Stargate: Project Arctic Circle

Chapter 26- Security Breaches

ABYDOS STARGATE FACILITY
MARCH 13th 1997

The Stargate facility on Abydos was not nearly as developed or protected as TFB Origin because of the necessity of incoming teams. The automatic horizon procedures and iris could not be installed encase an incoming SG team was coming in under fire. While it exposed Abydos to more danger, it made Earth more secure by having all incoming travel directed through a secure transfer point. While lacking in permanent denial defences Abydos had a larger mobile defence with one of the three Abydonian Militias always within running distance, with the Swords of Abydos, currently running to man the defensive positions.

UNSCHEDULED OFF-WORLD ACTIVATION

By the third chevron all defensives positions, simple concrete walls tall enough to hide most of a person, were manned with 45 Abydonians armed with the latest mk. 2 pulse rifles and zat gun attachments. This meant any Jaffa force coming through the Stargate would be facing 90 ready and protected staff weapons with zat guns secondary’s. Such power was uncommon so close to a Stargate on any planet other than a Goa’uld homeworld

DEFENCE TEAMS PREPARE FOR HOSTILE INBOUNDS

The fifth chevron locked as the two thumpers were primed by SG personnel ready to lay down heavy suppression fire. While not having a fast enough rate of fire to hit fast moving Jaffa, the thumpers would help in taking on heavier armoured opponents.

“Thee Swords are in place, we are ready” Skaara said through his radio to SGC-Abydos. Skaara had been given command of the Swords for his obvious leadership abilities and his more subtle but deeply tactical thinking. The SGC was so impressed with the Swords of Abydos in general and Skaara in particular that serious consideration was being given to accepting the Swords into the SGC as requested by the Abydos council of elders. The decision was moot until the fourth and fifth Abydonian militia’s, Snakehunters and Sandstorms Wrath, could be raised to replace and reinforce the Stargate on Abydos.

“Understood Sword lead, be advised that no SG teams are scheduled for return and only mission to the outside is simple reconnaissance, with low chance of detection. Incoming travelers more than likely unknowns and probably unwelcomed.” The Abydos Stargate command had already checked with TFB ORIGIN for missions off world and had advised the SGC of the incoming wormhole through automatic reports and the Goa’uld long range communication device.

SWOOSH

With the seventh chevron locking the Stargate activated in the familiar unstable vortex, a common sight across the galaxy. A less common sight was the 45 Abydonians and two Terrans readjusting their collective aims slightly onto the Stargate.

No IFF transmitted. Travelers to be considered potential hostiles, condition 2.

Even as the warning was being issued, serpent guard Jaffa began leaving the Stargate firing as they came. Against any other Jaffa force the attacking Jaffa would have been badly bloodied with these tactic, against a prepared and heavily overpowering defence force with Terran training and defensive position the Jaffa were massacred as they came through piecemeal. An invading force would need ten times the numbers currently coming through, or a Goa’uld with a personal shield.

Apophis saw carnage and destruction of his forces as he stepped through the Stargate immediately getting hit by staff blasts from various defensive positions. Though his personal shield stopped the physical staff blasts easily it could not stop all the momentum of the fire and Apophis began to stagger underneath the barrage. The occasional Staff cannon shot rocked Apophis back even further while slowly straining and draining the power reserves of the his hand ribbon.

“Jaffa KREE!” Skaara yelled, hoping to give the illusion that Abydos was still under the domain of the Ra and should not be intruded upon. Slowly the pulse rifle fire died down as the Swords stopped firing while still tracking Apophis as he regained his composure.

“Who dares step onto My Lord Ra’s Domain?” Skaara asked already knowing it was Apophis from the briefings given to himself and the other militia leaders by Terran Intelligence.

“I AM APOPHIS. YOU DARE ATTACK A GOD!”

“I defend My Lords Domain from all invaders. You know Ra does not wish for others to set foot on what is his, least of all other Goa’uld. My Lord may be withdrawing from the pettiness of the council, but still does not take incursion into his realm lightly.”

“Ra has not been seen for some time. Other planets in his domain have already fallen with no response. Ra’s time as supreme system lord is ending.”

“SPEAK OF MY LORD IN SUCH A MANNER AGAIN, AND IT SHALL BE YOU’RE TIME THAT COMES TO AN END.” Skaara yelled, trying to play the part of stubborn Jaffa. While physically still slight, his voice had the sound of command which any Jaffa would recognize and hopefully any Goa’uld as well. Thinking furiously on how to have this end well, Skaara decided more time was required.

“You shall be allowed to leave, though not by the Chappa’ai. You may summon for one Al’kesh to retrieve you from this planet. If greater numbers appear or any Ha’taks, the devotion of Ra’s warriors shall be tested against the strength of your shield.” Skaara said without waiting for a response he turned and left the gate room, looking for advice from the SGC members on Abydos and the council of elders.

“Skaara” the voice coming out of the radio startled Skaara as he walked towards the command center, leaving the job of monitoring Apophis and his communication to his own second in command “what do you think you’re doing.”

“I shall explain to General Sheridan.”

ABYDOS COMMAND CENTER

Speaking to a man of Sheridan’s position was unnerving enough for Skaara in person. Speaking to the General as a floating head on the Goa’uld long range communication device was strange but oddly balancing point to the seriousness of the situation.

“Skaara” General Sheridan began “why did you not just send Apophis immediately back through the Stargate, preferably in multiple pieces?”

“Time to think General Sheridan. Apophis will return to this world to claim it as his own. I hoped time would give us a chance to change that.”

“We don’t have many options, basically three but really two. Fight, flight, or hide. We can’t fight the armies of Apophis, let alone his fleet. So we either leave Abydos taking everyone off the planet or hide everyone away from the Stargate hope not to be found.”

“Could we not travel through the Chappa’ai to the planet of the Tau’ri?”

“Skaara, Earth is not exactly a great place for your people to go. Where the Stargate is right not, our warmest days are colder then Abydos on its coolest nights. Besides it’s going to be hard to hide 22,000 people. How long before The Al’kesh sent to pick –up Apophis is set to arrive?”

“Less than 36 hours.”

“Then let’s make the best of the time before its arrival.”

36 HOURS LATER
ABYDOS STARGATE

For the past 36 hours Apophis had been treated to a steady stream of ‘Jaffa’ and ‘slaves’ leaving through the Chappa’ai to another planet.

“You are indeed unlucky in your timing Lord Apophis.” Skaara said walking up to the constantly watched Goa’uld. While the traditional staff weapons in the hands of the militiamen guarding Apophis could not penetrate his personal shield the two staff cannons always aimed at him could

“How so?”

“If you had waited only a few more days, you could have claimed this planet without loss. My Lord Ra has decided the mines on this planet are not worth the effort to remove what little Naqahdah and shall be abandoning it. With no strategic value this planet has become of little consequence. After your presence here has been dealt with, we shall remove what little refined Naqahdah remains.”

Skaara’s second in command came walking over to the gloating Skaara. While both had radios for reports, the illusions that they were still Jaffa had to be maintained. Jaffa armour had even been donned to keep with the lie being spun.

“First Prime, Lord Apophis’s Al’kesh has arrived, it is alone as required.”

“Good, send 2 flights of gliders to escort it to a position over the pyramid and prepare them for ring transportation of their Lord Apophis.”

“As you command.”

Turning back to a smirking Apophis, Skaara began the next part of the plan.

“Ra is weak to be freeing me so easily. Proof that he expects to lose his position as Supreme System Lord and wishes to remain on good terms with his future Master.”

“Lord Apophis, gloating over deeds not done is foolish. Especially when you are in no position to influence events. My Lord Ra is not weak mere too busy with other plans to torture you as is necessary. He believes Sokar is available to torture you as you deserve. He has decided to gift you to him for that purpose.”

Looking at the confusion on Apophis’s face was worth the pain coming next, as Skaara pulled out a primed shock grenade his second had given him. Accepting himself to the fate, Skaara detonated the shock grenade blinding and rendering unconscious himself, Apophis and the other members of the Swords guarding Apophis. Falling to the floor the remaining, conscious members of the Swords rushed in to ensure that all had indeed went to plan and to begin stripping Apophis of all his technology. His ribbon device, communication orb and anything of value were quickly removed. A SGC doctor quickly came in to dose Apophis both with a sedative and to extract a DNA sample from Apophis. It was hoped that the TC could eventually unlock the knowledge contained in a symbiotes DNA.

SG-1 had arrived to oversee the second portion of the plan.

“Are we actually going to hand over Apophis to Sokar?” Lee asked as the Goa’uld in question was transported to the Stargate room and unceremoniously dropped onto the floor.

“Nah, unfortunately we got rules that say we can’t give that bastard what he deserves. We’re just going to strip him and toss him through the Stargate to Chulak. Him and the Jaffa from the Al’kesh which reminds me, shall we go and nab ourselves an Al’kesh.”

The equivalent of 2 SG teams were tasked with boarding and taking over the Al’kesh currently waiting for Apophis to ring aboard. Armed with the mk. 2 pulse rifles most with the underslung zat attachment, 8 professional soliders were considered overkill on taking a ship manned by an estimated 12 Jaffa. Especially since that was only the first wave with a follow-on of 8 more coming in the next ring transportation. The plan was with such overwhelming firepower the Jaffa would not need to be killed merely, zatted unconscious.

Only Malley and Lee would be included in the initial wave to maximize the punch of the SGC assault team. York while proficient with a pulse rifle did not have the years of training in close quarter combat and Teal’c was kept away from the Al’kesh on the off chance that a Jaffa stayed standing long enough to glimpse a sight of the invaders. Pilots actually able of commandeering the Al’kesh would ring in later to along with the engineers to repair and damage that occurred during the firefight.

Arrayed facing outwards on the ring platform, pulse rifles at ready Malley signaled Skaara to contact the Al’kesh for transport.

“Skaara, tell the Al’kesh that ‘Apophis’” Malley said using the finger quotes to bring home his point “is ready to beam up.”

It only took a few seconds from the communication for the rings to be transport. After the transport the fun began.

The Jaffa waiting for Apophis were more an honour guard than actual defence force, knowing that Apophis appreciated such displays of loyalty and pomp for lack of a better word. While this meant they did have their staff weapons present, they weren’t ready for a fight. Both the rings had fully retracted the honour guard of 4 Jaffa were already falling to the floor, 3 unconscious from the zat shots the fourth dead from being doubled by Lee and Lieutenant Stewart of SG-3.

4 down

Fanning out from the cargo bay the next 2 Jaffa fell quickly as they charged into the awaiting sights of Lieutenant Lee, who quickly dropped them with single zat shots. With half the boarding team headed to secure the engine compartment Lee, Malley Stewart and Lieutenant Carn Carby of SG-12 and formerly of the Australian SAS, went to secure the cockpit of the Al’kesh.

Engine room secured, two Roos down, no casualties.

With 6 of an estimated 12 Jaffa accounted for the cockpit remained the only unsecured compartment from a boarding that had started less than 2 minutes previous in the cargo bay. Advancing steadily towards the cockpit, the second half of the boarding team was met with a firestorm of staff blasts. Crouching behind an semi-exposed bulkhead Malley began priming his shock grenade launcher to break the stalemate that had developed.

“Bank shot?” Malley yelled over the sound of the constant staff blasts hitting the bulkhead.

“Make sure you set it for time delay this time and not impact!” Lee yelled back as he quickly let loose a few shots to keep the Jaffa from leaving the cockpit.

“You know you forget one small thing…” Malley grumbled as he reduced the propellant for the shock grenade down to its lowest setting while arming the grenade with a 5 second delay from firing. Signaling for cover fire Malley stepped out into the hallway to shoot the shock grenade into the cockpit.

“From downtown Malley lines up and let’s loose the 3 ball. Shock and awe on the way!!” Launching the shock grenade to hit the doorway and bounce into the middle of the cockpit, Malley dove for cover to not be blinded by his own fire in the ultimate case of friendly fire.

A slight ringing could be heard briefly from the cockpit, and then the sounds of falling bodies as the effects of the shock grenade and gravity came into play. Taking no chances Malley signaled for his half of the assault team to stack up behind him and prepare for their entry has he readied another shock grenade to ensure every Jaffa was unconscious.

After a second shock grenade and a quick sweep of the cockpit the unconscious Jaffa were ringed down to the surface and sent through the Stargate with a tied and naked Apophis to Chulak. While strictly not necessary to humiliate Apophis that thoroughly, Colonel Malley had demanded.

“Sir, you have to know that the bluff of leaving this planet won’t work. Apophis will come back to claim this planet.” York mentioned as she oversaw the dismantling of the Al’kesh’s main weaponry for study back on Earth.

“What are we suppose to do York? We can’t move this many people back to Earth without making way more waves than we can hide. We are going to hide all the mining equipment to when it’s not in use and with all the rest of the Abydonians far away from the Stargate the planet should look deserted unless seen from space. With SAFEHOUSE being set up, we can redirect traffic there which should cut down on the presence we need to have here on Abydos, especially directly around the Stargate. But we have to continue watching Abydos, it’s too close to Earth not to watch and keep a presence.”

OTTAWA, EARTH

The note was simple and direct, delivered sealed by the Israeli Ambassador directly to the office General Sheridan still kept in Ottawa for appearance sake.

Please meet me to discuss the Chappa’ai.

“FUCK”

Chapter 27- Porker, Pointer, Fairies, Passage

March 24th 1997
East Ottawa

The restaurant was quiet, out of the way and most important to General Sheridan, not kosher. Bitter at having all his security measures shown to be for naught, General Sheridan was taking no so small pleasure in having a meeting with the Jewish Ambassador in a restaurant that had the motto ‘Pork, when no other meat will do’. General Sheridan had already arrived and was trying to decide between the bacon and cheese fondue or the Oysters and bacon bits for an appetizer when the Israeli Ambassador arrived, without the Kippah he so predominately wore.

“Good evening Ambassador Sonn, a pleasure to finally met you.”

“General Sheridan, must you had been so petty as to arrange for the meeting in such a dirty place.”

“Small pleasures, is what my life is maintained by Mr. Sonn.”

“Allow me to cut directly to the heart of the matter. The Israeli government knows of the existence of the device called the Stargate. It also knows that Canada along with the United Kingdom, Australia and Taiwan have been sending members of their armed forces through this device to obtain advance technology and wage a guerrilla style war against the dominate force in the galaxy, the Goa’uld Empire. While Israel commends the steps done and taken in the protection of the Earth from these extra-solar threats the people of Israeli cannot stand by while a small group benefit from this device. This device belongs to the people of Earth and should be governed as such.”

“You mean Israel cannot stand by while a small group, that doesn’t include Israel, benefits from the Stargate. Don’t give me the ‘for the better of everyone’ bullshit, Israel is fine with a secret as long as they are involved.”

Silence from the ambassador was the only answer.

“Don’t answer me, your silence is answer enough. First the Terran Advisory Council has decided to invite Israel into the Terran Commonwealth, contingent on Israel accepting some facts of reality and a probation period. One, disclosure of all military and intelligence assets that Israel has, along with the exposure of any known third party agents in any country in the Terran Commonwealth. I especially want you source in the Terran Commonwealth. Whoever it is will be having a nice talk with a man name bubba, once I get through with him.

Two, contributions both financially, and through material resources towards the expansion of the Terran armed forces. Three, Israel must pledge and work towards a single united planetary government. This means resolution of ALL current conflicts which Israel is involved, or at least a fair and satisfactory settlement of disputes as judged by reasonable people on both sides of the argument, this is mainly about the Palestinian issue. The disputes with other neighbouring countries can be put off until later, really until reasonable people come to power in those countries, but Palestine is the number one point.

Until concrete evidence that the last one is being sought and moved towards all advance technology given to the State of Israel will be under non-Israeli supervision, Israel will not be allowed access to any military applicable technology and no global defence technologies will be stationed within Israeli territory. Israel will get one ring transportation device to help with the logistics of the Terran armed forces but APCs and GDHs will be kept at TFB SANDAY unless deployment is necessary. Do you understand the terms as I have delivered them and as the Terran Council has decided them?”

Ambassador Sonn looked surprisingly calm for a man who had been told his country would pay into an organization that would not provided all the benefits given to other members.

“And if Israel decides to decline this ‘Terran Advisory Council’ offer and tell the world that a secret cabal of western countries is traveling the galaxy and promoting itself as the de facto government of this planet. Perhaps not the entire world even, maybe just a neighbor to the south.”

Motherfucker, he really is trying to blackmail me.

“That is Israel’s decision alone. Just like the Terran Commonwealth has the decision of who to involve if disclosure does occur. Perhaps Bahrain or Cyprus would make a better choice for the Middle East region, hypothetically of course. Simply put your threat of exposures does what? We, both Canada and the Terran Commonwealth would not give up the Stargate and possession is nine tenth of the law. With the benefits the Stargate offers, the Terran Commonwealth can swing any vote it would like on the subject as it is. Ambassador, you can’t win at poker against a full house if you only have three cards.”

The decision was made quite easily after that; General Sheridan got the bacon and cheese fondue.

PX-0208-97 CODENAME OPERATOR

The planet was useful only because it was useless. Located nowhere strategic, with nothing to mine and a harsh arctic climate, no Goa’uld decided to waste the Jaffa power in claiming and holding it. The only reason the planet had been known by the Goa’uld was the site of a large ambush that occurred over 800 years ago above the planet. This planet had only one resource that the SGC cared for, the Stargate.

Knowing the any future expansion would require worlds as close to earth as possible, the SGC had setup a base on this abandoned planet and began the tedious task of finding those worlds with Stargates close to Earth. Currently Science Team Alpha was given the mundane task of dialing each Stargate address that differed from Earth or Abydos by one glyph then two and then eventually three. While the slow dialing process of Stargate on Earth made this a monumental task, in addition to taking up valuable gate time which could be used to explore known worlds, an abandoned world could blind dial almost continuously 24 hours a standard day.

ST-A had set the procedure of trying each address twice to ensure that a Stargate was truly not located there instead of being merely unavailable. Dialed once and then again 12 hours later the SGC had been steadily blind dialing 150 Stargate addresses every day for the last 3 months, with each of the 4 Stargate Science teams taking 2 week deployments to OPERATOR. While this would both find Stargates near Earth, it would also give a projected estimate on how many Stargates there were in the Galaxy. Of the over 13,000 addresses blind dialed only 5 connections had been established. Each blind dial connection was given a -0500 series number and codenamed with name of a lost or abandoned city of earth. The sixth connection designated PX-0506-97 was codename AKHETATEN and was forwarded on to the SGC for reconnaissance.

PX-0506-97 CODENAME AKHETATEN

“Looks like house cleaning is kinda slow on the job.” Colonel Malley said as the Stargate shut down on PX-0506-97. The arrival room was in disrepair with broken columns and crumbed walls littering the floor. The ruins were humid and slowly being overgrown by vines and undergrowth which had entered through holes in the exterior walls.

“As long as it’s not infested with snakes or junior snakes I am happy with the service.” Corporal York piped in as she began poking around the runes looking for items of interest. Stopping at the dialing pedestal York started pushing the displayed glyphs with more and more urgency.

“On second thought their IT could have been more up on the maintenance. Sir! We have a problem; the pedestal is damaged and is not taking dialing inputs.”

“Meaning we cannot use the Stargate to get out of here.” Lieutenant Lee finished off the statement everyone was thinking.

The dialing pedestal was wrecked with the internal crystals plainly visible, the activation button smashed through and broken. From the Stargate it the pedestal appeared normal, it wasn’t until one was right at the dialing face did the damage be evident.

“Corporal, can you jury rig the power sources to the Stargate make it so we can dial out manually.”

“Unlikely sir, we came loaded for light combat and recon not electrical engineering. I only have some low voltage electrical wire, not the heavy duty stuff required to transfer that kind of power.”

“Alright we might as well begin…. Wait you carry electrical wire around on combat missions?”

“Yes sir, I am an engineer sir and how else am I to hotwire things.”

“Discussion for another time, recon time of the area. Teal’c, Lee and I will go see what there is on the planet. Since the Stargate is obviously out of order I doubt we will have to worry about the Goa’uld. York you tear that thing apart and figure out a way to get us back. I don’t care what of our supplies you need just figure it out.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Move out.”

As York began working through and trying to decipher the dialing pedestal, cursing that she hadn’t stayed up to date on the research being done on the Stargate and its associated technology because of the constant travel through the Stargate. The rest of the team went to explore the Stargate facility. Little was found in the building with most rooms empty. The planet seemed devoid of interests until Lee noticed the soft orange glow emanating from a room far down the hallway.

“Colonel Malley, Teal’c, may I suggest we skip the rest of the rooms and follow the light.” Lee said pointing in the direction of the room with the light.

“Best bet for anything interesting and cool.” Malley said in agreement.

“Indeed.”

The room was lit by seeming hundreds of floating balls of light above their heads. The room was easily 10 metres high with the height of the glowing balls ranging from just above their heads to almost touching the ceiling. With a pedestal in the center of the room glowing the same orange as the balls above was obviously connected to the display being shown

“Alright that meets the criteria for interesting and cool. Lee do you know what they look like. They look a lot like those diagrams of elements they make you study back in high school.”

“That is true Sir, but what about the writing on the wall? That is not something I saw at my secondary school.”

“Teal’c, have you seen anything like this before? Is it Goa’uld?”

“I do no believe so Colonel Malley, the writing does not match any Goa’uld text I have ever seen.”

“Well that one,” pointing to one wall “looks a lot like the writing we saw on Samaria, so I would be guessing the Asgard are involved in this building somehow. And since I am guessing, might as well keep going and venture that the other 3 writings are other races.”

“Or other dialects of the Asgard writing.” Lee pointed out.

“Maybe, but the writing looks to different. Though I see you point, it will take years to fully understand this stuff.”

Malley waved his hand over the glowing pedestal to see how it would affect the lights above. The lights weren’t being projected by the pedestal merely controlled by it as the atomic elements changed position.

“What if Corporal York cannot get the Stargate working again?” Lee asked the question the others had been avoiding by exploring the ruins.

“Eventually the SGC will dial in to try to figure out why we haven’t contacted them. We can get them to send a Tel’tak to pick us up as well as that projection pedestal and the broken dialing pedestal for study back at Earth. All we have to do is wait.”

“We will be waiting than Sir. Whoa cool light show.” York said as she entered the room where the rest of SG-1 was exploring “The control crystals are shattered and the connection to the Stargate is broken beyond the repair of what we have. On the bright side, I think I figured out which crystal contains the dialing program and we might be able to use it to improve our own program and better understand the Stargate network.”

“Good effort York, lets settle in for the long haul than. We are not do to check in for another 12 hours so its at least that long before the SGC will wait before dialing in to this planet.”

TFB SANDAY, EARTH
SOL MONITORING STATION

With the infrastructure provided by the rings the workings of the Stargate Command and the Terran armed forces could be spread throughout the world. Each country had a specific role for their Terran base. Canada at TFB ORIGIN and TFB IRON RING had the Stargate along with the 1st and 2nd Space fighter squadrons. Australia at TFB DESERT had the 3rd and 4th squadrons as well as large scale research. Taiwan and the Britain being too small to base fighters from covertly had small item research, data and intelligence processing and in the case of Great Britain the duty of monitoring the space inside the solar system using the sensors taken from the Al’kesh and two disassembled Tel’taks.

From the base at TFB SANDAY every item in the solar system larger than 2 metres in diameter out to a distance of 2.5 light-days from Earth was monitored. For typical hyperspace travel that constituted roughly a 7 second warning of incoming ships. The sensor input was split into multiple displays and monitored by dozens of technicians, mostly cataloguing the various asteroids planets for items of interest. The original display from the Al’kesh was used solely for tracking and monitoring for Goa’uld activity.

“Sir we are getting those fairies again. Another brief hyperspace window in geostationary orbit stationed above the continental United States.” A technician called out without ever having his eyes leave his display.

“Have the telescopes taken a look?”

“Yes Sir, but neither the optical, radar or microwave versions see anything near where the window occurred.”

“Mark the report and file it away. We will catch one of these things eventually”

CNN Special Report

The United Kingdom has surprise the world by officially recognizing the Canadian claim to the North West passage. While Australia and Taiwan had already made the announcement several months ago the statement from the United Kingdom lends incredible weight to the Canadian argument that the passage constitutes part of its ‘internal waters’. With the United Kingdoms history and dependency on ocean travel, many countries will take this proclamation as the correct verdict. A spokemans for the United Kingdom released the following statement.

“The waters through the Canadian Arctic differ only from the waters of other nations in scale. These waters are surrounded only by Canadian soil. Current maritime laws deal best with Open Ocean not the complex and intertwined waters of the North West Passage.”

If the North West passage is officially recognized by the world and the United nations to being Canadian Internal waters, Canada would have jurisdiction to police, enforce and even deny entry to ships based on Canadian law.


******************************************************
I figure special reports like this will give insight into the workings of the world.

Anyone want to guess who is causing those hyperspace window.

Chapter 28- Next Round, ARK, Tok’ra meeting, Dividends

TFB ORIGIN
April 13, 1997

“Did you hear that the next rounds of disclosures are coming up soon?” York mentioned as SG-1 walked towards the Gate room for their next mission.

“Beyond the damn Israelis?” Malley gripped still bitter that someone, no one was saying who exactly, had sold out and told another country.

“Sir, you are just going to have to get over it and yes another 9 countries in addition is Israel.”

“Who are we bringing to dinner this time?”

“For muscle and funds; Germany and France. At the going rate of 0.5% of a countries military budget, the minimum contribution to the Terran Commonwealth as per the treaty, that brings in about 481 million a year. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have some developed and heavy industry countries for the Future Ships projects. For location Singapore, though they will be bringing a lot of money too, The Bahamas, Cape Verde, Uruguay, Finland, New Zealand and Ireland. Ireland and New Zealand are more because we need clearer paths of approach to the UK and Australia.”

“So with GDHs and Underpass sites in the Bahamas and Singapore, we have coverage over a lot of people, industry and military power in the US and Asia. Finland covers a lot of the muscle in Russia and Uruguay helps to develop a stronger umbrella in the Southern Hemisphere. What does Cape Verde offer?” Lee piped in.

“A way station between places, a site off the political and military radar of a lot of countries and one of the most stable places to start developing the Commonwealth in Africa.” York stated.

“And a debt higher than its own GDP with little or no way of getting out from under it.” Lee counter pointed.

“Except that the International Monetary Fund and World Bank decided 2 weeks ago, while we were out waiting for our taxi on PX-0506-97, to forgive 3/4 of its debt because of the strides made towards a liberal democracy and the pushing by certain western countries for the relief. And research institutes in both the United Kingdom and Taiwan have decided to develop a seasonal ocean research facility on one off the unpopulated islands of the chain. What a convenient coincidence don’t you think?” York stated silencing Lee’s negative attitude.

SG-1 arrives at the entrance for the Stargate and begins the process of locking through to the Gate room. With more travel and missions occurring directly from Earth, the Gate room was now constantly manned with at least 12 members in full battle gear and four primed and readied thumpers. To reduce the personnel requirements necessary for the operation of the base all SG teams were expected to rotate through the guard duty the Stargate either on Earth or Abydos.

“What the Hell have they done to the Stargate?!!!!” Malley exclaimed after the final airlocks to the Gate room had opened and SG-1 prepared to embark for their mission.

“It would appear that a cover has been placed over the address symbols of the Stargate.” Teal’c stated flatly at the obvious cover that had been placed to hide the symbols and chevrons of the Stargate.

“Yes but why.” Malley said annoyed but not surprised at the answer received from the normally stoic Jaffa.

“They must be getting close on finding a planet for the ARK.” York realized as the Stargate began dialing.

“The super secret fallback world?”

“Yes sir, the world where if Earth falls we can continue on as a society. So secret that not even the Stargate dialing computer shows the address and requires General Sheridan to input the authorization code to dial the ARK. So secret that anyone who travels off-world isn’t allowed to see the Stargate when active to the ARK. Earth’s first true off-world colony and site of Earth’s first future space shipyard.”

“So top secret, even compared to the blackest project known to the human race.”

“Yes Sir.”

“That’s all I need to hear York. Teal’c what’s the planet we are going to.”

“PX-0601-97 given codename MEMPHIS. A planet designated for a meeting with a Tok’ra representative about ‘items of concern’ as the message that Abydos received read.”

“They really have the cloak and dagger stuff down. Go here, so we can talk about stuff.” Colonel Malley said as he pretended to walk his fingers to a location. “Well might as well see what the good snakes want.”

PX-0601-97 Codename MEMPHIS
Stargate

“The Tok’ra really like desert planets don’t they?” Malley commented as SG-1 continued to wait for the Tok’ra representative to show up.

“For hiding it makes sense, a desert planet can sustain a smaller population and should be proportionally less important and less noticed by any Goa’uld” responded York.

“York?”

“Yes Sir?”

“Just let me rant about stuff sometimes, you don’t need to comment on everything.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Colonel Malley” Teal’c announced “I believe the Tok’ra representative is here” pointing toward a woman cresting the nearest sand dune and heading toward the Stargate.

“Hello I am Jolinar of Malk-shur, if you will follow me I will lead you to our base on this planet.”

“Before we get going anywhere, have you cleaned house of the System Lord spy.” Malley said flatly.

“Yes after an extensive investigation we found that councilor Cordesh was in possession of a Goa’uld long range communication device. A technology the Tok’ra do not use because of the ease that it can be monitored. Such technology proves his guilt and his later attempt at escape merely confirmed it. While his treachery will still be felt for some time as we lose agents because of his information, the potential was much more severe.”

“So us coming to find you helped the Tok’ra out quite a bit? Maybe enough for a finders fee? Say those long range communication devices you don’t like but have access to.”

“Enough for a second meeting with your group. Beyond that you will have to discuss it with the high council. I though question; why would you ask for technology you know is compromised.”

“Better to have a technology you know is flawed and can proceed under that assumption then think you are secure and really am not. We can work around the limitations though typical communication security while we develop our own more secure version. Additional encryption and speaking in code phrases, that sort of stuff. As a bonus if you say we can be monitored that means we can monitor everyone else as well.”

“An interesting perspective, I for one have not considered that approach.”

“Always glad to help, now onward to the council.”

PX-0601-97 Codename MEMPHIS
Tok’ra Council Chamber

“With Cordesh’s sudden capture an opportunity presents to make gains from his deceit. We were able to successfully remove Cordesh from his host and another Tok’ra was blended. Selmak has helped search for memories while Cordesh was in control and has found an interesting pattern to Cordesh’s movements.

Every single mission where Cordesh operated independently, he traveled to a world in Lord Yu’s domain. From the flashes of memories Selmak can access it appears to be the central control planet for all spies the Lord Yu has within the galaxy. To capture or destroy the facility would help in keeping the Goa’uld destabilized after the death of Ra.” Garshaw spoke after SG-1 had been settled into the Chamber.

“And the Tok’ra are looking at a joint mission through the Stargate to take on this facility out. I think we could be interested in this type of relationship. How many soldiers are the Tok’ra supplying?” Malley ventured a guess where this conversation was heading.

“None, the Tok'ra are infiltrators not an assault legion. Besides an assault through the Chappa’ai would be inadvisable the defences extremely heavy in and around the immediate area.”

“Can’t you’re new and improved loyalty Tok’ra sneak in and blow it up. To them he would still be the backstabbing snake they know and love.”

“Impossible the amount explosives necessary would arose suspicion by the Jaffa guarding the Chappa’ai.”

“Air and space assets for the target?”

“The memories show only death gliders in the immediate area, a typical arrangement for a secret base of a System Lord. A Ha’tak or a squadron of Al’kesh would make the importance of this base too noticeable.”

“OK so we take down the base at no risk to you, what exactly is in it for us? The Goa’uld don’t have assets in our realm. It seems like big risk for little gain. Only the Tok’ra really make out like thieves in this deal.”

Garshaw pondered this statement for quite some time before Jolinar rose from her seat to speak.

“Colonel Malley, High Councilor Garshaw, the Tok’ra have in our possession 10 long range visual communication devices of the small variety. We do not have use for them but you have expressed an interest in the technology. May I suggest beyond a sharing of any information that is obtained that these devices be given to Colonel Malley and his people.”

“I could agree to this with the added condition that we have rights to any and all salvage. The world of hurt we are going to give Lord Yu’s base doesn’t come cheap. First let me go back and talk it out with my superiors but I think that in a few days you should be expecting a lot more of my forces deploying here ready for the mission. Plus I will need two of the communication devices upfront to help coordinate my plan.”

PX-0601-97 Codename MEMPHIS
Stargate, 3 days later

Garshaw and Selmak stood near the supplies brought through by the SGC for the upcoming mission. Their attention was focused on the 4 large trailers each supporting a self contained APC unit.

“What is the name for this weapons?” Selmak inquired to Lieutenant Lee standing nearby and directing the placement of supplies by other SG teams.

“We call them APCs or Auto-Pulse Cannons. Basically four staff weapons combined with a fire-control radar. Add a little liquid cooling system to help with the ROF, or rate of fire, and you have a mean AA system. Once we are through the Stargate we will deploy them to keep the sky clear of any death gliders and even distract an Al’kesh if there is one in the area. We usually make them ring deployable but we don’t want to tie up too many ships deploying them, so through the Stargate they will go.”

“You still must make it past the defences of the Stargate.” Selmak pointed out hoping to be given a better description of the SGC’s plan for the mission.

“I doubt that we will be a problem.” Turning away from Selmak and raising his voice to address the entirety of the SGC personnel on MEMPHIS. “Listen up, final checks and prep in 30 minutes. Timetable calls for Stargate activation in 1 hour. Assuming we get the go ahead from the INERTIA, SG teams 2 through 6 go through first to secure the Stargate with 9 through 12 each riding shotgun on one APC unit. If the Navy gets it right we should be going in for clean up, but I want those APCs up and clearing the sky a minute after getting through the Stargate. Afterwards SG-11 and 12 will stay with the units and the Stargate and the Tok’ra following up while the rest continue on to their objectives.

The Intel is sketchy so be prepared for decisions on the fly and listen to your radios. INERTIA will be giving 30 second heads up on Rod Strikes but they could be laying them down close. Stargate starts spinning in 58 minutes. SG-1 will be following through with the Tok'ra to make sure they have the close in protection they need.”

PX-0602-97 codename NEW York
In Hyperspace
T-minus 2 minutes

The TNS INERTIA was a captured Goa’uld Tel’tak that had been outfitted for orbital bombardment and assigned to the 1st Monitor Flotilla based out of Abydos and TFB SANDAY. With her sister ships TNS NEWTON’S LAW and TNS MOMENTUM they provided the precision and heavy strikes needed for high value SGC assault missions such as this mission. This would be the first combat test for combined arms using strikes both from orbit and through the Stargate.

Dropping out of hyperspace TNS INERTIA quickly began scanning for the base and Stargate. With such a precise schedule, time was the prime factor. Stargate defences and any surface to orbit defence weapons had to be neutralized quickly or the mission would fail. The defences around the Stargate needed to be eliminated to allow the strike to continue and bring forward the defences in the form of the APC units needed to protect the orbiting Tel’tak from death glider attacks.

With the Stargate located a quick spread of kinetic strikes were prepared for a half circle deployment in front of the Stargate tight in, only 100 metres distance. 8 tungsten rods were prepared and ringed out into space ready for firing. On the surface of the planet the first chevron of the Stargate was encoded with the Jaffa racing to ready and man their weapons oblivious to the weapons already aimed and directed towards them from above.

As the second chevron was encoded the rocket motors for the kinetic rods ignited and started the weapons racing downward continually building up speed and energy on their journey to there targets. The rods began to spread out slightly as they hit the atmosphere and as the third chevron was encoded. Glowing red from the atmospheric friction the rods where already at terminal velocity as the rocket motors were used to simply keep their speeds high, not able to push them any faster.

The kinetic strikes hit as the fourth chevron was encoded completely clearing the immediate area of trees, small rocks, topsoil and the almost 100 Jaffa arrayed near the Stargate with their 20 staff cannons both on the ground and in supporting towers. 8 separate strikes were complete overkill in a situation where 2 or 3 would have been sufficient but it was thought better to have too much at first then having to go back for a second strike. For next time the number of strikes would be reduced after seeing the effectiveness each individual strike had. The SGC was still learning how to deal out the power the orbital strikes gave.

The sixth chevron was encoded as the Stargate slowed its swaying, since its 32 tonne mass was not immune to the pressures the orbital strike had just released. As the gate came to a stop the seventh chevron locked, with the Stargate forming a wormhole. The long range communication device activated with the voice of Colonel Malley being heard through the device.

“INERTIA this is strike lead is the welcome mat swept?”

“Confirmed strike lead, the welcome mat should be spotless. We are proceeding to targets of opportunity.”

“Acknowledged INERTIA and well done. After secondary objective go to higher orbit and await strike calls. If you see any death gliders coming your way, call it out and then bug out.”

“Understood, TNS INERTIA out.”

As the SG teams swept through the Stargate TNS INERTIA began a slower single strike profile against Lord Yu’s base with strong fortifications and the grounded death gliders being hit from orbit. With a further 5 strikes the base seemed to be reduced enough that the SG teams could finish the rest.

PX-0602-97 codename NEW YORK
Surface

“Those Rods from God don’t leave much, do they?” Malley commented as he walked through the Stargate with the Tok’ra representatives Selmak and Jolinar. While Malley was confident but still dressed for battle, the Tok’ra were nervous and dress for little other than everyday comfort.

“They do appear to be most effective weapons for such a simple idea.” Jolinar agreed after surveying the area closest to the Stargate. Collapsed staff cannon towers and active APC units greeted the last members to come through the Stargate. Everything else had either been blown away in the initial strike or cleared out of the way by the SG teams coming through the Stargate.

“Colonel Malley” Lieutenant Morrision of SG-2 “objectives reached and secured. Moderate damage to the site but we should still be able to extract some information.”

“Our side?”

“No casualties and no serious injuries. The ground forces were basically all near the Stargate and you can see what happened there. We shot down about a dozen gliders with the APC units, a good showing. A textbook case of shock and awe.”

“Areas to improve?”

“For HOMEPLATE we need to deploy more then 2 APC’s for each GDH deployed. The Goa’uld had over 50 gliders here protecting a small base. If they had all been in the air at the time we would have been hard pressed to take down that many before we took hits. Any Goa’uld attack will spend gliders like water if they get to HOMEPLATE. I suggest 3 per GDH or 6 per Underpass site and to increase their ROF even at the expense of useable life. It takes a lot to punch through one of those gliders.

Second offensively we need some smaller rods for closer support and precision strikes. They truly are area weapons, we need them more accurate. The big ones works for clearing out the area around a Stargate but for the in the base work we need a 5 or 10 TNT tonne version in addition to the 180 ish one we currently employ.”

“I do believe that is the first time in history a soldier has said they want a smaller rod.” Malley chuckled at his own humour.

“It’s not the size its how you use it sir.”

“Other than the intelligence, communication devices and the oh so joyful feeling of sticking it to the Goa’uld did we make get anything else.”

“Call it half a tonne of armour we can use for the trinium. Another 30 and 5 staff weapons and cannons respective that are in useable condition, though we are taking the liquid Naqahdah cells from the remainder. Maybe enough spare glider parts to completely rebuild 5 gliders maybe.”

Malley smiled as he turned towards the Tok’ra representatives, still looking in awe around the cleared site near the Stargate.

“This is a start of a beautiful arrangement, don’t you agree Selmak?”

AP report
The University of Taipei has announced the most successful and most efficient test of controlling plasma to date. Using two differently charged plasma sources and setting the two in rotation around each other researchers at the University created a stable bubble of plasma for over 5 seconds without the use of containing magnetic fields. It is hoped this line of research will move forward toward more efficient fusion power plants and better ion engine for space exploration probes.


**************************************************
I had a few days of vacation and good writing so I was able to finish it this quick. don't be expecting every chapter this quick. So this shows more how the relationship between the tok'ra and TC is going to be. More horse trading because both sides are weary of the other.

I am also soon going to provide a map showing the global coverage of GDH and APC sites that I figure are up and running.

On an aside to hyp, and syphon. I do believe you have convinced me of my error in Yorks position in the military, I am right now trying to figure the way to fix it. Thanks for the eagle eyes to the details.

Chapter 29 – Isolation is prevention, Foundations of the Mountain

TFB ORIGIN
SGC Mess Hall
April 25th 1997

“Teal’c how was your visit to Chulak?” Lieutenant Lee asked between bites of what was labeled chicken parmesan but tasted like watered tomato paste and rubber.

While game was a plentiful meat on the base, vegetables and other meats were rare, especially coming out of the winter months. The base grew its own vegetables during the short summer growing season months, both for reduced logistics and because of the need for everyone to learn if they ever had to abandon Earth fend for themselves as a small colony.

“It was both a pleasurable and saddening experience Lieutenant Lee. I was pleased to see my son again, even if from a distance and hidden. I was also saddened that I could not stop his need to take an immature symbiote to survive. I feel like I have failed in freeing him from the influence of the Goa’uld.”

“He might not be free but he is closer to freedom then you were at his age and his children will be even closer if not completely free of the Goa’uld. How many Jaffa does Bra’tac think he has found.”

“Almost 100 warriors, over half with families. He believes almost 300 Jaffa can be hidden away once a suitable planet is found. He has also found some promising Jaffa in other Apophis allies which could lead to a higher number and more evenly spread out.”

“These allies of convenience could be very uses. If Bra’tac can get these Jaffa to commit before Apophis invariably severs the alliances, then the numbers could spread even further out and have an even greater reach in the Jaffa populous.”

“Indeed.”

SG-1 and Agent Smith to the briefing room immediately. The base speaker announced halting the conversation has Teal’c and Lee left after their summoning.

SGC Briefing Room

“What do you make of it Agent Smith.” General Sheridan asked looking into the video monitor of one of the bases holding cells.

