in the Sappora system. SGO recently set up a covert mining operation among the many on the planet under a false civilian corporation. Using the guise of a company under independent and slightly eccentric ownership the operation was setup in the desolate north polar region of the planet. The region was nearly devoid of other mines due to the belief that nothing of value existed in worthwhile levels in the area. How wrong they were. Now that the Federation knows what Naquadah, Trinium, and several other useful minerals are we’ve begun to look for them. The naquadah “mother lode” came in the form of an asteroid we located just floating its way through the outer reaches of Sol. Next to that though was the Trinium deposits located on New Sydney. Everything with the mining operation was going fine until a crate of the ore disappeared from the storage facility. SG-26 was dispatched to poke around the planet until we could find the ore and whoever had taken it. In the end we were forced to conduct a Sweeper operation much like the one earlier in the year on Marva IV. Thanks to an Ensign looking for an easy lifestyle the Orion Syndicate on the planet had learned of the “secret mineral” being mined. Luckily, the fact that the operation belonged to the Federation was never brought to light. The Ensign and six Syndicate members are now in custody and will be sent to the new Detainment Center in Pegasus. In time they’ll be quietly added to one of the Federation’s public penal colonies, but we can’t risk the exposure of the SGO or its operations especially with those proven to be loose-lipped. We might not like putting people away with only a shadow-trial, but the security of the SGO has to come first. An all out war would erupt if our operations were exposed to the quadrants-at-large. End Entry. June 21st 2370 SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48075.18 The latest intelligence briefings are getting more and more depressing. Starting off the fun we have the Maquis “officially” declaring war against the Cardassians. I can’t help but wonder if they really think there was anyone who didn’t see where their intentions were from the start? Next, we’ve got a whole assortment of rumors and unsettling things from the Gamma Quadrant and DS9. I honestly am glad that we’ve got the modified Runabouts doing some scouting in Gamma now. There are just so many things that can go wrong over there that I don’t like the idea of not knowing about trouble until it comes flying out of the mouth of a wormhole. Speaking of wormholes SG-26 is finally going to be heading home in a few days. I don’t think I could take much more site-seeing in the lovely Beta Quadrant of Celes. These worlds seem to have been settled primarily by societies that preferred the quiet rustic way of life (not counting the “essentials” of matter-replication, water filtration, and weather control systems). If I see one more farm or ranch it’s likely that I’ll go nuts. On the positive side we’ve managed to make a few friends who seem to be interested in opening trade negotiations. Politically speaking we’re not seeing any signs of the Alliance existing as more than a token statement anymore. Most of the other SG teams are reporting the same. The Alliance certainly still exists in the form of trade and friendly relations, but there doesn’t appear to be any indication of a central government still operating. Given what we learned in Atlantis I’m inclined to believe that’s a good thing. End Entry. August 14th 2370 SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48225.46 Starfleet is starting to get more and more concerned over the Gamma Quadrant. While there’s nothing solid yet to present a credible threat no one likes the possible strategic issues that could arise. What most of Starfleet doesn’t know though is that SGO has already begun taking steps. SG-26 was given the privilege of being the first SG team to use one of the new Jumper-class Runabouts to do some scouting. The aptly named USS Sheppard is the first of the Runabouts, but if everything continues on schedule SGO will have a dozen out of the new Abydos Shipyards within the month. I still find it somewhat funny that Starfleet is now operating six shipyards no one knows about. The stealth systems aboard the Sheppard (which I’ve been assured do not violate the Treaty of Algeron because we didn’t call it a cloak) are amazing. We literally sat within an Andorian antenna’s length from a local patrol vessel without them having even the slightest clue. The new propulsion systems have Lucas drooling and attempting to find an excuse to “jump to hyperspace” every five minutes. The fact that we traveled straight from Earth to the Gamma quadrant in half the time it would take to get from Earth to DS9 has me awed enough…I don’t even want to consider the so-called “Gate Drives” the larger ships will be sporting. As we locate uninhabited planets in Gamma we’re tagging possible staging locations in the event we ever need to set up a rapid-response line of bases, supply depots, or whatever else might pop into some Admiral’s head. Once we tag a potential planet another ship will come through in a few weeks and drop off a Stargate that will remain under cloak…excuse me…under stealth until we need it in the future. While the use of the Sheppard has been fun for a change, I don’t think I’ll volunteer us for this kind of assignment again. I don’t need to be Court Marshaled for killing my team after all. How people can serve long-term on Starships is beyond me. We’ve been here two weeks and I’m already going stir-crazy. I’m also going on record that if Harris and Lucas get into one more argument over anything I’m going to toss them out the airlock. End Entry.