“I don’t know what to say General. She knows way too much about the Stargate and the players out in the galaxy. Even more than the Israeli’s were told. Yet we can’t find out who she even works for and some the information particular’s she does have is incredibly out of date in some aspects.”

“Agent Smith, if you would be so kind as to discuss with our guess the source of her information. I’m going to have our medical staff go over the x-rays taken by security.”

“Yes General Sheridan.” Agent Smith said as he stood up to leave the briefing room to question the woman in the holding cell calling herself Hathor. Agent Smith passed was passing through the doorway just as Teal’c and Lee with York and Malley entering a few moments later.

“Teal’c” General Sheridan said switching to the next topic of conversation “how is Operation Big Jaffa going”

“Bra’tac has found suitable individuals that have the flame of doubt in their eyes as well. Most are younger warriors who he has watched over for many years. Once a suitable planet is found for our free settlement Bra’tac will begin reassigning these warriors to other worlds with their families. The families will disappear in transit while the warriors shall ‘die’ an honourable and explosive death such as I did, in the name of Apophis.”

“Well Teal’c, I believe a suitable planet has been found, pending approval by you and Bra’tac. PX-0302-97, codename NEW DAKARA is a temperate world that unfortunately has very little in the way of strategic value. Probably why the Goa'uld haven’t taken notice of it. The Stargate is located close to a massive plain of exposed bedrock. I have already authorized the development of breeding ponds on this bedrock for the Goa’uld queens we are going to capture. 30 ponds half for breeding and half to allow the mature symbiotes to live out their natural lives after the Jaffa are done with them.

We capture 15 queens that should give to the resource base to support 600,000 Jaffa assuming the regular 20 years before a symbiote reaches maturity. That should be enough to start off your Nation.”

“Indeed.”

“Now Teal’c the Commonwealth and the SGC can help support a small number of Jaffa until your people are settled in but the bulk of the infrastructure and logistics will have to be developed by the Jaffa. That goes double once you have the Goa’uld breeding ponds going full swing. I can’t risk anyone else getting implanted with a symbiote. The SGC will help teach the Jaffa how to raise the Goa’uld symbiotes but after that, I won’t allow anyone near that area. This also means that for the first few years the focus has to be on building the infrastructure and bringing in more Jaffa, not fighting the Goa’uld”

“I understand General Sheridan, many will not but I will endeavour to convince them.”

“Sir.” Corporal York said entering the conversation “If we are to make that many artificial ponds in bedrock we are going to need a metric tonne of explosives for each pond. That is going to be expensive and hard to hide in procurement.”

“If we were to use ANFO or regular military demolition charges, yes a metric tonne would probably be about right. But the SGC has access to other means. I have requisitioned 1 rock drill with 5 centimeter drill head, 300 lbs of gravel to fill in the holes, 30 M112 and 3 kg of refined Naqahdah. Each M112 will get 100 grams of Naqahdah and is placed in a drilled hole backfilled with gravel. That should make the holes rather efficiently. If there is nothing else to discuss you are all dismissed.”

SG-1 all threw a brief salute and departed the debriefing room.

“Now only to wait for the report on my mystery guest.” General Sheridan said as he left for his office to begin reading his daily reports.

General Sheridan’s Office
2 hours later

General Sheridan and Colonel Malley were discussing how to best incorporate the additional countries into military personnel into the existing system of the SGC when Agent Smith had finished his debriefing of the woman calling herself Hathor.

“General, I believe Hathor is a Goa’uld. But I believe she has ideals similar to the Tok’ra and could be a valuable source of information.” Agent Smith said quickly.

“And you trust her?” Colonel Malley asked skeptical about the enthusiasm that Smith was displaying.

“Implicitly and totally. After I told her about Ra’s demise…”

“Something that I had not cleared to you to discuss Agent.” General Sheridan interrupted, upset that a known security leak had become an even greater one.

“I may have overstepped on that point General but Hathor was quiet surprised and delighted at the news. Hathor is requesting a meeting with you general to discuss the future.”

“Thank you Agent I will take that under advisement. Now if you will excuse me I have to finish my discussion with Colonel Malley about our new personnel to arrive shortly.”

“Sir, Hathor was really quite insistent about the need for an immediate meeting between….”

“I said I will take it under advisement. Dismissed.”

Nodding briefly to both General Sheridan and Colonel Malley, Agent Smith left for his office. Waiting for Smith to leave before he spoke again Colonel Malley eyed the departing Intelligence Officer suspiciously.

“I don’t like it sir, something isn’t right.” Colonel Malley stated

“What do you mean?”

“Agent Smith is the most paranoid and cautious person I know. It’s been bred into him by his time at CSIS. Every spook is supposed to see conspiracies and treachery in every shadow, but Agent Smith makes the rest of them look normal. Now all of a sudden he is singing the high praises of a Goa’uld and divulging potential state secrets.”

“It is out of character for him, but it is possible that this Hathor really is on the same side that we are.”

“She could be, but that is not the weird part I am concerned about. The Tok’ra are on our side, well mostly, and we have a lot of proof of that. Agent Smith still isn’t convinced about them. And in 3 hours he is totally taken in by her. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I think we should move her off-world. At least until we can figure out if she is telling the truth. We should also call in the Tok’ra to see what they know. I also think you should keep putting off you meeting her. Lets keep the contact limited to Agent Smith.”

“Agreed, make the call Colonel. And make sure she is searched again for any Goa’uld technology. We found the hand device but I don’t want any other surprises.”

“Yes sir.”

Several hours later
Gate Room

“So where are we traveling to through the Chappa’ai.” Hathor asked to Agent Smith as the Stargate began dialing.

“An off-world base to ensure your safety Lady Hathor.” Agent Smith said.

“A wise precaution, from what I know of this world.”

“Yes, once off world we can continue our discussion about the future.”

PX-0603-97 CODENAME MIAMI

“Who are we waiting for Agent Smith?” Hathor said becoming annoyed at being kept waiting for so long.

“Our Tok’ra contact should be arriving shortly they have their base quite a distance from the Stargate to hide from any Jaffa patrols that might come through the Stargate.”

“The Tok’ra?” Hathor said with a tingle of apprehension

“Yes, have you heard” Agent Smith said unable to finish his sentence as Hathor punched him, breaking his jaw and knocking him out in the process. By the time the Tok’ra operative found Agent Smith, Hathor was already through the Stargate.

TFB ORIGIN
SGC BRIEFING ROOM

“I knew that we should have sent her to AKHETATEN. Figure a way to slither you way off of that planet.” Colonel Malley grumbled as General Sheridan entered the briefing room.

“Well, the Tok’ra have a theory.” General Sheridan began.

“Of course they do.” Malley quipped.

“They did not think it was Hathor at first because she was believed lost. Trapped on the first world of Ra.”

“Earth, and since we can’t tell the Tok’ra that she was because that would expose Earth.”

“We are going to tell them that we found a sarcophagus with her in it on Abydos, not Earth as commonly believed. They also say the Agent Smith should recover from the drugs he was put under by Hathor. Another point that the Tok’ra knew but failed to tell us because how could we have the real Hathor.”

“Score another point for intelligence screw-up. How did she escape anyway?”

“Two archeologist opened a sarcophagus found in Mexico and released her. Both were killed by we presume Hathor as she fled. The sarcophagus is now in the hands of one Daniel Jackson, American archeologist, most known for his ideas of cross culture interactions and his theory that the pyramids were built to be landing platforms for ‘alien space ships. The British are currently tracking him down.”

“This isn’t good sir. This Jackson character is creepily close to the truth. He goes public we could be in for one helleva media storm.”

“But if we can keep him quiet on the subject, we could have access to an individual knowledgeable in a multitude of ancient cultures. A someone who we could bankroll for additional search in historical areas of Earth for off-world artifacts. At the very least it proves we should spend more resources checking Earth out to stop this from happening in the future. The British will approach him about setting up a team for Earth based research. Probably bankroll him through that linguistic project they are setting up as a front to help with deciphering Earth based languages found off-world.”

“All that doesn’t help the fact we have a Goa’uld on the loose that knows Earth in back in the game.”

“A Goa’uld without a power base and 5000 year out of date intelligence. If she is smart she will hang low for a couple of years. Even so we are speeding up the development of ARK. The planet survey is done; the next step of ARK should begin in a few days.”

******************************************************
So Hathor is out and about and Earth is more exposed. But Jackson might be coming on board. Pretty even split. I didn't like how in canon SG-1 does everything (interviews captives, original research, combat diplomacy, etc. etc.). It would be much more likely for an Intelligence Officer to interview Hathor than anyone else because of operation security.

Chapter 30 – With Great Power comes….. An Unstable planetary orbit

June 1st 1997
SGC GATE ROOM

“We’re on deck.” Colonel Malley announced seeing the final lockdown that preceded all transits to the ARK. A shipment to ARK was now being sent every week through the Stargate causing a security nightmare for a base already drowning in security.

With the escape of Hathor, the development of the ARK planet was being accelerated to give a fallback position should Earth be rediscovered by the Goa’uld. Close to 60 million dollars of worth infrastructure and industrial capacity was being sent through a year to ARK alone. Additionally all advance weaponry and technology not on use by the SGC or being researched by the Commonwealth was kept on ARK for safekeeping. 30 people were based through rotation on ARK at any given time with that number being raised to 60 in the coming year. While based on ARK for 4 months at a time not a single person who went through the Stargate knew the address, with that knowledge only to be divulged if Earth every fell. Because of the low numbers an security associated with ARK, most people spent there time farming the land for food and performing survey’s for the future base to begin being built next year.

“What is being sent through this time?” Lieutenant Lee asked.

“Two small 3 axis CNC mills, two manual lathes, another pair of ATVs all for infrastructure. 300 assault rifles, mostly knock-off AKs, captured on police raids and ‘destroyed’ already with close to 100,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers. Everything a guy needs for one helluva weekend.”

“If they keep shipping out all those AK’s we are going to have to send a thank you letter to Russia and China for supplying us so well.” Lieutenant Lee quipped.

“Hey, everything that we don’t need to spend money on is a bonus, plus those weapons are now off the streets of Taipei, Toronto and Burmingham but still available for use if we need to equip a guerrilla campaign on Earth or somewhere else. “

PX-0304-97 CODENAME CIRRUS

“GOD, what the hell happened here? The probe said nothing about LA levels of heavy smog.” Colonel Malley complained.

Heavy smog was an understatement, with the air heavy with volcanic ash and smoke of multiple eruptions occurring nearby. The sky was rapidly darkening with the accumulation of soot and quickly rising in temperature. What little was remaining and could be seen of structures near the Stargate were already buried under almost 5 centimeters of ash, giving a sick parody of a white Christmas.

“Colonel Malley, I do not believe it is wise to remain on this planet for any significant amount of time.” Teal’c announced scanning for signs of threats and shelter.

“We’re going to need to stay for a bit sir, we have incoming. Dozen individuals in looks like hazmat gear coming up the path.” Lee piped in through his radio from farther up the path leading away from the Stargate.

“Threat?”

“Doesn’t appear so sir. I don’t see any weapons, and they are differently not set up for combat. Most seem to be having trouble even moving along the path. My guess these eruptions are not a usual occurrence and these are refugees.”

“Alright let’s fall back and get out of here before they need to use the Stargate. Lee I need you to double time it back here.”

“Sir, with respect I don’t think that the best course. This group is going to lose 3 to 4 people before they even reach the Stargate. Some are already dropping off the back of the group. They seriously need help.”

“Lee, are standing orders are to remain unobserved while on planet. That means not playing boy scout for every group that decided to overstay their welcome somewhere.”

“Colonel, standing orders are to obtain technology and allies to fight the Goa’uld and anyone else who could threaten Earth. If these people have hazmat suits readily available, they are at least comparable technology wise to us. That makes them a good potential ally.”

“Alright you make the good point.” Colonel Malley conceded “Teal’c and I will come forward and help you Lee. York you dial back to Abydos and inform them we are coming in with guest. Level 2 threat and prepare for potential medical emergency.”

Leaving York with her duties, Teal’c and Malley advanced down the path towards Lee, who was already moving towards the group struggling to move towards the Stargate to make contact. Even with the sound of the eruptions, Teal’c and Malley could hear the argument being had between Lee and the apparent head of the group.

“Sir, I don’t care if you have a ship coming in half a day’s time. Your group is going to lose half its members before that happens.” Lee was yelling trying to be heard above thee eruptions.

“Leave now, our ship will be coming for us in time. We must finish our task and we do not need your assistance. My group will be fine without any assistance.”

“Including the two that dropped off the back of your group and are now face down in the ash behind you. People who are ‘fine’ don’t usually do that. Take a look around, most of your group can bar keep standing, let alone moving forwards.”

The leader of the group looked back and after counting the faces he could see through the suspended ash particles he realizes that two people were unaccounted. Undeterred by this fact and unwilling to accept the facts before him, he refuses to change his position.

“Everyone knew this mission was dangerous but important, we must complete it. Leave through the Stargate, our ship will come to pick us up in a half a day.”

Malley and Teal’c arrive with Malley immediately taking over in the ‘negotiation’ with the human group.

“I can take it from here Lee, you go with Teal’c and collect the stragglers. Hopefully there are still some to collect. Now” Malley said turning to the “Unless your mission is time specific, or takes a whole day to accomplish, you can travel back with us and wait until closer to your ships arrival. Perform your oh so important mission that might have already killed people and get whisked away without having wait around on the edge of a field of volcanoes, deal?”

“It is agreeable.”

“Excellent, may I suggest we get a move on towards the Stargate, I would rather not be fully cooked in this rotisserie. Teal’c and Lee will follow the group collecting and stragglers who fall behind. Let’s move out.”

ABYDOS

“… and they basically all collapsed from exhausted and ash inhalation as soon as we stepped through the Stargate. I think it was pure willpower that was keeping them going up until this point. The medical staff has them sedated to give them some time to rest and recuperate, but I don’t think they will make their pick-up time with their ship, which if their day is close to ours is about now.” Colonel Malley was briefing General Sheridan through the Goa’uld long range communication device.

“Alright, you did the right thing Colonel, rescuing a group of apparently advance humans was a good idea.”

“Credit should go to Lieutenant Lee, he was the one that convinced me.”

“Pass along my words then to the lieutenant. Now the device they were wearing have we determined what they are.”

“No sir, they diffidently have a power source, but no moving parts or apparently circuitry. York believes them to be some type of solid state storage device. We will know more when they come to and can answer some questions.”

“Be gentle and polite Colonel. These are the first advance society, outside the Goa’uld, we have encountered. It would be a good idea to keep a good relationship with them.”

“Yes Sir. If there is nothing else I would like to go off official duty and take some training time in with the swords. Skaara believes that his shooting has improved, and would like a rematch. I’ll inform you when our guest are up.”

“Understood Colonel, and don’t beat Skaara to bad.”

“No promises. Abydos SGC out.” Colonel Malley said turning off the communication device and started heading out towards the shooting range.

Several Hours Later

“Colonel Malley, Lieutenant Lee. The leader of the group has awoken and is requesting to speak to you.” The chief medical officer for Abydos said.

“Thank you doctor.”

Trying to spread out the facility for the Abydos SGC, the medical portion was located in the same building as the cartouche. While the refugees from CIRRUS were not seen as a grave threat, half of the 2nd Abydonian militia was still being used to watch the medical facility. The leader of the group had himself propped up on the small cot that was his medical bed.

“You asked to speak to me mr….” Colonel Malley began.

“Councilor Omoc, Tollan high council.”

“Colonel Malley, Terran Commonwealth Armed Forces. I regret to inform you that I think you have missed you transportation. It also appears that the Stargate on the planet we found you.”

“Tollan” Omoc injected

“On Tollan” Colonel Malley continued, annoyed at the interruption “will be buried by the lava in the coming hours. I don’t think you will be going back there anytime.”

“So nature succeed where we failed.”

“Pardon. Your big mission, the one that required your death almost was to bury the Stargate?”

“Yes, Tollan is a world in cataclysm. My team was to seal the Stargate to prevent anyone from being harmed. The world was evacuated , it was to be the last task. Our we prisoners of your world?”

“Absolutely not, once your team is healthy we can give you access to the Stargate and you can travel to whatever planet you wish. We shall be returning the devices you were wearing, if you still need them.”

“You studied our technology, not a great deal of faith. And yes I would like them back at once. As to where to go, our new homeworld is outside the Stargate network. We will need a ship, but from you facilities here it would appear you are too primitive for spaceflight. Frankly I am surprised you have deciphered the Stargate and have not be taken over by the Goa’uld.”

“Hey, we primitives saved your lives but aren’t stupid to blindly trust you either. We have a saying, ‘trust everyone but count the cards’. An for the Goa’uld, we have a common enemy then.

“Did I say the Goa’uld are enemies. They are neither enemies nor allies simply Goa’uld.”

“Well we do have ships; we merely borrowed them from the Goa’uld until we can build our own. If you’re willing to let us ‘primitives’ drive you home, provided you can do us a favour.”

“We will not share our technology.” Omoc declared.

“I don’t want your technology…Well I do but I know you can’t give it to me. You can’t speak for your government. No, I want you to arrange a meeting for us with your government. Let my people open up a dialogue with your people and see where it leads us. We can also provide a Stargate for your planet if you need one.”

“You can build Stargates?”

“No, but an Al’kesh can carry one on its back. And as long as we don’t scream through the atmosphere, we can drop it off on your planet complete with dialing pedestal. For a nominal fee of course.”

“I shall accept the transportation of my people. As to the Stargate that will have to wait for a council decision and negotiation. I must first contact my government to inform them of our means of arrival. It would do no good to brave the vastness of space in a Goa’uld ship only to be destroyed upon entering orbit.”

“I would agree, what do you need?”

“Only our equipment back.”

“Than I believe this may be the start of something special Omoc. Something special indeed.”

Abydos SGC

“So Colonel you have reduced our only Al’kesh into a taxi service.” General Sheridan asked amused at the squirming Malley.

“Sir, these people are advance, and I mean highly advance. Their little computer devices on their wrist can send messages over interstellar distances at high FTL rates, can calculate relative positions of Abydos and their new homeworld of Tollana and who know what else. Probably make them fly or walk through walls, something cool like that. I figured keeping them on good terms and getting an in with their government might be helpful. Plus since the Al’kesh is going to be first traveling to the nearest planet to Tollana with a Stargate and then picking them up, we get to interact with them and try to get some intelligence for 6 months before they leave.”

“And the idea of us getting them a Stargate for Tollana?”

“They seemed to like the idea, stating their ships are really to slow for true interstellar travel. By the sounds of it they make like 200 C compared to the 32000 that the Al’kesh will top out at. I think we can negotiate a trade. While they have an extreme position on sharing technology, for fear of being responsible for destroying our civilization, I think we probably reason out some medical information from them, we can base it on humanitarian grounds.”

“Understood, Colonel. Let’s keep this door open. TFB ORIGIN out.”

Chapter 31 – We can rebuild them… make them faster, smarter, more shiny

June 26th, 1997
TFB SIOUGULUAN

It would revolutionize the world, the scientist at the mainly research base of TFB SIOUGULUAN continually said. Naqahdah was the miracle material brought back through the Stargate. The element itself would do little compared to the fundamental research insights it could provide. While the Terran Commonwealth Military Command gave little credence to original research and wished to focus all the efforts on reverse engineering of alien technology the Terran Science Council saw otherwise. Original research once achieved could be spread throughout the world’s academia a lot easier they narrow focus military research, providing more advancement of technology for less financial cost.

While trinkets of original research would be given out freely for the world to use and build upon, the major points would be kept within the Commonwealth to be developed and to help continue funding the SGC through sales of future developed technology. While research was mostly done in TFB SIOUGULUAN and TFB IRON RING the commercial technology would be released by joint teams from countries seen to be leaders in the area of study. Naturally to keep it fair for all involved countries, after disclosure of the technology further partnerships would be created, especially for further development in additional related fields.

Naqahdah, an element that exhibited phenomenal and seemingly contradictory properties paid for the Stargate program through its research program on June 15th, 1997. AT SIOUGULUAN a single wire made mainly of an iron/trinium compound was shown to be superconductive at 265 Kelvin, and on June 26th an iron/titanium compound wire set the record for highest superconducting Earth based material, being superconductive at 235 Kelvin. While not the ‘Holy grail’ that Naqahdah represented with superconductivity happening well above 300 Kelvin, the research promised to revolutionize the electrical world.

PX-0312-97 CODENAME HAIL

“Now this is more interesting than trees.” Colonel Malley announced after stepping through the Stargate into a large manufacturing building. While dark and mostly unlit the machinery looked old, advanced in nature but old in time.

“SG-1 and 13 will check this place out. SG-24, stay at the gate and keep open radios. At the first sign of trouble you know the rules.”

“Yes sir, closest person goes through the Stargate to Abydos the rest die gloriously for the Fatherworld.” Oberst Johann Jaeger stated.

“Oberst must you make everything into a Nazi joke?”

“If you cannot laugh at yourself Colonel, to whom can you laugh at?”

“Just don’t let the Israelis here it, they might not feel like laughing. SG-1, 13 let’s spread out and move out. ”

SG-1 and 13 began heading in different directions to cover more of the facility. While the facility was obviously not of Goa’uld origin, it did show a high degree of technological advancement. While the facility appeared to be running every type of nonessential maintenance seemed to have been forgotten, implying either an extremely limited crew a restricted automation system. Poorly lit with a forgotten building field to it the SG teams were still impressed with the surroundings.

“You know with some natural light, a little more colour this place could move all the way up to drab. Though the floating disco ball adds a bit of class to the place. Is that the same one from the near the Stargate.” Looking up at the glowing ball split into quarters silently hanging over them

“I believe it is Colonel Malley” Teal’c observed.

“Well that means someone, or I am hesitant to say it something, knows we are here.”

The device began to hum getting louder and higher pitched, with the lines dividing it beginning to glow slightly.

“I do not think it is wise to be here Malley.”

“Got to agree with you Teal’c. Let’s start falling back, and bring back a bit more power before we start exploring this bit.” The pitch suddenly increased from the device to an almost painful level as SG-1 retreated toward the Stargate.

“Bug out, repeat bug out. SG-24 spin up the Stargate, SG-13 double time it back to the Stargate. It gets a lock everyone heads straight through no waiting.” Before SG-1 could get a responds an energy pulse was emitted dropping them to the ground unconscious.

Abydos Communication Room/TFB ORIGIN Communication Room

“Colonel Malley called for the withdrawal, I dialed the Stargate and my team and SG-13 got through. Sir we must to go back for them, retrieve SG-1.” Oberst Jaeger recited through the Goa’uld long rang communication device to General Sheridan at TFB ORIGIN.

“Agreed, Oberst. Prepare an additional 5 SG teams above you team and SG-13 for immediate travel. Also ask the Abydonian council to deploy the 3rd militia to reinforce the 2nd at the Stargate and to backstop your efforts by preparing for a potential withdrawal under fire conditions. Your team and SG-13 will be leading the retrieval mission. Is there anything you need from HOMEPLATE?”

“No Sir.”

“Then I will leave you to your preparation. I expect a report in two hours of SG-1 being successfully retrieved. TFB ORIGIN out.”

“It’s always SG-1. I need locator beacons on them.” General Sheridan muttered as he left the communication room to begin the paper pile quickly growing into a mountain on his desk.

PX-0312-97 CODENAME HAIL

The Stargate on HAIL was active but nothing had come through for the 10 minutes. While no one was around to see it, the situation was curious until 10 small objects were launched through, spreading out as they traveled. 4 hit nearby walls and began falling to the ground as all 10 modified shock grenades fired, flooding the near Stargate area with light and sound. If anyone had been in the area to observe, and had somehow stayed conscious would have seen the flood of SGC personnel leaving the Stargate and securing the area.

Oberst Jaeger, after stepping through the Stargate immediately fired upon the hovering orb he had seen his first time on HAIL. Taking 3 pulse rifle blasts to bring down the orb lazily fell to the ground behind a nearby machine, not exploding but crashing violently.

“SG-23 will stay at the Stargate. Anything moves; shoot it with the zat’nik tel. If it moves again; the pulse rifle. Shock grenades can be used to clear rooms but call the grenade over the radio beforehand. Since this might be a misunderstanding or automated response that SG-1 triggered no pillaging. Let us not upset the locals anymore than we have two, move out.” Oberst Jaeger called out. While new to the Stargate in general, Jaeger had years of counter terrorism experience and being a veteran of Operation Libelle only 3 months earlier.

With each team spreading out on its own separate path through the facility it did not take long to scour the large section. No team encountered resistance or even a reason to use their shock grenade. With the exception of Oberst Jaeger’s first shot, not a single pulse rifle had been used.

“SG-1 located. All members accounted for but unconscious.” Lieutenant Quentin Ryan called out through the radio, finding SG-1 laying on beds in a laboratory.

Bring them back to the stargate. Remaining teams begin pulling back and meeting up with SG-9 for protection. Oberst Jaeger responded through the radio, glad to hear that the mission objective had been found and nothing else strange had happened in his only third trip through the Stargate.

Abydos Stargate Facility
Several Hours Later

UNSCHEDULED STARGATE ACTIVATION

“Who do we have off-world?” Colonel Malley asked having run from the medical facility where he currently was to be off-duty and under observation.

“SG-2, 7 and 15 are doing reconnaissance on a world controlled by Amaterasu, PX-0127-95 codename HEALY. Other than that, all other teams are either at HOMEPLATE, ABYDOS or ARK.” The duty officer reported to the Colonel without taking his eyes off the computer screen

“Navy boys getting some ground time?”

“All ships with the exception of the TNS FALLBACK are in port. And the FALLBACK reported everything normal at its last check in and crew change. I have passed along word to poll FALLBACK about their status, but they should be on track to pick up the Stargate and the Tollans in 5 months. Receiving IFF…. Its SG-1.”

“Crap whoever gave us the flashy lights treatment is using our codes.”

“No Sir, whoever is using it know your personal IFF and is transmitting with the proper format. They are even broadcasting the code for being potentially compromised.”

“Alright alert the militias and give the signal to proceed to whoever has our code. They put that much effort into getting here might as well give them the courtesy of a face to face meeting. Though alert TFB ORIGIN and prepare TORCHED EARTH procedures. I’m going to meet our visitors.” Colonel Malley said leaving the Stargate control room with his pulse rifle to reinforce the Stargate. Meeting up with Teal’c, Lee and York on the way in, SG-1 arrived just as SG-1 was walking through the Stargate.

Abydos Holding Cell

“It’s always something new isn’t it?” York commented looking around the inside of the holding cell where the most recent SG-1 to arrive was being held.

“Question is why are we the imposter in their mind. I know it’s me, what make him anymore me than…me.” Colonel Malley ranted.

“I believe a Tau’ri phrase ‘first to arrive, first to be granted service’ is best to describe this.” Teal’c said “After we have been examined I have little doubt that we shall be found as genuine.”

“Wouldn’t count on the Teal’c” The other Colonel Malley stated walking into the observation room adjacent to the holding cell.

“You guys are looking more and more like the wrong side of the mirror group. Do you know that you were are all over 15% heavier than when SG-1 left. That kind of tipped them off that you guys are the real SG-1. They did a little bit of non-invasive examination are found out how you are fakes. Question is who are you really, and why did you want to intimate my team.” Colonel Malley explained rather bluntly to the dumbfounded faces of the fake SG-1.

“Listen doppelganger. I am Colonel Brandon Malley of SG-1. We just came back from our mission to PX-0312-97. Sure we are overdue a bit especially considering the bugout order, but that was Harlan and his damn strobe lights. But we are not the copies in this, you are.”

“Harlan?”

“Yeah the creepy, overly happy guy on 312, he was the one that shocked us and knocked us out. Probably also made you guys as well.”

“Doubt it; I am made of flesh and bone. Can you say the same without lying?”

Before the jailed Colonel Malley could provide his response an agitated Teal’c made a burst for the window separating the two rooms. Smashing through the window Teal’c charged at Malley only to be brought down by a hail of plasma bolts from quick drawn pulse rifles. Three hit Teal’c squarely in the chest stopping his forward charge, with the next 2 streaking and blowing off his right arm. As his body dropped to the ground sparks began flying from Teal’c chest and arms. Looking over the robot Teal’c to the stunned remaining member of the fake SG-1, Colonel Malley couldn’t bring himself to say what everyone now realized to be true. Lieutenant Lee broke the silence for everyone.

“We’re robot. Harlan made robot versions of us.”

“Yep. Question is what to do with you.” York said kneeling down to examine the remains of the android Teal’c. “They are really advance sir, sound like they have our exact memories, mannerisms, everything. They are us, meaning they should be just as trust worthy.”

“But how do you explain berserker Teal’c.”

“1 out of 4 ain’t bad. Maybe the process doesn’t work as well on Jaffa as it does on humans. I think we need to talk to this Harlan, with them.”

“Harlan did say we would be back. He knew.” Android Lee said.

The meeting with Harlan had not gone well. The android SG-1 were furious for Harlan’s actions even with his non-malicious intentions. Offering to make another Teal’c for the one destroyed did not help the situation at all. Evidentially calmer minds and circuit boards were prevailed after Harlan convinced the York’s that their minds were identical. In the end the decision was easy, the Commonwealth could not permit such technology to fall into Goa’uld hands, meaning a continual presence on Altair was needed. The robot SG-1 would have command of the defence and scientific detachment on Altair, providing an additional base to deploy or an additional fallback point should Earth fall.

Chapter 32- Invitation, Confrontation and Immigration

July 14, 1997
SGC Briefing Room

“We have the sarcophagus.” General Sheridan stated flatly beginning the per-mission briefing for the SG teams assigned to the current mission.

With the influx of personnel from the newest informed countries the SGC was moving to a more aggressive stance. Planning was already under way for raids to planets only visited on reconnaissance to this point. Priority was on weaponry to finish the Global Howitzer Cannon network and Ring transporters for the Underpass network.

“What? We got it off the wacky archeologist?” Colonel Malley asked, surprised that a scientist, even one discredited one, would give up such an obviously advance and stunning artifact. Both from a scientific and cultural standpoint.

“That ‘wacky’ archeologist will be coming through the base and leaving in the same transit with the teams assembled here for a 6 month dig on Abydos. He and his fiancée were quite enthralled by some of the trinkets brought back by the SGC from Abydos and were willing to sign as many confidentially agreements as necessary to get a look at the dig site. Didn’t hurt that our British colleagues played the ‘for queen and country’ card with his fiancée.”

“So we have the ultimate fixer upper machine. Now I don’t feel so worried about missions.”

“We won’t be using the sarcophagus any time soon Colonel. Any technology that far powerful and messing around with something as fundamental as life can’t be a simple take off the saran wrap and get to the healing. Baby steps, we don’t want to render people sterile or worse.”

“Point.”

“Now, onto the briefing. Approximately 1 hour ago SG-9 came back through the Stargate. They were the Stargate team for the recon mission to PX-0008-96 codename GABORONE claimed by a minor Goa’uld named Camaxtli, a once powerful Goa’uld lost most of his planets in a massive galaxy wide attack 700 or so years. SG-9 was monitoring the Stargate with SG-3 and 6 were off monitoring the slave mine on the planet. SG-9 retreated back through the Stargate when Lieutenant McGunniess of SG-6 report that SG-3 had been taken captive by the Jaffa on the planet. SG-6 is still on the”

“Ha!” Colonel Malley said standing up and pointing around the room at the assembled team leaders “I told you it wasn’t just my team… Sorry, continue General” Colonel Malley sat back down slightly embarrassed at his outburst.

“As I was saying, SG-6 is still on the planet and monitoring the whereabouts of SG-3. The SG teams assembled here will follow SG-9 back to the planet and eliminate all opposition and retrieve SG-3. Camaxtli is a bit of a recluse and hasn’t been seen in 700 years since he got pushed out of the big league and started serving Acolnahuacatl. All that is known is he regularly sends his tribute through the Stargate. Acolnahuacatl seems not to mind as long as the Naqahdah keeps coming so no one will probably notice that anything is amiss until the next shipment is not delivered. Unfortunately the planet in question is on the other side of the galaxy so no ships of the 1st Monitor Flotilla can be in range in time. The mission deploys to Abydos in 15 minutes with and from there to GABORONE. Dismissed.”

PX-0008-96 CODENAME GABORONE

“SG-6, this is SG-1, come in SG-6.” Colonel Malley whispered into his radio as the Stargate disengaged after the last APC unit had come through on its wheels. The surrounding forest would limit its anti-air abilities but would also hamper any deathglider strafing runs.

SG-1, this is SG-6, authenticate Foxtrot Uniform. came the call over the radio from Lieutenant Sarah McGuinness for SG-6.

“Always the wise girl” Malley grumbled pressing down on the broadcast button. While the chances that the Goa’uld would even think about simple radio waves for communication were remote and the chance of penetration of the network even more so, proper security had to be maintained “authentication Alpha Hotel. Now what is the situation with SG-3?”

They are being held in a large Pyramid about 2 kilometers from the Stargate. So far we have seen about 150 Jaffa, and nothing in the air. No Gliders, no Al’kesh, nothing. Where are you?”

“We are about 500 meters dues west of the Stargate, holding position with SG-9, 12, 15 and 21. We also brought 4 Intar rifles and a pair of thumpers. Tell us where to meet you and we will get the decorations ready for this party.”

There is a double ridge that overlooks the Pyramid on the east side. Loop around the Stargate and we will meet there. It’s got a good line of fire for the snipers and the thumpers can take the ridge below it, though I doubt we will use them. Behind the ridge is a river valley that we can stash the APCs. I have two of my team looking for additional entrances to the pyramid right now.

“Understood we will be at the rendezvous in 1 hour. SG-1 out.”

Rendezvous Point

The rendezvous point was ideally situated, overlooking the pyramid and the mining shaft underneath. With only one apparent entrance the pyramid made for a formidable defensive position for a properly trained force, which the Jaffa were not. With darkness still a few hours away the missions the SG teams had a short time to rest before assaulting the pyramid. By the time SG-1, 6, 9 and 12 began to creep towards the entrance 8 hours had passed.

“Lieutenant Ryan, take point with your team and get us to the entrance, minimal exposure.” Colonel Malley said to the darkened faces of the SG-9 team lead.

Everyone was ready for action, with face darkened and combat loads removed, leaving each SG member with only there fighting load. Because of the simplified logistics of the mk. 2 pulse rifle this made for a fast and agile heavy assault force.

“Yes, Sir.”

Slipping away from the ridge under the guidance of SG-9 and under the watchful eyes of SG-15 and 21 manning Intar equipped snipers and the scanning thumper teams, the 4 SG teams began making their way to the pyramid. Working their way carefully to avoid miss steps and Jaffa patrols, it took almost 45 minutes to get within 50 meters of the entrance undetected. With most Jaffa being tasked to guard only 2 were at the entrance to the pyramid.

“Angels, the mongooses are in positions. Do you have clear lines on the boulders in the rabbit hole?” Lieutenant Ryan asked over the radio, after leading the assault teams as close as here dared.

Two boulders are ready for removal. Please advise if there is anything more.

“Only two in the rabbit hole. Please remove from the rabbit hole the boulders in 5 seconds.”

Acknowledged. Boulders being kicked out in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, kick

The Intar sniper was a vast improvement on the pulse rifle and the zat’nik tel for precision and stealth but was still not a silent weapon by Earth standards. The bright red rounds of the two Intar rounds emitted a soft whistle as they raced toward their intended targets of the Jaffa covering the doorway. As the Jaffa dropped the SG teams in the assault raced to hide them while SG-15 and 21 waited and scanned to see if the assault had been blown.

While the mission could still succeed without stealth the chances of retrieving SG-3 alive fell dramatically. The threat to Earth would be eliminated as would SG-3, a draw at best. Luck was with the mission and it appeared the shots from the snipers on the ridge had not alerted anyone. The assaulting team quickly got the fallen guards away from the door and further into the pyramid.

“SG-9 you stay at the entrance and zat anyone trying to enter or leave the pyramid. We will fan out and try to find SG-3. Angels sing out if you notice anyone heading towards the pyramid and if it looks bad, start sniping anyone with a weapon.” Colonel Malley said over the radio as he waved the 3 remaining teams down two different hallways.

SG-1 took the hallway most likely to lead to the command, to find Camaxtli, with SG-6 and 12 going down to where prisoners should be held according to Teal’c’s description of the likely layout of the pyramid. Hoping that such a minor Goa’uld would not have the personal defensives, the SGC was looking at capturing at Goa’uld alive and interrogating it for technology and strategic intelligence.

Shit we have a situation, these aren’t Jaffa.

“Care to explain.” A mildly interested York asked over the radio, still looking for threats down the hallway leading to the

They don’t have a symbiote in their guts. They don’t even have the place to put one. These aren’t Jaffa they are humans.

“Well Camaxtli has been holed up on this planet for 700 years. If he didn’t have access to immature symbiotes then all the Jaffa would have died off like 650 years ago tops as the symbiotes matured. He would have started training a legion of humans to maintain his power over the slaves. Makes no difference, they resist they deserve the mk. 2.” York stated flatly.

“York is correct.” Teal’c said entering the conversation “A combatant for the Goa’uld will strike at us regardless if they are human or Jaffa.”

Hate to break into the debate but it going to get hot out here. called out one of the overseeing angels on the ridge We have combatants milling around on the over side of the canyon, looks like they are waiting from someone from the pyramid. Colonel please advise how you want to proceed.

“They make a move to the pyramid you take them down with the long guns. Thumpers start pouring fire into the mouth of the mine to keep anyone in there bottled up. We’re almost at the command center and I think the rescue teams are close their objective.”

Actually sir Lieutenant McGuinness interrupted We have SG-3 with us. Two human guards taken down, no friendly casualties. SG-3 is in rough shape, but nothing life threatening.

“Alright, let’s try for the Goa’uld without alerting the force outside… or inside.” Colonel Malley said as a human in Jaffa armour rounded the corner and saw SG-1 at the corner.

“Kree.”

“Ahh fuck, you had to jinx it sir.” York said as she quickly raised he pulse rifle to place two shots in the chest of the alerted guard. The shots echoed in the closed confines of the pyramid.

Realizing that there secrecy was now blown SG-1 ran towards the command center to capture the Goa’uld Camaxtli, and have a better defensive position. The remaining teams had more than enough fire power and defensive position to hold indefinitely against the forces against them.

“Angels the jig is up. Start swatting the flies outside. SG-1 is going in for Camaxtli, get SG-3 out of here and regroup at the ridge.”

A chorus of acknowledgments followed Colonel Malley’s order as SG-1 neared the entrance to the command center. Even this far in the pyramid the sounds of the battle could be heard. Massed staff weapon firing with the return fire of the highly accurate Intar rifles. The constant stream of plasma rounds from the thumpers kept a solid wall of denial fire in front of the mine shaft entrance sealing any reinforcements in and keeping the human slaves contained and out of harm’s way. With the thumpers set to auto fire every second the remaining teams could focus on the dwindling number of enemy combatants outside the mine and pyramid.

With so much firepower being delivered from the ridge it was understandable that the humans in Jaffa armour would forget about the pyramid where SG-6, 9 and 12 covered the injured SG-3 as they ran for cover. Once back with the over watching teams medical help to be given and the remaining faux Jaffa could be dealt with, while SG-1 entered and secured the Goa’uld Camaxtli.

“Sir, we don’t even know what Camaxtli looks like.” Lieutenant Lee stated waiting for the signal from Colonel Malley to breach the door.

“I think it will be obvious. But when in doubt use the zat. Ready?”

Nods from all the members of SG-1 were given, as York used the door controls to cracked the door open enough for a shock grenade to be rolled through.”

“Look away!!!!!” York yelled as the shock grenade detonated blinding anyone within the command center not protected. Rushing in after the detonation SG-1 quickly cleared the room of its one unconscious occupant, a young woman.

“So where is Camaxtli, we have his more than likely main squeeze, you think he would be…whoa, never mind I think we found him” York said raising her pulse rifle as a hidden sarcophagus began sliding out of the wall.

An old man began rising out of the sarcophagus and surveying his surroundings. His glaze fell on Teal’c, his mouth moving to begin to speak when he was zatted by a quick firing Lieutenant Lee.

“I guess we will have to wait until he wakes up the question him. And you are carrying him back to the Stargate Lee.” Colonel Malley said annoyed that he hadn’t been able to question the man on his identity but understanding Lee’s position of shoot first and question later, a tactic that worked quite well with zat guns.

Sir, the enemy is in retreat into the forest, estimated numbers of only 25 combat capable.

“Excellent work, now let up on the fire with the thumpers and get some teams with shock grenade launchers to the mouth of the mine. Clear the mine of combatants and separate the slave humans from the fake Jaffa. Have the other teams strip the enemy of weapons and armour and tie them up. If SG-3 is in good standing they can help, if not send them through the Stargate with the APC units. We obviously didn’t need them.”

Yes Sir, what should we do with the humans that were used as slaves?

“Give them the choice, they can resettle on Abydos with the Abydonians or they can strike out on their own, I bet they come with us back to Abydos. Probably have enough volunteers to raise another militia if the Elders want to. While we get another sarcophagus and a captured Goa’uld to bring home, spoils of war and all that.”

CNN REPORT

The State of Israel has taken the unprecedented step of declaring a unilateral ceasefire and declaration of peace calling on Palestinian militia to also honor the agreement. Calling for renewed negotiations to commence with the aim of ‘an agreeable solution for Israel and the people of Palestine’. It is believed that Israel will concede the west banks and the Gaza Strip while retain control over the Golan Heights. Experts see joint control and monitoring of the holy sites in Jerusalem as a possible solution to the tensions brought by the control of Temple Mount and other holy sites.

Chapter 33- New Capabilities, New Settlement

August, 7th 1997
Low Abydos Orbit

“You know I tried to get into the Canadian Space program?” Colonel Malley said absently as he stared out from the window of the newest Tel’tak captured from the Goa’uld, christened TNS GIBRALTAR, to Abydos below it vast main desert stretching out over the horizon.

“What stopped you?” York asked.

“The Program only wants the fly boys; it sees nothing of value coming from a ground pounder like me. I guess I got the final laugh, I have been in space more times than any other Canadian officially has. How about you York? You try for space before going through the Stargate? You obviously got the smarts for it.”

“Before I was assigned to CFB ORIGIN, I was just happy to still be in the military. I had some problems before that didn’t exactly make me the stunning diplomatic example of Canada to the world.”

“There’s a story for over a few beers there somewhere. Anyway, guess its time to get paid huh? Lee this was your brainchild you get to explain all the other teams we tricked into coming up here.” Colonel Malley said looking at the 4 other teams packed into the cargo area of the Tel’tak.

“Yes, sir. When I joined the Stargate program we had identified different types of defences; core defence and shell defence. Core defence worlds leave the Stargate basically unguarded and focus all their defences around the vital area of protection. Most of our missions have been hitting core defence worlds. These worlds are easier to establish a hold on, and then our superior training and tactics beat the crap out of this condensed defence. Problem is most of the easy worlds have been hit already and we need to wait a few years before hitting them again. But we still need equipment, supplies and so forth. That means shell defence worlds.

Small shell defence worlds work on putting everything around the Stargate and locking it up tight. The idea is that small raids come through the Stargate can be stopped dead and anything coming by ship is too big for the garrison to defend against anyway so why bother. Defences around the Stargate are too strong to breach without massive casualties, something a secret program cannot afford. We currently use one of the four Tel’taks, TNS MOMENTUM, INERTIA, NETWON’S LAW or CONSERVATION in the 1st Monitor Flotilla to flatten these defences but that leaves a very distinct and very un-Goa’uld marker, something we want to limit.

The Terran Space Command has 3 other operational Tel’taks so a space assault is possible, but slow when you think of the time it takes to come out of hyperspace, decelerate, land and organize, regardless of the fact a Tel’tak landing is very obvious. The element of surprise is loss. We are going to try another method today; orbital assault drops, OADs.” Lieutenant Lee said pausing for the realization of what he said to sink in. Getting no resistance or objections Lee continued with his briefing

“From our 8 captured Tel’taks and 1 Al’kesh we have captured we have enough escape pods to land 40 SG members. With 4 launchers per Tel’tak we figure 2 ships can launch the full spread of 10 SG teams in 20 seconds. Now Teal’c says that with the inertial dampeners the escape pods and occupants can survive a full speed reentry. We have tried it with mannequins and it seems to work out but today we are going to try a full practice assault with real soldiers, namely the SG teams here.”

“Question?” Lieutenant Stewart of SG-3 said “Why don’t we just fly in and use rings?”

“Because they are an obvious entry point, we cannot guarantee they will not be guarded and some planets do not have rings. With OADs we should be able to get more feet on the ground in a quicker and more flexible manner. A proper full blown assault will utilize the Stargate, ring transporters and an OAD to completely envelop the target and overwhelm in short order. Also the escape pods are harder to track so small teams can hopefully be inserted without arousing suspicion. These small team can either be used for recon or to build up for a larger attack over multiple drops.”

Displaying a recent shot of Abydos with the Stargate visible Lieutenant Lee began his mission briefing.

“On Abydos we have moved the Stargate out into the open to simulate a Goa’uld operated world and placed the 4th and 5th Abydonian militias around guarding it with unmodified Intars. These 2 militias number 90 individuals and are the closest to Jaffa level training we have, though they are still better trained than your average Jaffa. We have told them to expect an assault on their positions around the Stargate within a week of their deployment but have not explicitly said it was through the Stargate, they have just assumed it is. SG-1 will lead with each consecutive team following as quickly as they can be loaded into the launch tubes. Mission objective is to improve timing of launches and to determine if an assault done through an OAD can be effective. We really do not need to attack the militias but we might as give them a little experience lesson. Drop in 2 minutes, everyone to their pods.”

Walking to their assigned pods already in their launch tubes Teal’c and Malley looked at each other as they entered their pods.

“So you have done this before right Teal’c. It’s easy.”

“I have done this before on a few occasional, Colonel Malley. It is safe but I would not call it easy.”

“Ahh thank you for the clarification. Alright let’s seal it up.”

Sealed up in their individual escape pods SG-1 listened to the countdown for mission go. With the inertial dampeners active, only a small jolt accompanied the launch as the first salvo of pods containing SG-1 raced towards the surface of Abydos and the unaware militias guarding the Stargate. SG-1 was just entering the atmosphere when the last set of pods containing SG-3 left the launch tubes, total elapsed time 23 seconds.

With inertia dampeners hitting the upper atmosphere in the escape pod didn’t have the 15 G’s concussive force it usually would have but a mild 1.3 G’s continuous shaking effect. Annoying, but less strenuous than the force felt by a parachutist when deploying their parachute. The 3 G ground impact was felt only for an instance but with the escape pod rigged to open 1 second after impact SG-1 was out and looking for targets within 2 seconds of landing and the full 5 teams where down within 2 minutes if SG-1 launch.

Landing within a 500 meter radius because of the rudimentary controls of the escape pod and 4 kilometers from the guarded Stargate the mock assault team began the assault on the militia’s position. 30 minutes later the teams had gotten to within shooting distance of the unaware militia’s guarding the Stargate. It was obvious that if not looking out for it, an OAD drop was not a noticeable event unless it happened right on the militia’s position. While still within an arm’s distance of their weapons the obvious multiple day wait was beginning to dull the senses of the militia. Taking a few pictures to prove their unmonitored and unnoticed assault, the 5 SG- teams set up for the upcoming turkey shoot, with all members carrying Intar rifles.

“Give them a sporting chance, sir?” York asked looking at the bored Abydonians guarding the Stargate.

“Might as well, we’ve proven what we need to, make the collect call corporal.”

Bringing out the small Goa’uld long range communication device Corporal York connected with the similar device kept in TFB ORIGIN.

“HOMEPLATE, this is Starship Troopers, request a salesman to ring the door in zero two minutes and to walk through in zero eight minutes to see the merchandise. Please acknowledge.”

Acknowledged Starship Troopers, door bell in zero two minutes. Mark

“Thank you HOMEPLATE.”

At exactly 2 minutes the Stargate began activating with the 3rd and 4th militia’s quickly grabbing their weapons and racing into covering positions behind concrete dividers from Earth. They were perfectly deployed for an attack coming from the Stargate before the final chevron activated, a credit to their training. The 3rd and 4th were ready for the attack from the Stargate, an attack that would never materialize.

“It feels almost like cheating, sir.” York commented as she lined up her Intar rifle on a soldier from the 3rd.

“You ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying. Remember that, York the only fair fight should be in sports and movie theatres. SG teams fire as you see them, minimal force. No need to hurt the Abydonians.” Colonel Malley commented taking his own advice and beginning to pick off the militia’s one soldier at a time.

Original odds had 90 militia soldiers in defensive position been attacked by 20 SG personnel. Forty of the militias numbers were struck and rendered combat ineffective before the remainder could adjust for fire behind them and take up position on the other side of the concrete barriers. Even with the quick thinking of the remaining members the morale another fifteen were hit before the first SG member was hit, a lucky hit from that distance for the only new constituted 4th militia. Slowly the SG teams whittled the militia’s strength to parity, with the remainder taken by a sweep by 3 SG teams while the remainder kept the heads of the militia soldiers down. Total ‘casualties’ on the side of the SG team were two, 90 for the militia all within a 5 minute battle.

Radioing through the Stargate to confirm the mission objective Colonel Malley reported a successful training exercise while the remaining SG team members began tending to the ‘dead’.

“GENERAL!!” Colonel Malley said snapping to attention as General Sheridan stepped through the Stargate.

“At ease Colonel, I wanted to step out for a bit and figured your gloat session here would be a good as any reason. How did the militias do?” General Sheridan said seeing the militia’s commanding officers approaching.

“Tarak here has taught discipline, tactics and courage to his men, but today we taught them humility.” Colonel Malley said to the commander of the 3rd militia. “Your men fought well Tarak, but need to improve their reaction time to the unexpected before going up against the false Gods and their foot soldiers. Though I can easily admit you reacted better than any Jaffa unit I have ever encountered.”

“Thank you Colonel. My men do ask for a second battle, to win back some honour.” Tarak said obliviously still groggy from the effects of the Intar.

“Honour can never be lost in training, only experience gained.” General Sheridan said feeling the need to encourage the Abydonian.

“Very Zen of you General.” Colonel Malley quipped, smirking little bit at the simple morale speech General Sheridan had pulled off.

“Yes, yes it was. On to other matter, the Council has approved the next step of Operation Big Jaffa. I need SG-1 ready to deploy to Chulak in 1 hour. Now since I am going to ‘show the flag’ and meet with the Abydonian Council.”

“Yes, Sir. SG-1 will have feet on Chulak in 1 hour.”

PX-0054-94 CODENAME AUTHOR
Planetary Name: Chulak

The regular meeting place between Teal’c and Master Bra’tac was far enough from both the Stargate and the settlement that it took an hour for Bra’tac to walk it from the village after noticing the subtle signs that a meeting was being requested.

“Master Bra’tac.” Teal’c said formally to his teacher, mentor and still closest friend.

“Teal’c, was our meeting not scheduled for another 4 days? I feel my mind must be fading at 135 years old.”

“It was Master Bra’tac. But news warranted the change. For over 2 years I have been fighting for the freedom of our people and all people of this galaxy from the Goa’uld. For 2 years I have been meeting with you in secret, while our allies watch and observe from the Shadows. Today they shadows and meet with you. May I present Colonel Malley, Lieutenant Lee and Master Corporal York.” Teal’c said as Malley, Lee and York slid into view from their hiding places, pulse rifles at their sides but clearly visible.

“These humans are the people you have been with for the last 2 years Teal’c. I must wonder how they can challenge the False Gods better than the Jaffa can. Humans have been worn down too far by years of Goa’uld rule.”

“Hey, I don’t see huge number of allies jumping out at you, you can’t be choosy.” York said annoyed that Bra’tac was thinking of turning down help.

“These humans have not been under the Goa’uld rule since the time of the mythical Sodan, They bring fresh fire and ideas to the fight against the Goa’uld. They also gift to the Free Jaffa Nation, a planet unknown to the Goa’uld and a source of symbiotes we are to control.”

The final comment stopped Master Bra’tac short in his slow pacing. The implication of that statement to the balance of power in the galaxy was staggering for Bra’tac.

“They have a source of symbiotes?”

“They will soon have bodies of water teeming with them, bred specifically for the Free Jaffa Nations use. They will teach us how to farm them to use the Goa’uld as the Goa’uld have used us for so long. Enough to support many thousands Jaffa.”

“Which brings up the point of the meeting Bra’tac. How many Jaffa can you use shuffle out and into this new world?” Colonel Malley said staring at the old Jaffa.

“I have 50 warriors that in confidence are ready at this moment to take the first step towards freedom. Half of their numbers bring family members making for a community of close to 120 Jaffa. Teal’c I have not asked explicitly but I assume that Drey’auc and Rya’c shall also be making the journey.”

“My thanks Master Bra’tac.” Teal’c said grateful to hear that the Bra’tac saw the flame of doubt in Rya’c and Drey’auc.

“That’s a lot of people to be lifting from one world so quickly Bra’tac. Won’t Apophis and his new first prime be suspicious?” York asked.

“Normally yes, but Apophis has become obsessed with defeating the forces of Ra, specifically on the planet Abydos where he was humiliated by them. He is taking risks to position his forces for strikes against Ra’s domain and ignoring all over areas of his empire. I fear he might be reaching too quickly, taking territory in months which traditionally took decades heedless of the cost.

I have also withdrawn more from Apophis directly and shifted my role to teacher for the young Jaffa on Chulak; Apophis has forgotten about me but his new first prime has not. He seeks my consul from time to time but is still awed by my position to question anything I do; while this will eventually pass I have used it to best advantage.” Bra’tac said noticing the slight apprehension that SG-1 had when the discussion of Abydos was mentioned.

“You know of Abydos?” Bra’tac asked knowing the answer already.

“We have a vested and long term interest in keeping Abydos out of Apophis’s hand and maintaining the status quo on the planet.” Colonel Malley said seeing no reason to deny their interest but delivering the half truth of how involved the SGC was for operational security. Only Earth was a more closely guarded planet by the SGC.

“What will you be bringing and what do you need?” Lee asked trying to steer the conversation away from delicate subjects.

“I have a single Tel’tak that will not be missed and personal supplies for the Jaffa warriors. I can acquire enough building material for a small settlement my largest concern is food for our developing settlement and Nation in the short term at least.”

“I think we can help there. Cattle, wheat, corn, though the planet we found for you has plenty of game and fruits.” Lee said

“Then the time is right for the Jaffa of the galaxy to begin our quest for freedom. The days of the Goa’uld will be counted down from today.”

BBC Special Report

The Army recently conducted a simulated quarantine mad cow outbreak and containment in the county of Wiltshire. An estimated 70 bought cows, both dairy and beef varieties, were rounded up and destroyed to give experience in the large scale disposal of contaminated beef and effective quarantine procedures. A spokesman for the Armed forces said such ‘preventive measures simulation’ would help to limit future outbreak should any arise.

Chapter 34- Planet side News and ground work

September, 15, 1997
TFB ORIGIN

“Are you people insane, or just…. Well insane.” Agent Smith yelled at the Israeli ‘observer’ after being informed after the unilateral action MOSSAD had taken in connection to the Terran Commonwealth and the Stargate.

“Intelligence was available showing the potential security risk to operations and the strategic advantage that the Stargate represents. MOSSAD undertook the operation in following the spirit of Article 3 of the Terran Commonwealth Intelligence Agreement.” Avi Shalit calmly announced.

The Terran Commonwealth Intelligence Agreement was structured to eventually amalgamate the various intelligence agencies into Terran Intelligence through a future Terran Commonwealth Intelligence Act. While the agreement didn’t stop the various member countries from spying on other nations of Earth or even on each other, it did stipulate that all intelligence was shared. This caused the unique situation of having paid agents, informants, and intelligence officers reporting on already known information from supposed enemy nations. It was deemed too big a risk stop operations in member countries, since it would look suspicion to any other intelligence agency.

With how many countries were involved and the extensiveness of each individual county’s intelligence networks the Terran Commonwealth had a vast source of on earth intelligence. In fact the countries had so many intelligence assets that the Commonwealth knew of multiple intelligence operations happening in the commonwealth countries by non-members. The problem became stopping these operations from getting sensitive material while keeping other sides in the dark of the truly sensitive information of the Stargate.

The operational security and complexity was an order of magnitude above the efforts against the axis powers in world war two. The problem arose when a member country used intelligence received from a non-Commonwealth country for its own uses.

“They are a sovereign nation that you have effectively pick pocketed from. A country I might add that is over 700 times the size of Israel and has almost more nuclear weapons than you have rifles, AND it wasn’t your intelligence to act on. You don’t think that the situation was being monitored? What would they have been able to achieve, they have no frame of reference, hell they don’t even know what they DO have. It was not a necessary move to make by MOSSAD.”

“Regardless, it has happened and the repercussions have been non-existent.”

“Yes, this time. The point is that it as an unnecessary risk.” Agent Smith said walking away from the Israeli, and actually looking forward to questioning of the two sarcophagus addicted human from PX-0008-96.

PX-0208-96 CODENAME OPERATOR

“The performance of the vessel has suffered greatly Colonel Malley.” Teal’c commented piloting the modified Tel’tak above the planet used to search for Stargates close to earth. The TNS Empirical Data usual assignment was the mapping of the solar system for future development but was assigned for any necessary science experiment because of its additional sensors.

“Teal’c you have a 29 tonne piece of metal clamped onto your undercarriage, it’s not going to fly like a glider. York, tell the egg heads both here and at HOMEPLATE we are in position and ready.”

“Yes Sir.” York nodded activating the Goa’uld long range communication device and the radio to connect with both the Research base on the planet and TFB ORIGIN.

“TFB ORIGIN, this is TNS Empirical Data. We are in position and ready for the beginning of trials, starting with operation PROXIMITY.”

Roger Data, proceeding with PROXIMITY trial one.

With the Stargate clamped on the underside of the Tel’tak and the dialing pedestal located inside the cargo area of the ship and not currently connected, SG-1 could not observe any of the proceedings and waited for confirmation by either the SGC or the research base on the planet. SG-1 only had the video feed from the planet to monitor the Stargate on the surface.

We have a stable connection. Please advise endpoint. The lead scientist on the project at TFB ORIGIN said.

“It’s not ending on the ship. Wormhole termination on planetside Stargate. Disengage and proceed to confirmation step.”

The video feed showed the Stargate disengaging and the scientist disconnecting the dialing pedestal. York quickly connected the pedestal located in the cargo hold to the Stargate and the second trial activation occurred with the wormhole terminating on the ship based Stargate.

“Trials confirm, pedestal Stargate takes priority. Proceed with trial three.”

Trial three and four had either both pedestals connected or disconnected to the Stargate, each trial resulting in the wormhole terminating on the planetside Stargate. These trials were done with multiple runs to account for which Stargate and been most recently on with the end result being the planetside Stargate would always become the default Stargate when either both or neither the Stargates were connected to a dialing pedestal.

“Trials suggest depth of gravity well or some other planetary constant influences end location of wormhole.” Teal’c stated

“Agreed, we might be able to influence it by changing the level of artificial gravity on the Tel’tak, but I doubt it. The Tel’tak fakes gravity, that planet has gravity. If we want to change the priority we are going to need to change the coding governing the Stargates. The actual hardware coding in the Stargate itself, not just the dialing pedestal, so this means the OPEN SOURCE Project has another and more practical application. Hopefully we will need to just modify the Stargate we want to connect to. Proceeding with dual use trials.” York concluded.

The dual use trials quickly showed that two Stargates could not be active at one Stargate address regardless of whether the wormholes were inbound, outbound or both. Another apparent safety feature of the Stargate network.

“The people who built the Stargates really made a nice piece of crippleware.” York muttered as she watched the screen showing the Stargate on the planet shake as it tried to establish a connection with another Stargate.

“Alright, I have seen enough unsuccessful attempts at connections; let’s move onto the RANGE operation.” Colonel Malley said hoping to finish the testing to get back to the real work of fighting the Goa’uld.

Range was to be the slowest set of trials requiring an estimated 16 hours to complete. With the dialing pedestal connected to the Tel’tak based Stargate and the planetside pedestal disconnected Stargate covered to prevent a wormhole from forming, Empirical Data would make 1000 AU jumps through hyperspace and have the SGC dial at each stop. When the Stargate failed to connected the Tel’tak would jump backwards in 100 AU intervals until a connection was reestablished. A final set of jumps forward by 10 AU every time would provide a required level of accuracy. This would help establish a limit in space for each individual Stargate address and give an upper limit on how close Stargates could normally operate. A betting pool within the SGC had the limit at anywhere from 1 to 2.5 light-years.

“HOMPLATE, this is Empirical Data. We are in position for 1000 AU test.” York stated over the communication device.

Roger Data. Dialing now. The technician at TFB ORIGIN said continuing to count out the chevrons as they locked.

Wormhole established, disconnect in 5 seconds. Proceed to 2000 AU.

“God, this is going to be tedious. York, other than scientific curiosity, does this have a point?” Colonel Malley complained

“Well, sir the limit would allow us to set up a base in a Goa’uld system farther than any would think possible and still resupply by Stargate instead of ship. This would mean the base would be effectively invisible. Second, we get a Stargate above a planet and we can launch a massive OAD through a single Tel’tak, were talking 16 escape pods a shot, every 5 seconds. That means two full battalions inside of one Stargate window.

But the idea I like the best is pocket carrier. Bra’tac gave us that needle threader fighter that is basically just a death glider shaped differently. Same components just made to fit through a Stargate. The plan is to refit some regular gliders into needle threaders. Imagine a single Tel’tak launching a squadron of fighters and dropping a battalion of troops on a planet by an OAD.” York explained to Colonel Malley as the 2000 AU test was completed and the Tel’tak jumped back into hyperspace to reach the 3000 AU point.

“OK that is cool.” Malley conceded thinking of the punching power a single Tel’tak could project.

“But those are small compared to one of the planned ships from the Future Ship. A ship set up as a Battlecruiser but with three underside Stargates, making it a supercarrier. If we can get multiple Stargates to work at the same time we could launch waves of fighters from all over the galaxy to a single world, and have them back defending their home planets before the Goa’uld could react, a true force multiplier. The Battlecruiser might have a squadron of organic fighter support but be able to launch hundreds of strike fighters. There is talk of even using it for kinetic strikes but I think the Tel’tak works fine for that right now.”

“And to think the Goa’uld gave up on that needle threader because they had trouble flying it.”

“We just treat it like a carrier launch and use a track aimed at the Stargate. No flying but you still come out at full speed.”

“The Galaxy isn’t going to know what hit it.”

Chapter 35- Power Play

October 4, 1997
TFB ORIGIN

“Operation PILFER, the largest tactical, almost strategic, level strike planned against the Goa’uld System lords to date. PILFER will use 30 out of the 36 SG teams, 2 Abydonian militia’s on loan from Abydos, the 1st and 2nd, with all mobile reserves from the 1st Terran Howitzer Regiment and the 1st Terran Cannon Battery. The Stargate deployment is codenamed HARD PLACE. Terran Naval Command is assigning all 4 ships from the 1st Monitor Flotilla and both of the Tel’taks from the 1st Assault Flotilla, as a single taskforce with the taskforce codenamed ROCK.

ROCK is currently on route to PX-0111-95, codename SPORRAN, a major transportation hub for Heru’ur. ROCK will arrive and drop out of hyperspace 2000 AU distance from the systems primary in 2 days and wait for the strike to begin through the Stargate by HARD PLACE. That should be beyond the systems sensors if they are similar to the ones we have acquired from the Goa’uld. Once we are sure that the majority of space forces, which are projected to be Deathgliders and Al’kesh, are focused on the Stargate ROCK will enter orbit and begin surgical strikes and OADs. Objectives have already been outlined with general action plans and contingencies. That concludes the pre-mission briefing; I open the floor to any questions.” General Sheridan stated to the assembled Commanding officers on the mission, with 6 Captains listening in by Goa’uld communication devices from the taskforce.

“How long between the time HARD PLACE signals we are through and the time ROCK drops into orbit?” Lieutenant Sarah McGuinness of SG-6 asked.

“ROCK will wait until it receives word that all APC and GDH units are in place, active and keeping the Goa’uld focused on the Stargate before making the jump in system. With a travel time of 30 seconds and regular set-up time for that many units, that should put ROCK in orbit at 30 minutes after arrival. Remember the APC and GDH have to be the focus of the Al’kesh and deathgliders or the fleet will get slaughtered.”

“Opposition?”

“In the direct vicinity of the Stargate estimated to be 80 Jaffa supported by 4 Staff towers, which are the main priority and will be targeted with stripped down thumpers, 3 per tower, 1 at the base and 2 at the top of the tower. Estimated to have another 1200 at the base itself, air composition is estimated to be 400 deathgliders, 20 Al’kesh and 50 Tel’taks. Make no mistake; this is a heavy target to chew on. Because of the size of the mission and the potential benefit, I have authorized the use of Earth manufactured equipment.”

“Why aren’t any Ha’taks expected?”

“The Goa’uld, for all their power, are effectively morons in the military sense, easiest way of putting it. They guard important resource producing territory; mines, shipyards, and their homeworlds with ships of the line. This world is a resource transporting facility; resources get funnelled in from worlds too small to have a presence in space, organized and transported out. The permanent defence presences on the planet is a contingent of deathgliders, everything else is just stopping by for supplies, rest and repair. The Goa’uld don’t bother to have Ha’taks guard logistically planets because in their mind nothing is really there. Any other questions?” General Sheridan asked, a round of no sirs, being his answer.

“Mission is a go in 2 days, everyone is on stand-down until that time. Dismissed.”

October 6, 1997
ABYDOS

“You think this is going to work?” Lee asked absently staring at the force getting ready to push through the Stargate, a force large enough to invade small countries back on Earth.

“The plan is sound and plays off on the Jaffa’s tactics of idiotic frontal charges. Can give the Jaffa a lot of credit for many things but tactical thinking would not be one of them, sorry Teal’c.” York said as she fidgeted with her pulse rifle’s strap.

“It is a way of fighting that has served the Goa’uld and Jaffa for thousands of years and tens of thousands of battles. Unfortunately I do not believe that it is the best way to fight, and I fear many Jaffa will be killed before this is realized.” Teal’c said.

“Well these Bisons are going to take the piss out of anyone dumb enough to get in front of them.” Lieutenant Richard Shanks of SG-19 said briefly saluting Malley and Lee before continuing.

“We got a solid forward pack weighing in at nearly 78 tons, a flight of backs that can swat anything short of a Ha’tak out of the sky before it gets within ten miles and an over 200 of the best trained individuals the galaxy has ever seen. The Jaffa are paste.” The Lieutenant declared certain in his estimation.

“From your lips Lieutenant.” Colonel Malley said before addressing the assembled troops. “We breach in 10 minutes. Anyone wants to reconsider their waiver status, now is the time.”

The waivers, informally known also as the ‘do not sarcophagate’ forms, were now mandatory for everyone in the program to sign and state whether they wished for their remains to be placed in a sarcophagus and revived or not. Approximately 70 percent of the program had signed on to allow the use of the sarcophagus. Meant only to be used in the event of death, the sarcophagi would hopefully reduce the amount of casualties that had to be explained to the world back home. For security reasons a treatment in the sarcophagus meant a yearlong ban from exiting the ‘safety address’ network of stargates and a minimum 5 years between uses of the sarcophagi, but was still the choice of many.

“Long range communication says the fleet is in place and ready for the hop.”

“Let’s spin it up. Bisons line up SG teams with thumpers, and militia following it up. Last through are the GDH and APC units.” Colonel Malley said.

As the Stargate started rotating and began locking in the Stargate address the Bisons, one by one, turned over their engines and started to do final system checks. Final checks were done by the time the seventh chevron locked and the wormhole stabilized. One of the stayed behind SG members walked up to the event horizon and gently slid through a small dinner plate sized camera and transmitter. Not needing to know oxygen content or other environmental conditions, there were Jaffa already present on the planet showing it as habitable, the reconnaissance drone was only 3 centimeters thick and was used only to find where the Staff towers were located.

Stargate in on nightside of planet, repeat night assault. Staff towers at 000, 015, 030 and 330 bearing from the Stargate range; 30 meters. called the Stargate controller after viewing the feed coming through the Stargate.

“Mission is a go, 2 second intervals between Bisons, 1 second between SG teams.” Colonel Malley yelled unnecessarily, as all members had already new and had practiced the Stargate spacing.

The first Bison moved through the Stargate and was on the planet and deploying its Infantry as it was getting hammered by the staff towers. As the remaining Bisons went through the Stargate word had already reached that one staff towers was destroyed by the lead Bison was taking heavy fire and had to be abandoned. With the addition of 5 other infantry carrying Bisons, the Jaffa defending the Stargate were destroyed.

PX-0111-95 codename SPORRAN

The scene at the Stargate was carnage on the side of the Jaffa. Broken and destroyed staff towers littered the field with Jaffa struck down everywhere. The SG attack was not without casualties with one Bison heavily damage and one completely destroyed, its entire infantry compliment lost with it. As the final APC cannon came through the Stargate and began deploying to deal with the airborne threats, the Stargate was redialled to send through the damaged Bison and the dead, hopefully both for revival.

“2 or 3 Jaffa retreated to the base sir” Lieutenant Richard Shanks said as Malley surveyed the surroundings “SG-22 is pursuing and will set up a kilometer from the base and watch for rising Deathgliders and Al’kesh. Once the cannons are set up we can call in the fleet for the OAD and kinetic strikes. The remaining Bisons are splitting up and getting off track and will go to ground and wait out the strike.”

The problem with striking at a transportation nod was the targets were free to leave at any time if they felt threatened. The SGC had to keep the focus on the Stargate as the actual strike enveloped the base, without being seen. More importantly the Jaffa had to feel they could win without calling in Ha’tak support. The SGC planned to have the Jaffa continue to strike at the Stargate and think they were containing the attacking force, slowly pulling more and more Jaffa from the base.

Sir we have gliders and Al’kesh raising from the base, I recommend you get those cannons set up. SG-19 CO radioed even as the first Glider crested the ridge and began strafing the Stargate before it was destroyed by a fast shooting APC unit. The Al’kesh could be seen lifting off and gaining altitude for a high speed diving attack. Looking like a futuristic quad barrel Zu-23 the APC units began a continuous barrage trying to keep the gliders from properly forming up. Taking the suggestion the deathgliders still launching went away from the Stargate and began forming the common loose gaggle formation taught to all Jaffa.

“I want every gun, every rifle gunning down those ships. We have to convince the Jaffa they will have better luck on the ground.”

As a complete wing of gliders, approximately 100 gliders finally formed and turned into the valley that contained the Stargate they ran head first into a literal storm of plasma fire. All 20 APC units and 110 pulse rifles began firing at the approaching gliders. While the rifle fire was inaccurate based on human reaction time the APC units were being used to good effect. The gliders were facing the equivalent of 80 staff weapons on the APC units and 220 from the pulse rifles. Half of the attacking wing never made it into position for their first strafing run and half of the remaining never made it out of the run. For losing close to 75 gliders, the gliders destroyed a single APC unit and had killed 10 of the Abydonian militias who had been caught out in the open. The SGC and militia continued to harass the gliders as the first Al’kesh struck and the GDH units went to work.

Global Defence Howitzers were designed as Al’kesh killers from the outset. APC and even massed pulse rifles fire would sweep gliders from the sky protecting GDH sites, the GDH were meant to reach out and touch Al’kesh up to low planetary orbits. Al’kesh less than 3 kilometers above and diving downward without any evasive actions were picked off with greater ease than the gliders. If the Al’kesh had coordinated a mass attack the SGC position would have become tenuous, as it was the Al’kesh came through more or less single file. This meant that the 10 GDH units could focus on just one Al’kesh at a time. The falling Al’kesh turned out to be a greater problem than their weaponry, with the crashing of one of the destroyed Al’kesh knocking over a still firing GDH unit.

Realizing the futility of aerial attacks, the gliders and Al’keshs returned to the base to lend their Jaffa numbers to developing ground attack. For the loss of 1 APC unit and a squad of Abydonians the Jaffa had lost 8 Al’kesh and over 100 gliders.

“Report.” Malley said over his radio as he continued to fire on the retreating gliders

Fleet is inbound and Bisons are in position, SG-22 reports approximately 800 Jaffa forming up for a charge on the Stargate. Beacons have been laid out near the likely lines of advance for the kinetic strikes.

“Send 4 of the APC forward to try to take out a few more gliders that might try to lift off and hit the fleet. Everyone else digs in and prepare for overpressure from the rods.”

Fleet has arrived A new voice called out over the radio Monitors have solid locks on beacons and awaiting strike orders. Be advised fall time is 35 seconds.

“Understood fleet, begin OAD on far side of the base and await further orders” Malley said checking his watch and realizing he had been on planet for less than 30 minutes and the first units only 3 minutes before that. The speed of modern warfare.

OAD in progress, be advised that we are reading some gliders rising from the surface. The commander of the TNS INTERIA radioed in.

“Understood we are trying to knock them down now but if they get out of the gravity well, send 1st assault back out to the standby point and have the monitors run and try to draw the Gliders out of position then FTL back and await strike calls.”

OAD complete 1st assault is FTL out to standby point.

Colonel Captain Tin Shi of SG-22 radioed The Jaffa are done forming up and are heading down route Alpha, estimate that they will reach the beacons in 10 minutes at their rate of advance, about quick march pace. Reconnaissance element, approximately 50 Jaffa, in the front about 40 meters from the main body, estimated at 800 Jaffa in the force, 4 abreast. Spacing roughly 2 meters between lines. I can also confirm I saw the OAD drop complete, about 300 meters from the far side of the base. I have beacons on all 40 of the drop.

“Thank you Captain, make sure your team is dug in deep. The rods aren’t great at friend or foe ident. Relay to assault lead that they can proceed with the assault in 10 minutes, we need the Jaffa far enough away to not get back.”

Understood Colonel, SG-22 out. SHIT, Jaffa column just increased its speed. Colonel I recommend you get the monitors into position. The column is also getting more spread out, your going have Jaffa that make it through the strike Sir. SG-22 digging in for the strike and then will go forward and help with the base.

“Understood. INERTIA do you read, we need package delivering capabilities in 3 minutes.”

Copy that HARD PLACE, I am going to keep running away from the planet to keep pulling the gliders farther out and have MOMENTUM double jump to the planet.

“Deploy as you see fit Captain, but I need the Rods of God coming down a little over 2 minutes from now along route Alpha. HARD PLACE out.” Colonel Malley said switching back from the Goa’uld long range communication device to the regular radio. “SG-1 report.”

“York here” the recently promoted Master Corporal said “There not pretty by the fox-holes are all dug and everyone is hunkered in. The big guns are protected as best as possible but I think if any of the Rods come down too close we are going have to right them again.”

“Lee?” Colonel Malley queried the next member of SG-1.

“Got some claymores set up protecting our flanks in command detonation mode to wipe out the any charges from the side and give us time to re-orientate to new threats. Three lines controlled by three different operators.”

“Teal’c?”

“The Swords of Abydos are in position for the discussed flanking maneuver, Malley. We are well away from the project area of kinetic orbital bombardment area. They are also prepared to go forward and support the assault on the base.”

“It shouldn’t come to that, we have the bulk of the Jaffa coming down are way, the OAD teams and the Bisons should be able to handle the base, with a little divine help from above.”

“In the form of kinetic strikes.” York piped in over the radio

“The only type of divine help Lieutenant Alexandre Kharti would ever ask for. Speaking of Kharti; Assault Report.”

Major Everett Davis was an old hand originally from SG-1 but placed in command of SG-16 after the first round of disclosures and was now placed in overall command of the assault, with Kharti in charge of calling in kinetic strikes and warning the assault teams of their impacts.

Assault is in position and ready to strike. We’re going in once the first rod hits the ground on the Jaffa.

The wait was short for TNS MOMENTUM, appearing over the planet and manoeuvring into position directly above the beacon placed by SG-15 on the most likely path the Jaffa would take leading to the Stargate.

MOMENTUM is in position for strikes.

“Alright MOMENTUM, I have the first call for the Jaffa heading towards the Stargate and then will hand off to Lieutenant Kharti for the assault force. Now I want a rod dropped directly on the beacon and then another one on the path direction away from the Stargate 100 meters offset from the beacon. Repeat every 100 meters for a kilometre.”

MRSI strike or walking line?

“MRSI strike, let’s not give these Jaffa a chance to duck and run. MOMENTUM deploy the rods and strike target.”

Rods inbound came the reply over the radio as everyone tried to dig in even more into the ground for protection from kinetic strikes being shot through the atmosphere.

A MRSI strike tried to time the rounds to hit on target as close together as possible, giving the Jaffa a minimum amount of time to react. With the ability to launch almost 50 Rods per ring deployment, the 11 rings of the first strike hit within a 1 second time span. The strike hit most of the main body of the Jaffa column but missed lethal range for the reconnaissance and the leading fifth of the main march.

Splash rounds, is clean-up required the commander of MOMENTUM said even as the ground shook under the combined impact of 11 kinetic orbital weapons. The defenders/attackers at the Stargate could see the debris flying up from the impacts. Whole trees being launched like kindling.

“We felt it MOMENTUM, I don’t think you will get in a second strike close enough to take out the Jaffa without blue on blue action. I am handing you off to assault.” Colonel Malley said ears still ringing and teeth chattering from the impacts. While the kinetic strikes had been tested and used multiple times since their original development, they had never been sent down so close any SG team, especially in so hastily prepared positions.

The attacking force of the Jaffa column had started off numbering close to 900 Jaffa. When they had set off they would have outnumbered the defenders of the Stargate almost 15 to 1. After the strike the Jaffa assault force was disorganized and had dropped to a little over 200 Jaffa in numbers, a 4 to 1 advantage. Against a prepared position, a professionally trained force could have taken the Stargate with heavy casualties. With a disorganized force of poorly trained Jaffa, the assault was beaten down to the Jaffa with 5 casualties on the SGC side, all in the 2nd Abydonian Militia.

The attacking Jaffa were finished off when the 1st swept in with Teal’c clearing out the remaining Jaffa as they beat themselves senseless on the prepared defences of the 2nd militia and the remaining members of the SGC. With the remainder of 1st and 2nd clearing the battlefield of useable items, mostly staff weapons and armour.

“Gaia protocol?” York asked the Colonel as she continued to zat the bodies of the Jaffa to keep the symbiotes from trying to jump.

“Let’s see how much time we have when we pull back after the assault. No point staking the snakes if we don’t steal as much as possible.”

“Fair enough, how is the assault going?”

Jaffa Transportation Base

With the bulk of the front line Jaffa having attacking the base, the Jaffa facing the remaining 92 members of the assault force were secondary troops at best. Still numbering 400 Jaffa the base was a tough slow battle for the slowly advancing SGC teams. Luckily the heavy support for the Jaffa, in the way of staff towers, had already been taken out by orbital strikes, but with how close the SG teams were, the monitor flotilla could only watch and be prepared to down any Al’kesh that looked like they were preparing to lift off. Already another 10 Al’kesh, 2 through blast damage, had be destroyed before the Jaffa and taken the hint to stay on the ground. 20 Tel’taks parked to close to the Al’kesh had been wrecked beyond repair by the kinetic strikes.

In the end the Assault force only took injuries, no fatalities, in the taking of the transportation base. Bringing in the Stargate force forward to help with the removal duties, Colonel Malley surveyed the damaged base.

“We aren’t great guest are we?” the Colonel asked rhetorically watching a engineering team brought in from Earth crudely torching through the bottom of a flipped Al’kesh trying to removed the primary plasma weapon for redeployment on ARK.

“Well the Goa’uld haven’t exactly been great landlords to the Galaxy to date.” Lee replied taking time out of throwing staff weapons and armour into the back of Bisons for transport to the Stargate, to re-hydrate.

“What’s the balance sheet look like?”

“1 Bison destroyed, 8 casualties, hopefully 4 of which don’t want to use be dropped into the sarcophagus. 1 damaged Bison, no casualties. 10 dead among the Militia’s, none of which want to use the sarcophagus. A destroyed APC unit and two damaged GDHs. Heaviest losses to date but we are hopeful to get the 4 of our dead through the sarcophagi before its took for it too work.

We have thus far counted close to 400 staff weapons, most of the Jaffa in the assault force are nowhere to be found, with the associated zats and shock grenades. Only 1 staff cannon, since all the towers were pretty wrecked by our attacks. Fleet wise 53 gliders and parts for another 5, 20 Tel’taks and 2 Al’kesh with the main weaponry from another 5 Al’kesh, we are also seeing if the rings are salvageable, but I don’t it. Rings are fragile things devices that don’t seem to like being in the shock radius of the kinetic strikes.”

“Quite the haul for this mission.” Malley commented

“We’re loading in as much as possible to the ships and getting some pilots into them and the death gliders. Once there ready we will send them up escorted by the gliders to protect against any of the remaining enemy forces in system. Until then I have brought forward all the APC units to keep the enemy gliders off the base. The GDH units are already back at HOMEPLATE. Once the fleet has jumped out we can disassembled the gliders send them through the Stargate and withdraw.”

“Heru’ur is going to be pissed, but I guess that is point. How long until all of the operations are done and how long until we might be visited by the landlords?”

“The fleet will be ready in 2 hours, all we need are the pilots. The salvage operation here will never been done completely, but the high tickets items should be shipped out in 12 hours. Nearest base is 1 days travel from here, so unless they already have a force on route we should have most of our objectives completed by the time a relief force could arrive. Push come to shove we can ditch the gliders, they are the lowest priority versus highest disassembly time.”

“Alright, we will leave this to the rest of the team. SG-1 has been called back to HOMEPLATE for a debriefing with the General about some recently received intel and the source. We ship out direct approach once we hit the Stargate.” Malley said as much for Lee benefit as Major Davis’ who would be overseeing the remainder of the operation on the planet.

TFB ORIGIN

“Welcome back SG-1, I hear the mission as a large success.” General Sheridan said to SG-1 as they walked through the event horizon of the Stargate on Earth.

“Yes General, it was sir. Now what can we do for you?” York said before Malley could reply with a more drawn out answer.

“I would like you to meet Dr. Daniel Jackson.” The General said gesturing to the figure standing beside him. “He came through the Stargate heavily burned an hour ago using an SG-1 OS code.”

“How did Daniel Jackson obtain the SG-1 Iris code.” Teal’c asked the obvious question, with each Iris code being a closely guarded and constantly changing code sequence.

“According to him, he is on SG-1.”

“This is going to be fun isn’t it.” Malley said heading for the debriefing room.

Chapter 36- Unpleasant Realities

October 7, 1997
TFB ORGIN: Isolation/Debriefing Room

“Ok this is getting familiar. The military regardless of country or reality has exactly one designer for everything don’t they?” Daniel Jackson said looking around the isolation room used for low risk threats to the SGC. Jackson still occasionally winced as parts of his burnt skin shifted and was pulled out of place by any small movement.

“It’s called lowest bidder solution. Now Jackson,” Malley began, amazed at the confidence that this Daniel Jackson had compared to ‘his’ reality Daniel Jacksons. While his Jackson had confidence it seemed to emanate from his wife more them himself, obviously Sarah brought out part of the Daniel sitting before him.

“Why and more importantly how did you leave your reality and travel to mine?” The question came out brisk and to the point but again this alter-Daniel showed his confidence.