Sep 28th 2009, 8:13pm	#8
judgeking USAF Phoenix CO Join Date: 28 Dec 2006 Location: somewhere in the universe Posts: 764	Chapter 8: September 7th 2370 Priority One Communiqué to all Starfleet Vessels From: Office of the Chief of Staff Admiral Gene Roddenberry For: Captain’s Eyes Only All ships are hereby ordered to review the attached schedule and report to the assigned coordinates as designed without fail. Any ship which believes they will be unable to arrive on schedule is to reply to this communiqué immediately for reschedule. Captains are to ensure their ships are prepared for immediate refits upon arrival. Command Staff may be briefed 72 hours prior to arrival to facilitate preparations. Upon arrival at the refit facilities all crew will disembark for immediate briefing. Captains and Command Staff will report directly to the Chief of Staff’s Briefing while remaining crew members will be briefed by their designated Division Heads. No discussion of these orders may precede the 72 hour window. End Communiqué September 7th 2370 Priority One Communiqué to all Starfleet Starbases From: Office of the Chief of Staff Admiral Gene Roddenberry For: Admiral’s Eyes Only All Base Commanders are hereby ordered to review the attached schedule and to report to Starfleet Command as designated without fail. Anyone that believes they will be unable to arrive on schedule is to reply to this communiqué immediately for reschedule. Admirals are to ensure their stations/bases are prepared for immediate refits to begin on the scheduled stardates. Command Staff may be briefed 1 week prior to refit to facilitate preparations. Base Commanders will receive further instructions during their scheduled briefings at Starfleet Command. No discussion of these orders is allowed until after the briefing. End Communiqué October 9th 2370 Federation Council Chambers Federation Council Building, San Francisco, CA It was a rare moment in history to find the Federation Council Chambers so quiet while the council members occupied it. The lights of the hall began to slowly increase back to the standard daytime illumination as now Vice Admiral Greg Northridge completed his presentation. Considering there had been no outbursts for the past three hours he could only assume that he and the rest of the Admiralty might escape with their heads after all. Turning to the approaching President Jaresh-Inyo he gave a respectful nod before showing himself off the dais at the head of the chamber. The President took up his post behind the podium and prepared to “close the sale” as the human’s saying went. His deep-set eyes surveyed the still mostly quiet council and he began the speech he had been writing since he first learned about the Stargate. “Members of the Federation Council,” he began, “I have been in the position you now find yourselves in. When I was first briefed on the find which began this wondrous journey I too felt overwhelmed. I too had to reflect deeply on what the logical course of action based on these revelations would be. I too considered the infinite wonders and dangers these discoveries might bring.” “Throughout the last year and half I have considered daily the ever evolving ramifications of my decisions. The Admiralty of Starfleet, members of the Federation Security Council, and I have struggled with weighing every action with possible reactions; predicting the eventual ripples this particular stone would create in the pond of the galaxy we call home and beyond.” “We cannot wish these truths away and to ignore them or hide them would be a crime to the pursuits of knowledge in a multitude of forms. Yet, we cannot brazenly throw around the fruits of this discovery as to do so would invite unnecessary strife among the stars. A balance must be found to allow the Federation and its citizens to grow and prosper with these new discoveries.” The President’s countenance seemed to change before the eyes of the council members. His shoulders seemed to take on a new firmness and his chin lifted in an obvious show of resolve. The dark eyes which so often showed deep thought and a touch of weariness had turned clear and starkly piercing to any who caught their gaze. “In the end, however, no matter how well we predict and counterbalance possible negative repercussions of these discoveries there will be forces who seek only to destroy us for them. Some will fear the drastic shift in “power” as they perceive it and seek to steal the knowledge to restore a balance. Others will desire to control and dominate those weaker than themselves through the abuse of these discoveries. No matter their motivations these outside forces cannot and must not be allowed to corrupt the knowledge of the universe which has been bequeathed to the Federation.” “There is a quote from Earth’s antiquity in a long-dead language: Si vis pacem, para bellum. In common translation it means’ If you wish for peace, prepare for war’. We of the Federation desire peace above all, but we are not afraid to fight for that which we have strived so hard to build. The United Federation of Planets was conceived under the principles of universal liberty, rights and equality, and to share each species’ knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation and space exploration. The announcement he knew the council was not going to like was here, but the President pushed forward. “These principles cannot be upheld if we allow thieves in the night to rob us of our resources. These dreams cannot be made reality if we alone pursue peace through negotiation while those who seek only domination or profit rob our citizens of liberty. There can be no rights or equality if those who believe themselves superior can corrupt our own knowledge to be used against us. It is with these things in mind that