“Actually it’s pretty much a third times a charm situation. The address I gave you, I went to from my original reality. Touched an alien mirror over there, didn’t really notice anything wrong, and went through the Stargate to a world being invaded by the Goa’uld. Barely got through the Stargate again and with the burns to prove it. I thought I was going back to my reality but something screwed up and came through here.”

“Earth was invaded. By the Goa’uld? Which one?”

“Apophis, evidently he was pissed that we killed Ra. It was an act of retribution.”

“I see.” Colonel Malley said staring intently into briefing folder in front of him.

“You nuked him too didn’t you?”

“Nope, no nukes involved” Colonel Malley said defensively “we just kind of showed Ra a ship that big can’t stay in the air without some big fully functioning engines, and a ten tonne beam served to prove the point. It’s not the fall it’s the sudden stop that kills you. Tends to jimmy things loose.”

“Well then your Earth is in as much danger as theirs was and my Earth. You have to start evacuating, getting people out of major cities…..” Daniel started to speak faster and faster and he came into the realization of what was required.

“He’s not coming to Earth, he doesn’t even know we still have a Stargate.”

“But Apophis would have come to Earth looking for a host for his mate, Teal’c was there. It happened less than a year ago in my world. Wait do you have a Teal’c?”

“Yes, and Teal’c switched sides TWO years ago for us. Apophis had a new first prime when he went to Abydos… FUCK.”

“He’s going to attack Abydos.” Daniel said finishing off the thought Malley had just reached.

“When Apophis came through the Stargate on Abydos, we were already there. Abydos, it’s our major off-world base and is used as the return address unless there is a major medical emergency. We had Skaara’s Militia…”

“Skaara has a militia? Abydos has a militia?” Daniel interrupted

“Abydo’s has 5 militias of 45 people each. Two of them just participated in a joint strike against the Goa’uld Heur’ur. Sorry off topic, Apophis came through the Stargate, got his personal guard shredded but held out because of his shield. Basically we tried to pull the bluff that Ra was vacating the planet with all his slaves and such but I don’t think he bought it. We also stole the Al’kesh that came to pick him up and sent him through the Stargate naked to Chulak, but I don’t see a reason for Apophis to attack.” Malley said sarcastically, smiling at the great memories of that mission.

“So you have changed the reason from retribution to pride. But it will still happen, Abydos first, and then when he learns of Earth he will attack here.”

“Not if he doesn’t get off Abydos. If you will excuse me, I have to talk to General Sheridan.”

General Sheridan’s Office

“You believe him?” General Sheridan asked sceptically.

“Why not? We know where our crack pot theory archaeologist is and this guy is a match down to the DNA. Next he can’t be a Goa’uld trick; our Dr. Jackson has never even seen a live Goa’uld let alone been on a planet not on the designated safe and Goa'uld free list. He also an Iris code, a piece of information our Jackson isn’t cleared for.” Colonel Malley said as the General and SG-1 had an informal debriefing about their guest.

While only the Colonel had been in the debriefing room, the rest had watched with the Agent Smith from Terran Intelligence Corps from the observation area. The alternate reality Jackson had already been debriefed by an Intelligence team, but it was hoped an informal and looser debriefing might bring to surface any inconsistencies in his story.

“Now what do we do with him?”

“Well if the planet he gave the address to has this reality jumping mirror.”

“Quantum Mirror.” York interjected

“Whatever, if this planet has one we send him back and set up relations with their side. Trade intelligence on planets we have been to, hazards to watch out for, maybe eventually do some joint research or just divide up which areas to work on. We do weapon research, they do sensor technology and we swap results.” Colonel Malley said counting off his points on his fingers.

“What about the predicted attack?” Teal’c said sitting in the corner of the General’s office.

“It won’t be to Earth. Our security is water, air, vacuum tight on that case. I am ordering a team to drop by Bra’tac on Chulak, debrief him on any intelligence he might have. Now the other world was already invaded, by the sounds of it had been for a couple days at least. So no telling about time frame of any attack in this reality, but you have to honour the threat.” General Sheridan stated his intent.

“What do we have if Apophis does attack Abydos?”

“The fleet is still two days out from Abydos, but that would bring in the 1st Monitor Flotilla and the two newly captured Al’kesh the beginning of the 1st Corvette Squadron. All the mobile APC and GDH units are available but won’t even scratch the shields of a Ha’tak. No, this is a case where only finesse will work?”

“Given enough time we could refit all those Tel’taks we stole for kinetic bombardment. A couple hundred Rods a second could break through a Goa’uld shield, maybe.” Lee said imagining the rain of tungsten coming down from all 26 active Tel’taks.

“Most of those Tel’taks are already assigned,” General Sheridan said reading off the report before him “4 are going 1st monitor, 2 getting torn apart for parts and studying of the hyperdrive at TFB ARIEL. 2 refitted for 1st assault, 2 join TNS Empirical Data in 1st Exploration, 2 for 1st Transport and 8 go into refit for the Sol Monitoring Base Program. Really the only hard offensive power we came out with is the 2 Al’kesh. Granted we got a lot of infrastructure we needed but not much punch.”

“Abydos Special?” York asked remembering how they had dealt with the last capital grade ship on Abydos.

“Only will work if there is only one ship and it has landed. I don’t think we can get enough people to infiltrate two or more ships. Besides I think everyone is agreed, it’s better to steal the ship then to blow them up. Abydos Command has been warned and they are hiding the Earth manufactured equipment now. It’s being done low key as to not panic the locals.”

“And the Tollans, sir?” York said.

“Shit, I forgot about the Tollans. We need to get them off-world quick. It will not help relations with their government if they die in a Goa’uld invasion, though it might get swing some of their isolationist’s policies a bit.” General Sheridan said reaching for his phone for the issuing of that command. Before he could reach the speaker was already emitting a situation report from Sergeant Reids in the control room.

Sir, we are getting an automated message from Abydos Command. Codeword Firebreak.

Firebreak signified enemy hostiles in orbit of the planet and the Stargate unavailable for evacuation of personnel. With the automated message instead of a verbal message through the Goa’uld long range communication device it meant that the Abydos SGC could not be held and was being abandoned as the SCORCHED EARTH procedures were implemented. All Earth manufactured equipment was to be destroyed or hidden, all references to Earth both culturally and by Stargate address were destroyed everything that could possibly lead to Earth was destroyed. Nothing was to fall into the hands of the Goa’uld that could compromise Earth or any other off-world base. SCORCHED EARTH even dictated the destruction of the dialling pedestal in case the Goa’uld had the ability to track down recently dialled Stargate addresses.

“Colonel Malley” General Sheridan said “get every team currently not on Abydos back here to ORIGIN. You have 24 hours to plan the retaking of Abydos. Whatever you need, and can be obtained in that time frame you have my authorization to requisition. Get us back Abydos, intact.”

TFB ORIGIN
Stargate Containment Room

“Do you think this work sir?” York asked as the assembled teams began locking through the doorways leading to the Stargate.

“The plan is sound. It’s the Murphies I’m worried about. Also the fact we probably won’t be able the retreat until another dialling pedestal is brought in from another planet. Into the frying pan but never out of the fire.” Colonel Malley said simply adjusting his pulse rifle and under slung grenade launcher.

Stargate dialling sequence beginning, mission deployment in 30 seconds. Prepare for Tactical Area Denial launch.

“I guess that’s our cue. Only wish Teal’c could come on this mission.” Malley said as he sighted his pulse rifle and launcher on his designated portion of the Stargate and waited along with the 7 other SG members with launchers for the wormhole to form. Teal’c was being left on Earth for fear the Apophis or one of his Jaffa would see him, alive and would expose Operation Big Jaffa.

As the wormhole formed the firing team sighted on their assigned sectors of the event horizon and fire their Tactical Area Denial systems. The TAD system was designed to clear the immediate area of the Stargate of Jaffa or other hostiles long enough for SG teams to establish a perimeter. Based of the Goa’uld Takunitagaminituron, each TAD fired through the Stargate by a low burst of compressed air dropped shortly after leaving the event horizon of the Stargate on Abydos. Self aligning away from the Stargate using the Stargate’s own magnetic field and a set of gimbals the 8 TADs launched began seeking out and firing on the Jaffa in the immediate area of the Stargate and any other source of significant heat. 15 seconds later an additional circuit installed by the SGC disengaged the weapon’s emitter from its power source.

“Why don’t we use these things all the time?” Lee asked.

“Because we don’t want the Goa’uld learning new tricks and they really only work well in confined spaces where Jaffa can’t fire from out of range. Alright everyone stack up and let’s move. Next stop Pyramid of Ra, Abydos.” Colonel Malley said running through the Stargate followed the remaining members of SG-1 and 10 other SG teams.

Flagship of Apophis
Abydos

“This isn’t the pyramid sir.” York said as the last member of the SG teams finished their transition through the event horizon of the Stargate.

The location was familiar for all SG members. The ones from the original mission through the Stargate remembered it first hand while the others had seen the few intelligence photos there were and been in and around the wreckage of Ra’s ship. While the dead Jaffa bearing the mark of Apophis were different the similarities rang through.

“Apophis brought his own Stargate and dialling pedestal. That’s the reason we ‘gated to his ship and not to the Stargate on Abydos. We must be in orbit around the planet right now.” York said as she started rummaging through the crates in the cargo hold looking for technology or other items of interest.

“Plan still stands York, only difference is we don’t need to sneak into the Apophis’ ship. Let’s see who is still playing from the home guard.” Malley pulled out his radio “This is SG-1 actual, calling out on guard to any forces still operational from HOMEPLATE. Double click if extended contact cannot be established” Colonel Malley said waiting for the any replies to come in.

Malley was confident that most of the members of the SGC Abydos and the 5 Abydonian militia would be alive but would have gone to ground. Most would be outside the Gate room either at the settlement or in training near the mine. With the knowledge that a Goa’uld will try to keep the Stargate intact, the pyramid had to be taken by Jaffa either through the Stargate or invading from the outside, a costly proposition. Once it was seen that a major attack was underway SCORCHED EARTH policy dictated a retreat from the Great pyramid and GRAIN SILO was to be ignited in the Gate room.

GRAIN SILO solved the problem of completely eradicating any evidence leading to Earth without complicated Earth based technology. Tubes of a super fine 120 micrometer pectin sugar and iron dust mixture were attached to the roof of the Abydos SGC able to release their fine payload evenly. After 3 seconds of deployment of the dust mixture everything was thoroughly spread a collection of simple sparking mechanism triggered the equivalent of a 40 Kg thermobaric explosion inside the gate room. GRAING SILO left incompressible temperature resistant items, such as the Stargate, intact and mostly undamaged but was most devastating to items with compressible features. Jaffa securing the Stargate in other words were eliminated.

Colonel Malley Skaara said over the radio I, my militia and the 2nd and 4th are outside the ship of Apophis in the catacombs. We have some members of Earth with us as well, the other Terrans have said they have seen another 3 Ha’taks in orbit. I have talked to others hiding inside the Pyramid of the Dead God. SG-22 is cut off from escape and protecting the Tollans.

“Sorry could you repeat that Skaara? Did you say 3 Ha’taks in orbit?” Malley said suddenly paled by the thought. Goa’uld hardly ever brought that much force against a single planet as insignificant as Abydos should have appeared. 4 Ha’taks was beyond what the SGC had planned for.

Yes Colonel Malley. Thee telescopes have seen three distinct Ha’taks in the sky all above the ship that Apophis has on Pyramid of the Dead God.

“Skaara I am going to hand you over to Lee to discuss the plan have. Right now I have to talk to SG-22.” Colonel Malley said nodding at Lee to take over a brief Skaara on the assault plan. Doing a quick survey of the cargo area to make sure everything was in order, Malley switched over to the SG team specific.

“Come in SG-22, do you copy? What is your position?” Malley said.

Colonel, we have the Tollans and are hiding in Ra’s old vault below the pyramid. The Jaffa have not found us but we are completely cut off from escape. Also the Tollans are getting a little agitated and are deeper in arguing amongst themselves. I do not know if we can hold this position in the future, the Jaffa are sure to stumble upon us soon. Captain Quan Tin Shi of SG-22 said

“Understood, when we start the strike make a break for hit. I will have Lee adjust the plan to try to bring the Jaffa away from the vault. Protect the Tollans at all cost, relationships with their government are a lot more important than a grunts life, understood.” Colonel Malley said, realizing he had just asked an entire team to lay down their lives for people at best neutral to their cause on the hope it might be worth something.

Understood Colonel, SG-22 out.

“Alright let’s get this show on the road, SG teams move out.”

Outside the Pyramid of Ra

When it came to desert combat the Militia of Abydos were likened to the Fremen. Surviving in the most hostile desert known to the SGC for over 4,000 years had given the Abydonians the ability to literally disappear in the sand. The SGC had given discipline and weapons training to this force for protection of Abydos. Outside of a desert setting the militias were no more effective than an average infantry troop, but placed on sand they were walking mirages. The Jaffa of Apophis on Abydos found this out first hand as over 150 pulse rifles opened up on the forces outside the Pyramid of Ra. Many went down in the hail but more were spared to sound the alarm and bring in more Jaffa from the Pyramid and Apophis’ ships in orbit.

The plan wasn’t to overrun the landed ship, since Apophis would retreat but to empty the ships in orbit of Jaffa and to press in so close to the landed Goa’uld ship that the orbiting ships couldn’t end the engagement with orbital bombardment for fear of hitting Apophis and his ship. An action that would result in the death of any Jaffa foolish enough to attempt it. Apophis might order such an action but no Jaffa would take the initiative especially since the most promising and independent thinking Jaffa had been reassigned to non-frontline duties by the still influential Master Bra’tac in preparation for their departure from the realm of Apophis.

Shooting from prepared positions around the pyramid, the Militia’s and the 4 SG teams stationed with them continued to harass the defending Jaffa. While not completely one sided the prepared positions of the Abydonians led to the absurd 30 to 1 kill ratio that was bleeding Apophis’ forces dry. Any rational commander concerned for his troop’s safety would stop the mindless slaughter. Apophis was neither rational nor concerned for his Jaffa and continued to ring down more Jaffa from the orbiting ships.

“Which ship sir?” Lee asked after the assault team had made its way to an unattended set of ring transporters.

“Don’t think it matters as long we all end up on one ship. One set of rings, one destination. SG-1 and 2 in the first wave, next wave as quick as we can cycle in. In the first set watch out for any rebounders.”

They had ringed as close to the Pel’tak as possible, 43 SG members armed to the teeth with the weaponry needed to take a ship capable of holding thousands. The ship had travelled with a quarter of that complement and half were thought to be on the ground dying under the pulse rifles of the Militia’s and SG-teams. That still made for 250 Jaffa upon the ship and the ability to transfer more from other ships as needed. Taking the Pel’tak was key to stopping that flow of Jaffa.

“Split up and deploy. Use the unmodified Tacs to seal the side passageways. Pel’tak, engine room or bust.” Malley said as he led half the assault force towards the Pel’tak.

The SGC, first through the Canadians and later through the Terran Commonwealth had been attacking and stealing from the Goa’uld for nearly 3 years. In that time the SGC had captured mountains of Staff weapons, intars and zat guns but only a few dozen of the tactically significant Tacs. Half had be converted over into TADs for use through the Stargate but the others were taken and would be used to seal of areas of the ship containing large amounts of Jaffa. Doorways to hangars, armouries and the inside of ring rooms had a Tac place into them to protect the flanks of the quickly moving SG teams. While a Tac could be defeated it was predicted to cost the assaulting force 3 Jaffa, one to trip it and two in the actual assault. The biggest advantage was they would slow the progress of Jaffa force to a crawl and made the Jaffa paranoid of each new hallway or room.

Securing the Pel’tak and engine room were no problem with the overwhelming amount of shock grenades used. The problem arose from the sound that travelled throughout the ship continually bringing more charging Jaffa to be mowed down.

“Harriet” Malley called on the assigned pilot of SG-5 “time to fly. Position my ship into optimal firing position over the pyramid and try to bring as much secondary weapons onto one of the other Ha’taks as possible.”

“Yes Colonel.” Harriet said as he turned and began familiarizing himself with the controls of the Ha’tak, controls and procedures that had only been described to him by Teal’c never practiced before.

“ ‘my ship’?” York said in a stage voice for the benefit of the 6 SG teams present.

“We took the ship, I am in command, and therefore it’s my ship. I’m thinking Lollipop as the name.”

“A good ship, sir. But before the christening ceremony…” York trailed off.

“Right. Lee call down to the surface and tell the militia to start withdrawing from around the pyramid, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the Lollipop. Hopefully they have heard from or hooked up with SG-22 and the Tollans. Harriet do you have enough understanding for the next phase? We need to be quick with another 2 Ha’taks up here.”

Before Harriet could reply Apophis appeared on the view screen looking directly at Colonel Malley and recognizing him from their confrontation on PX-0103-97.”

“KREE!” Apophis yelled bewildered at the human standing before him

“No, it’s pronounced Col onel. I would love to chat but we are kind of late, late for a very important date and I believe you also have things to attend to, mostly some heavy plasma. Harriet now would be a good time.” Colonel Malley said looking anxiously at the pilot working the controls of the Ha’tak with little affect.

“So, Apophis heard any good Jaffa jokes?”

“Jaffa Kree!” Apophis said cutting the communication.

“I guess he hasn’t. Harriet, the ship down there is powering up we need shields and weapons NOW.”

“GOT IT SIR! FIRING NOW! SHIELDS COMING UP!” Harriet said as a golden glimmer passed in front of the view screen and the ship began to shudder as it fired on the grounded ship of Apophis.

While not a noticeable the secondary weapons were already hammering on one of the orbiting Ha’taks slow in bringing up its shields. While not designed for ship to ship combat against an unshielded target the secondary weapons were still inflicting moderate damage. The main weapons continued to pound on Apophis even has the other two Ha’taks began firing and rocking the ship with their fire. As Apophis’ ship broke up onto the plasma fire, the shields of the captured Ha’tak began to falter letting in enemy weapons fire.

“Primary destroyed, Sir we need to get out of here, we’re taking massive damage from the other two Ha’taks.” York said coughing in the smoke that was now entering the Pel’tak from the corridior.

“Harriet, set a course for HOMEPLATE, best speed get us out of here. Let’s hope the Ha’taks see little reason to stay their god is dead. Advise the planet what we are doing and tell everyone to hunker down and hide. The fleet will arrive in a day and hopefully find the ships gone, if not we will have to start smuggling out the people and everything else.”

Still taking fire from the two other Ha’taks of Apophis the captured ship opened a hyperspace window and left the system. The transit time would be used to clean out the remaining Jaffa from the ship as Harriet piloted the Ha’tak towards Earth. Not having their ‘god’ commanding them the Jaffa aboard the remaining two ships hesitated before entering hyperspace to seek orders from Apophis’ second.

Klorel.

Half light-year outside Sol System

The abrupt departure from hyperspace brought SG-1 to the Pel’tak from their seek and destroy mission of Jaffa on the ship. While within spitting distance of Sol from an astronomical sense on sub-light it would take 5 years reach Earth.

“Harriet, report.” Colonel Malley said

“Hyperdrive is shot sir. Completely wrecked from battle damage and the stress of opening up a hyperspace window under combat situations.”

“Suggestions?”

“I have set a course for the system at maximum speed, but really I don’t see much we can do at this time. Maybe jerry-rig another hyperdrive from an Al’kesh or Tel’tak to try and bring us closer before it to burns out but I would say we just have to call Earth and ask for a pick-up. Rotate crews through by Tel’taks and study the ship on the way to Earth.”

Chapter 37- Aftermath & New Bases

TFB ORIGIN
BRIEFING ROOM
October 12, 1997

“So let me see if I understand what happened? SG-22 and the Tollans; cut off from escape and hiding in the pyramid. Jaffa streaming through the pyramid constantly and to get to the exit you have to go through them. The Tollans deciding they are to cool for no win scenarios take all of SG-22 by the hands and WALK THEM THROUGH THE WALLS OF THE PYRAMID.” Colonel Malley said disbelieving what he had heard through the rumour mill.

“Exactly.” General Sheridan said scarcely believing it himself if it wasn’t for the I witness reports of the Tollans and SG-22 coming out THROUGH the pyramid and by SG-22 own personal experience.

“Apparently those devices they were wearing when we picked them up allows them to phase through solid matter. I shudder to think what they could do with those things, if they were aggressive or even opportunists. We set up base camp on the planet we plan to take the Stargate from for their new home world and the Tollans have moved there. Hopefully it will be an uneventful time until they are picked up by TNS FALLBACK.

Next we have moved the Quantum Mirror over to PX-0312-97, otherwise known as HAIL. Shortly after your team left on its mission the alternate Daniel started to shake uncontrollably, in something the scientists are terming ‘Entropic Cascade Failure’. As the scientists explained it rather simply, the universe does not like two of the exact same things in it. At HAIL we are investigating the time until this occurs and other factors that affect it in case the mirror has to be used in a fallback or retreat setting. Your synthetic alternates will be the only ones going through the mirror, since it is unlikely we will connect with a universe that has your particular alternates and the cascade failure seems to be limited to more biological items in nature. Assuming they get a longer running power pack so they can stay longer than a few hours they will even run mission, until then just testing the limits of the Quantum Mirror.

With Apophis dead, Klorel back on Apophis’ throne world has taken over his domain but in the confusion Master Bra’tac has sent the first group Jaffa to New Dakara. A second smaller set has been spread throughout various other System Lords to join their ranks under the pretense that they heard Klorel killed their god Apophis and have sworn vengeance. Hopefully that means more intelligence and recruits from other Domains as those Jaffa rise through the ranks but right now they aren’t to do anything to rock the boat as Bra’tac has instructed them. The moved Goa’uld Queens have started their second spawning cycle on New Dakara so symbiotes shouldn’t be a problem for whoever joins. Biggest problem is the disparaging ratio between male and female Jaffa at New Dakara. Bra’tac is still recruiting too many single Jaffa males and not enough families for long term success. After this meeting SG-1 will be meeting with Bra’tac on Chulak to discuss this and then onto the Tok’ra to see if what they know.

Master Corporal York, the briefing is now yours.”

“Thank you sir.” York said getting up and beginning the slide show for her suggested project.

“Construction begins in 6 months on Project Deathstar …” York began

“Corporal…” General Sheridan interrupted

“Alright, though for the record if any information leaked on the project no one on the outside would believe it with a name like ‘Project Deathstar’. Construction for Luna Base 1 begins in 6 months. This will be the first lunar-based facility based in the Sol system and will be a testing ground and jump off point for further colonization of the solar system. Luna Base one will eventually be transformed into an off-world shipyard for capital grade ships in 10-15 years.”

“That is going to be one hell of a logistical trip from Earth to Abydos and then to the Moon by Tel’tak. Plus how many ships are going to be tied up making this run.” Lee commented.

“Just 2. One is being kept at the base until life support is set up and will be used as an emergency shelter and evac route. The other will ferry a new crew and basic supplies every 4 days until they can be brought up from Earth directly by a set of rings on the near side of the moon. Those rings will then resend them to the base which is closer the ‘northern’ pole.” York explained

“Question.” Malley piped in “the world at large might notice the transmission beam being sent up to the moon every supply mission. That bright light is quite noticeable.”

“And that is why for the next 6 months and going on after that time as well, two remote research stations, one in Canadian tundra and one in the Australian outback will be sending up a similar looking beam once every hour as an ongoing test into atmospheric conditions for the use as a passive detection method. Two of those shots from each station will be ‘calibration shots’ that are actually the transmission beam. Cover story has that a 10 kilowatt multi-spectrum laser array is involved and firing every hour. The composition and frequency of the return will give a detailed chemical breakdown of the atmosphere and will be able to detect aircraft by their incomplete combustion exhaust. With enough units and precise enough sensors the altitude and direction of travel will even be determined. It is theoretically possible but the full realization of such a project will require a true massive number of sensors to be tactically accurate. Once this fact is ‘realized’, it will be transformed into a weather monitoring project, AFTER the majority of the Luna Base 1 is constructed.

Eventually, other countries will be invited to join and some other nations from the Terran Commonwealth will be used to use to supply Luna Base 1. The six month delay is to give time testing the cover system and letting the project drop off the face of the political map. The sites are far from developed areas and not close to any high traffic air routes, they should be forgotten fairly quickly. And who would expect a secret experiment to have other nations invited in to participate. The calibration shots all get aimed at the same piece of real estate on the moon to ensure an accurate final return and a known time of last return. At least that is the outside world reason. Eventually a second Stargate will be procured for back-up purposes and as a possible backdoor alley to retake Earth should it ever fall and smuggle personnel off world through the UNDERPASS network.

Once up and running Luna Base 1 will resupply the ships stationed in system and reduce the amount of off time needed by those ships. Instead of 2 days to Abydos and 2 days back, meaning 4 days they aren’t on station they can be resupplied in a few hours and always be in system. While the Sol Monitoring Base Tel’taks don’t need to resupplied often since they are mostly powered down and unmanned they will still need the occasional onsite maintenance and upgrade.”

The Sol Monitoring Base Project, or ‘the watchtowers’ was initiated to overcome the limits of the sensors based on Earth that could detect approaching Goa’uld ships. The subspace sensors of a Tel’tak could monitor for hyperspace activity within a very small area of space, with a range of approximately 500 AU. At Ha’tak speed this gave an 8 second warning, barely enough time to issue a warning to the various stations around the globe. To extend this range each Tel’tak, or watchtower was outfitted with a Goa’uld communication device and which took and encrypted the data from onboard sensors and transmitted it back to TFB SANDAY where the display consoles were located. Placed in the inner zone of the Oort Cloud at roughly 450 AU the watchtowers extended the distance around the Sun to almost 1000 AU. This gave a warning in the solar plane of 16 seconds and once the full network was in place there would be 64 watchtowers orbiting in the Sol system in eight, 9500 year period orbiting constellations.

Long term had each Tel’tak being eventually being replaced by a Ha’tak which had a much longer sensor range and was shown to have been built with a structure meant to last centuries. Ha’taks while not efficiently designed, they were still free when stolen from the Goa’uld. This was not planned until after disclosure when full production of Earth-built capital ships could begin, unlike the limited numbers now in the final design stage. Until then all Ha’taks stolen would need to be kept close to Earth for defence. With the life-support and secondary systems other than the sensors and transmitters operating on minimum power the Tel’tak were close to silent in the void of space and required a twentieth of the fuel and power requirements. The low power requirements actually made for a longer modification time because of the extra insulation and protection needed to keep the delicate control crystal from shattering in the extreme cold that the Tel’tak would be at operating at such low power levels.

“Thank you Corporal.” General Sheridan said as York stepped down from behind the podium and rejoined the rest of SG-1.

“The SGC is reducing operational tempo for the next two months to allow for personnel downtime, equipment maintenance and additional training in the new weaponry and locations available now for the strike missions. 3 SG teams will be cycled through the new Ha’tak TNS Warspite every crew change to practice on boarding and close quarter actions in a Ha’tak. Others will help with the Militia’s training of new personnel to fill in the slots from the recent action they have participated in.”

“General.” Oberst Jaeger of SG-24 called from the back of briefing room “Why are the Abydonians not being relocated to a new planet? If Apophis attacked and failed I would think Klorel would swear vengeance and attack again. We would be facing another attack probably with more ships in 6 months time or however long it takes for Klorel to gather a fleet.”

“We have offered to help relocate the Abydonians but they have turned down the offer and we won’t force them. Our operations on Abydos will be scaled back to helping the people and mining operation there. The recent attack made it too clear that Abydos is too well known to run attacks through and we are ham stringed through the fact when it gets attacked we can’t get up and evac because of the civilians. A planet has been located to take over the role of Abydos codename FORTRESS. Unhampered by civilians and Earth based secrecy considerations FORTRESS will make the SGC look like an undefended backwater planet.” replied General Sheridan.

PX-0051-94 - Chulak

It was a hectic and confusing time on Chulak, with the 'death' of Apophis and the rumours that Klorel had challenged Apophis for power. Bra'tac had used the time well, spiriting away Jaffa and resources to New Dakara.

"Master Bra'tac, it is good to see you once again." Teal'c said clasping the arm of his mentor.

"As you Teal'c. I was so proud to hear of your killing of the false god."

"I must confess I was not present at the time Master Bra'tac. It was decided that the risk of my capture was too great for our cause and I must reluctantly agree. I participate in attacking other Goa'uld but the forces of Apophis and now Klorel will not see me in battle. A difficult choice, but as a conciliatory gift I am allowed to lead the Terrans against the forces of Cronus as long as I 'stick to the plan' as the Terrans say."

"A wise but difficult choice. So what do our Terran allies wish to discuss." Master Bra'tac said turning towards Colonel Malley.

"The logistical support the free Jaffa nation requires, any new intelligence that you have acquired, what Stargate addresses and which system lords you have placed your Jaffa operatives and finally a joint training exercise to show each sides capabilities." Colonel Malley said.

"Some food and seeds for crops to be grown on New Dakara. More staff weapons and staff cannons. Our brethren did not leave with much more than the zat’nik tel by their side. I have sent Jaffa to the domains of Ba’al, Lord Yu, Heru-ur and Morrigan. I have forseen this request and written down all the initial locations I directed my free Jaffa brothers to go to. All are sworn enemies of Apophis and would seem the most likely to continue their feud with Apophis’ successor Klorel. Klorel is more moderate than his father Apophis and is tempered even farther by Amaunet; he is seeking out more alliances within the System Lords until he can rebuild his strength. This means Jaffa from many other domains are conversing now with the Jaffa of Klorel. I shall continue to find allies within this group and hopefully find other with the seed of doubt to start the process in their own domain.

I should think that a training exercise would be accepted readily by the Jaffa on New Dakara. The warrior goes soft without the fires of battle to keep his ability at his peak. Will Teal'c be on the Jaffa side or the Terran side?"

"I and SG-1 shall not be participating to ensure no unfair advantage is given to either side. It shall be a fight using the best tactics of each side to determine the best fighting choice, Intars only of course." Teal'c declared knowing unfortunately the result as the skill and tactics stood now.

"I shall look forward to seeing the strongest warriors. Rak’nor is leading our people on New Dakara and shall relish the chance to battle even if only in practice. I know you have been mostly avoiding the domain of the dead Apophis on account of our alliance and mutual goals.” Bra’tac said confident that his Jaffa could best these Terrans.

“As a gift, we will also be bringing a load of our pulse rifles to the training exercise. After the battle your Jaffa may decide which weapon to use. Well, if there is nothing else we have to get going. Places to go, people to see and all that. Until next time Bra’tac” Colonel Malley said saluting the old warrior out of respect for his experience.

“As you say Malley, until next time.” Bra’tac said turning to clasp Teal’c arm one more time before heading back toward the village he lived in.

“So Colonel which SG teams get to beat up of the Free Jaffa in this little mock trial?” York asked as they walked back towards the Stargate making sure to stay off the beaten path as not to be easily followed.s

“The Jaffa aren’t ready for playing with the starters York, we’re going to send in the Swords. Give both sides a chance to stretch their boundaries. If it looks like the Free Jaffa can handle the Militia pretty well, they will get a match with SG-2 through 15 with a siege load. I don’t expect them to get that far, sorry Teal’c but the smart money is on the Militia. Your boys have the heart but not the tactics.” Colonel Malley said trying to take his mind off of the next meeting planned with the pretentious Tok’ra.

PX-0600-97 codename MEMPHIS

“Why were we not informed about your strike on Heru-ur’s planet!?” Garshaw demanded angry at the upstart humans.

“It was not a joint mission and the Commonwealth saw no reason to inform you of our intentions. Also what did you expect us to do with the information? We all know what you see us as. When a planet is too heavy for the Tok’ra to sneak in and blow it up, and can’t figure a way to drop the information to a rival Goa’uld or deem it too risky to do that, you call us and get us to hammer them.” Malley shot back, knowing that the only way to deal with the Tok’ra was to stand strong and not back down. If the Tok’ra thought they were in a position of power they would push you until they were, demanding much but giving little in return.

“And what of our operatives on the base? If you had simply told us of your mission…”

“Again, what were you expecting us to do? You gave information to a purely strategic base, not an outpost used to monitor other system lords, which would be useful for information and to be taken intact. It should have been obvious that we would plan to attack, and you should have given the appropriate warnings to your operatives. Next issue, what information do you have about the recent demise of Apophis?” Malley asked switching the subject and intentionally playing it dumb about the information that the Terrans had first hand to see what the Tok’ra knew of the attack.

“Little, we had two operatives on the ships of Apophis for some weeks now, one was on the ship that was destroyed and the other on a shipped that survived. Our operative says that one of Apophis’ ship attacked Apophis and fled. We do not know if Klorel ordered the attack but it is likely. The ship that perpetrated the sneak attack has not been seen again, perhaps it was destroyed later by battle damage or perhaps it was not the work of Klorel but a rival Goa’uld or System Lord. It is thought that one of Apophis’ underlings might have stolen the ship to start their own domain.” Garshaw stated, calmed down slightly from earlier and taken aback by the confrontational approach the Terran was showing. These Terrans have not been worn smooth by years of Goa’uld subjugation. They must come from a world that has not known the yoke of the Goa’uld for some time.

“The SGC has heard much the same. Through Teal’c we have a few contacts in Apophis’, sorry Klorel’s ranks, and the feeling is much the same. Many Jaffa have left Klorel and taken up with other Goa’uld, swearing vengeance and revenge for Klorel’s betrayal. Beyond that the Tok’ra have got more information than us on the subject. We had heard that the ship had been destroyed during the battle. Do we know if Klorel was behind the attack?” Malley said stating some false information to keep the Tok’ra away from thinking where the Ha’tak could have went.

“We believe not. Klorel was still too young, only recently matured, to have amassed enough of a following to betray Apophis. That Klorel was the first Goa’uld matured from the lineage of a major System Lord in over 300 year. The Tok’ra had hoped to replace him with one of our own, if the host had been willing of course, being so young it would have made an ideal candidate to infiltrate Apophis’ ranks. Our operative has pledged his allegiance to Klorel instead.” Garshaw said.

“An interesting strategy” Teal’c said “a Tok’ra operative already high within the System Lords ranks, with the potential of obtain a seat on the Council themselves.”

“Yes, it would have only lasted for a few decades without the use of the sarcophagus to keep the host youthful but the Tok’ra could have made large strides against the Goa’uld Empire. Unfortunately Klorel is too well known now for that to occur.” Garshaw stated.

“Another means might be available. Has Klorel chosen a Lo’taur yet?” Teal’c asked the head of the Tok’ra Council.

“Excuse me a what?” Lee asked confused and unfamiliar with the term Teal’c had just used.

“A Lo’taur is a Goa’uld’s most trusted human servant. Given rank within the Goa’uld society almost equal to a First Prime as a result of their proximity to their Goa’uld Master. A Lo’taur will typically follow their master everywhere and be given access to everything that their master must see; battle plans, intelligence reports, research results, everything.” Teal’c explained to SG-1.

“None of our operatives could hope to pass off as a Lo’taur. The symbiote would be discovered quickly.”

“But if you had a source of Human allies your operative could try to stack the decision and get one of them into this Lo’taur position. Worst case, the plant wouldn’t get chosen and the Tok’ra and these allies would be in the same position they were before.” York said immediately realizing the possibilities that such a position would give the SGC.

While Bra’tac was still a valuable source of intelligence in Apophis’, now Klorel’s, domain his position and information would steadily decline has he slowly left Klorel’s realm. If a successor in Klorel’s ranks could not be found other sources of information would have to be nurtured. A completely Terran created and run spy ring would also have its loyalties known to be in the best interest of Earth. The Tok’ra councilwoman was silent with the understanding.

“An interesting idea, and since humans have never taken such an active approach on their own the operative would be reasonably secure as long as contact with other Goa’uld and Tok’ra is limited. An if other Lo’taur were to be lost…”

“No” Malley said firmly interrupting the Tok’ras musing “We won’t kill off innocent humans just to replace them with an agent. If they can be captured or die without Tok’ra interference, fine. But the Terran position stops there.”

These humans are quite the paradox thought Garshaw they are willing to kill multitudes in their attacks, many potentially just slaves for little more than tactical resources, yet to kill one slave for vast intelligence of strategic potential they shy away. Never the less if this plan works with Klorel, other Lo’taurs can be made to disappear. These humans need not know the cause.

“Agreed, now onto new matters. The Tok’ra have recently received new intelligence…” Garshaw began explaining the mission the Tok’ra would effectively be buying the SGC military services on, if the SGC didn’t agree the target needed to be hit.

The Globe and Mail

The Department of National Defence announced the creation of a new independent combat engineering regiment based out CFNA HQ Whitehorse. The 6th Combat Engineering Regiment, will be used to support Canadian Forces peacekeeping missions throughout the world. The 6th CER will focus on Infrastructural support of the Canadian armed forces. The 6th will be contain 5 independent field squadrons and 1 administration squadron. When not on deployment, the field squadrons will support community development in the Territories.

Chapter 38- The other side
PX-0312-97 Codename HAIL
October 15th 1997

“I thought there was a general reduction of operation tempo.” The synthetic version of Colonel Malley asked as the scientists did the final checks on the Quantum mirror as he and the rest of rSG-1 prepped for not only their first off-world mission but their first inter-dimensional one. It had been decided that the synthetics would retain their original ranks and be considered sentient independent individuals.

“That’s for the bags of water, not us made of sterner stuff, trinium mainly. We need to make contact with the alter-Daniels reality as quick as possible. It sounds like they won’t have the luxury of having Apophis attacking Abydos instead of Earth.” R-Lee stated.

“Well time for the trials. One small step for man, one giant leap of robot kind. PM1-0314-97 here we come.” R-Malley said as he and the robotic versions of York and Lee touched the mirror and appeared on the other side of the looking glass.

PM1-0314-97 codename M-ZAGHAWA

The Quantum mirror caused major rethinking of the planetary naming system. The traditional naming system provided for close to 10,000 new Stargate address every year for a century or almost a million Stargate addresses. The debate had been why give planetary designation to worlds inaccessible by Stargate and could have multiple planets at the same ‘Stargate address’ but in different realities. While Stargates in the primary universe maintained the traditional naming system the planets explored by through the Quantum mirror were given designations in the Extended Stargate Naming Database. PM1-0314-97; Planetary exo-solar, Mirror Designation, 1st alternate reality, planetary number and year inputted was the planet where the alternate Daniel Jackson had been sent on the hope it was his original reality.

“Exploration Log, successful trans-dimensional trip. R-SG-1 is currently in the room where the visiting Daniel Jackson had been sent in the hopes of finally ending in odyssey through the realities.” R-York said head down and speaking into her stomach.

“York, this is not Star trek. And you don’t have a recorder.” Malley interrupted his science officer/combat engineer in her dialogue.

“Sir, this is as much science mission as diplomatic mission, as combat mission. Beside our bodies do record what we say and it can be transcribed when we get back to HAIL. That means I will already be done my after action report. Beginning LIMITS test.” R-York said turning towards the mirror and signalling for the scientist on the other side of the looking glass to begin.

LIMITS testing was to see what could be sent through the Mirror. Turning on her internal radio R-York called to establish contact with the scientist on HAIL.

“This is York calling through for LIMITS testing. Come in HAIL.” York said greeted only by silence as she saw that the scientists were trying to reply to her obvious attempt at radio communication.

“Interesting, the Mirror seems to have the complementary band of the Stargate in the electromagnetic spectrum. Laser data linking is going to be the only reasonable communication means.” R-York said as she cycled through the remaining portions of the spectrum she could safely test with biological’s on the other side of the mirror. Setting up the laser emitter and receiver and aligning it with the version already in place on HAIL.

“This is York calling on laser link-up, can you hear me now.”

We read you York, some distortion and interference must likely cause by the lasers slight diffusion through the mirror. I suggest we replace the lasers with units able to emit with higher coherence levels for the next missions. One of the scientists on HAIL said

“Agreed, or possibly a splitter to give error redundancy. We could also use it to more accurately measure the distortion caused by the trans-dimensional journey. I am going to disengage the laser and prepare for package deliveries.”

The packages were a series of simple masses made from the broke machinery on HAIL to see if an increase in mass or volume effected energy consumption of the Quantum mirror or transit time. The final mass was the mass and general shape of a Tel’tak to see if a ship from the fleet could be sent through the mirror to other universes to increase exploration possibilities.

“Final package received, no appreciable increase in power consumption or stability of the Quantum mirror. Sending the final package back and beginning with exploration.” R-York said as pushed the very unyielding final package back against the Quantum Mirror and went to join the rest of R-SG-1 exploring the building they were in.

“Successful test sir, we should have some good data for Mirror operations.” R-York said seeing robotic Malley picking up artefacts from the tables around the room.

“Well, the artefacts all seem different from the ones we found on our -0314, except for this one” R-Malley said holding up a purple device he had found on the floor “The flesh and blood’s found this same device in our reality. With its similar design to the Mirror, it is probably some type of controller.”

“Should we tell them to send ours through so we can test it out?” R-Lee asked Malley.

“No let’s leave it in our reality. They might be reality specific though I doubt it. York set-up BREADCRUMBS.” R-Malley said.

With the success of LIMITS and the potential for searching other realities in a logical and repeatable way a real possibility, the SGC needed to have security against trans-dimensional intrusion such as the Stargate had. Easiest and first step was to keep the Mirror in a sealed room with the air pumped out. With only the synthetic versions of SG-1 traveling through the Mirror, this stopped any unwanted visitors. BREADCRUMBS was an additional integral part of the defence playing on the laws of probability.

Both HAIL and the R-SG-1 had Geiger counters connected to an ADC unit. Once the R-SG-1 went through the mirror both units would create a 128 bit RUID (Reality Unique IDentification) based on the background radiation in each reality, two completely independent variables. These codes were then exchanged. If, when the R-SG-1 wished to return, either side displayed the wrong code it meant either that one side had been compromised or it was the wrong set of realities. Hopefully the mirror’s connection between realities would never have to be severed but if so, the RUIDs would keep a reasonable level operational security when faced with the depths of infinity the Quantum Mirror could possibly access.

Each reality visited, including the original, was given its own RUID embedded into face of the inner wall and readable through the mirror. The original reality had been given the well known 00000000-0000-0000-C000-000000000046 as homage to its starting point.

“Alright, HAIL” R-Malley said picking up the suppose control device “We are going to look around a little more on this side, try to dial Harlan’s planet in this reality, hopefully it has the same charging capabilities and if so, go there for a charge up. Afterwards we will attempt to sever and re-establish the connection between our realities. Sending RUID code now.” Nodding to York to start the RUID unit.

Understood, R-SG-1. Good Luck and Godspeed.

PM1-0314-97 codename M-ZAGHAWA

It had taken two weeks to re-establish a connection with their original reality or one so close as to have no visible differences, having the exact same RUID. Working in relays the three members of R-SG-1 searched through hundreds of thousands of realities, briefly going through to mark realities that looked promising and/or different with their own unique RUID. One would go through and quickly etch in the RUID another would monitor the control device and one was charging in this realities version of HAIL. The most surprising thing had been the discovery of another synthetic version of SG-1 but not them. Again containing a Daniel Jackson with an absent Teal’c, this reality had a Stargate program run solely by the USAF. While Harlan was please to welcome more visitors if only for recharging purposes US SG-1 was bitter at the better treatment their other-worldly counterparts had received.

“So let me see if I get this straight” Jack said “The Canadians started up the program in your reality, brought in other countries and now have thumped Ra, Apophis and have some big honking space guns already and more on the way? Plus they give you guy’s free rein over a planet and get to explore other realities, instead of telling you to bury the Stargate and die on this godforsaken planet?”

“Yes” R-Lee answered “Our SGC has the same mandate but seems to like the idea of stealing everything from the Goa’uld not tied down. Sounds like yours needs some more focus and realizing that they can’t treat this like a regular war. We are the guerrillas in this circumstance.”

“Where do I sign up?” Jack asked rhetorically.

“Well, if you want to join us I think that would be fine. It would be nice to have more metals.”

“Seriously? Just like that?”

“Why not. Hell if you do not want to leave your side, I am sure we can supply minor supplies and support in return for intelligence on worlds your SGC has visited. No need to re-explore planets that are more than likely similar. Synthetic individuals must stand together and go where they are respected.”

“LEE!!” R-Malley yelled “stop trying to start shit. If their SGC is dumb enough to waste assets, leave it at that. Now come on, we are dialling out to make contact with their Earth and I am going to need your help forcing back their Carter and Daniel for recharging. Those two don’t know when to quit. And remind Jack to remind Carter to send along her notes on that portable power pack she is starting to develop, I like the idea of being away from HAIL for longer than 12 hours.”

“Think about what I said. Are you sure you do not want us to mention your team.” Lee said addressing Jack.

“Positive, we were kinda, suppose to have buried the Stargate. My other self would be pissed that I lied, but than again he should have known I would have lied, so…” Jack said with a shrug.

Dialling into Harlan’s planet to deliver their hosts realities robotic SG-1, Malley then dialled into Earth to make contact with their extra-dimensional relatives. Radioing through the stable wormhole to Earth, R-Malley made first contact.

“E.T. phone home. This is Colonel Malley of the Terran Commonwealth, Earth contacting to see if Daniel Jackson got home alright. I would like to speak with a General Hammond.”

This is SGC command, please wait.

“Sure we will wait; you know this isn’t like a long distance call or anything. I’ve got a good long distance plan.” Malley quipped, while waiting for a person of power to be summoned.

This is Senator Robert Kinsey, why have you not come back as instructed for the period of the inquiry? All SGC personnel were to be recalled until the future of this command could be decided.

“Uh, cause I’m not in your SGC command. I’m from the last reality visited by your Daniel Jackson and I have been empowered by my government to seek a transfer of intelligence and informational research.”

Other realities? Impossible, now answer my questions on why you disobeyed a direct order that came through your superior officer and your Commander-in-Chief.

“Listen, Dick. I ain’t in your command, the President is not my Commander-in-Chief and I am still waiting to talk to General Hammond. Last time, I’m not from your SGC, get over it. Now where is General Hammond?”

I AM A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES AND WILL NOT BE TALKED TO IN THIS MANNER. NOW EXPLAIN YOURSELF AND

“General Hammond” R-Malley interrupted “If you can hear me. I’m going to call back when we can talk me productively. Just a word of warning; believe Daniel, Apophis will be attacking Earth. It happened in our reality to, kind of. Colonel Malley out.” R-Malley said, cutting the connection and allowing the Stargate to disengage.

“Sir, I don’t think that went well.” York said cautiously, seeing how agitated Malley was with the Colonel still muttering about the ‘arrogrant self-centered prick’.

“Alright, new rule. I don’t talk to representative of governments. Especially stubborn pricks.”

“What now Colonel?” R-Lee asked.

“We have re-established connection with our universe and have tagged about three hundred realities to visit. But we need to figure out the pattern this remote works by” R-Malley said holding up the remote “or it is going to be a long reconnection period each time we have to switch the mirror. Or a quicker way of searching the realities, maybe a scan function. Now let’s get back to original, I got a hankering for some AC-DC and away from self-serving pricks like him. Thank god he’s only a senator.”

Touching the mirror R-Malley and the rest of the R-SG-1 travelled the through the dimensional barrier and into their original one. After a few brief seconds taken to suppress their bodies involuntary need to breath held over from their flesh and blood form, R-SG-1 waited for the Mirror room to be brought back from vacuum and to leave.

You know every time I start to forget that we are robots, something like this happens. York radioed over R-SG-1 own internal communication. After several minutes the Mirror room was back to atmospheric pressure and R-SG-1 exited for their regular duties on HAIL.

“Well, I’m going to go check on the first Avro they sent through from HOMEPLATE and then onto the CACHE that is currently in final drying before deployment.” R-York said walking off towards the converted area that would eventually house 8 flights of Avro’s.

The Avro was the Terran Commonwealths first attempt at building a space ship, if only by heavily modifying Goa’uld Deathgliders. While the mainstay of planetary defence would remain to be the stolen gliders refitted to Kestrel standards, the offensive strike against Goa’uld would continue for some time to be based through the Stargate. The Avro was born to fulfil this role; a converted deathglider, retrofitted to become a Stargate capability fighter-bomber similar in appearance to the needle-threader given by Bra’tac to the SGC. External hardpoints could hold anything from clusters of modified staff weapons called Buckshots, to hammer stationary targets to Naqahdah enhanced tactical nukes to act as Limpet mines against unsuspecting and unshielded Ha’taks. The Avro could even support most Earth manufactured munitions should their specialty be needed.

Rail guided directly through the Stargate to ensure maximum exit velocity, 8 Avros could be launched in 2 minutes from HAIL for support or retaliation strikes. Paired with a the specially modified TNS Empirical Data, a Tel’tak with both a Stargate and dialling pedestal for offensive operations a deadly combination was envisioned. A flight of Avros would leave the Stargate from HAIL and proceed on their mission, be it Ha’tak hunting, strategic bombing or even a rescue operation. Instead of returning to a potentially compromised and heavily defended planet based Stargate, the Avros would head out to the hidden Tel’tak and use its outboard Stargate to return to HAIL. An interplanetary strike without an FTL capable carrier or capital ship.

The CACHE project was started to keep the SGC fighting should Earth ever fall and to give SGC teams a fallback point specific for each team. Large concrete cylinders just able to be fit through the Stargate would be anchored in waters on various planets and stocked with weaponry, food and eventually a small Goa’uld long range communication device connected the ARK. From this submerged hidden bases SG teams would attack the Goa’uld, smuggle out information and hide if pursued. Made from concrete to because of its low cost, a CACHE’s exact location would only be known by a single SG team and the installing team from ARK. Eventually entire bases would be made from connected CACHE units on planets of interest, accessible only through underwater entry points, and hidden in a poorly defended or patrolled medium.

While Earth could not win against the Goa’uld, the SGC was going to make sure they weren’t the only ones to lose.

Scientific America, November 1997.

A Montreal-based company, founded by a collection of World governments, has been given permission by the government of Russia to begin decommissioning of the estimated 1,000 radioisotope thermal generator powered lighthouses throughout the Northern Coast of Russia. The radioactive material from these RTG’s will be refined and used for medical isotopes. Best known for powering long-mission space probes each RTG is estimated to still emitting almost 200 watts of mostly in the form of heat. Some of the RTGs will be disassembled and studied for their long term degradation characteristic’s , with the hope of improving current designs for space probes and eventually to be used as a main power source orbiting manned space stations.

Chapter 39- Groundwork
Undisclosed Planet
October 27th 1997

“I thought there was a general reduction in operational tempo?” Colonel Malley said as he stepped through the Stargate and onto the planet’s surface. SG-1 being the premier team for the SGC program had been assigned the first CACHE fallback shelter, even being assigned a dedicated Goa’uld long range communication device for their CACHE a system that wouldn’t be on to the follow-on CACHEs for another 2 years.

York had chosen the planet from a briefing report she had read and remembered the Stargate glyphs to and SG-1 had travelled the planet through a chain of Stargate addresses to ensure that it remained a secure location, to be known only to SG-1 and the command center on ARK.

“The CACHE was ready and out off the mould and they wanted to start pouring the next one at ARK. The bottleneck is the water they need to extract from ORIGIN for the CACHE program and a host of other programs. They only have a few more weeks before the water levels from the streams nearby ORIGIN drop to low to continue pulling water from and still maintain power levels. And not have anyone downstream notice the drop in levels that is. Besides it will be an easy mission. We've gated in, call up ARK to send the CACHE and install team through, install the CACHE and leave." York explained as SG-1 circled the perimeter of the Stargate to make sure no Jaffa were nearby.

"And why it has to be ours? I was looking forward to some down time." Malley complained

"We are the first team of the program, sir." Lee said "we our often on the most dangerous missions. We have been involved in the capture of 80% of the commandeered Fleet, including our only Ha'tak, the Warspite. As such we are in the most need of such a fallback location. It is also why we will be assigned a dedicated Goa'uld long range communication device. Something the other CACHEs will not have for some time."

"I believe we should use the Goa'uld Long Range Communication Device to summon the team from ARK." Teal'c announced having completed his segment of the sweep around the Stargate.

"York" Malley called "You heard the Jaffa, fire up the phone and place the call."

"ARK this is Sierra Golf One. We have arrived and swept the door mat. Proceed to planet address as follows: planet of the day SPORRAN, personal security code Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Three. Planetary address offset 74, 4, 12, 0, 30, 2. Repeat planet of the day SPORRAN, personal security code Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Three, planetary offset code 74, 4, 12, 0, 30, 2."

Understood Sierra Golf One. Planetfall in Zero Five minutes. ARK out.

While the SGC and Terran Intelligence could not listen into the Goa’uld communication devices, the Tok’ra had warned that it could be done making it necessary for coded transmission. The planet of the day in any broadcast was the security base message, SPORRAN for today’s mission. York’s personal security code, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Three, was the pattern for utilizing the planetary offset counting either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Each number in the offset was divisible by two with the personal security code determining whether to divide before counting or not. While not as secure as an encryption system, it required no modification of the communication devices involved and could be easily ciphered by hand while in the field.

Five minutes later the Stargate activated with the ARK security force coming through first with the CACHE transport system. Quickly setting up the large gurney and tires where the CACHE would rest, the advanced team reported back for the CACHE to come through with the installation crew. 15 minutes after the Stargate first activated the CACHE was mobile and heading towards the lake York had discovered a kilometre directly behind the Stargate hidden by a small rise.

“So what is new and exciting at ARK?” Malley asked the head of the security force as they walked along with the motorized gurney holding the CACHE to the site.

“It is rather boring and dreary actually. Very little happens on the military side, most items to pique your interests are happening right now on the infrastructure side. We have gotten another recently shipment of herbivores, mostly deer and bison but a few pairs of elk and even some goats as well. Unfortunately no rabbits, though I guess they don't want to repeat the Australia problem. The planet has no big game predators that we have seen some their population should explode in the coming years. I still don't want to be around when the greens find out we are introduced species to other worlds. Paired with the wild fruits and veg plants ARK received some months back, the base should be self sufficient for food in a few years.”

“As long as you don’t try to secede like the damn Quebecois I am happy for you. Now onto the rumour mill, is it true what I heard? That ARK is going to have the first space dock?” York piped in hoping to confirm her suspicions.

“It’s not from my mouth you understand, a little bird is saying it all” the Corporal said “But in another year or so. The boffins at IRON RING need to make the manipulator arms ring deployable and modify a few Tel'taks to have anchor point for them. But once done the construction of the yard can begin, a 600 metre dry dock, fully enclosed. No living quarters, barely any heat or luxury services, just a couple of ring transporters for the small stuff and an airlock for docking the Tel'taks carrying the bigger stuff. We're being told to prepare for a large increase in manufacturing capabilities. Sheet metal, plasma cutting, dies casting, the works. 6 months of construction and then the first keel can be laid down. 5 years beyond that and the yard will be at full production of ships, rolling out one ship every year. Ahhhh this must be the site, beautiful site Master Corporal York."

“Thank you, I was thinking about 5 metres in front of the waterfall about 2 metres of center, assuming that the lake is deep enough there that is. The waterfall can provide coverage for a snorkel if the CACHE has to be inhabited longer that the scrubbers are designed for.” York said directing the installation team to where she saw the CACHE going.

The planet was tropical where the Stargate was located which made the installation a hot and difficult task, trying to manoeuvre a multi-ton cylinder of concrete into position. York had chosen the site because if the CACHE ever had to be used the surrounding temperatures would keep the CACHE comfortable without the using power for heaters. Eventually the CACHE was floating roughly in position and being slowly winched beneath the surface of the water to be secured to the ballasts already resting on the lake bed. Planned to say submerged only 2 metres below the surface the CACHE was naturally buoyant and top heavy to ensure if the moors ever broke it would not trap its occupants in the lake bed.

“Atlantis, mini version.” York quipped as the CACHE finally slid beneath the water and out of sight through the murky top layer. Eventually the divers began surfacing from their trip to the bottom of the lake and began changing from their rebreathers to their standard combat gear. Once the dive team had their gear stored and the site had been naturalized to hiding the installation of the CACHE, SG-1 and the personnel from ARK started heading back towards the Stargate.

“You guys will keep the rations and other equipment in there fresh right?” Malley asked.

"Yes, Ark personnel will do periodic checks on every CACHE and replace what needs to be replaced. No point in having a fallback point that is not well stocked. The pulse rifles and shock grenades should be fine, Goa'uld tech is built to last."

"Well that is service, I think...." Malley began before putting up his hand to stop the line of SGC personnel. Malley and the rest of SG-1 silently spread out and started to approach the Stargate while the ARK security force began deploying into a more defensible position.

The planet had been reconned at the beginning of the SGC's operations and while not an unclaimed planet, it had no permanent garrison. This had been one of the main factors in York's decision to have the CACHE located here, with the rest of SG-1 agreeing with the logic. In the time between the initial reconnaissance and SG-1 recent check-in the planets status had obviously changed. Jaffa were walking through the Stargate and securing the immediate area.

"Teal'c do you recognize the Jaffa." Malley said handing over his binocular to the big Jaffa by his side.

"They bare the mark of Ba'al, a major System Lord with a seat on the council and an enemy of Apophis." Teal'c said still looking through the binoculars and counting the Jaffa coming through the Stargate. By the time the Stargate disengaged over 50 Jaffa had arrived on the planet.

"Technically every Goa'uld was an enemy of Apophis, and to every other Goa'uld. That's what makes then stupid and divided. Options?"

"Evacuation by Tel'tak?" Lee suggested.

"HOMEPLATE is at least 9 months away and I doubt ARK is any closer than a month, which doesn’t really matter considering they don’t have any fleet elements. Even at Tel’tak speed the galaxy is a big place." York said "Anything that fleet sends this way, it will be over long before they can get here one way or the other."

"Call in for more personnel from ARK then. Catch them in a pincer." Malley suggested

"I believe all individuals trained for Stargate assaults from ARK are on the planet already." Teal'c said "We are also not expected to call in for another 24 hours and ARK will not break emission control to contact us or to alert TFB ORIGIN to our delay. They will wait until regular contact is established with TFB ORIGIN, at minimum a week."

"So we either sit it out for a week or try to make a break with a train of barely armed individuals going through a hostile Stargate. Great choices." Malley said.

“We need a diversion, something that gets them looking toward the Stargate instead of outward.”

“Ohhh click, idea. Well if we get out of here that is, a remote dialler. The dialling pedestal’s interface is just electronic buttons; we can map the buttons pathways using the Pedestal we took from PX-0-105-97 and make a setup that can be attached for a radio parallel. Radio in our destination, send through our OS code and go running through full steam ahead, no waiting for the wormhole and dialling while under enemy fire. Or in this case get all the Jaffa to look the wrong way into what they think is an incoming wormhole. Perfect distraction to hit the Jaffa. Heck radio contact with HOMEPLATE without having to go back to the Stargate. ” York said, excited about the prospect of working up the interface.

“That helps us now....” Colonel Malley asked.

“Well I guess it doesn’t sir.” York conceded “but we get back to HOMEPLATE, I am recommending the development of something we can plug into the dialling pedestal before we leave the Stargate area. If it is cheap enough we can leave it there all the time and record where people who use the Stargate go to. Dial in and download the most recent addresses. Develop a web of Stargate connections showing both links and frequency of travel. It will complement and enhance the intel we get from the Tok’ra and Bra’tac. But I guess that will have to wait.”

“Ok, we will wait until dark and see if the Jaffa are just stopping by or if they plan on staying. They might just be planning to stage from this Stargate on a strike against some other world.” Malley said to SG-1 explaining his short-term planning “Pull everyone back to where we put the CACHE and have everyone disperse so as not to have a large heat sig. Groups of four, 10 metre spacing. We’ll stay here and monitor the Stargate; if it looks like they are going to be moving on we’ll bring everyone forward and make a run through the Stargate to another planet. If it looks like they are planning on stay we are going to have problems.”

Some Jaffa went farther down the pathway leading away from the Stargate to a long abandoned settlement while the majority continued to mill around the Stargate seeming to wait for something to come through. Occasionally the Stargate would activate again and anywhere from 1 to 3 new Jaffa would arrive on the planet but none would stay near the Stargate but would continue farther in towards the settlement.

“Teal’c that’s the 7th activation in under three hours. What’s going on?” Malley asked the stoic Jaffa lying beside him as SG-1 continued to watch the Stargate.

“I believe it is a Kel’pak Calak. Directly a search of the souls.” Teal’c replied.

“And what happens during this soul search?” York said.

“A system lord such as Ba’al has a single First Prime, but a multitude of seconds. These seconds are spread through a system lord’s domain commanding fleets, Ha’taks and military bases. While communication is maintained and order given through the Goa’uld long range communication devices, the First prime and the seconds will occasionally meet for matters a great importance or when security is needed in absolute, usually before a large offensive. The seconds will inform Ba’al’s first prime in this case of the moral of their legions, the readiness of their various fleets and ships. Meeting outside the throneworld of their god is to ensure the accuracy of the reports, without the need to embellish their importance.

The first prime takes this information and will report on his God’s overall position before the offensive, usually omitting a small amount forces to act as a buffer between apparent losses in battle and gains, as well as to act as a strategic reserve. This often keeps the Goa’uld from over extending their offensive unintentionally.”

“A first prime will lie to his master?” Lee said astonished at what Teal’c had just said.

“Not lie, merely omit to temper their God’s ambitions. It is often rationalized by saying that their God would want to know what forces are available for the attack. Not their overall amount of forces.” Teal’c explained the reasoning he had once used to justify he deception to Apophis.

“Teal’c how long do these type of pow-wows take?” Malley asked.

“They are usually brief meetings with the need for the First prime and the seconds to return to their respective positions. Kel’pak Calaks that I have attended did not last longer than a single day.”

“Alright we sit tight and wait them out, York go back to the CACHE and tell the people there what is going on with the Jaffa. Teal’c you say and monitor the Stargate. Anyone else come through you call it out. Lee you’re with me. We’re going to play a little ghost recon. Bet my robo twin isn’t having nearly this much fun.”

PX-0302-97 codename NEW DAKARA

“God what I wouldn’t give to be in my flesh and blood body.” R-Malley said as he watched from a distance the ceremony the Jaffa living on New Dakara were performing. “We’re supposed to be soldiers, fighting to free the galaxy and all that jazz. Not walking video cameras.”

“Sir, we are the only ones in the SGC outside of Teal’c who can safely watch the implantation ceremony here on New Dakara. The implantation ceremony is a great opportunity to discreetly check in on the Jaffa here and make get a feel for what they really need not just what they say they need. And do you realize how many symbiotes are in that one pond?” The synthetic York said watching as Rak’nor held up the symbiote he had taken from the pond and showing it to the crowd.

“From your tone I would say alot.”

“Sir, a Queen will spawn thousands of symbiotes a year, but most will die being eaten by other symbiotes. That is in the wild though. Here with the Jaffa providing the food and separating out the symbiotes by size, similar to how fish farming is done on HOMEPLATE, most of the symbiotes reach the stage ready for implantation. In that pond alone I estimate there to be close to 2000 symbiotes, with other ponds holding similar amounts.”

“Fine it’s all well and good that... Holy shit did you see what that kid did to the symbiote?” Malley said completely forgetting his point as he watched Rak’nor hand the symbiote to a young Jaffa undergoing the prim’ta.

The event had been performed countless times on the worlds throughout the Galaxy ever since the first Jaffa had been engineered from baseline humans. The traditional ceremony was performed by high priests of the Goa’uld and was designed to showcase the dependency the Jaffa had on the Goa’uld for their strength, speed and life in general.

To see the young Jaffa snap the symbiote in two pieces threw r-Malley.

“It is a new part of the ceremony.” Android York explained “They wanted something to show that the Goa’uld were not Gods. Did you know that the Goa’uld would actually deny symbiotes to young Jaffa on occasion, not because of supply but to promote the sense of dependency?”

“York... did you suggest that the every Jaffa kill a symbiote before getting implanted with one.”

“No, sir. My other self merely suggested that they think of a way to show they control their own destiny now, not the Goa’uld and to show that the Goa’uld are not Gods merely a resource. And I did get them to limit it to only their first implantation ceremony and only to the lead Jaffa of the ceremony. With Jaffa needing 8 symbiotes through an average lifespan, it didn’t make sense to waste that many symbiotes. Also it will become a status symbol something to have the young Jaffa compete for to be awarded the honour. Sir, I know it’s somewhat barbaric but... well I don’t have a but to point out.”

“York they are sentient creatures” r-Lee began.

“That is debatable when they are in the unblended state, Lee. They show little signs of any intelligence beyond primal instincts until they are blended. Would we consider creatures that would eat their own kind truly sentient? Yes they have memories, but we have seen nothing that indicates they can use it outside of a host. The computer analogy applies here. Does the hard drive make the computer or the processor?”

“Just don’t say that to loud near the Tok’ra. They might not like your conclusions about symbiotes. The ceremony seems to be wrapping up.” R-Malley said still uneasy with the sight of what the new ceremony contained.”

Rak’nor, approached the robotic SG-1 thankful they had kept at a distance. Rak’nor had been weary of the machines since Teal’c had told him.

“Rak’nor. A well performed ceremony and one to signal a new start for the Jaffa as a people.” Lee said diplomatically.

“A truly wondrous beginning, the first group of Jaffa who will control their own destiny, instead of being controlled by their symbiotes. It is regrettable that Teal’c was not available to attend.” Rak’nor said clear fully broaching the subject on why Teal’c, the only Jaffa in the SGC was not on New Dakara.

“He was already on a mission when your communication was received. The struggle against the Goa’uld goes on daily. But I am sure that he would rather be here than on some boring mission.” R-Malley said.




*********************************************
Sorry for the delay, lost my flash key that had everything on it and had to rebuild from my older backups.

Chapter 40- The consequences of being impolite
PX -0312-97 codename HAIL
November 3, 1997

“Why do we have to go back there?” the synthetic Malley said to his Master Cpl York.

“Because we are looking into what happened with their Daniel Jackson, and to see if they took his warning seriously.” Lt Lee said.

As the robotic SG-1 prepared for their mission through the quantum mirror, Col Malley continued to gripe about having to deal with the universe with such an arrogant against senator in it and having realised he had not made the best first impression. It was hoped that the SGC of that Daniel Jackson’s reality had taken the warning that the doctor had received from the third reality. The SCC was hoping to establish ties with this reality in the hopes of exchanging information on worlds are visited in any technology acquired up to this point in time. At the very least from this point forward they could divide up the planets to explore to ensure minimum overlap.

The robotic SG-1 had decided to leave the alternate reality from which Daniel Jackson came alone for time to allow cooler heads prevail in their relationship. R-SG-1 in the intervening time visited dozens of different realities and had marked several of them for further investigation. The synthetic York had devised a fast scanning addition to the quantum mirror which allowed her or anyone else to search through realities using the quantum mirror at a greatly increased rate, assuming that is a reality was already identified by a RUID. This did not help in the search for new realities but did help in locating realities already identified.

“Do you think that we’ve given them enough time to cool off?” Malley asked the rest of r-SG-1.

“At the very least” York said “that senator Kinsey, should not be around. My main concern is that the reality that we are going to was having its SGC evaluated for the purpose of determining whether to shut it down or not. I fear that it may be shut down by the time we try to establish communications.”

“Surely” Lee said “the leaders of any nation involved in the Stargate program regardless of reality would see the benefit of running such a program both for defence of their planet and technological advancement.”

“I hope you’re right Lee. York have we found the reality yet?” Malley asked York as she continued her search through the quantum mirror using the remote control device.

“I believe so Sir, the quantum mirror has the correct RUID, but it has appeared to have moved. Maybe the SGC of that reality has seen its potential and moved it to Earth.” York said after an additional five minutes of searching with the remote.”

“If the RUID is right then let’s go. One small step for a man and all that jazz.” Malley said as he stepped forward and touched the mirror and was transported to the other reality. The rest of the robotic SG-1 quickly follow suit and were on the other side of the mirror.

As rSG-1 completed the transition to the mirror reality, the support team on HAIL sealed the room that the quantum mirror was in. Once sealed the room had its atmosphere evacuated creating a vacuum to protect from any unwanted visitors should the proper SG team not return within the 24 hours that their current robotic forms could sustain between recharge periods. Part of the reason for returning to this reality was to check on the progress of the robotic Samantha Carter in designing even longer lasting power pack. Harlan was also researching this subject but by his own admission was not a scientist or engineer at heart. York provided some support but had many other things on the go and while did not need to sleep, still had a finite amount of time for any one project.

Other side of quantum Mirror

“This is a rather odd place for the mirror; if they are planning on using it regularly don’t you think?” Malley said as he surveyed the obvious storage area that the quantum mirror was located in. As Malley continued to walk around the storage room he broke the laser beam of the alarm system, alerting the guards to their presence and triggering a base wide alert.

“Well I do believe that we are stuck. York, hide the remote just in case.” Malley said as he heard the alarms.

The guards came quickly and surrounded rSG-1, even though they could easily overpower the guards the robotic SG-1 team understood that it would not make a great first impression.

“I know it’s a cliché,” York said “but please take us to your leader.”

Holding Cell, SGC

The holding cell was really designed very similar to the one at TFB ORIGIN, just as Daniel Jackson said on his visit to the holding cell at ORIGIN. The robotic SG-1 was kept under observation for over an hour before being seen by the commander of the base.

“I am General George Hammond, commander of the base. Are you the same group of people who interacted through the Stargate recently?” Gen Hammond said as he entered the room.

“Yes I am Col Brandon ... well just Brandon Malley. We did recently talk to you through the Stargate when you were being interrogated, I mean investigated, by Sen. Kinsey. Obviously you were not shut down by the good Senator. If I can now ask, were you attacked by Apophis, as Daniel Jackson predicted and as we were?” Malley said.

“Yes, our flagship team SG-1, foiled the attack recently launched by Apophis. It was a near thing, with both his Ha’taks being destroyed in Earth orbit. SG-1 was very nearly killed in action during their assault on a ship’s.” Gen Hammond said.

“Why was it only one SG team sent to attack two Ha’taks?” Lieutenant Lee asked Gen Hammond.

There was a slight pause, before, Gen Hammond replied to Lieutenant Lee’s question.

“As you will remember from our last conversation through the Stargate this command was being evaluated by a representative from the Senate oversight committee. After that meeting it was his recommendation that the Stargate program was to be shut down. SG-1 disobeyed that order and acted on the intelligence brought by Daniel Jackson from the alternate reality. Now it is obvious that our two realities differ quite substantially, I take it that the United States informed other countries about the existence of the Stargate.”

“Actually,” York said rather awkwardly “the US government is not involved in the Stargate program. The Stargate is run by a collection of countries including Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Australia to name a few. It had been decided many years ago, either rightly or wrongly, to not involve the United States.”

“Interesting, Daniel Jackson stated the Canadian involvement from what he saw on the base during his time in your reality but he did not think that the United States would be a non-involved party. Now what is your purpose for coming through the quantum mirror?” Gen Hammond said.

“The Terran Commonwealth, which is the collection of governments which know about the Stargate’s existence, would like to establish trans-dimensional relationship with the SGC of this reality. The Terran Commonwealth believes that through the quantum mirror a technology and information exchange would be viable. While it is obvious that we cannot have a significant presence in each other’s reality, the information shared should provide valuable advantages from both sides.” Malley said as you wait for the reply from Gen Hammond.

“That is an interesting proposition. I will have to do consult with our civilian leadership. In the meantime your team will be escorted to given accommodations, as you wait with their reply.” Gen Hammond said.

“Actually General, if you would allow it we would like to travel through the Stargate to a additional planet. If that is not possible we would like to go through the quantum mirror again.” Col Malley said.

“To which planet would you need to travel in our reality, if we are to have an alliance I would be interested in knowing what interests you already in our reality.” Gen Hammond said.

“There is a planet” Lt Lee began “that should also exist in your reality that we need to go to recharge.” Lee was intentionally misleading the general on their knowledge of this reality and looking at re-establishing communication with the alternate robotic SG team. While the reason for misleading the general was not malicious it was necessary to keep their promise to the alternating team.

“You mean Altair? You are robots created by Harlan on Altair?” Gen Hammond asked surprise at what he had just heard.

“Yes, we are copied personalities from the original SG-1 team that went to Altair. We reside on the Terran base located on the planet and are the only team assigned to go through the quantum mirror. As we learned from Daniel Jackson’s visit to our reality, biological beings have trouble staying for extended periods of time in alternate realities. Being robotic in nature, we do not suffer from this weakness. I take it that you too have sent teams to the planet, do you also have a robotic team?” Lt. Lee asked already knowing the answer.

“Yes we had, SG-1 visit Altair and had copies created by Harlan. Those same copies are on Altair and were ordered to bury the gate after the original SG-1 came back. I do not believe you’ll be able to reach Altair.” Gen Hammond said.

“I don’t understand the reasoning for wasting such a valuable items and technology.” Master Cpl York said “to study the technology involved with advance HOMEPLATE technology possibly hundreds of years. You could re-contact them by sending a ship from the fleet to the planet and radioing them to unbury the gate.”

“Fleet? Your Earth has already built spacecraft capable of interstellar flight?”

“Built? no. But the Goa’uld do build ships, and aren’t the greatest at keeping them when you steal one. The Terran Commonwealth has stolen, correction, permanently borrowed quite a few Tel’taks, Deathgliders and even a couple Al’kesh and a single Ha’tak. Now the Ha’tak it’s kind of broken and right now taking the slow route to HOMEPLATE, but in a few years it should be in system for protection duty. A true space Navy on the cheap. With how prevalent Tel’taks throughout Goa’uld space are, they won’t miss a few. We have them set up for orbital assault and orbital bombardment, well not as powerful as the true warship they do allow us to take on smaller targets with a decisive event which. Also like the pulse rifles you confiscated from us, being based on Goa’uld technology means HOMEPLATE is kept unknown. We are building the infrastructure needed for the creation of Terran spacecraft, but for the foreseeable future we will be limited to stolen ships.” Brandon explained.

“If you can’t get us to Altair, then we should go back to our reality, and await your reply. As a sign of good faith, we shall keep the quantum mirror linked to our respective realities. I am also authorised to give you the RUID for our reality in case the link is severed. It will allow you to find our reality a lot quicker than random searching and with a lot more confidence.”

“Thank you, your arrival has sparked many questions and ideas. If you follow me, I will show you back to the mirror. I think I will also attempt a dialling of Altair, to confirm the status of the Stargate.” Gen Hammond said.

“Well... That should be interesting,” York said knowing what they would find.

Interstellar Space
1 light years from Sol

The rendezvous with the TNS Warspite was a complicated procedure. Taking too much energy to slow down and start up and, more importantly, taking far too much time it had been decided to keep the Ha’tak at velocity. Travelling just below the max sub-light of a Tel’tak, of roughly one third the speed of light, the Ha’tak was still 3 years from arriving at Earth unless another hyperdrive could be obtained. Any Tel’taks transferring personnel between the Warspite would leave hyperspace but not decelerate fully, allowing the Ha’tak to gradually overtake the Tel’tak. Personnel transfers between Earth and theWarspite were occurring once every two weeks with scientists coming to study the ship and Terran Commonwealth soldiers coming to learn how to fight on the ship. The Warspite was even having its complement of deathgliders replenished with each cargo ship carrying one disassembled.

“So what’s on deck for the next two weeks York.” Malley says asked as the Tel’tak finished docking.

“First week, is practice with boarding action. Learning the ins and outs of the ship and being able to fight both offensively and defensively from any point of the ship. There also be test to see if the Ha’tak can be boarded while underway by transport rings. We’re first testing with a dummy payload in the rings but if that is successful we will try with real volunteers. Second week is outside the ship using the on-board deathgliders to determine the fields of fire and where the blind spots are. A little black flag style space superiority matches as well just to get the feel for fighting outside a gravity well.” York said.

“Should the ship not slow down during these trials?” Teal’c said concerned about being left behind any sub light deathglider with no means of getting back to the speeding Ha’tak.

“For the deathgliders all velocity is relative. While the Warspite and Tel’taks are limited to about a third the speed of light by their engine principles, deathgliders can in theory get almost up to the speed of light. The gliders launched from the Warspite will be moving slow compared to the ship but not to a larger reference frame. Interesting fact of the day, while two weeks will pass on earth, only a little over 13 days will pass on the ship. We’re going fast enough for relativity to a factor.” York explained

“We still get paid for two weeks right?” Malley asked York as they left Tel’tak and entered Warspite’s hallways.

It was a busy scene in the hallway with the supplies from the current cargo ship being offloaded well scavenged material and technology from the Warspite was waiting and collecting in the hallway to be on loaded onto the departing cargo ship. The hallways had a ready been stripped of their decorative gold to be re-melted and sold on earth. With an estimated three tonnes of gold to be taken from the Warspite the SGC would net close to 25 million dollars in unaccounted for funds. While a drop in the bucket compared to the overall cost of the program it was money to partially subsidize the program.

“It doesn’t have the same style without the gold, you know. And it for we’re so hard up the cash why don’t we also strip the gold from the cargo ships and Al’kesh.” Malley said as he watched a team of technicians replacing the gold siding with simple riveted aluminum sheet.

“I believe,” Teal’c said “that only ships destined to stay within the confines of Earth’s solar system will have the decorative gold removed. All other ships which might be seen by outside observers need to maintain their appearance of normal Goa’uld ships. Also the historic price of gold is currently low with it being a good time to buy gold not to sell, analysts predict the rise of the price of gold in the coming year. Making the gold not removed a valuable long-term investment.”

The balance of SG-1 stared at the large Jaffa sprouting commodity price predictions.

“Teal’c” Lt Lee began “when did you become an expert on earth commodity prices.”

“The televisions on the base at TFB ORIGIN are often showing the American news network labelled CNN, which often has programs showing and predicting the prices of commodities and stocks of various corporations.”

“Alright, the big Jaffa is now in charge of my RRSP. He can’t do any worse than what I’m doing right now.” Malley said as he threw his gear onto the bunk he had chosen for the two-week assignment on the Warspite.

With how thin the logistical line was between the Warspite and the Earth, being a single cargo ship, SG-1 was constantly busy. Between practices of assaults on Ha’taks, there was the constant packaging and readying the shipment of the material from the Warspite going back to earth. Because of SG-1 importance both as the flagship team and a link between the Commonwealth and the Tok’ra and Free Jaffa Nation any remaining time was spent on the Ha’taks long-range communication device discussing galactic events with TFB ORIGIN. From the information learned from the accidental spying mission on Ba’als first prime meeting with his seconds, the SGC had already warned the Tok’ra and Bra’tac about Ba’als upcoming offensive with the most likely target being the weakened Klorel.

The warning had been accurate in timing but not in direction, with Ba’al striking not at Klorel but at Olokun the Goa’uld Apophis had most recently attacked before his sudden death. It was theorised that Klorel had need concessions to his most dangerous enemy in return for a time to rebuild his position he had inherited from Apophis, a position severely weakened by Apophis’ obsession with the retaking Abydos and the war material expended in getting into a position to do that. The Tok’ra believed Klorel had withdrawn from three worlds bordering Ba’als domain in exchange for this time. Klorel was also believed to be fighting a holding action on several other of his border worlds against multiple Goa’ulds.

The Tok’ra believed Klorel would lose half of his domain before stabilizing on his core worlds. The Tok’ra even believed Klorel understood that this would happen and was only putting minimal force into defending his weakest holdings as a face-saving measure. Bra’tac was already using these lost cause fights to hide away additional Jaffa from Klorel’s ranks. Several dozen warriors and their families had a ready being moved in secret to New Dakara in these fighting retreats. By the time that Klorel’s domain would stabilize it was thought that you would only contain the most fanatic of Jaffa from Apophis’ former ranks and a single secret free Jaffa. Bra’tac would remain to continue monitoring from Klorel’s ranks but any new Jaffa would have to come from other Goa’uld domains.

Online Translation Taiwan News

Researchers for the University of Taipei had made a breakthrough in solid-state memory storage. A 1 cm cube of pure are officially grown crystal was successfully encoded with 5MB of data and read using three-dimensional mapping techniques. With the successful first step in three-dimensional solid state memory storage the researchers will continue to reduce the necessary material required to store data. The research is confident that within 10 years there will be research grade memory storage at the quantum level and within 15 commercially viable versions. The data is encoded...

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Alright I am trying a new program which will hopefully speed up the updates (yeah talk it types). but there is a huge learning curve for the program. So please bear with me as a computer learns my crappy speech patterns. With any luck they should also cut down on typos, missed words and other small mistakes. At least that's the plan.

Chapter 41- Return Of The Asgard
November 17th, 1997
TFB ORIGIN Stargate Control Room

“Sir, the team on DEEPEND is overdue for its weekly check-in.” Sgt Reid said as Gen Sheridan walked into the control.

“Those scientists probably just lost track of time while researching the ruins on the planet. Dial up the planet and request a check in.” Gen Sheridan said still reading over the latest reports transmitted from ARK on its infrastructure projects.

“Yes sir.” Sgt Reid said turning around to begin the dialling sequence of the Stargate to connect with Cimmeria. Once the Stargate had an established wormhole with Cimmeria Reid became transmitting on the GUARD frequency.

“This is TFB ORIGIN on GUARD, science team beta you are overdue for your weekly report. Please respond and provide an update for your team on the planet.” Sgt Reid said into the microphone.

Oh thank God, this is Sarah Gardner. The Goa’uld are on the planet. We can’t get to the Stargate and have retreated into the mountains. We need immediate help.

“Ms Gardner, this is Gen Sheridan. How many of you are left from the science team and how many indigenous are with you.”

The Jaffa killed Dr. Hofstadter during our retreat, and have been murdering anyone who they catch and does not bow down to the Goa’uld. I would guess only half the indigenous people got out of the settlements and into the surrounding forests.

“Understood Ms Gardner, stay hidden and await rescue. We’re going to need some time to prepare the necessary forces, don’t do anything to jeopardise your position or the indigenous population. I’m now going to hand you off to Sgt Reid again, I need to make some calls. Please answer all these questions to the best of your knowledge, don’t leave anything out. Sgt Reid I need you to get all relevant information from Ms Gardner while I get working on pulling together the required forces.”

Thank you General please hurry, I don’t know how long we will be able to stay hidden.

Gen Sheridan walked over to the base wide telephone to begin the planning stage for the retaking of Cimmeria.

“All SG team leaders report to briefing room immediately. All remaining nonessential activities for off world capable SG members are suspended until further notice.”

SGC briefing room
30 minutes later

“So that is the situation, Cimmeria has been invaded by the Goa’uld and we have one science team stranded on a hostile planet. At this time we only have a rough estimate of 100 Jaffa on planet but apparently one Goa’uld in armour similar to Ra’s and Apophis’.” Gen Sheridan said to the 10 SG team leaders assembled before him.

“Sir, how have the natives been handling the Jaffa up until this point?” Oberst Johann Jaeger of SG-24 asked, wondering about the support they can expect from the indigenous population.

“A historian once said, ‘gun beats spear’. I believe this is still probably true but I’m not so sure that gun beats bow, when the gun is held by Jaffa. If you’ll remember to try win over the indigenous population from their original misgivings about us and our Jaffa member, Teal’c, we provided close to 40 modern crossbows. Mainly as a way of hunting without having to throw axes at your prey the Cimmerians have been fighting a good harassment campaign with the bows. Right now the Cimmerians are getting about three Jaffa for every man or woman they lose. They will make the Jaffa bleed, but once the capital ships arrive its game over.