the Federation must precede into the future with our eyes open.” “By Executive Order I have instructed the Chief of Staff of Starfleet to begin an immediate refit of all starships in service with many of the new technologies we have discovered. These refits will include propulsion systems upgrades to utilize Hyperspace travel, improved shielding, power generation upgrades where possible, and weapon system upgrades.” Now the volume among the council began to rapidly increase but the President carried on. “I will not let our people waste the unimaginable opportunities these discoveries have presented us out of political fear. The use of Hyperspace technology is going to immediately and irrevocably alter the perceived balance of power among the stars. The Federation, however, has never shied away from better ourselves out of fear and We Will Not Start Now,” Jaresh-Inyo stated in an unwaveringly firm tone. “We will ensure that those charged with defending the dream that is the Federation have all the means at our disposal to do so. The Federation will continue on as it always has and the actions of those who wish to see us destroyed, who seek our downfall for their own ends, will face whatever consequences befall them. I, nor any of the Stafleet Admiralty, seek confrontation, but no longer will we be caught off guard when others do.” “Within the month a dissemination of the information we are discovering will begin to all Federation organizations, libraries, research institutes, and interested citizenry. Certain technologies will, as always, be classified for the security of Starfleet. The activities of Stargate Operations will remain highly classified as will those locations, facilities, and bases under their preview.” The hardest part of the speech concluded, Jaresh-Inyo began to relax and his face began to show much of the excitement he had begun to feel for the future. “Gentle-beings we are today setting our feet at the beginning of an incredible path. We have an unprecedented opportunity to journey bravely into a bright an ever expanding future. Even as we lay down our own unique footsteps along the path of exploration, knowledge, and understanding of the universe we have the opportunity to see the footsteps of countless others who journeyed before us.” The President’s face broke into a grin. “In a sense the Federation has the chance to grow and expand our horizons as we gain insight and guidance from those who came before us. Much as a child learns from a parent and yet still forges their own identity so too shall the Federation. We will not be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past and that…that Gentle-beings will allow us to surpass our predecessors.” “Today,” the President stated with a firm poke of the podium which resounded through the again-silent hall, “we ensure that the Federation will endure.” “Today,” the President repeated as his volume rose and with a firmer, louder, poke of the podium, “we ensure that the citizens of the Federation have the liberty to pursue their dreams wherever in the universe they may go.” “Today,” Jaresh-Inyo once again repeated louder with a firm smack of his fist against the podium, “we ensure that everyone, no matter their race or beliefs, has the access to the knowledge and wisdom passed from all prior generations in the hopes of a better tomorrow.” “Today,” the Grazerite statesman nearly yelled as his fist slammed against the podium, “we embrace untold generations of sacrifice, hope, determination, and thirst for knowledge and understanding that have brought us here as the United Federation of Planets!” The final syllable of his speech had barely passed his lips before the entire council stood as one and began to applaud. Everyone in the chamber could feel it in that moment: the history of the Federation had officially entered a new chapter. October 12th 2370 SG-26 Field Log, Stardate: 48401.35 The universe we know it is changing. Two days ago the SGO and everything it entails was disclosed to the Federation Council. It’s only a matter of time now before the rest of the three quadrants know and we begin to see how people react. I can only say that I’m glad the refits have begun and that the new ships are coming out of the Fleet yards. The automated shipyards are amazing to watch especially if you’ve seen the normal Starfleet yards slow-moving pace. With disclosure out of the way most SG teams have been recalled to the Alpha Quadrant to assist in Stargate dissemination throughout Federation planets. SG-26, however, is not among those teams. We’ve been dispatched aboard the new USS O’Neill to covertly join the Galaxy-class USS Odyssey on its mission into the Gamma Quadrant. With the relative unknown that is this “Jem’Hadar” Starfleet wants to ensure that the Odyssey (who hasn’t had her refit) is safe. SG-26 is accompanying the O’Neill because her crew is still relatively undermanned and has no combat units aboard yet. Hopefully we won’t be needed, but if there’s a threat to our people waiting across the galaxy then SG-26 will be ready. The O’Neill is, to use an old Earth phrase, “one sweet ride”. She’s easily the biggest ship in the fleet and is without a doubt packing the most firepower anywhere in the Milky Way. I’m actually a little scared to see what the USS Thor must be like if the O’Neill is just an “Enhanced Strategic Deterrence” (I wonder which politician came up with that nice way of saying "Battlecruiser")ship as opposed to the Federations first honestly-designated “Carrier”. I have no idea what the Thor carries, but I have a feel that it’s not all roses and sunshine. The universe is changing, and damn if SG-26 isn’t stuck right on the tip of the spear. Fun times ahead alright. End Entry.

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