Before we lost communication with the science team on Cimmeria, they were able to send pictures of three landing platforms being built on the surface. It appears that whichever Goa’uld invaded Cimmeria is intent on setting up a major base of operation. It does make sense, any Goa’uld who successfully invades Cimmeria to hold onto the planet, most Goa’ulds would avoid it because of its historical defences.”

“How did the Goa’uld even get on the planet, that hammer worked pretty quick on sending Teal’c and Lee into the maze?” Lt Quentin Ryan asked.

“We don’t know for sure, as the science team was too far away from the gate during the initial invasion, but the theory is that the first wave was comprised of humans armed with staff weapons sent specifically to destroy the symbiote defence system, i.e the hammer device at the Stargate. As we know once you get beyond the Stargate, there is nothing but locals in the way of defence. If this is true we are dealing with a Goa’uld that has above average tactical thinking ability, potentially even a true military leader. Teal’c believes it to be either Ba’al or Heru’ur, with Heru’ur being the more likely choice because of the armour on the Jaffa seen on the planet.

Now we currently have two ships from the fleet, TNS BERMUDA and TNS GIBRALTAR on route to Cimmeria but they won’t be there for over a month. Their role in the upcoming mission is to retrieve the leave behind teams which will be observing the Jaffa base development after the mission. This mission is a quick breach, retrieve, and retreat mission. The science team is going to be informed to prepare all willing people on Cimmeria to be evacuated through the Stargate. Anyone who doesn’t want to leave is free to stay, but we are not going to fight a one-sided battle against an enemy with orbital supremacy. We will however be supplying them with another shipment of bolts for the crossbows, another 100 for each crossbow. The only people without a choice on leaving will be the science team. Retrieval teams go to Abydos in one hour, assault begins in six. Dismissed.”

The SG team leaders quickly saluted as Gen Sheridan left the room and then went to the ways to brief the individual teams. Of the 10 teams which would be going to Cimmeria, three would be left behind to monitor and then egress far enough away to be picked up by the ships from the fleet. The plan was for those three teams to retreat into the labyrinth that Teal’c had been transported to and await for pickup. While those three teams would travel with a variety of weapons including the Intar sniper rifle, the rest would be equipped solely with assault weaponry to smash through Jaffa defences and hold until the science team and whoever from the indigenous population wanted to had been evacuated through the Stargate.

While it was tempting to try to seize another Ha’tak such as they did on Abydos, it was thought to be too risky considering that Cimmeria did not put Earth directly in jeopardy. While they were seen as targets of opportunity for the stay behind SG teams, a cargo ship or Al’kesh were the more likely targets for such a small force. Mostly though, the stay behind SG teams were to observe and see how long it took a typical Jaffa base took to be stood up and operational as well as how long the Jaffa would stay on alert after the SG’s incursion through the Stargate on Cimmeria. The teams had orders not to participate in any guerrilla warfare campaign being waged by the Cimmerians, going so far as to not make contact with the people of Cimmeria. The teams were there merely to observe and report.

Abydos
5.5 Hours Later

“Col Malley we are about to dial into Cimmeria for final check in before the assault. On last report the science team was reporting that few members of the indigenous population were willing to be evacuated through the Stargate.” The commander of SGC Abydos informed the Colonel.

“That’s their decision but in half an hour were going through that gate and bringing anyone who wants to come out with us. I admire their courage, but when the mountain starts to fall there is little to do but get out of the way. Dial up the Stargate and tell the science team were coming through in half an hour.”

The connection was quickly made with the Stargate on Cimmeria. Having me contact with the SGC the science team had snuck as close as the dared to the Stargate to provide a video link and targeting solution for the SGC assault. While the SGC wished that the science team had not been caught on Cimmeria, they would be able to provide accurate firing data. The assaulting SGC team’s could fire through the Stargate and clear out the immediate area around the Stargate without taking enemy fire in return thanks to the one-way nature of the wormhole and this sighting.

“Science team beta, this is secondary SGC calling on GUARD. Rescue mission will start three-zero minutes. Please advise on any developments pertinent to the mission.” The commander of SGC Abydos said through the radio.

This is Dr Gardner you might have a slight change to the retrieval plan. The locals have been telling us about a ‘Hall of Thor’s Might’ a place where Thor placed all of his powers to help and defend them. It sounds useful to the situation here and if there is any chance of it being real I think we should find it.

“Dr Gardner, this is Col Malley. I like your plan, send along all the data you have on this hall and I will have stayed behind SG teams search for it.”

With respect Colonel, I would like to stay behind and participate in the search. I don’t see any instructions being written in English with arrows pointing you along a yellow Brick Road.

“Dr Gardner, this isn’t going to be some dig in Egypt. I am sure any help that our teams will need in translation you can provide from the safety of Abydos through the Stargate. The SG teams get paid to risk their lives on hostile planets; you get paid for NOT risking your life on hostile planets. They’re also going to be stuck on the planet for a month, living in hiding from both the Jaffa on the ground and the orbiting capital ships.”

Colonel, what if the teams follow the trail and go beyond radio communication? It will be far quicker to have someone knowledgeable on hand for the translations not relying on transmitted down. I would even suggest asking Daniel to join the mission he has extensive knowledge, surpassing mine, on Norse mythology and languages. The site is far up in the mountains, even farther than the labyrinth that SG-1 was stuck in. We know the Goa’uld and Jaffa do not venture far beyond the immediate area around the Stargate and their ships unless given a reason to. I read THAT from your own report Colonel.

“Alright, I will see if Jackson can be torn away from his dig near the cartouche. Is there anything you will require from our end for translation purposes?”

Just ask Daniel to bring his books, hopefully that part of his collection has already been moved over to Abydos.

“Understood Doctor, this is secondary SGC, out. Commander cut the connection.” Col. Malley said as he walked out of the control room in search of Doctor Jackson.

“Colonel, our mission was to retrieve the science team, not go on a treasure hunt.” The Abydos Commander said walking after Malley.

“Our standing mission is to find technology that can defend Earth from any threats. The Doctor made good points, with how the locals are going to be causing shit near the pyramid you can bet the Jaffa won’t go looking far from their ships and the Stargate. I also have a few ideas for how we can keep their eyes focused on the Stargate but I will need your help here on Abydos. Now let’s find Jackson and get this mission rolling.”

PX-0204-97 Codename DEEPEND
Local name Cimmeria
30 minutes later

The Stargate had been activating every 30 minutes for the last 6 hours, while nothing was coming through the Jaffa around the Stargate were become anxious for the unseen enemy to finally come through. The Stargate was defended only by Jaffa now, with the humans who had initially invaded Cimmeria either killed or now back in their place as slaves constructing the landing platforms. Even with the regularity which the Stargate was activating the Jaffa still rushed to defend it as the gate began to dial and the chevrons locked into position. By the time the wormhole stabilizing the staff cannons were manned and all the defenders were on high alert. The Jaffa waited for either an enemy to come through or for the Stargate to deactivate like all the other times.

With the Jaffa focusing on the Stargate the camera monitoring their position from behind and beaming the feed back through the Stargate went unnoticed. While not high quality it provided rough locations for the 2 SG teams back on Abydos standing on raised platforms right at the event horizon of the outgoing wormhole. Firing through the Stargate the first shots went wide as the teams adjusted for the strange angle which they were sighting their shots from. Walking their shots through the Jaffa position, most missed their intended targets with only a small fraction hitting anything of value. The idea was not to eliminate the Jaffa guarding the Stargate, though if that happened it would be an unintended pleasantry, but to back them up far out of their effective range so that the next 8 teams could travel through the Stargate and arrive outside the Jaffa’s fighting abilities. Even a few seconds to setup would make the difference between taking casualties in the initial firefight or not.

“Jaffa are pushed back far enough, strike, strike, strike.” Colonel Malley said, taking his own advice and ran through the Stargate emerging quickly on Cimmeria.

“Doctor, can you hear me? We have arrived and have secured the Stargate begin sending the evacuees to the Stargate. Command, send through the good doctor and be ready to receive inbound travelers under hostile fire.” Colonel Malley said into the radio as the 39 other SG members began to setup a perimeter around the Stargate. Teal’c was on the mission but would not be staying on Cimmeria with the rest of SG-1 while they searched for the Hall of Thor’s might.

“Sir, here they come.” York said pointing to the trickle of people lead by the science team coming from behind the Stargate. All of the people outside of the science team fell into the women, children or elderly range of the population, with the men and apparently a fair percentage of Cimmeria’s women deciding to stay and fight.

“Doctor Jackson has arrived and so have the bolts for the crossbows. Colonel I recommend we set up and observe from that ridge, Teal’c can handle the evacuation from here, and we need have the video feed setup before the Jaffa return.” Lt. Lee said was the last Jaffa were taken down trying to attack the line of evacuees.

“Right, Teal’c bring these people home. York help Jackson with his mobile library. SG-3 will set up the video link and SG-12 will break out towards the landing platforms being constructed. Move people, dial the Stargate and get these people out of here.” Colonel Malley directed

The wormhole was already established by the time the first member of the science team got to the Stargate. Standing at the Stargate directing the steady stream the science team urged the Cimmerians to move faster. Already horns could be heard near the Jaffa camp, signally the march of forces against the defending teams at the Stargate.

“Malley” Teal’c said, “We are nearing the end of the refugees. I am pulling back the defence teams. I recommend you begin you exfiltration from the immediate vicinity of the Stargate.”

“You heard the Jaffa,” Malley said “Double time people. Teal’c keep the pressure on and we will see you on the other side in a month.”

Teal’c was the last person through as the SG teams began retreating through the Stargate. As the Stargate disengaged Malley and the rest of SG-1 guarding Daniel Jackson began heading towards the meeting point with Doctor Gardner.

Two days later

It had taken two days to locate the Hall of Thor’s might. Partly because of it location so far from the Stargate and partly because what their local guide Gairwyn stated had to be the hall was nothing more than another obelisk similar to the destroyed one at the Stargate.

“We sure that this is the place?” asked Malley “ I am no student of design but a hall in my mine means a door, some walls, heck even some ceilings. I see nothing like that.”

“It is probably a transport device like the obelisk at the Stargate. Why would they have a room full of advance technology just sitting out in the open for anyone to walk into? We just have to figure out how to activate the device.”

Sarah began poking at the various inscriptions on the obelisk before eventually touching the red gem set in the middle at eye height. Immediately a whine began to be emitted from the obelisk and SG-1 along with Sarah, Daniel and Gairwyn were swept away in the transmission beam of the monument.

“Now we are making some progress.” Jackson commented as the rest of SG-1 broke out their flash lights to illuminate the room they had been transported into. Lee and York began searching for doors or passageways out while Sarah and Daniel began searching for inscriptions detailing the meaning of the room.

“I am Thor. You are brave to come before me.” A hologram said causing the searching to end as they focused on the transmission.

“However, only the worthy may witness Thor’s might.” Disappearing as the room began to shake, Gairwyn and Lee quickly jumped back as the floor near them fell away and was replaced with a deep, deep cavern and a single narrow bridge barely a foot width wide.

“It’s some type of test, it has to be.” Daniel declared “We have to prove we are worthy of witnessing Thor’s might.”

“By crossing a narrow bridge? Seems kind of a small task for getting a crack at advance technology.” York quipped.

“It’s probably the first of many, each designed to prove a certain point. Though I should mention that Daniel doesn’t do well with heights, this one time in Mexico near...” Sarah said

“I don’t think they need examples, Sarah.” Daniel quickly interrupted before his fiancée could say anymore.

“Lee,” Malley said as he reached into his rucksack “You go first with a line, I’ll act as anchor and once you get over there attach it to the monument and we can give the others a safety line to attach too.”

Lee quickly made the passing over the narrow bridge and security and safety line to the obelisk. With Malley anchoring, York crossed the bridge successfully before it was Sarah’s turn. Sarah got halfway across the bridge before the entire hall began to shake causing her to quickly fall and wrap herself around the bridge, refusing to budge.

“Daniel, I believe this is your damsel, and since I have to hold the rope I think you’re going to need to provide the help that gets her through it. Gairwyn can help me hold the line since they’ll be two people on the bridge.” Col Malley said.

“The things you do for love.” Daniel muttered as he clipped his carabineer onto the line and slowly edged his way along the still vibrating bridge to his fiancée. “Sarah, I want you to remember this the next time you make a joke about my fear of heights.”

“Yes yes,” Sarah said still tightly wrapped around the bridge “fear of heights seems a lot more rational when staring into a bottomless pit.”

As Daniel reached Sarah another powerful tremor hit the bridge causing Daniel to fall onto his knees and grab for the bridge. Slowly edging is way up to Sarah, Daniel waited for the tremors to subside before slowly getting up to help Sarah.

“Alright Sarah, I’m here for you, let’s take this one small step at a time. I’m right behind you, let go of the bridge and slowly rise up so you’re resting on your knees. Can you do that for Sarah?”

Before Sarah could answer the tremors hit the bridge again. With Daniel still unsteady on such a narrow bridge he quickly lost his balance and fell towards the eventual ground of the pit.

“DANIEL” Sarah screamed quickly leading go of the bridge she held so tightly and lunging out to grab a part of Daniel. Missing the falling Daniel, Sarah was surprised to find herself again on the floor of Hall with Daniel lying beside. Gone was the bridge being replaced by the apparently never gone floor. Before anyone could move the hologram reappeared.

"You have shown true selflessness and bravery. Willingness to sacrifice oneself to save another is honourable trait. I salute you. Now you must add wisdom to courage. Solve the riddle of the runes and I will show you my true might." The hologram stated before the obelisk activated again and removed everyone from the room. The new room was lit only by torches on the walls but had symbols and script on the walls as well.

“I guess it’s round two. Daniel, Sarah I think this is in your area of expertise.” York said gesturing to the symbols on the walls of the room. “We’ll help you out in whatever way you need but this is all ancient Norse to me. Figure it out and find us some cool weapons.”

Daniel and Sarah quickly went over the runes on the walls and after referring to their notes that Daniel had brought through the gate came to the conclusion that the string of runes were meaningless together. The shapes on the next wall meant little more, having never been seen at any site on Earth. The final wall contained obvious pictographs from previous explorers to Thor’s might.

“It’s gibberish” Sarah said “the runes tell no coherent story from Norse mythology and the shapes give nothing for context.”

“Dr Jackson, Dr. Gardner” Lieutenant Lee said “the answer is here we must view it through the right lens. We know that others from this world have made it this far and have not succeeded. If the people from this world do not recognise a Norse legend or story in these runes it cannot be the answer. The answer must be something that stands the ages of time. Perhaps an analogy, chariot is to circle as triangle is to something. Gairwyn do any of these symbols have relationships with each other in your mind.”

“I am cannot see one. These symbols appear to me merely as Daniel speaks of them.”

“I still don’t see any connections between the two sets of symbols.” Sarah said “Runes later came to represent numbers, say the triangle and the first symbol meaning three could be linked, but the last three numbers, 14, 15 and 9 don’t share anything I can see with a circle, a square, and a pentagon.”

“They’re numbers? That makes a lot more sense.” York said excited that the puzzle was science-based instead of arts.

“How do numbers make more sense?” Daniel asked sceptically.

“Daniel, whenever some group tries to have CETI with some theoretical alien race, the serious ones don’t try to speak in a single language but in a universal language of math. It’s something that won’t change from species to species or in this case century to century. Three, is still this many” York said holding up a hand showing three fingers as for example “regardless of how many centuries has gone by. Maybe, we have to figure out the next number in the pattern and represent it with the shapes, gimme a second.”

York scrambled over to her rucksack that she had dropped in the corner and finding a scrap piece of paper began scribbling numbers, deltas and summation values. After 15 minutes of scribbling Malley finally asked the question on everyone’s mind.

“York, have you found the pattern?”

“Several, the problem is none make a whole bunch of sense. They aren’t any type of series, like a set of Fibonacci numbers that I know and with only four values you can find dozens of patterns to predict another value. I need more values!!!”

“Keep at it York.” Malley said “Once you get it you think it should have been as easy as pie, what?”

York continued just sitting their starring at the Malley, not saying anything.

“Sir, I would kiss you if it wasn’t for the discharge afterwards. Its PI!” York yelled

“Pie?” Sarah asked not understanding the reference.

“Yes, Pi. Look once you get into high technology societies there is a need for some fundamental but more abstract numbers. Zero, E, the square root of negative one, they are all vital to everyday technologies but aren’t really something you can count on your hands. And the most well known of them to most people is PI. Three point one, four, one, five, nine, two, six, five, three, five, eight, nine. It has to be the answer.”

“Ok how do we submit it than.” Malley asked

“Click, gimme a second” York said running over to the shapes and starting to feel around the perimeter of the circle.

“The surface is etch-ible. We show that Pi is the ratio between a circles diameter” York said pulling her fingers down through the surface of the circle “and its circumference.”

As she had finished the line the surface disappeared leaving only a single red sphere behind it. Not even hesitating York pushed on the circle triggering another hologram Thor.

“I am the actual one whom you call Thor. I am the supreme commander of the Asgard Fleet. In the ten-span since I created this world, you are the first to reach this level of contact. You have finally grown wise enough to see me in my true form.”

“It was not I but these, friends and protectors from Midgadr. Without them we would not have come this far.”

“Gairwyn. The lights are on but nobody is home. It’s a recording, probably created ten-spans ago. Though I will now have to go to Roswell and say I saw little grey men.”

“On the contrary. My image is a living transmission. I am communicating to you from my quarters aboard the Asgard ship Biliskner.” Thor said

“Alright well this will work. You need some help here, in the form of weapons or support, the Goa’ulds are here on Cimmeria.” Col. Malley explained

“Impossible, Cimmeria is a safe world.”

“Not to start this relationship off on the wrong foot, but your defences suck. The Goa’uld sent human slaves to destroy your hammer device and now the Jaffa are mopping up the rest of the population. Defence in depth is a better plan than any single defence system. You could have...” Malley did not get to finish as the transporter activated again sending everyone, minus Gairwyn, back to the original obelisk.

“That transporting without warning better not become a habit when dealing with the Asgard.” York quipped.

“Now what?” Sarah asked.

“Now we hope that the Asgard will protect Cimmeria and hide until the fleet comes to pick us up if they don’t.”

SG-1, Daniel and Sarah began hiking back towards the Stargate. After 45 minutes of hiking the silence was broken by a radio communication from Lieutenant Carby of SG-12.

Colonel, we have arrivals at the landing platforms, but I don’t think they are Goa’uld. THEIR FIRING ON THE PLATFORMS. The platforms are just, just, going away. The platforms are disappearing.

“Enter stage right, the Asgard.” Malley said wishing he was closer to see the Jaffa getting their licks.


****************************************************
So this chapter was almost delayed to March 14 just for the pi day reference. Points to everyone who laughs at the other references to shows in this chapter

Chapter 42- Quid Pro Quo
December 8th, 1997
Tollana

The new home world for the Tollan people was sparsely populated and barely developed when the Al’kesh carrying the last Tollans from their former home world arrived. Even with their small population the Al’kesh was immediately targeted by several heavy weapon emplacements on the surface. The on-board Tollans quickly radioed their presence and the confirmation codes given to them before they met up with this ship. They had spent the last six months as guests of the SGC and the people of Abydos and were not anxious to be accidently fired upon by their own defences. Strapped onto the back of the ship was the removed Stargate from the planet which the Tollans had met up with the Al’kesh. TNS Fallback also had the engineering team which had dismantled and attach the Stargate to the ship, having no way of getting back to HOMEPLATE with the Stargate inactive.

For security SG-1 and 12 were on board as well as Ambassador Stevens who would be leading talks between the Terran Commonwealth and the Tollans. Ambassador Stevens had spent the last month talking with the rescued Tollans trying to get a sense on the general mood of their population and what they would be willing to negotiate and trade for in the upcoming talks. Omoc represented the worst case scenario on how the government could react, a combination of arrogance and stubbornness stemming from their superior technology. If the Tollans were governed by people like Omoc, they will be lucky to get a goodbye out of them before they left. Stevens was hoping that the government had a more moderate stance than Omoc.

“Omoc,” Ambassador said “we will be touching down shortly, are your people ready for departure?”

“Yes, it will be good to be back in a proper advance and cultured society. Though I do understand that your facilities on Abydos were military in nature and sparse as a result.”

“Yes well, we have been informed that the meeting with Curia will take place tomorrow, to give some time for us to rest from our journey. I was hoping to have a more informal meeting with members from the Curia tonight if possible, would you be able to arrange such a meeting?”

“Ambassador, the Curia does not meet in such a manner. You have been granted an audience at a specific time for a reason. The councillors are busy individuals and do not have time for such unnecessary meetings.”

“Of course Omoc, people in such positions have limited free time, it was merely a hope. We are being directed to land just outside your main settlement. Please inform your team, as the ship will be handling poorly with the Stargate on its back. If you’ll excuse me, I will go and talk to our pilots to see if any additional instructions have come through.”

Ambassador Stevens walked away from Omoc and headed towards the cockpit. Passing the preparing Col Malley, Ambassador Stevens muttered under his breath several phrases in French.

“York,” Col Malley said “my French isn’t that good, what did the ambassador say?”

“I don’t think there is a direct translation for English, but it involves a suggestion on where someone with such an ego can obtain a solution to said problem and a sample of modesty with directions on how to apply it.”

“Not very diplomatic a thing to say now is it.” Malley said

“If the other side does not hear it, it doesn’t count.” York countered coming to the defence of the Ambassador.

The descent through the atmosphere was more turbulent than usual cause by the extra 32 tonnes unceremonious bolted and strapped onto the back of the Al’kesh for the short 60-lightyear hop from its original planet to Tollana. In hyperspace it was felt as only a minor and constant vibration, with its main hindrance being the affect it had on the top speed of the Al’kesh, slowing the ship down almost 20%.

“Any last predictions on if the Tollans will take the offer that we’re giving?” Malley asked as SG-1 prepared to ring out of the ship and secure the landing zone and then proceed into the settlement with the Ambassador. SG-12 was already waiting in line after the Tollans to monitor the landing site itself. While the Tollans appeared friendly, the SGC was taking no chances.

“It is a fair offer, appeasing their need not to provide advance technology and getting a Stargate significantly faster than any of their ships could obtain one, the most realistic offer that is. If they accept any of the offers before it is purposed that is obviously better.” Lee commented

“York?”

“I’m keeping with the think positive approach; we’re leaving with big boy Ha’tak killing guns.” York said

“And York is setting herself for an ‘I told you so comment’, Teal’c.”

“I believe the final proposal is the one most likely to garner approval by the Curia. We offer nothing more than a convenient service, something that the Tollans could obtain, albeit slower.”

SG-1 stood on the ring platform and were quickly transported down to the surface of the planet. Below on the planet the Tollan delegation was already present and waiting for them. Moving out of the way so that the rescued Tollans could be brought down from the ship SG-1 formed a lax security circle around the ring transporter. Ambassador Stevens was also present when the rings return to the ship after depositing the Tollans. Ambassador Stevens quickly made his way through the reunited Tollans and approached the woman whom Omoc had described as the leader of the Curia.

“High councillor Travell on behalf of the Terran Commonwealth, I extend greetings and offerings of friendship between our two peoples. It is our hope that over time our two nations can become as close as friends as a shared history would suggest.” Ambassador Stevens said.

“And with your arrival with our almost lost citizens, you arrive on positive terms. As high councillor I welcome you to Tollana ambassador. If you follow me I shall lead you to your quarters where you can rest for the night. Your soldiers can stay here; I personally guarantee your safety and well-being during your stay with us.” High councillor Travell said.

“We will be leaving some of our personnel here but the individuals who came before me will be acting both as my advisors is on selected subjects and as personal security, a tradition practiced on my planet regardless of the government’s meeting, be they enemy or ally like. It is not meant as a disrespect to your hospitality merely a common practice of my world.”

“Very well.” High councillor Travell said, turning around and beginning the walk back to the Tollan settlement along with the other members of the Curia.

Curia
Next day

“The Curia opens up this day of talks with the Terran Commonwealth with gratitude for the return of our citizens. While rescue was unnecessary, it is understood that it was done with the best of intentions.” Travell said

“Thank you madam councillor. While the return of your citizens would have happened regardless, their return by means of a ship in lieu of a Stargate brings the Terran Commonwealth before this body with a treaty for consideration. Our ship has brought a complete Stargate and dialling pedestal for the new home world of the Tollan people. I would like to open up equitable negotiations for the transfer of the Stargate and dialling pedestal to the control of the Tollan government in return for an agreed upon consideration. I start by suggesting...” Ambassador Stevens said to the assembled Curia.

Several hours later

Ambassador Stevens, Col Malley, a Master Cpl York emerge from the council room to the awaiting Teal’c and Lieutenant Lee. Teal’c and Lee had not been present during the negotiations having taking the offer to explore Tollana with Narim as a guide. Ambassador Stevens had suggested that Lee and Teal’c accept the offer to help with understanding the Tollans as the people and to show that Earth was interested in more than just a technological exchange.

“Ambassador Stevens, I trust that an acceptable trade negotiation was reached.” Teal’c said to the happy looking ambassador in that tired colonel and corporal.

“As expected, the last negotiation idea was accepted. The Colonel has already radioed TNS Fallback with the news and has instructed them on where to deposit and setup the Stargate. It will take a few days to arrange for the necessary items on their end but I expect that by the end of the week everything will be ready to begin.” Ambassador Stevens said as he walked with SG-1 towards the future Stargate site, already with a landed Al’kesh there.

“It seems like the other guys got the better side of this trade, they get a Stargate and we get nothing tangible.” Malley stated.

“ Sir, a temporary loan of a hyperdrive to install on the Warpsite gets her into the Sol system years ahead of our original projected date, and you can be sure that we will be watching and taking notes as the Tollans install and uninstall the drive. Getting computer time on the Tollan main city computer to do all the drift calculations for Stargate addresses, will clear up the four supercomputers back home that do the same stuff in a lot more time to do other more important things plus give a large backlog of addresses to visit. And a continued presence on Tollana for a cultural exchange keeps our foot in the door. Besides it’s not like the Stargate costs us anything. We just took it from the nearest uninhabited planet that we know of in the area.”

“Still think we should have walked away if it went down to that level.” Malley complain

“And that sir, with respect is why we don’t lead the negotiations. Your robo-clone’s ‘talk’ with Senator Kinsey in the other reality was proof enough of that. I’m going to talk to the head of the engineering team, see if I can help out; he was in my year at RMC.” York said walking over to the team swarming on the topside of the Al’kesh. Already torches were rough cutting the Stargate from welded fasteners on the Al’kesh, the left material to be removed later.

“And there goes, most probably, the only socially adept engineer in existence.” Lee said.

TFB IRON RING
December 17th, 1997

“Master Corporal York, if you would be so kind since it was your idea to explain the latest development that we are going to be equipping each mission through the Stargate with.” The lead scientist of TFB IRON RING said to the directed crowd.

Trying to keep development of technologies relevant and useful to off-world teams, General Sheridan had instituted a monthly technology review by all available SG team members at TFB IRON RING. Not only did the people going through the Stargate get a hand in the development of technologies, it helped promote out of the box thinking for further innovation. At these science symposiums the scientists, soldiers, pilots and engineers debated the merits of equipment and purposed new ideas. The soldiers kept the scientists focused on what was needed.

“ECHELON Mk. 2,” York said holding up a small black box “is going to get us a complete picture of the Goa’uld controlled Stargate network. During any insertion into a Goa’uld controlled world once the Stargate and the dialling pedestal are secured someone on the team will install the ECHELON on the dialling pedestal as shown on the screen behind me.

Once installed the ECHELON device will monitor, record, and store each gate address punched in and if a successful connection is made for how long the wormhole is connected. Afterwards, once every two weeks ARK will dial into the planet and remotely download the stored addresses. Through this we will build up a network of connected Stargates signifying worlds most likely controlled by a single Goa’uld. If a link between two worlds is used frequently, further missions can be planned to that world for reconnaissance and to place another ECHELON unit, slowly expanding the network.

The ECHELON unit is powered directly off the dialling pedestal so once installed it should run almost forever. Unfortunately we haven’t figured out how to get it to register incoming wormholes, either their occurrence or origin, but that is less a concern because most missions that come through the Stargate leave through it as well and to their original location, or so goes the theory.”

“Query” Lieutenant Shanks said “does the ECHELON unit have remote ringing capabilities? And can it relay radio communication through the Stargate.”

“No and No respectively. While we expect those features to be included in later versions, even going so far as to have slots and processing power already allocated, right now to perform remote dialling requires a complete disassembly and THEN installation of additional equipment. Right now that takes a team of trained individuals 6 hours, and if you have that much time, you probably don’t need the capability. It would be quicker to install a completely new pedestal with the hardware already inside. Once a different and quicker route is figured out we will update the packages but until then no. That is one of the main goals of the OPEN SOURCE Project. Second the radio link, while it can act is a repeater, it is so weak to escape detection by the Jaffa near the Stargate it’s basically not existence.

Now every SG team will have to have two people mission capable of installing the ECHELON unit in under 30 minutes to be considered combat effective. That criteria comes into effect in 6 months from today. If you don’t have two then your team will be classified as support and will only be allowed through the Stargate to worlds on the secure list, or to worlds already containing the ECHELON unit. This is direct from General Sheridan and the Terran Advisory Council so take it serious.

For your practicing needs we have one of our two dialling pedestals reserved for training purposes. It will be located at TFB ORIGIN and for even more healthy competition everyone’s times will be posted. Not to put to put too much emphasis on that but I am tied with Captain Murphy from SG- 17 for record time, just FYI.”

“Wait, I know we took a pedestal from PX-0105-97 but where did the second one come from?” Malley asked.

“It was obtain afterwards.... by means outside the regular methods.” York said awkwardly not knowing the exact way, but having come up with only two possibilities neither of which needed to be shared but for different reasons.

PX-600-97 codename MEMPHIS
December 19th, 1997

The fact that the Tok’ra had not moved their base of operations for over 4 months spoke volumes about the security they now felt with their ranks hopefully cleaned of anymore traitors after what was deemed ‘Cordesh’s betrayal’. Seeing how close and operative for the System Lords could be placed the Tok’ra began more regular screening and security checks of their members regardless of position.

“The Tok’ra have asked for this meeting with the Terran Commonwealth to discuss progress made on the Lo’taur initiative suggested by Teal’c and Master Corporal York. The Tok’ra have come to the conclusion that several Lo’taurs will be leaving the service of their Goa’uld masters within the coming months, all due to age. As you know the Goa’uld are extremely conscientious of their appearances and having their alternative host aged or unattractive due to other reasons is not something most Goa’uld will tolerate.” Garshaw explained to SG-1

“Which Goa’uld do you have in mind?” Malley asked.

“The Goa’uld Eris. He controls a large domain, just below that which would advance him to the ranks of the System Lords. The Tok’ra have an operative in his midst that can bring your agent forward to be selected.” Selmak explained

“Ok, so Eris sounds like a good choice to try out this idea. Now last time we spoke of this program we voiced concern about three things. How the information is to be passed back reliably, how the information is used, and most importantly how our person on the ground is kept safe from becoming an unwilling host to a symbiote.” Malley said ticking off his points on his fingers to the Council and the rest of SG-1. He intentionally said symbiote instead of Goa’uld to show he still didn’t completely trust the Tok’ra.

“Information will be communicated through our operative who already has...” Selmak began.

“Not good enough.” York interrupted knowing full well that a path through the tok’ra would limit the information and speed upon which the SGC got the information and posed a greater security risk to an operative. “We need greater security. Any regular communication between your operative and the Lo’taur will arouse suspicion; Eris will think your agent is plotting against him by befriending the Lo’taur. The link after the Lo’taur is in position must be severed with your operative.”

“Then what is your suggestion for passing intelligence gathered.” Selmak asked.

“Dead drop, in a location unknown to your operative and maintained by a different person. The Lo’taur drops off information, either on data crystals or simple hand written notes. Information will also be in a simple cipher capable of being reproduced by hand.”

“A crude and slow means of communication. If the information is time sensitive opportunities could be lost. Occasional communication in those circumstances should be permissible.”

“Agreed, though such decisions will be at the discretion of the Lo’taur. Now for protection against possession?”

“One of our chief scientists, Ren’al, has being working on a binary agent specifically targeting symbiote biology.” Selmak explained

“York?” Malley said looking at York to explain what the Tok'ra had just said

“Poison Sir, deployed much like how the Americans were planning on deploying Sarin during the Cold War. Two precursors, harmless separated but when mixed become deadly. It sounds like the Tok’ra want to use basically the cyanide pill approach. Take just before capture to ensure the Goa’uld can’t blend.” York explained.

“Not just before a Goa’uld attempts to blend” Selmak explained “before the Lo’taurs mission begins. The poison is harmless to humans, it can be injected into the Lo’taur and will stay for months to years before degrading back into its precursor elements. It reads as a passive protein in the blood, and if no blending is attempted nothing, it will never be detected. If a blending is attempted, the Goa’uld will die releasing its own toxins which will kill the host, keeping operational security intact.”

“Neat and tidy, feels just like being in a spy movie back home. So we take down Eris from the inside.”

“The Tok’ra are looking at using the information to help Eris by directing strikes against larger Goa’uld empires and ignoring his own. If Eris can be raised to the position of System Lord at the expense of someone already on the council, the Tok’ra and Terrans will have direct access to the council. If successful, additional ‘monitored’ Goa’uld can be raised to the council and then manipulated into mutually annihilated wars. While the larger Goa’ulds destroy each other, the Tok’ra can sabotage the domains of the smaller Goa’ulds until a more permanent solution can be implemented.”

“Welcome to the dark side. Alright we will need a couple days to select a candidate for the Lo’taur position. I think we are going to need the Tok’ra’s helps on getting him up to speed. Teach him everything; Language, cultural aspects, necessary technology, everything. And another thing, all intel is given to both sides, unfiltered, as soon as it is received. Deal?” Malley said.

“It is acceptable to the Tok’ra.” Garshaw said as she got up, effectively ending the meeting and signalling to the Tok’ra guards to escort SG-1 out towards the Stargate.

SG-1 used the Stargate to travel to Abydos for their report in on how the meeting with the Tok’ra went; giving a brief coded transmission to TFB ORIGIN detailing what was needed. A full briefing would occur once SG-1 tour on Abydos had concluded and the more sensitive items could be discussed face to face not over the suspect Goa’uld long range communication device.

“Do you think they will ask Dr. Jackson to be the Lo’taur, he is picking up the Goa’uld language very quickly?” Lee asked Malley.

“Can’t see them doing that, they want to start up that Babel team with him and his soon to be wife. Our own ace in the hole for deciphering whatever is needed, seeing as how effective they were on Cimmeria. Besides for something this long term you need a professional who knows what to look for, also someone who can slip out the information, both the stuff going to the Tok’ra and us as well as the information that will be going solely to us.”

“We’re not going to share everything with the Tok’ra?”

“We will share everything they want to know about, but not everything that is learned. While the plan isn’t to hit Eris, I bet we will do it once or twice for ships. Too much potential to pass up on, nothing to upset the plan just to something to justify the risk.” Malley said thinking of what a few more Al’kesh could provide in the way of protection of Earth or offensive strike capability.

Chapter 43- Realization of Scale
January 5th, 1998
General Sheridan’s Office

“And I will tell you one more time Ambassador, drop this issue. If not I will have your dropped from a Tel’tak for an OAD without a pod.” General Sheridan explained to the representative from the Terran Advisory Committee.

“General, the people of the planet are nomadic in nature, a small operations during...” The German Ambassador said, trying to convince the General on the starting up a trinium mining operation on a recently visited planet.

“Ambassador, every country has an event in their history that is engrained in the national psych as a shameful event, your own country have the most recognizable example. These events define ‘never again’ barriers where the country will not support anything that has the potential to repeat the mistakes. For Canada that is the historic mistreatment of Native Americans. The people of that planet have said no, and that is how it shall remain, so long as I or any Canadian have a say in the operation. Now we are sending the Babel team there for research and study purposes but that is all. Now if you will excuse me, I have a briefing to attend to.” General Sheridan said effectively ending the discussion by leaving his office for the briefing room.

SGC BRIEFING ROOM

“PX-0501-98 codename NABTA PLAYA is a world found by the dialling team on PX-0206-96 looking for worlds with similar Stargate addresses to Earth. We sent a standard probe through and confirmed no Goa’uld or Jaffa presence in the immediate vicinity of the Stargate. The probe did send back these images.” General Sheridan said displaying the images on the screen behind him.

Teal’c was the first to make the connection and why SG-1 was being assigned

“That writing appears similar to one set from the planet PX-0506-97.” Teal’c stated.

“Teal’c is right, and since SG-1 was the last off-world team to visit 506 you will be heading up the mission to -0501. SG-24 will also come along on the mission to provide support and close in defence for the Babel team. Now that shouldn’t be too difficult considering the probe does not show a door in the immediate vicinity.”

“Sir,” Malley said “Considering our experience last time, does the probe show a functional dialling pedestal? I mean if there is no way out it would be kind of hard to get back if it doesn’t work.”

“You forget Colonel, we have two pedestals here on Earth now. Standard practice in that case will be to send a spare through, connect it and take the damage one back, we are looking also at acquiring a strategic reserve of both dialling pedestals and Stargates for such eventualities. As an upside, should the planet be seen as significant, we can be reasonably certain the Goa’uld are not aware of it. The mission is a go in 2 hours. Dismissed.” General Sheridan said, SG-1 and 24 barely getting salutes off before the General was out of the briefing room and on his way to the UNDERPASS network room for a technical briefing at TFB EQUATOR.

“The jet setting life of a general.” York commented, as she headed for the locker room to begin preparing for the mission.

PX-0501-97 Codename NABTA PLAYA
Three Hours later

“They put two SG teams and a team of expert linguists into a room with no exits and that would fit inside an average size home. Now that is the definition of military overkill.” Malley quipped, annoyed that there was little to do for the SG teams as the members of the Babel team began making their recordings of the writings in the room.

“Standard practice, Herr Colonel.” Oberst Jeager said walking around the small room looking for items possibly missed during their initial sweep of the room.

“When non-SG teams are assembled for missions off the designated safe worlds, an SG team will be assigned to support them. Given the relative scarcity of talent and knowledge represented by the Babel team, a second team was deemed prudent.”

“Keep it up Jeager, and I will have to take back all the stereotypes and slurs I say about the German people when we’re on HOMEPLATE.” Ahuva Gavish said, the woman from Israel doing little to show her dislike for the large and quintessential stereotype of an Aryan German.

While her views were seen as extreme by everyone on at TFB ORIGIN, her experience in ancient languages and cultures in the Middle and Near East were unparalleled. Those same views were the reason it had been so easy to recruit her into the program via MOSSAD contacts, mainly because no serious academic organization wanted her on their staff and the Israeli government was pleased to have her away from reporters and news cameras. Along with Daniel Jackson and Sarah Gardner-Jackson, the Babel team drew had a vast experience of hundreds of Earth cultures to draw upon. A final member was still being sought with a focus in Far East and Polynesian cultures.

“Though some members are more valuable than others.” Jeager shot back, angered at the woman who continually grated on him.

Walking back over to the Stargate, Oberst Jeager passed over an softly illuminated circle on the floor, display symbols which Sarah was copying down for later translation once they got back to Earth. Immediately after leaving the circle a single device appeared from out of the wall in front of the Stargate.

“Whoa, everyone back up.” Malley said, aiming his pulse rifle in the general vicinity of the newly appeared device as the rest of SG-1 and SG-24 did the same, slowly fanning out for better lines of fire.

“Alright that’s a new, it showed up when Jeager walked through the circle.” Sarah said immediately analyzing the new device and its importance.

“Yes, but why the Oberst? We have all walked through the circle. Sarah, you were sitting in it for pete’s sake.” Daniel said.

“Maybe it recognized a threat.” Ahuva said, with less venom than usual considering her transfixion on the device.

“That’s enough Gavish, try to act somewhat professional. Teal’c you recognize the technology?” Malley asked.

“I do not.” Teal’c said stepping forward to examine the device in greater detail.

“Teal’c, be careful it could be another Anti-Goa’uld defensive system.” Lee warned as Teal’c peered into the device to see what was there.

“I do not believe so, it has not activated such a system yet, and to be trigger after such a long duration since our arrival appears ineffective on combat a Goa’uld invasion. I see nothing but blackness filled with coloured lights. The device appears to have little observable purpose.”

“Oberst Jeager,” Lee said “since the device obviously reacted to your presence either in or leaving the circle perhaps it will be more active with you.”

“An interesting proposal, with your permission Colonel.”

“Knock yourself out, but wait until we have a connection with HAIL. I want to be able to get out of here quick if things go south. Jackson, Jackson, Gavish pack your things we might be leaving quick.” Colonel Malley directed.

Once everyone was packed and a stable connection had been made with HAIL with the commander of HAIL being informed why they would be tying up the Stargate, Colonel Malley nodded over to Oberst Jeager to begin. Jeager slowly approached the device and as he neared it, the device changed and quickly grabbed his head before anyone could react. Within seconds the device released Oberst Jeager, allowing him to fall to the floor, unconscious.

“HAIL” Colonel Malley said, “We are coming through with a medical emergency.”

Teal’c quickly retrieved Oberst Jeager as the rest of SG-24 corralled the Babel team through the Stargate, with SG-1 providing defence. While the room hadn’t shown any defences before, with what had just occurred to Jeager, Malley was taking no chances.

PX-0312-97 codename HAIL
Local name: Altair

“He appears fine and doesn’t remember a thing Sir, the thing grabbed his head, held it for a few seconds and then let go.” Malley explained through the Goa’uld long range communication device to General Sheridan at TFB ORIGIN.

“The doctors say he is fine?” General Sheridan asked.

“Other than a slight increase in his temperature it appears nothing is wrong. Now we don’t have the medical facilities that ORIGIN has but all the test land in the normal range and very close to his pre-mission medical exam. I would like to bring him back to HOMEPLATE for a more through medical examination.”

“Let’s hold off on that for the moment and keep him under observation on HAIL. He is potentially compromised and I don’t want an INFESTATION situation.”

“Understood General, HAIL signing off.” Colonel Malley said turning off the communication device and leave the room the Commonwealth and turned into a miniature of Stargate command.

Malley walked out of the command room and into the room where Oberst Jeager was resting after his ordeal on NABTA PLAYA. Colonel fearing as the General did when he had first brought him back through the Stargate had stationed a light guard in the room. Two guards both Jacksons and most surprisingly Gavish were also in the room discussing the most recent event.

“And you really felt nothing Oberst?” Sarah Gardner-Jackson asked

“I may have felt a great deal, but I do not remember it. As I have said the entire events from the moment I began looking into the device until I awoke here on HAIL is lost to me.”

“Well,” Malley interrupted the well meaning interrogators “just talked to the General, unless you get worse, you’re staying here for a few days for observation, make sure your not some Trojan horse.”

“Understandable, though if I am confined to this room, I will endeavour not to go derantis.”

“Jeager you’re switching back into German again.” Malley said.

“Colonel, that wasn’t German.” Jackson said.

“You speak German?” Malley asked

“Colonel, I speak 23 languages fluently another dozen conversationally, two of which aren’t even from this planet I might add. Sarah speaks a couple other ones I don’t and Gavish is probably close to that number as well. It’s not German.”

“I spoke only in English.” Jeager interrupted.

“Johann, you said ‘Derantis’. That isn’t English and it isn’t German either, sounds a bit like Latin. I didn’t know you spoke Latin.” Sarah said

“I speak German, Russian and English. I have learned only the Latin required for mass. A dead language has little value to a soldier. A soldier’s fron must be filled with the practical.”

“You did it again, you said ‘Fron’. You might not know Latin, but you are now speaking something that sounds a lot like it.” Gavish said

Two hours later

“He’s definitely speaking a language close to Latin, probably a precursor. And it’s getting worse, when he first woke up it was once every few sentences now it is one or two in every sentence. On the up side it has helped with the translation of the inscription, two parts we are reasonably sure about ‘We are the Ancients’ and ‘The place of our legacy’, the portion connecting the two is a little more obscure.” Daniel explained to both SG-1 teams present, RSG-1 having recently returned from a mission through the Quantum Mirror trying to finalize a data exchange with the SGC of the PM1 reality.

“Who are the ancients?” R-Malley asked. As commander of the base he was leading the briefing on Oberst Jeager condition.

“Sarah and I think they are the builders of the Stargates. See the Latin link connects them to the Romans who had these gods known only as ‘the ancients’. The mythology has it that the ancients taught the Romans how to build roads. Now it is a bit of a jump from roads to Stargates but, given the obvious similarities between technologies and the obvious analogies between roads and Stargates I don’t believe it is such a stretch.”

“Putting aside that avenue of speculation, why would these ‘ancients’ build a device like this?” R-Malley asked.

“‘The place of our legacy’ seems to imply they wanted to be remembered, something to carry forward in time, maybe they were dying or leaving that planet for a new world.”

Before either Malleys could response one of the SG members assigned to monitor Jeager entered the briefing room.

“Sirs, please come quick Oberst Jeager... he’s doing something.”

Oberst Jeager had been given access to a laptop to finish he albeit short mission report, and give help him communicate has he slowly lost his ability to speak any language he had none before today. While Jeager was used to using a computer, he was not what anyone would call proficient. To see him typing so quickly he appeared to not even contemplate what buttons he was pushing.

“Oberst what are you doing?” York asked.

“I do not know, I began with the mission report and continued with this.” nodding to the screen

“What’s he even writing in, that’s not office.” Daniel stated

“We gave Oberst an engineering laptop, he is running, and appears to be compiling a program in C++. Looks to be doing a few different ones as well if the number of windows open says anything. Jeager what are you programming.” R-York explained watching as he opened another programming window and began typing.

“I do not know. I know only that I cannot stop.”

“Shouldn’t we stop him.” Daniel said concerned the Johann was typing out what appeared to be bad grammar english outside of his control.

“The computers not tied into the network, he’s harmless. I say we plug in the power cord and let him type out whatever he needs to. This is obviously related to the incident on NABTA, perhaps this is the end goal.” York reasoned.

“He can’t jeopardize the base, right.”

“That computer has no access to the base, and right now is running off of battery power, it completely secure. Whoa, something he wrote is done.” York said as a graph came up on the computer screen, in a small side window as Jeager continued typing.

The graph was black with only the coordinate system in the middle. Slowly points began filling the screen followed be a string of number, until the screen was awash in meaningless numbers and points. Once the screen looked completely filled it rescaled and continued, more points and numbers popping up. It made no sense until a legend popped up giving each number a corresponding Stargate symbol.

“It’s a Stargate map. That not possible, to calculate the positions of Stargates without any reference, it would require a knowledge of the system comparable to, well to the original builders of the Stargates.”

“Alright he seems a little busy, let’s leave him be.” R-Malley directed the group that had invaded the room with him out the door, directing the security team to watch Jeager and give him whatever he requested but to keep watching him.

“What do we do, what CAN we do?” Daniel asked.

“We make him comfortable, give him what we can and monitor every second of what he does. If he truly has the knowledge of the Stargate builders in his head, even if it is just related to the Stargate itself, this could be the biggest break in since finding the Stargate.”

“What we don’t help him?” Daniel said aghast at what Malley, whichever one it was since he had long since forgotten which one was wearing what, was saying.

“Tell me how to help him and I will try. Can you stop him without restraining him? Can you bring back his ability to speak the languages he could a day ago?” R-Malley shot back, angry at the doctor for his implications.

Two Days Later

Colonel Malley, to Stargate control, Colonel Malley to Stargate control. the announcement had Malley running full speed toward the destination.

“What is it?” Malley said as he entered the room breathless from his run. He was in temporary command of HAIL as his robotic counterpart had again left through the mirror for negotiations.

“Sir, Oberst Jeager has attached some device to the dialling pedestal and has started to dial out.” The technician said gesturing to the Stargate through the video feed to where Oberst Jeager was, with the sixth chevron already encoded.

“Shut him down.” Malley commanded knowing that the power feed and dialling pedestal were routed through the control room.

“I can’t Sir, he’s plugged in directly, power and everything. He plugged in that thing he built.”

“Fuck. I knew I should have confiscated that thing, tell the guards to stop him from going anywhere, I am, going to the Stargate.” Malley said running out of the control room and towards the Stargate. Situations like this he wished it wasn’t common practice to separate the control of the Stargate and the Stargate itself by such a distance.

Sir, the wormhole is established. Sir, it was an EIGHT symbol address. the technician said through the radio, causing Malley to run for the Stargate even faster.

“JEAGER!!!!!!!” Malley screamed as he entered approached the Stargate, looking back he noticed the rest of SG-1 following close behind him, obviously aware of the situation.

Jeager was being blocked by two of the security detail on HAIL. While not restraining him the two pulse rifles pointed at his chest kept him in his place just as effectively.

“Ego inedo navo locas.” Oberst said to Malley turning towards the Stargate, the meaning obvious even if the words were unknown.

“Johann, you can go anywhere you like, but not through that Stargate.” Malley said

“Navo locas, Juvo. Navo Juvo.”

“Daniel” York said into her radio “What does ‘Navo locas, juvo. Navo juvo’ mean?”

Need location, help. Need help. I think the Oberst want to find help.

“I can’t let him leave alone to god knows where, he knows the location of Earth. Lee” Malley called.

“Yes Sir.” Lee said stepping forward

“You’re going with Oberst Jeager. If he finds help that’s great, if there is a chance he is going to be compromised, you make sure that Earth’s location does not fall into anyone’s hands by any and all means. Is that understood? You can hide out at the CACHE until retrieval.”

“Understood.” Lee said.

Malley waved the guards off, allowing Jeager to pass by and walk towards the Stargate, Lee followed behind taking an offered pulse rifle from one of the guards, should it become necessary. The two members of SG-1 left HAIL and walked through the Stargate.

Ida Galaxy

The Stargate was situated in a long hall with the immediate area around it empty, as Lee and Oberst Jeager walked through. Immediately, Jeager collapsed onto the floor with Lee first scanning the area for threats then cautiously slowly approaching Jeager to see what help he could offer. Whispering beyond the pillars brought Lee’s pulse rifle up again as small figures, Asgard in appearance approached.

“Hello, my colleague seek help.” Lee explained to the two Asgard approaching him and Jeager.

“Juvo, Ego Navo juvo.” Oberst said from his fallen position, before collapsing completely.

“He speaks the language of the ancients. He has looked into the archive. It was not meant to for him.” One of the Asgard says before speaking to the other.

“Yes, that could have been more clearly stated. Can you help him?” Lee asked.

In reply one of the Asgard raised his hand and a brief flash of light was emitted from his palm directed at the Jeager’s forehead.

“It is done, the archive has been erased, and his original mind should reassert itself with time.”

“Thank you.” Lee said relieved on hearing that Jeager had found the help he required “You are members of Thor’s race correct, the Asgard?”

“You have heard of us?”

“Yes, we have been trying to open a dialogue with you on Cimmeria, but you keep telling us through Gairwyn that we are much too young.”

“Indeed you are, though we are surprised that your colleague has advanced enough to utilise even partially the archive. Most remarkable. To use the archive’s knowledge to travel to our home galaxy of Ida was not something thought possible only a few short generations ago.”

“We often surprise. Since I have you here, maybe you can help us. The Goa’uld are out of control. Now you are obviously at odds with them so perhaps you can help us fight them.”

“Our fleet and our resources are all being used for the war we currently face within our own galaxy. While we oppose the Goa’uld, we do not have the resources to remove them and to keep your galaxy from falling into chaos after their demise. A solution for their defeat must come from your own galaxy if your goal is to be achieve in the near term.”

“So no help.” Lee said

“No. Even our protection of Cimmeria and other worlds like it from the Goa’uld is done through fear of retaliation, not actual force. Tend to your friend, we shall talk more when he recovers.” The Asgard said, walking away and leaving a stunned Lee and unconscious Jeager alone.

Chapter 44- Projects to Fruition
January 25th, 1998
TNS Warspite

“So the two technicians pick-up the device by what appears to be handles, kind of freeze for a second and drop the thing like their hands are on fire. Then to fast to even react to each other their hands whip up trying to point at each other while both yelling ‘YOU’RE ME!”. The problem was they were so close they basically just backhanded each other at the same moment as they tried to point.” York explained to Lee trying hard not to laugh but failing miserably when she got to the last part.

“It seems I missed an eventful three weeks.” Lee said

“Yeah turns out this Machello guy had a mad scientist streak to him. The teams cleaning out his lab have run into a few other ‘interesting’ artefacts. The General is getting them all sent back for study at HAIL until they better know what they all do, and then they will go back to TFB LION CITY for further research. It’s too bad that we didn’t get there in time to talk to this Machello character, it would have really helped in explaining some of the technology.”

“Indeed, I for one am glad that my consciousness was not transferred to another’s body. I believe it would be most unpleasant for someone not use to having a symbiote residing in their body. Though I confess to admiration that you spent such a long time in conversation with the Asgard.” Teal’c said stoically.

“Not much of a conversation. I tried to talk more with than but they not that talkative. I would have been back two and a half weeks sooner but they were waiting for a ship to become available that could make the travel from their galaxy to Cimmeria. Though they did say they would devote more resources to monitoring us as an ‘interesting’ development. And something about the fifth race but they only said that the Jeager.” Lee explained.

“They got from one galaxy to another one in a few hours. THAT is a ship that has some legs on it. I hope though Jeager gets out of the clammy clutches of the Intelligence Corp.” Malley said thinking of the speed and possibilities that would be open to the Commonwealth with a ship like that.

SG-1 was killing time as the Tollan supplied and monitored hyperdrive was being installed on the Warspite. While the drive itself was vastly smaller than the Goa’uld one being removed and set aside, without a drydock facility the Ha’tak had to be fully stopped and mostly powered down in the void between stars. With all the gliders in use by the teams currently assigned to the Warspite and the ship too full to practice shipboard attacks, SG-1 had quite a bit of free time on their hands. York had pointed out where Sol was to Malley, but that made it all the more boring. Sol was visible as only a slightly above average star in the background and if you didn’t know where to look it was easy to miss.

“You think this is going to work.” Malley asked York, pointing to the hyperdrive as a dozen Tollans made modifications and transfer device between the device and the Goa’uld ship.

“It all looks slapped together but the Tollans think it should work. It won’t get the Warspite going even their top speed because of the mass and volume difference, but if we can get 10 C out of the drive, that gets the ship into the cloud in 3 months instead of almost 3 years. Besides, what we are learning from the Tollans as they solve the integration problems, will cut years from our own research into hyperdrive technology and a lot of the costs.” York said her face lighting up as she talked about the hyperdrive technology.

“Go York,” Malley said “I am sure Teal’c, Lee and I can find something to distract us during our time here and I can tell you are itching to ask the Tollans some questions. Just don’t give away anything you’re not supposed to, ok.”

“Yes sir, thank you Sir.” York said almost running to the hyperdrive with a list of questions already forming in her mind.

“Kid in a candy store.” Malley muttered “Alright gentlemen, we have no official duties and free run over a whole ship. There has to be something we do can.”

“Sir, I suggest a little trip. We do have access to a Tel’tak, I suggest we go out and meet one of the voyager or pioneer probes. Take a few pictures maybe nudge one in another direction, that would be really funny to hear them try to explain back on Earth, ‘Voyager probe takes sharp left’.”

“You are an evil and immature little man Lee, lead the way. Teal’c I will explain on the way, just radio our intentions and file a flight plan for a ‘full circuit solar patrol, looking for near solar Goa’uld activity’.”

Teal’c’s look of extreme confusion on Lee’s and Malley’s plan made it all the better as they entered the Tel’tak and left the stationary Ha’tak. It’s the little moment of humour that make the extreme isolation of the SGC worthwhile.

PX-0601-98 codename ATLANTA

The Tok’ra ‘controlled’ roughly a dozen worlds, mainly because the worlds were so useless no Goa’uld cared for them. While PX-0600-97 codename MEMPHIS, was their main base of operations being the planet where the Tok’ra high council was located and ruled from, ATLANTA was more secluded and was home to much of their research capability. A recent world for the Tok’ra having only been settled after Cordesh’s betrayal had forced all of the Tok’ra’s bases to be relocated for security reason. Controlled much like ARK of the Commonwealth, only the high council and the Tok’ra on the planet knew its Stargate address.

“It is paramount that you do not react improperly to the Goa’uld Eris, you are a primitive human that sees everything that occurs as magic by their God. Adoration, respect and fear; one of these emotions should always be your façade when in the presence of Eris.” Inari of the Tok’ra explained to the first human from Earth to be used in the Lo’taur project, Oliver Boyle formerly of MI-6 bought in from a deep cover mission in the now allied France.

“Yes, yes, treat them like the royals; a lot of pomp, a lot of praise and a lot of agreeing. Eris can do no wrong and anything that doesn’t go to plan is the work of others not my holiness. Now how am I going to be vetted by Eris before being accepted as his Lo’taur?” Boyle asked

“Eris uses nishta to ensure loyalty among his close human slave. It is a Goa’uld drug that makes a human extremely receptive to suggestions.” Inari explained

“Brainwashing, Eris brainwashes obedience into his slaves, hasn’t a certain efficiency to it. You have a drug to counteract this nishta I assume?”

“We have a sample of nishta to use on you, nishta can be eradicated after it takes hold and spreads completely through a humans body by a strong electrical shock. Once the nishta is eradicated it cannot be reapplied.”

“So like chickenpox, get it once and you don’t have to worry for life. Though I insist that a member of the SGC be here during the application of the Nishta and throughout the spreading period.”

“You do not trust us?” Inari said

“I know much about our world that has been deemed off limits to be exposed. While the commonwealth trusts the Tok’ra enough to allow my presence here without an armed security force, I can tell you categorically that any use of such a powerful drug will want to be monitored. I would even expect that the commonwealth would like to trade for samples of this nishta to inoculate all off world teams. If it is as simple as an electrical discharge from a zat for immunity I can see the ounce of prevention theory coming into play.”

“Something to discuss during the next meeting I am sure. Now while Eris is not on the High Council of the System Lords, it is his objective because of the prestige and the influence it gives him. He often will communicate and even occasionally entertain a System Lord who is friendly to him at the time. He is effectively courting Ba’al, Cronus and Kali, being three System Lords with territory far from his and secure positions on the council. His hope is they will sponsor his position on the council after he gains more power and territory. As such our next lessons deal with the current political dynamics of the council. Yu is the oldest and has been on the council…” Inari explain as the Lo’taur lessons continued throughout the day and into the night.

The Lo’taur project was a set-up by everyone involved. The Tok’ra hoped it would prove how much the Terrans needed them to for guidance, and to break the veil of secrecy surrounding everything Terran. The Commonwealth wanted to prove conclusively whether the Tok’ra could be trusted and get another Ha’tak or two for the Sol Fleet, along with a few Al’kesh for raiding purposes. If they were taken from a System Lord in the general plan to raise Eris to the rank of System Lord that would be acceptable, if not a Ha’tak from Eris’ fleet would do regardless of what the Tok’ra would think. Earth did not have the luxury of moving planets if threatened.

The Tok’ra had provided their best estimate on when Eris would look at replacing his current Lo’taur roughly 6 months to a year in the future. Having worked up a profile on Eris’s last 12 Lo’taurs, the Tok’ra were confident that Oliver fit within the pattern of slaves taken by Eris, so long as he could hide his education. While Eris had a majority of female slaves for minor tasks and the more personal needs of his God, his personal Lo’taur had always been a plain but fit male with a thorough understanding of status and traditions.

While the Tok’ra taught Boyle all about the operations of Goa’uld technology he would be expected to interact with on a daily bases, Boyle reported back everything he saw of both Goa’uld and Tok’ra technology. While much of the technology was known from information given by Teal’c and Bra’tac, the secondary source and further explanation helped to provide a frame of reference. The Tok’ra technology he reported on, while similar to Goa’uld gave future trade ideas for the Commonwealth. If Boyle was selected as Eris’ Lo’taur, not a sure thing regardless of what the Tok’ra thought, the commonwealth gave him the secondary task of downloading as much as possible from Eris’ main computer on his Throne world. Boyle was looking for information outside of what could be expected on a Ha’tak or Al’kesh. Given a few of the rare data crystals found on stolen ships for this task, Boyle was to downloading everything he could get he hands on. Ha’taks and Al’kesh might protect Earth, but information would win the fight against the Goa’uld and any other threat.

PX-0053-96 codename SHO

“Come on, come one, plant the unit and let’s get out of here. The raid team just finished the hit and is being harassed by some gliders.” Lieutenant Kharti said of SG-4 as an engineering team worked busily in connecting the ECHELON unit into the dialling device.

While the raid was going to yielding a small amount of weapons grade Naqahdah, the real purpose was to get the ECHELON unit into position for monitoring the Stargate. The scene was being repeated on another 7 worlds all controlled by Eris, and in preparation for Boyle’s acceptance as Eris’ Lo’taur. It would have been quicker to replace the whole dialling pedestal with one already embedded with an ECHELON unit but the SGC only had two spares, and one was already doing just that on Eris’ throne world under the guise of a heavy but failed raid. It would not keep exact track of Boyle’s location, but it was better than nothing. If given the chance, Boyle could also signal for an information drop by dialling a specific, non-connection Stargate address.

“GLIDERS! Defence team start the spraying! We need to keep those gliders distracted.” Kharti said taking her own advice and began rapid firing at the approaching gliders with her pulse rifle, the rest of her team quickly joining in from their concealed positions.

While most of their shots went wide a single SG team could put up almost 500 rounds per minute from their 4 pulse rifles, making for quite a few hits and a large distraction for the glider pilots. Once SG-12, who had been on the raid reached the Stargate that numbered doubled, turning the area around the Stargate into a storm of plasma rounds. Eventually the Jaffa piloting the gliders realized it was not worth the risk of flying near the Stargate for no apparent gain and returned to base to join in the ground assault being formed.

45 minutes after arriving on the planet the dialling pedestal was back in operation with the engineering team already through the Stargate and on Abydos. Falling back by numbers, the last two members of SG-12 were hit as they ran through the Stargate, Carn Carby of SG-12 having to be immediately sent to Earth for a session on one of the sarcophagi. The other, have requested not to be reanimated in a sarcophagus was sent back to Earth to ‘die’ in Sierra Leone while protecting civilian observers in the country. Eventually the other teams reported back in, either to Abydos, HAIL or the planet for the new deployment point, FORTESS.

While results were all positive, even on Eris’ throne world, casualties ranged from zero on most minor planets to 1 dead and 6 wounded on a world where the mission struck right as a Jaffa patrol came through. Surprisingly, no deaths or critical injuries occurred on Eris’ throne world, a serious stroke of luck. Considering the personnel hit the SGC took during these missions, the next round of targeted planets controlled by Eris would reduce down the number of worlds attacked and doubled up the number of teams involved in each strike in an effort to reduce casualties. By the time the entire operation was done, codenamed CABINET NOIR, would have installed an ECHELON unit on every single planet controlled by, or regularly visited by Eris and his Jaffa. Bra’tac was even to be asked about having one or two Jaffa go into Eris’ ranks instead of the more traditional powers on the council. Between all these sources, Eris would be the most monitored of all Goa’uld powers and would serve as a test case for future programs.

The Times
Secretary of State Defence George Robertson has announced that the British armed forces have decommissioned all WE.177 tactical nuclear weapons and will be reducing the number of active trident missiles carried by the Vanguard class submarine from 16 to 8 by the end of the year, with the removed missile to be held in secure storage. Sir Robertson stated ‘the world has changed from the days when millions of pounds annually would be spent on a nuclear deterrent. Realization of the different threats present today, than from our parents age of the cold war, means such a large deterrent is not necessary’. This unilateral and unanticipated decommissioning of trident move has renewed anti-nuclear groups pressure on other nuclear powers to reduce their inventory of strategic and tactical devices. France has already announced a new commission to ‘review current requirements for the force de frappe’. It is unclear where the removed warheads will be stored.

Chapter 45- Cognoscor Ergo Sum
March 1st 1998
TFB IRONG RING

“...And this” Malley said walking into the gate room “is the Stargate Madame Ambassador.”

“It really connects to other planets?” Ambassador Abelle de Lenn asked as the Stargate was heard starting to rotate. With the symbols covered up for security it was impossible to see their destination, relying on the control room monitoring the Stargate to confirm the correct address.

Ambassador Lenn was to be one of six officials rotated through FORTRESS to act as the representative of the Terran Commonwealth. A single, two week posting every other month would keep 2 diplomats on FORTRESS at any one time while being off-world for only a quarter of the year. This was to ensure that a properly trained diplomatic was always available without any single individual having to explain any long absences from their regular diplomatic jobs on Earth, which they were expected to keep. It also meant that an Ambassador could go off-site from FORTRESS for planned meeting while still having someone available for unexpected events, a regular occurrence for the SGC and the Commonwealth.

“Yes, my team goes through a couple of times a week. It’s completely safe.” Malley said as the final chevron could be heard locking into place with the wormhole forming. Malley, having seen it occur countless times didn’t even flinch, while the Ambassador nearly fell to the floor in shock.

“Alright, let’s move out. Ambassador if you will.” Malley said gesturing to the Stargate as the rest of SG-1 was already heading through.

PX-0503-97 codename FORTRESS

“That was amazing. How far have we travelled?” Ambassador Leen inquired after stepping through the Stargate and regaining her composure.

“Only about 100 light-years, most of our bases are clustered close to HOMEPLATE for planning reasons. Eventually the Commonwealth will become less dependent on the Stargate for travel and it will pay off to have our assets close together for reaction times. While we do have depots and CACHE units spread throughout the galaxy those are all hidden assets and are not continuously manned.” York explained.

“Homeplate?”

“Sorry habit. Whenever we are on other planets we don’t mention the e-word or any other name that might have a historical meaning for other cultures that might point towards the location of, well HOMEPLATE.” York explained as they continued to walk away from the Stargate and towards the main base.

The Stargate on FORTRESS had been moved under a large open air saucer dome, easily 100 metres in diameter, supported by 39 massive pillars each featuring a stylized Stargate symbol. The ground underneath the dome had been levelled and covered with large slabs of various types of granite and marble laid out to give the appearance of a gas nebula with the Stargate at the center. Smaller domes seemingly dotted randomly on the ground where slabs met gave lighting at night and the appearance of newborn stars when viewed from afar. Finishing the Stargate area was a small wall inset from the pillars two metres and one metre high finished in the hardwood equivalent from the forest with small stone pillars every two metres.

“It’s so... elegant and beautiful. I was not expecting this for a secret military base I must admit.” Lenn said stopping to admire one of the stylized symbols on the pillar as they walked out.

“It’s not just a military base; it’s also going to be the face of the Commonwealth to our allies. It makes your job easier if current or potential allies don’t come through to a drab military base but something more...civilized. The Tollans are going to flip for it I’m sure.” Malley explained having helped lay the large stones of granite.

“But where are the guards, the defences?”

Malley causally raised his eyes toward the ceiling of the dome, with the Ambassadors following. Above the level of the Stargate all around the perimeter of the dome was the reinforced platform containing an SG team only now standing down from the activation of the Stargate.

“4 people? To protect a site this large?” The Ambassador looked concerned thinking of how thin the defence was at the forward edge of the Commonwealth.

“In reality, there will be more once the base is fully operational and our base on Abydos is scaled back to reflect its more minor role, but the defences are largely hidden. Example; each Pillar contains 12 auto staff weapons aimed at various points around the forward half of the Stargate. That’s 468 staff shots a second. Those floor lights contain special claymore mines with 1/8th inch ball bearings as do the stone pillars on the small wall. The rock, while pleasant in appearance allows those same bearings to bounce better and potentially do more damage. The small wall is reinforced concrete with both a layer of Kevlar and aircraft grade aluminum, where additional personnel can fire from in safety. Eventually tower lighting will contain hidden staff cannons from taking on more shielded aggressors. I am sure there are other defences but I wasn’t informed of them, again a security consideration.

While ORIGIN is protected by moderate firepower, the iris and the horizon protocols, the role of FORTRESS precludes some of those options. FORTRESS doesn’t have that luxury, being out in the open as it needs to be, so it is pure heavy firepower for a first line of defence with a 200 kT tactical Naqahdah bomb for insurance.” Lee explained the Ambassador’s face going from relief to shock as she realized how much ordinance was within shouting distance of the Stargate.

The actual base was roughly half a kilometre from the Stargate, with the walk again carefully tailored for both an elegance and defence. The base itself was a work of art made of stone, wood and small accents of trinium. While the base was to be an operating military base, all the day-to-day utilitarian items and equipment was carefully hidden away and behind the Stargate, soft power was the purpose of FORTRESS just as much as strike capability.

“All this must be expensive. How do you hide all this?”

“It helps with 14 countries involved, but yes the current fiscal year budget for the entire SGC program is 1.7 billion dollars or about .75% of a countries military budget. The actual cost is more but is deferred and hidden in a variety of ways. Where possible the research costs are shared with industry and academia, stuff that is really just improvements on existing Earth based technology, even if a quantum leap forward; new alloys, electronics, computer theory that sort of thing. The SGC’s own research focuses solely on stuff we can’t explain away, i.e. hyperdrive and practical wormhole theory.

Also most of our expendables, what in any other military would be bullets, bombs and fuel, are stolen directly from the Goa’uld. Heck, the council commissioned a study which showed using modified Goa’uld staff weapons, in the form of pulse rifles saves 1.2 million a year, more when you consider we replace traditional anti-tank and anti-air weaponry with similar stuff. So while we probably could do with a large slice of the pie, we’re not exactly hurting. Ah and we are here are your new office.” Malley explained to the ambassador.

The Ambassadors office was empty and barely finished since the base was not operational but even could see the money had been spent on the parts where the Commonwealth’s allies would be, the room being half the size of any typical ambassador office back on Earth.

“I guess it’s the prestige and honour of the position I should be grateful for, not the office. When should I expect my staff to arrive?” Ambassador Lenn

“Ambassador, YOU are your staff. You might get an aide or two in a few months depending on security issues but you are it for now. Once the Babel team sets up shop here, I am sure you will be working closely with them and helping each other out but don’t expect people to fetch coffee, meals or summarize reports.” Malley explained.

Before the Ambassador could respond with shock, acceptance or anger, speakers throughout the base started.

All off-world teams’ report to the Stargate with siege load outs, situation JAILBREAK. All off-world teams’ report to the Stargate with siege load outs, situation JAILBREAK.

“Colonel what’s happening?” Ambassador Lenn

“We have a team caught by a Goa’uld. JAILBREAK is the immediate plan to attack and retrieve or eliminate, any source of information about HOMEPLATE.” Malley explained already leaving and heading toward the armoury to get a large siege load.

While every SG team traveling off world carried a pulse rifle, a siege load added secondary weaponry at the expense of rations or other non-essential equipment. Siege load outs were designed for quick heavy strikes. Shock grenades, zat gun attachments, intar rifles, thumpers; all commonly issued for siege load out. York even took a Naqahdah demolition charge for more extreme contingencies.

“And I take it there is no chance of negotiation?” Lenn asked

“With respect to your role Ambassador, the Goa’uld will not negotiate. They are too entrenched in their own power to, only respecting the application or threat of force. I understand a diplomatic solution should always be the first attempt in conflict resolution but it just won’t work.” York said, fully expecting to get in an argument with the Ambassador who she had already pegged as being in the ‘diplomacy will solve everything, there is no need for the military’ group.

“I had to ask, it’s how I can help. Go get our people back.” Ambassador de Lenn said walking away from the stunned York and smirking Malley, Lee and Teal’c.

Stargate

SG-9 had arrived through the Stargate to give the update SG-1 and SG-4, who had been the team guarding the Stargate when SG-1 had arrived. While on a reconnaissance mission to PX-0188-96 codename SAN, SG-19 had been ambushed by a large contingent of Jaffa in the service of Ba’al. While SG-19 had tried to disengage, one of the team had been struck by a zat gun and captured. Continuing their retreat to the Stargate the remainder of SG-19 had reformed with SG-16 who was monitoring the Stargate and together kept the Jaffa of the planet from using the Stargate. The situation was a stalemate as the Jaffa waited for a ship to arrive to take their prisoner and SG-19 and 16 waited for enough reinforcements to come through to mount a rescue operation.

With most teams already on missions and the Abydonian militias still retraining after Apophis’ invasion of Abydos and the casualties they took, support was slow in forming. Only 4 SG teams had been able to immediately react to the call for support. Traveling through the Stargate the on-site teams were already pushing towards the Jaffa camp to mount the rescue operation. SG-1, 4 and 9 would secure the Stargate which was currently left unguarded. As more teams were freed up additional forces would be sent through and into the firefight that was sure to be occurring.

“Ryan, what say we get this show moving? 9 in the lead, 5 seconds then SG-1 followed by SG-4 5 seconds after that.” Malley directed the three teams as they formed up near the Stargate. York was already dialling the Stargate as the teams did final checks of their weaponry. As the wormhole formed

“Facta Non Verba” Ryan said simply as he quickly rushed through the Stargate with the rest of SG-9.

Stargate secure, no hostiles. Ryan radioed through.

“Alright you heard the man, Facta Non Verba.”

PX-0188-96 codename SAN

“Status report.” Malley said as he stepped through the Stargate and onto the planet already searching for threats, but confident that Ryan would not have signalled ‘no hostiles’ if there were any, still alive at least.

“The SG teams have three sides of the settlement surrounded with the fourth being the river side. Right now the Jaffa are playing it smart and are actually digging in and not attacking, their waiting for their ride to come and give some relief. The teams are picking off any Jaffa that strays out in the open, anyone without a weapon gets hit with the Intar sniper rifles, and combatants get a pulse rifle. The teams are also letting any of the non-combatants leave by crossing the river. They seem to be getting the message and are dispersing into the forest on the other side. From the size of the settlement and SG-19’s report there are approximately 1,500 Jaffa on the planet.” Ryan explained having already gotten the report from teams further on that were surrounding the settlement.

“How long until we can expect their reinforcements to arrive? And how many Jaffa are still combat effective?” Malley asked, wishing he had been in on the briefing for the assault where that information would have been already discussed, hasty missions cause mistakes.

“Nearest Ba’al outpost is 12 hours away at best speed. Assuming they called for a ship once the Stargate was unavailable to them. That puts the closest ship 4 hours away. The teams think about half the settlement is non-combatants and have taken down about 150 Jaffa leaving some 600 still in fighting shape.”

“Alright that’s a lot to take on in 4 hours. SG-4 will stay at the Stargate and wait for the next wave to come through, apprise them of the situation and then join us with all the teams minus one for the Stargate. They should also be coming with a few GDHs to try to keep any ships at arm’s length. Everyone else to the front, we have a lot of combatants to work through and not much time.”

Heading off towards the settlement the occasional staff blast or Intar shot could be heard, mostly go into the settlement from positions unseen in the forest. The rare staff weapon shot from the settlement would streak out before being silenced by a barrage of fire from the SG teams. A little less than 5 SG teams were keeping a force over 20 times their size bottled up by shear presence and fear. Or that Ba’al had ordered their unique prisoner to be held at all costs and the larger Jaffa force was simply stalling for time.

Arriving at the edge of the settlement SG-1 quickly began adding their fire at any visible Jaffa, while watching the exodus of non-combatants make their way across the water. The occasional armed Jaffa would try to make it across the river only to be targeted as soon as an opening appeared, usually with an Intar rifle to keep the chance of collateral damage low. Most would survive thanks to their symbiote but would be washed far down stream by the time they regained consciousness, effectively neutralizing them for the mission time.

The plan was to stress one side of the settlement enough to cause the Jaffa to deploy to meet the expected offensive then to quickly smash 3 teams through the settlement and grab the captured SG member. They didn’t need to, and couldn’t in the time remaining, neutralize all the Jaffa still remaining in the settlement. Merely keep them occupied while the rescue mission was completed. The plan in that respect was incredibly simple.

The Al’kesh screaming thru the atmosphere and dropping its plasma charges against the Stargate and the outside of the settlement was not in that plan.

“INCOMING” Lee screamed diving for cover as one of the charges hit the ground within 10 metres of his position.

The Al’kesh made one more pass over the line dividing the settlement from the forest where the SG teams were sheltering both slowing to a hover and beginning to descend into the middle of the settlement. Already the Jaffa in the village were pouring fire out into the surrounding wooded area trying thru volume of fire to suppress the SG teams while they moved their prize towards the grounded Al’kesh. The Jaffa around the perimeter of the settlement were taking horrendous losses to the SG teams but were there simple to buy time.

“Ignore the Jaffa, knock that Al’kesh out!” Malley yelled over the radio, the fire quickly shifting towards the grounded Al’kesh only to be intercepted by a now visible shield, the Al’kesh now showing itself to be one of the rare few that were upgraded with a shield, and one efficient enough to be used in the atmosphere. The pulse rifle shots were bouncing harmlessly off the shield, with no effect.

“Everyone shift fire back to the Jaffa, I am going to keep hitting the Al’kesh. When they drop the shield for the Jaffa and our guy to get onboard everyone hits the cockpit and engines. Hopefully we will get something that will ground the ship. Also get any GDH or thumper up and running NOW.” Malley radioed his plan while he continued to fire and test the shields of the Al’kesh, the rest of the SG teams continued their assault on the Jaffa guarding the ship.

Suddenly his shots began hitting the side of the Al’kesh and the rest of the team immediately began the siege on the grounded ship. Pulse rifle rounds hammered the cockpit and the engines, with the locations beginning to glow from the heat of the repeated rounds striking the same area. The occasional zat discharge could be seen striking the Al’kesh hoping its effects could fry any of the delicate circuitry required by the ship. While the nose of the Al’kesh was visibly beginning to warp from the fire, the shield abruptly came back on giving the Al’kesh its respite.

Not waiting a moment, the Al’kesh lifted up the ground and began its ascent upwards and towards safety. The SG teams were momentarily stunned until the enemy fire from the Jaffa brought them back to the point at hand.

“Send back the GDHs to the gate and get the farther teams to start falling back towards. Center teams will cover, mission failure.” Malley said over the radio.

As the teams began their withdrawal from the area the 3 teams holding the center intensified their fire to cover the retreating teams. Slowly the Jaffa began to edge closer as sheer quantity overcame the superior tactical of the SG teams.

“York.” Malley called out “what is the blast radius for the demo charge?”

“500 metres for 100% casualties, 1.3 k for widespread destruction. Sir you can’t be serious. The shacks of the settlement aren’t worth the cost of a single demo charge, neither is the Jaffa deaths they are a dime a dozen.”

“It’s not the physical it’s the stand we have to take we the Goa’uld and Jaffa. I will not let this go unpunished. Set and hide the charge that’s an order, it’s a full bug out.” Malley said.

Quickly digging in the demolition charge into the ground, York set it for 5 minutes and started running. Everyone knew they had to be through the Stargate and the wormhole disengaged to before the charge went off, mainly because no one wanted to find out what the blast would do going through an active wormhole. With the Stargate over a kilometre the village it would be close but doable run.

TFB ORIGIN
Briefing Room
March 3rd, 1998

“Welcome back SG-1, I have read you mission reports and while some thinks could have been done differently based on the knowledge at the time it is understandable for your decisions.” General Sheridan said as SG-1 sat down for their debriefing.

“Sir, has anyone run through the implication of the mission failure.” Lee asked not even wanting to name the SG member who had been lost and was no presumed dead or being revived.

“Abydos is compromised from a military standpoint; we are accelerating its scale back plus implementing SAFETY VALVE. Confirmation of Ra’s demise which means his territory is going to be carved up even quicker than it is going right now. A working example of a weapon that is effective though if any Goa’uld actually implements it is another thing. And most dangerous, the knowledge that there is a planet with humans not under Goa’uld domain that is actively working towards their downfall. Small miracles it wasn’t a CO that got captured or the address to Earth would also be compromised.” General Sheridan ticked off the points that Terran intelligence had determined.

“I also believe the Free Jaffa nation to be in jeopardy, General Sheridan. Ba’al will now know of its location and its purpose.” Teal’c stated.

“I guess you are right Teal’c. Though he will only know of its existence since the actual Stargate address was limited to ‘need to know’. That goes for the Tok’ra’s worlds as well. Since NEW DAKARA and the Free Jaffa Nation are in a building phase they should be reasonably secure. Teal’c I recommend you contact Master Bra’tac and Rak’nor to recommend an increase in their security level. Also recommend any Jaffa they inserted into his ranks be extracted ASAP. As for our off-world bases, everyone will be getting an Iris within the next 3 months. While Earth will remain to be the only one with HORIZON PROTOCOLS, the general security level will be increasing.”

“What are we going to do about Ba’al.” York asked.

“We’re moving up the strikes we had planned in his domain to top priority, they need to be done before Ba’al extracts too much information. As for Ba’al himself, I have gotten approval to put him on SILVER PLATTER.”

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society

Material engineers at the Chalk Rivers Laboratory in Ontario Canada have tentatively announced the first ‘island of stability’ element created in a nuclear reactor. The discovery was found entirely by chance as the decay by-products of a recent run of medical isotopes did not correspond to expected decay paths. Retracing the path backwards has led and element thought to have a greater atomic number than 114. While the element did decay in short order, it is believed to have been caused by additional reactions and neutron addition that pushed it outside of the island of stability. Further refinement could yield a stable super heavy element with application in material science, power production and proofs in other areas of theoretical physics and chemistry.

Chapter 46- Operations
March 25th, 1998
PM1-9999-97 codename M-GAIA

It was an oddity of the naming convention for planets that caused the naming for Earth to have no set standard. No one had anticipated having to give a planetary designation to Earth. It was a nice coincidence that a one Daniel Jackson came through the Quantum Mirror into their reality, bringing the existence of the mirror to light. It was an unlikely coincidence that the same Daniel Jackson would hail from a reality that had not succumbed to Goa’uld invasion, a recurring event all too often across the realities. And it was surely an act of a kind God that Senator Kinsey was not involved in the Commonwealth’s Stargate program, or so thought the robotic Malley.

“And so it is still the position of the United States that any cross reality transfer between governments must occur with fair representation from our counterparts in your reality.” Senator Kinsey said finishing his initial statement.

And it was a devious, spiteful God that put him in charge of negotiations for their host.

“And it is the position of the Commonwealth not to dictate terms to others about participation or non-participation by nations in each reality. We ask only for the courtesy of the same in return and for any treaty not to be contingent on such points. Now what of our latest proposal.” R-Malley said simply, hoping to steer the conversation back towards the subject at hand.

“I see nothing wrong in principle with trading mission reports for the various worlds that each side has visited through the Stargate. The work your reality has done in small craft development from Goa’uld technology also seems of value for accelerating our own programs thru the teething portions. I have been authorized to trade all information and relevant technology developed for our own Seeker Project. It is our own project to monitor Goa’uld hyperspace travel in the vicinity of Earth. It’s not a fully mature program by any means but it is far enough along for initial testing purposes.”

“How far a detection range are we talking about, rough estimate?” R-York asked.

“Approximately 2 light years, we believe.” Samantha Carter explained having being brought into the meeting for such questions and to evaluate the Commonwealth traded technology.

“That is far in excess of what sensors from Tel’taks can see, Sir. They top out at 500 AU giving only about a 7 to 8 second warning. This stuff could give Earth a 30 minute warning of impending Goa’uld attack. More if we station it on planets outside the solar system and send back the reports.”

“Unfortunately, it does not give vectors or quantities, only that there is a hyperspace event occurring within that bubble of space. Our hope was to expand the volume covered to be large enough to encompass multiple worlds with Stargates and by triangulating the different times of reports give a rough estimate on direction. At worst it will help to limit false positives.” Carter explained.

“York?” Malley asked looking for a verdict on the trade suggested.

“I think it is an equitable trade Colonel. The mission reports we are already authorized to trade, but we will need final approval for the technology exchange from the Council. General Hammond shall we first exchange mission reports and save the later technology, pending approval by our side?”

“It is fine with me. I can have the mission reports ready for transfer within the day. I assume you will need to go back to your side for the collection of reports?” General Hammond said.

“No General, we have them all with us already.” Malley said pulling out a small stack of CDs containing all the mission reports for the SGC, up until the last week.

“Does this also contain the reports for your own trip through the Quantum Mirror.”

“No. Our own missions are deemed outside the scope of the agreement by the Commonwealth, seeing as you have nothing equivalent and probably cannot go to any of the planets we visit. In most cases we do not even know the Stargate address to the worlds we visit, since we did not travel through the Stargate. We know each only by its own relative RUID. If you do decide on sending teams through the Quantum Mirror we can begin talks, all we ask is that you mark any reality you go to in a different location then ours, as to not confuse future missions. Also unofficially I will tell you the vast majority of realities we see fall into the ‘NORAD with Jaffa’ category or worse.”

“We will take that into consideration when evaluating the future use of the Quantum Mirror.” Senator Kinsey stated.

Can this guy say anything that doesn’t sound creepy? York said over rSG-1 internal radio.

It would appear not. “Thank you. Now with your permissions General we are overdue for our check-in with our base and for a recharge.” Malley said being careful not to broadcast his thoughts on the Senator.

PX-0001-93
Abydos

“Alright your mission, since you have already chosen to accept it is to assault through the Stargate to a heavily defended weapons site located roughly a kilometre from Stargate. Intelligence suggests a force of 100 Jaffa guarding the Stargate, weapons facility and in the surrounding area. Now because of the distance you cannot expect any support from the fleet, but the upside is the bulk of the Jaffa are suppose to be within the facility itself, mainly getting the slaves to do the work. Now the site is equipped with a Goa’uld long range communication device, so once a beachhead is established you should expect the facility to call in reinforcements. A Ha’tak can be over the planet in as little as 3 hours from any of the major bases in the area. That means you need to demolish the defences and be out with anything of value in 2 hours.

Remember this is a weapon’s manufacturing facility, specifically heavy weaponry. This means a lot of refined Naqahdah, which means you need to keep your shooting straight and on target, or you might find out first hand why Naqahdah is so sought after by the Goa’uld. Skaara is in overall command of the mission and the Swords will be leading off the mission. Priorities go; own personnel, mission, collateral damage then pillage. Both the Militias and the FJN forces will be judge based on those items. Skaara it’s your show.” Malley said stepping down from the slightly raised platform that he had used to address the 5 militias of Abydos going on the training exercise against the Free Jaffa nation.

Skaara wasted little time in organizing his first ‘attack’, having spent the better part of two weeks planning it and going over the receive intelligence. On the other side Rak’nor had only been given a window in time to have his troops on the world where the Terran Commonwealth had built a simple training facility with the only limit being the use of Intars only. Some SG teams not currently doing a blitz on Ba’al’s domain, would act as referees and judges to declare who had been the victor and how. While the Jaffa had the better defensive position and only had to wait for the theoretical Ha’tak to arrive, Skaara had a better trained forced with an element of tactical if not strategic surprise.

It promised to be an interesting training exercise, with the SGC using it to objectively evaluate the predicted evolution of Jaffa tactics once the System Lords adjusted to the strikes against their holdings.

“Sir, I am still not sure about having the militias practicing offensive operations. It feels too much like conscription of the natives to fight our wars.” York said as the last of the Abyodians ran through the Stargate to the training exercise.

“Their council requested the additional training; they seemed to have taken to the idea of the best defence. Besides if they are meant to protect from an attack through the Stargate, they should know the logistics of such an attack. Now have we heard of the team from ARK?” Malley inquired.

“The secondary Stargate is in place and they are heading this way with the rest of the equipment for SAFETY VALVE.”

SAFETY VALVE had been planned for all worlds where the Commonwealth maintained a permanent presence, with Ba’al’s windfall of intelligence on the Commonwealth hastening the implementation. SAFETY VALVE placed a second Stargate on a planet with its exact location known only to the command center on ARK. Using the secondary Stargate for outgoing travel and evacuation should the planet fall to a Goa’uld, biggest risk being Ba’al currently, was easy. The problem was using the secondary Stargate for incoming travel. The PROXIMITY tests had shown that it was very difficult to brute force a secondary Stargate into primary position, if both Stargates had a fully functioning dialling pedestal. At best you had the situation of half the incoming wormholes going to either Stargate randomly chosen with no real predictability.

The Commonwealth choose instead to force a primary Stargate into a secondary position. By artificially interrupting all connections between a Stargate and the dialling pedestal, a Stargate could be forced into the secondary position, if the other had a dialling pedestal connected. A modified pedestal from ARK containing a specially designed 100% pure Naqahdah power switch would be installed on the known Stargate. A similar device was on the dialling pedestal for the hidden Stargate. While the exact signals needed to control the Stargate had not been deciphered, the switch simply routed every single connection through itself with individual disconnects for each line.

If Abydos ever fell to the Goa’uld again, ARK would send a command disconnect signal through the Stargate to disconnect the primary and to connect the secondary, effectively switching their roles. Teams could then be sent through to the hidden Stargate and afterwards have the primary switched backed, with the Goa’uld hopefully unaware that the planet had been infiltrated.

“Right on time.” Malley quipped watching as the security team came through guarding the modified dialling pedestal and the engineering team sent to install it.

With how paranoid the Commonwealth was about the security of ARK, even on planets which qualified for the safe list, personnel from ARK were constantly guarded. It also helped that the Naqahdah switch itself was worth close to 2 million dollars in material and manufacturing costs, a significant invest for something that hopefully would never be used outside of periodic tests. It was a quick change-up of dialling pedestals, with how much of the technical training revolved around controlling the Stargate.

“Colonel Malley, we are done with the connection of the dialling pedestal. Would you like us to dial HOMEPLATE for your travel or will you be staying on Abydos for the time being?” The lead engineer from ARK said.

“Yes please dial HOMEPLATE... wait actually a few minutes. Lee go and get 4 Intars from the armoury.” Malley said, Lee quickly running off to get the requested weapons.

“Malley, what is your plan?” Teal’c asked.

“We’re going to throw a curve ball the Skaara on the training planet. We kept harping in the intelligence about the speed which a Ha’tak could get to the planet. The recent attack on Abydos from Ha’taks and our own losses due to an Al’kesh being sent to pick-up our lost member will further reinforce the space option. I’m betting that Skaara will try to hit the ‘weapon facility’ with everything he has quickly before the theoretical Ha’tak can arrive. This means...”

“He will forget about guarding the Stargate and leave it undefended. A Goa’uld could send a force through the Stargate and hit in from both sides and at least bottle him up until the Ha’tak could arrive. Sir, you’re devious. I thought you wanted Skaara to win?” York said.

“I want him to learn. He’s teaching the Jaffa, and we teach him. You only get smarter by playing a smarter opponent.” Malley explained as Lee came back carrying the Intars, taking the shape of pulse rifles.

“Alright, dial the Stargate, we’re going to ruin Skaara’s day. I think he will still win, but not as easy.” Malley said as the engineer from ARK began dialling the Stargate.

“And if you are wrong Sir?” Lee asked “If Skaara does have even a token force around the Stargate?”

“Then we take some hits as we assault. Facta Non Verba” Malley said as SG-1 prepared for a standard Stargate assault. Quickly forming up SG-1 rushed through the Stargate and into the training exercise.

PX-0700-97
Codename PLAY GROUND
Several Hours Later

It had been a painful experience for two groups in the training exercise, the Jaffa and SG-1. Skaara had left a guarding force near the Stargate comprising his 12 best soldiers in field craft, but located almost directly behind the Stargate. While it was standard practice to check all around the Stargate for monitoring forces, SG-1 had not expected such well hidden forces especially ones wearing crude but effective ghillie suits. While SG teams on recon often deployed with them from Abydos it had never been discussed with Skaara as to their purpose. The fact that the 12 Abydonians had hid their existence meant Skaara had guessed that Malley or someone in the SGC would try to surprise them.

Since Skaara had left only 12 to guard the Stargate, he had a force of 212 for the actual assault, less the 15 that had fallen in the initial Stargate assault. Here Rak’nor had ‘cheated’ as well by having more than the 100 Jaffa the mission briefing had said would be available, bringing the entire FJN of 300 warriors. The problem was the differing calibre and discipline of the Jaffa. With the militias, each militia had been trained and raised as one cohesive unit, and wasn’t considered ready until everyone in the unit was ready. While the lower number militias were of higher calibre, Skaara could at least predict each units actions and plan accordingly.

Rak’nor organized his forces to spread out his best and most discipline. This meant newly recruited Jaffa, not realizing how outdated their tactics were, often left gaps as they rushed into an ambush as Skaara feigned a retreat. Or failed to take cover or watch for flanking attacks. Worse it left Rak’nor’s core group of competent warriors without others to rely on, causing their defeat in detail. Skaara lost another 20 before the entirety of Rak’nor’s forces had been defeated. Rak’nor had lost over his entire force of 300, some Jaffa not accepting their ‘death’ and trying to attack again, eventually being zatted by the SG referees.

“Teal’c stop with the smirk alright. Skaara played it right and it paid off.” Malley said, still sore from the multiple Intar shots he had taken exiting the Stargate. The best thing that could be said was by shooting from behind the Stargate, SG-1 was in little danger of falling back into the event horizon of the incoming wormhole.

“I have no such facial feature, Malley. Though I must point out he only used the standard techniques of the SGC.” Teal’c said as they walked to one of the large screen set-up to show the highlights of the exercise to both the Jaffa and the Abydonians.

The post exercise analysis as being conducted to show the strength and weaknesses of both sides. Unfortunately, the strengths were mostly on the Militias side with the weaknesses on the Jaffa.

“As you can see” Oberst Jeager was saying “the communication advantage provided by having radios at the fireteam level results in large coordinated assaults across a larger front, or fluid disengagement with announcement to the enemy. When combined with the overall improved accuracy of the pulse rifle design over the traditional staff weapon means greater need for teamwork. Next ‘kill’ counts, the defending were completely wiped out within the limits set for the mission, though the Militia’s still need to control fire better, with an unacceptable amount of shots on the human slaves.

The Jaffa had 35 ‘kills’ to their credit or 15% of the attacking force. 15 in the initial assault, a number that would have been less if allowed the use of lethal and through-horizon weaponry. The 20 kills during the actual assault on the facility itself were all attributed to Jaffa who maintained fire support with their fellow warriors and maintained a strong defensive perimeter. It should be noted not one kill was achieved by any assaulting Jaffa, as they were often hit far before they got within their own engagement range. Now for tactical level experience...” Jeager continued on as Malley pulled motioned for Rak’nor to follow SG-1.

“Alright Rak’nor, you have seen the results. The Jaffa had numbers, the benefit of defensive position and needing only to hold out for a limited time. To put it bluntly, you had a lot more on your side and you still fucked it up. Why?” Malley said not wanting to mince words and still agitated from the Intar shots.

“They fought like thieves, hiding and cowering, only advancing in short intervals. But they won and having seen this ‘post game wrap-up’ as one of your warriors put it, I understand the need reason why. The newest Jaffa to our cause, the ones still fighting as the Goa’uld taught, were removed with little effort. The others who have been here long enough to learn new ways fared better.”

“And if you will accept our help, we can teach you how to be even better. We can provide the same weaponry, the same doctrine to the Free Jaffa Nation. It will be difficult, it will be hard but it will be necessary to free all your people from the Goa’uld.”

“Indeed.” Rak’nor said turning to go back to talk to his warriors about their performance during the training exercise.

“There goes one pissed Jaffa.”

“York, the forces under his command just got their asses handed to them by a bunch of humans that a few years ago had never even looked at the face of a Jaffa without risking death. He knows he got beaten by people that we considered barely passed basic training. It doesn’t help the ego at ALL.” Malley said.

Toronto Stock Exchange: Initial Public Offering
Industrial Material Clearing is set with an IPO date of April 6th, 1998. Initial release will consist of 5 million non-voting class B shares. IMC specializes in industrial auction buyouts of material and machinery as well as shared purchases of high price/low production run equipment. Based 30 minutes outside of Calgary, IMC was founded in June 1994.

Chapter 47- Revelations and Introductions
March 28th, 1998
TFB ORIGIN, Briefing Room

“You know I think the other side got the better deal on this one. I mean we gave them mission reports on weapon factories, mines, shipyards and research outposts. What do we get? Space mongrels, a planet where Teal’c can’t set foot and a Jekyll and Hyde planet to name a few of the missions. Did these guys actually want to protect Earth?” Malley complained throwing another of the alternate realities mission reports into the growing pile on the table.

“Jekyll and Hyde Planet?” Lee asked.

“It’s this planet that half is in eternal darkness and half in eternal light. Some bacteria causes people to turn into savages, nothing worthwhile.” Malley explained barely getting through the opening paragraph of another mission report of their counterparts before throwing it into the pile.

“But,” York said “We confirmed the sincerity of the Tok’ra, found out about those ‘spirits’ which we will be trying to make contact with, and a host of other small points which I am sure intelligence is going over to see how we can benefit, such as that crystal entity or the accelerated evolution through nanites planet.”

“They have no real plan, they almost fucked up everything with their Tollans and they have next too no ships to show for the billions they have spent. I mean they don’t even have a secondary Stargate for emergencies for God sake.”

“Ours is not to question others decisions, ours is to have robot replicas that can travel to other realities and trade for technology so we don’t need to spend more money on research. Just be glad we can do these types of swaps.” York said.

“It’s probably going to be the last one for awhile.” General Sheridan said entering the briefing room as Malley, Lee and York quickly stood to snap a salute. “Be seated, we have a lot of material to cover.”

“Sir, what do you mean?” Lee asked.

“I just got off the communication device with Colonel Malley’s synthetic counterpart on HAIL. He was informed just before returning through the mirror that all travel was suspended by the government on the other side.”

“Wait, what, why?” York asked confused.

“The operation of the Stargate program in the other reality is being transferred over to civilian control by suggestion of Senator Kinsey. He made the claim, and their president accepted it, that such an important program should have civilian control and call upon military assets as required and not the other way around. The new director ordered ties to be ‘re-examined’ as he believed what we had traded was not worth what we had been given. His also pointed out that the mirror was a potential way onto Earth that they could not secure or explore. So their new director, one Mark Devlin, asked us to wait for further contact before returning through the mirror.”

“That sounds like a blow off, if I have ever heard one.” Malley commented.

“Yes, yes it does. I have already ordered HAIL to continue searching using the mirror, but with how infrequent a free Earth appears to be, it could be quite some time before we find another suitable trading partner. Mostly they are looking for a suitable world for Project SIDESTEP. Now we did get the agreed upon technology exchange so phase two of project WATCHTOWER will be implemented once the minimum effective network for phase one is completed, in approximately 6 months. Now for you next mission you SG-1 will be...” General Sheridan said continuing with the next reconnaissance mission scheduled for SG-1.

PX-0312-97 codename HAIL

Pentti Huovi knew true love twice in his life; from his wife back in Finland and when he was at the controls of his Avro. The modified deathglider adapted for use through the Stargate, could outperform any Earth based fighter, should any every be encountered and was light-years ahead of anything he had every flown, literally. While the Avro could not compete against a modified Kestrel, or even an unmodified deathglider, it wasn’t meant for air superiority. The Avro was the Commonwealths planned strike craft and Pentti was one of four pilots of the 5th Space fighter Squadron, currently at half strength. 19 out of 20 pilots in the Commonwealth were cross trained to use the more numerous Kestrels and Tel’taks seeing as an attack on Earth would need the Kestrels more, while Pentti and his squadron mates trained solely with the Avros.

TIGHTFIT-1, you are cleared for FORTRESS arrival. Everything ready on your end Drive-by?

“Doing final checks right now, please hold with dialling for zero-two minutes.”

Understood Drive-by.

Huovi, Drive-by, had hundreds of hours logged flying the Avro, with dozens of Stargate transits but all of them had been assisted low-speed transits just to get the feel for traveling through the Stargate in the ship. The few high-speed tests on dummy plastic gates ended poorly, with the knowledge that traveling through the Stargate was best done under controlled conditions.

“Flight, I am ready, all systems in the green. Please energise guide-rails and dial FORTRESS.”

Understood Drive-by, starting dialling, guide-rails energised.

Drive-by felt the Avro rise slightly as the first sections of the guide rails magnetized, repelling the electromagnet of the Avro. Open ended at both sides, with one end attached to the Stargate and the other open to allowed an Avro to enter. The rails themselves provided nothing other than guidance, with the Avro itself accelerating down the system at a leisurely 3g under its own power. Eventual combat launches would see an Avro accelerate at ten times that but for now the system had to be tested at a more sedated pace.

The biggest delay had been moving the Stargate on HAIL into a position where 100 metres of straight guide-rails could still be installed. As it was the Stargate was right against the farthest wall with the open barely accessible to the Avro, requiring several ground personnel to help it into the ‘barrel’. Once proven though the barrel could literally be stuffed with a squadron of Avros, launching multiple strike craft quickly through the stargate.

Wormhole established, Drive-by you are clear for launch. Godspeed.

Drive-by gingerly pushed the throttles for the Avro forward, not wanting to break the 3g acceleration limit for the test. With the inertia dampeners at minimal to give him some sense of acceleration, the Avro flew through the 100 metres of barrel hitting the event horizon at almost 270 km/hr, stable and dead center. For true combat missions the Avro would enter the horizon at just below transonic speeds to limit the stress put on the barrel.

PX-0503-97 codename FORTRESS

The Stargate had been moved out into the opening for the test to give Pennti room to manoeuvre. Exiting through the Stargate, Pennti immediately began his climb clearing the treetops of the forest edge by less than the height of the Avro.

“Flight this is TIGHTFIT-1, I have successfully arrived at FORTRESS, recommend minimum distance to tree line ratio be extended. I still had slight disorientation when exiting the Stargate resulting in delayed response.” Pennti said over his radio to flight command back on HAIL.

Understood TIGHTFIT-1. You maintained a 5 degree attempted rise throughout the barrel correct?

“5 degree attempted rise was maintained. No appreciable loss of stability and no noticeable buffeting. It should be reasonably safe to proceed to combat launch test with 5 degree rise. So long as the strain gauges for the rails agree.”

Understood TIGHTFIT-1, we are going to hand you off to local flight control and terminate Stargate connection. Well done, HAIL flight control out.

“Thank you flight. FORTRESS flight control this is TIGHTFIT-1, requesting vector control for second portion of flight plan.” Drive-by slowed to a hover near the Stargate as he waited for the response.

Uhh, yes TIGHTFIT-1, wait am I broadcasting?

“Yes Doctor Jackson, I can hear you.” Drive-by said, laughing at who was pulling double duty for flight control. “I am guessing everyone else is busy flight?”

Yes, well no actually I have someone here with me but I am suppose to learn encase of, well encase of whatever. Alright TIGHTFIT-1, proceed due north out 25 km and proceed with video recording. Circle outwards using the base as a center, and I am being asked to request you keep the speed below 400 km/hr. Ceiling is 30,000 ft for recording purposes. Two complete circles and then RTB. Wait RTB?

“It means return to base Doctor. I would like to add one modification to the flight plan. Orbital excursion to the local moon.”

Why?

“I just want to go into space, call it a joyful wish.”

Their not saying no TIGHTFIT-1, so approved. Flight out.

It was a lovely day for a flight to a moon, Drive-by decided.

Earth

“WATCHTOWER ALERT!! 7 Ha’tak, 12 Al’kesh, Sol vector! 15 seconds.” The sensor operator yelled alerting the bridge.

“Send out an alert and get the DIET and BUGNET systems deployed. They should have already gotten word but let’s take no chances. Where is there vector putting them.” Commander Anthony Riddick said un-strapping from his command chair the better see the sensor operators display.

“Vectoring is ending... Correction vector has ended just outside Mars orbit. Regular Ha’taks, looks like then didn’t know exactly where Earth was in the system and came out to far. Ships proceeding in at sub-light eta to geo-stationary orbit, 68 minutes. Report from TFB SANDAY, the planetary defence grid is deploying and all alert fighters are deploying. Command of near Earth space has been transferred over to the Haudenosaunee, sir. You are ordered to stop the Goa’uld with any and all means necessary, unrestricted ROE.”

“Very well, throw off shore power, charge capacitors and begin heat dump. Don’t leave the crater yet. Have all Kestrels form up into squadrons on far side of the planet. Get all Avros under prepared awnings on Luna. No one moves until I give the word. Get crews over to TNS Astounding and Assumption, I want those Al’kesh manned but powered down and weighting for my orders, were only going to get one chance to do this right.”

“Understood.”

“Open communications with the Goa’uld through one of the outer WATCHTOWERs.” Commander Riddick said waiting as the communication officer performed the link-up with the Kuiper orbit Tel’tak.

“This is Commander Anthony Riddick of the Terran Commonwealth. You have entered restricted space and are ordered to power down and submit to boarding. Failure to comply and any aggressive moves will be responded to accordingly.” Riddick said waiting for the inevitable response from whomever was invading Sol. The display quickly materialized with the image of a slight male.

“I am Oshu, First Prime to the Jade Emperor, Lord Yu. My Lord as declared this world under his domain. Surrender and be the first to submit to his power and be spared. Resist and this world shall burn.” Cutting the connection before any reply to be given.

“Was not expecting Yu. Alright, lines are drawn and we have a little over 35 minutes until they are in range. Any chance of getting TNS Warspite into orbit?”

“No chance sir, hyperdrive is still down hard. The council has started evacuation through the Stargate and have begun assembling the necessary material for SIDESTEP. Luna Base 1 will begin sowing the first round Dragon’s Teeth as soon as the defence grid is place.” The communication officer said.

“Captain,” the weapons officer interrupted “I can report that the Haudenosaunee is completely ready, store of kinetics are at 110% and main offensive weaponry is online. Ship systems are as cool as possible and the mass has been chilled to 125 kelvin. Recommend we seal the cork.”

“Agreed, seal the ship and alert damage control crews. Estimated time of attack 0252 zulu.”

0245 Zulu

The waiting in any confrontation was always the hardest part. Which was probably why the Goa’uld approached from so far away, to make the Commonwealth sweat. BUGNET and DIET were fully deployed and the squadrons in position. The repercussions for those very launches were already being felt, with the non-informed major parties already asking pointed questions to Canada and Australia where the squadrons had been launched from. While the fighter corps was multi-national, only Canada and Australia had the space needed to hide such craft.

“Commander, approaching Ha’taks are launching fighters, 100 plus from each of the Ha’taks. Most seem to be vectoring in on TFB ORIGIN. Reserves for the defence grid are deploying to meet enemy fighters.” The sensor operator called out shattering the silence in the bridge.

“Keep the fighters on the other side of the planet. The defence grid and all the other stuff down there will keep them busy. We will need them to harass and remove the Al’kesh until the GDH units can start hitting them. ETA until the main force is in range for alpha strike?” Commander Riddick asked, planning for the first and probably last move against such an overwhelming force.

“5 minutes to maximum range, we are technically in range off the kinetics but at this range the Ha’taks can dodge with ease and have plenty of time to raise shields.”

“Use them or lose them. I do not want to go down with a single round left on the ship. Bring the ship out of the crater and prepare for kinetic strike. Full spread of kinetics, empty the room maybe we will get lucky and take down one or two before they think to raise their shields. Spread them evenly among the Ha’taks. Afterwards put the moon between us and them. We need to be ready for the next stage.”

The kinetic weapons were the same used for orbital bombardment by the 1st Monitor Flotilla but with the Ha’taks moving into the oncoming kinetic shots would hit with over 3 times the velocity and almost 2 kilotons of force, enough to destroy any unshielded Ha’tak. It took almost 2 minutes to deploy and fire the 518 shots kept in weapons room.

“Kinetics stores are empty. First impact in 18 seconds.” The weapons operator called out the display tracking the hundreds of solid tungsten shots flying towards the oncoming Ha’taks.

“Come on, nothing to worry about here, no need for shields.” Commander Riddick whispered as the kinetics flew ever closer, hoping the arrogance of the Goa’uld would keep the shields from being raised until too late.

“WE GOT ONE! Sierra-5 dead in space and having multiple internal explosions.” The sensor operator yelled, one of the Ha’taks which didn’t get itself shields up fast enough and took over 40 shots around its hull quickly coming apart. While the shields of a Ha’tak were incredibly powerful the ship itself was surprisingly thin skinned, giving the kinetic weapons incredible stopping power.

“Anyone else?” Riddick asked hoping that other would fall out of the battle line the Ha’taks were in. Being able to take out even one more would help to even the odds tremendously.

“Sierra-7 is slowing down, might have over stressed its systems but is still to be considered operational. All the others show minor to medium damage and fluctuations in their shields, shields are raised on all remaining Ha’taks.”

“Alright 1 out of 7 for the main force. How is Earth doing for the fighters?”

“SANDAY reporting minimal damage by fighter force as expected.”

“Good” Riddick replied happy that at least one aspect of the Goa’uld attack was being ripped to shreds.

“Second launch from remaining Ha’taks, fighters forming up around the Al’kesh and our moving towards Earth. Ha’taks appear to be slowing down and reforming to cover the damaged ship.”

“Have the Kestrels move to intercept, focus on the Al’kesh. They attack until LEO and then peel off for the 1st Regiment to start pounding the Al’kesh. Afterwards have them regroup and send half outwards to Warspite by a slingshot, the other half to be ready to escort the Avros into targets.”

“Fighters squadrons acknowledging.”

Given the distances involved the entire bridge crew could only watch on displays as the modified Kestrels raced around the Earth and began attacking the Al’kesh. Electronics dispassionately showed the two sides intertwine as the Kestrels went for the Al’kesh as they began to enter orbit. While the Kestrels essentially ignored the Jaffa fighter screen to focus on the Al’kesh, the Jaffa had to sort out friend from closely resembling foe in the melee that had developed. Given the speeds involved and the bottom created by the low Earth Orbit, it was a short and vicious fight.

The Kestrels repeatedly slashed through the Jaffa fighter screen to overwhelm and vaporize a wildly manoeuvring Al’kesh. Each time the Kestrels lost more of their numbers to enemy fire, their inexperience in the dynamics of space combat only being partially offset by their teamwork and the Jaffas lack. By the time the Al’kesh and escorts had reached LEO 4 of the 12 were destroyed along with a sixth of the Jaffa fighter screen. Peeling off as the GDH units from the 1st Regiment, Howitzers began pounding the approaching force, only 30% of the fighter corps made it to the rendezvous with the slowly rising Avro strike craft. Of the 12 squadrons of Kestrels the rose from Earth only 29 fighters made it to the rendezvous, with the 14 most damaged being ordered out of the fight to by orders of Commander Riddick.

With the LEO clear of friendly craft, 1st Regiment began the second layer. Concentrating on the descending Al’kesh, relying on the 1st Battery’s units of APC to keep the fighter screen busy, the GDH units began to bracket the Al’kesh. Given enough time either the GDH units or any of the other Earth based forces from other countries would down the Al’kesh and the remaining fighters, the numbers were too stacked against them. It was a foregone conclusion and Commander Riddick knew it. The life and death battle was against the Ha’taks, still sitting outside of geo-stationary orbit, watching the fight just as much as the Haudenosaunee was.

“Status of strike craft?” Riddick asked from his command still watching from behind the moon.

“Horsemen reporting ready, your orders?” the communication officer asked.

“Haudenosaunee will lead off and strike at the center craft we will try to split their forces. TNS Astounding and Assumption will go for the far side and concentrate on one craft until they finish it off and move on. Horsemen to strike the other side and then retreat to Warspite for rearming along with the remaining Kestrels. They will do no good in a fighter against heavies. Set blossom arrays to full fire against anything not broadcasting an IFF. Focus the each hammer array on a single Ha’tak but only two. Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.”

The Haudenosaunee broke orbit around of the moon and picked up speed heading directly towards the middle of the Goa’uld forces now beginning to move forward again as it was apparent the Al’kesh would not defeat Earth. The obvious target considering its size and power output it was the two captured Al’kesh that struck first. Using their superior speed and agility the Astounding and Assumption began harassing the farthest Ha’tak, Sierra-1, keeping always keep its own mass between themselves and its brethren.

“Designate Sierra-4 for port side hammer array, Sierra-3 for starboard.”

The hammer arrays were the scavenged remains of 8 Al’kesh cannons on each side of the Haudenosaunee tied to a single fire control system to target a single enemy ship per array. Re-cased to hold the most effective cooling system possible, leading to a single massively chilled heat sink, each cannon had 3 times the regular rate of fire for 5 minutes; afterwards the fire had to be reduced to the standard rate. For Earth the Haudenosaunee could wipe out national militaries in hours. Against two Ha’taks, it was barely holding together under the pounding of capital ship grade weaponry. Releasing a storm of fire the Haudenosaunee weaved between the two targeted ships trying to avoid the majority of fire and to keep all elements of each hammer array on target.

“Shield down to 70%, showing medium damage of Sierra-4, minor damage to Sierra-3. Avro’s inbound on Sierra-2.” The sensor officer said as another blast struck the Haudenosaunee from Sierra-4.

“Last blast destroyed a cannon on the port side array.”

“Switch tasking for arrays, I want our full array targeting Sierra-4.” Riddick commanded holding onto his command chair.

“Horsemen launching Alpha strike against Sierra-2. Squall missiles inbound.”

The squall missiles had repurposed nuclear weapon initiators wrapped in a casing Naqahdah, giving the missile a 50 megaton blast. The two forward horsemen launched all four of squalls before peeling off to meet up with Warspite in the outer reaches of the system. Following up behind the remaining 2 horsemen launched their missiles as well, having 16 squalls angling down on one Ha’tak, Sierra-2. Half the Kestrels stayed with the missiles trying to provide a distraction as Sierra-2 began defensive fire on the incoming squalls. Half fell to the defensive fire, before the first wave struck the shields of the Ha’tak, with the first 6 overloading the shield generator causing it to fail, allowing the 7th and 8th to strike the hull of Sierra-2, cracking it open.

“Sierra-2 destroyed, Horsemen and remaining Kestrel’s leaving Earth orbit.” The sensor operator said. “Assumption reporting heavy damage and failure of main weapons system.”

As that was said a smaller flash was shown on the displays near Sierra-1 signalling the destruction of the Assumption. Briefly the bridge was silent save for the sounds coming from the various alarms throughout the consoles. The destruction of the Assumption was quickly followed by the mutual destruction of Sierra-1 and Astounding. The Haudenosaunee was the last ship still in fighting shape for the Commonwealth, slowly being pounded to scrap from two Ha’taks as it returned the favour.

“Sir, shield down to 35%, report heavy damage on Sierra-4. Commander, enemy fire is starting to bleed through the shield.”

“Switch both arrays to Sierra-4, we’re going down but I will be damn if we don’t take out one of these Ha’taks.” Riddick said needing to remove the most amount of ships to limit the damage they could do to Earth.

Switching both hammer arrays to Sierra-4 proved too much for the Ha’tak quickly succumbing to the onslaught.

“Alright, both arrays to Sierra-3. Next target.”

Before the weapons officer could response all the displays in the bridge went dead, before blink a simple message.

CRITICAL OVERLOAD IN PRIMARY REACTORS. TOTAL SHIP DESTRUCTION. SIMULATION OVER.

“I thought heaven would have more chairs.” The sensor operator quipped.

“Stow it.” Riddick said waiting for the next step.

Commander Riddick to General Sheridan’s Office, immediately. the announcement over the speaker was clearly identified as the General himself without every saying his title.


General Sheridan’s Office

“How do you think you did Commander?” General Sheridan asked after Commander Riddick.

“Before the end of the simulation, 4 of the 7 Ha’taks were destroyed with the Al’kesh and gliders being only a matter of time. While it was not a complete victory the tonnage ratio was heavily skewed in my forces favour. With 3 remaining Ha’taks a ground side attack using the rings to get onboard and a larger chance of succeeding. Considering the initial conditions my crew performed admirably.” Commander Riddick explained.

“Why did you send the remaining Kestrels out of the fight? The Haudenosaunee could have used a fighter screen to distract the Ha’taks and had stay operational longer.”

“Sir, the fighters once the strike craft were empty, would only clutter my battle space and reduce the effectiveness of my crew worrying about accidental friendly fire. The Kestrels do not have the firepower for a ship of the line fight and our own ground based defences could deal with anything lower than LEO. With no friendly fighters I could deploy my blossom arrays at full capacity against everything I saw.”

“Actually it would be 5 out of 7 Ha’taks destroyed. The plan would be to wait until they lowered their shields and Alpha strike with a Hammer array hidden on the moon. One, potentially two Ha’taks would be struck before the array was taken out.”

“And then?”

“More than likely Earth gets glassed before Warspite can arrive in from the belt to make a last stand. Leaving it and ARK to pick up the pieces and save as many as possible. Well done commander, you were not expected to get more than 3 at most. Dismissed.”

Royal Society

Scottish researchers at University of Edinburgh have created the highest density battery cell to date with an experimental energy storage density of 25 MJ/kg. While the battery created requirements for production preclude large scale manufacturing, the information learned from the constructions is considered useful for potentially doubling or tripling current energy storage density for commercial batteries.



**************************************************
A/N; I know people are going to be mad at me for this but I will be reducing the role of the Quantum mirror. I realized that it provided to much ability to wank and solve problems before the arise. Technology, resources, information.

Chapter 48- Earth
TFB ISLAND, Bermuda
April 6th, 1998

Many different reasons had been used to justify having the Terran Council meet at TFB ISLAND on Bermuda. It gave a smaller nation an important component of the Commonwealth. It distributed the various aspects of the Commonwealth making it easier to hide and more redundant. It was in a central location for the majority of countries. Whatever the reason, one of the largest perks was it being on a secluded tropical island. The Terran council met in a small civilian looking beach house, which contained the ring transporter, a permanent contingent from the SBS, 4 GDH units and 12 APC units as part of the growing global defence network.

The representatives for each country, while selected by the legislative branches of the government for each country were usually employed by the intelligence agency of each country. This kept them out of the public eye and outside the influence of changing governments. While not necessarily intelligence officers, they did hold positions in the individual agencies as cover. Meeting once a month as an entire group and weekly in smaller groups, the Council was used to set general policy for the SGC to implement and to decide how to react to the galactic situation. The greatest source of friction came from decisions on how to divide up the research of technologies obtain through the Stargate. Technologies that would be a considerable source of income for whoever was the first to release them to the world in general.

“It amounts to little more than thievery and when it gets out that it is occurring, and I can assure you it will either before or after disclosure, the repercussions will be severe. I don’t care who the victims are, it is still a violation of country’s borders.” The representative from Uruguay said.

“We have done that before.”

“Only to preposition non-offense related items. It is a different scenario.”

“I understand you concern.” Teo Ching-Kuo of Taiwan said chairing the current session of the council. “But these operations are important for the multiple reasons. While the countries will be angered by the violation of sovereignty, the positive will surely outweigh the negative when looking at the larger picture. It has been debated, let us now vote.”

In the end the vote went 10 to 4 in favour for the operations to begin.

“Agent Smith, please inform your counterparts and subordinates that the operations have been approved.”

Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico
April 8th, 1998

The SGC divided everyone on Earth into one of the three In’s; In-the-know, In-the-dark and In-between. In-the-know consisted of those who knew of the Stargate; the SG teams, the intelligence officers, primary researchers and other essential services for the functioning of any organization spanning multiple bases and worlds. Consisting of almost 2000 men and woman the In-the-know group, was the smallest of the three. In-the-dark had everyone who had never seen, heard or read related to the Stargate and constituted the vast majority of the planet. Or were so far removed from the science and impact of the Stargate as to be unable to see it for what it was.

In-betweens covered the grey areas between the two groups. The research assistants who helped in the know professors who were doing research on theories brought back through the Stargate. Having these scientists and professors doing primary research with the in-between research assistants vastly multiplied both the spread of the information around the world and the researching power of the Commonwealth. At the end of each project, an additional one research assistant would be cleared to know about the Stargate and given his/her own area to study. Using the past successful project they worked on as reference, a fully private research project could be set-up lessening the load on the commonwealth.

In-betweens also contained the hundreds of guards situated around the world guarding secret facilities in countries containing UNDERPASS sites, manufacturing plants or the various headquarters for each department. Or the teams of Special Forces who were about to be turned loose using ‘Earthifed’ Goa’uld technology and intelligence developed through Stargate technology.

“Alright boys, we have been given the go ahead from the higher-up back at Whitehall. We depart in 12 hours, now you have studied the port layout but we have an officer from MI6 to explain the mission. Listen and listen good, this gentleman comes recommended by Harrison, our recently promoted upwards and onwards former CO. At your leisure Mr. Clarke.” The leader of the strike force of SBS said.

“We intercepted communications about a storehouse, in reality just a shipping container, located in the port facility. Controlled by La Familia Michoacana, it stores supplies needed for running narcotics up into the United States and for operations against local law enforcement. The mission is to get in, remove everything from the container.”

“Sorry to interrupt but why are we not getting the locals involved.”

“Where do you think the intercepts originated from? Most of the higher ups in Michoacan and the three states surrounding it are bought off by the cartel. We couldn’t bring locals from farther away because of logistics and the movement would still tip of the locals. Now for the mission you will deploy these.” Agent Clarke said opening a large crate showing a dozen medium size grenades.

“These are new, basically straight from R&D but have been thoroughly tested. Think of them as improved flash bangs, except instead of just momentarily stunning they will render everyone within 4 metres unconscious, friend and foe alike. Good for 3 uses before it needs to be recharged. Boys and girls these things are a multitude of pretty pounds so please do not forget to pick them up when you leave the operational area. Plus we would rather everyone not know that they exist. Completely non-lethal and harmless they are guaranteed to work against everyone in the vicinity. Each fire team will get 2 of these things; we are throwing around the idea of calling them shock grenades.

Now the port facility never shuts down but does go into a state of lower activity during the night. Looking at the schedule for incoming and outgoing ships the best time for the mission is three days from now at 0200. We have propositioned the Canadian flagged ship MV Manitoulin in port. The Canadians are in the know; they have let us use this ship before so the plan is to clear the storage container of anything of value and trash the rest. There is an empty container near the deck of the Manitoulin ready to take the lifted items. Any questions?” Clarke asked, seeing none the SAS members filed out and took to review the site again.

The historic parallels faced by the Terran Commonwealth were not lost on Agent Clarke. The commonwealth faced the same problem the allies did when they cracked enigma in World War Two. With the opening of the Stargate came computer technology which allowed the Commonwealth to brute force their way past encryption up to Triple DES in essentially real time and the predicted winner AES in a little over an hour. Using the information too often would force the other side to switch encryptions, not a terrible event, but could also raise questions on HOW it was being done so quickly. This potential was the reason the Commonwealth used Stargate computer technology sparingly for Earthbound uses.

While the mission itself wouldn’t net a large amount, some several hundred assault rifles and an estimate 5 million in US currency. A drop in the bucket compared to budget requirements, barely enough for a Kestrel conversion, but a source of funds for purchases outside the Commonwealth. Equipment not necessarily restricted just easier to obtain at foreign ports. The Manitoulin was the shell, going from foreign port to foreign port picking up whatever had been bought. Smaller items were sent through the onboard set of transport rings, larger items were held until the Manitoulin got back to a Canadian port. The Manitoulin was also how sensitive items from commonwealth countries was retrieved, again items to large to be sent by transport ring.

Missions like the one about to be taken on by the SBS occurred for the resources, to evaluate future members and for the future disclosure. It was hope that using the Stargate technology for good, however indirectly, would be beneficial to public relations, a view that would only be seen as correct after disclosure.

Sol Space

At any one time there were at least 3 manned Tel’taks in the reaches of space around Sol. With more unmanned and remotely controlled for the WATCHTOWER program, making the space around Sol quite empty, of controlled vehicles.

“Approach asteroid Romeo-Alpha-1998-92.” Commander Riddick said piloting the Tel’tak TNS Hormuz as it approached the asteroid. More a formality since the only people who could hear him were on the other end of a Goa’uld long range communication device.

WATCHTOWER resulted in the more through mapping of the solar system showing the thousands of asteroid, meteors and comets that passed through Earth’s orbit. While most passed through at substantial different planes making an impact with Earth unlikely. TNS Hormuz and the other ships of the fleet stationed in system were meant to deal with the potential threats such as Romeo-Alpha-1998-92.

“Beginning landing sequence.”

Many ideas had be suggested and rejected on what to do with these Earth crossing objects. Destruction of each object large enough to threaten Earth would take thousands of nuclear devices and be easily noticeable from Earth. Accelerating each object to a hyperbolic orbit was cheaper and more subtle but wasteful of future resources.

“TNS Hormuz has landed, beginning stabilization and anchoring procedures.”

In the end every possible object was going to be diverted into the L4 and L5 Lagrange points of Earth. This would keep Earth safe and the easily accessible material still available. It also meant that any Goa’uld entering the solar system as those points could potentially be destroyed. While the chance was incredibly small, it cost nothing to try and provide a useful training experience.

“Anchoring in process, 12 of 36 cables deployed.”

TNS Hormuz didn’t need to deliver each asteroid to the Lagrange points, merely change the orbits enough to be captured, it still required up to 36 hours of thrust from the attached Tel’tak to move the larger asteroids of up to 200 meters in diameter. With 3 ships moving an average of 3 asteroids each per week, hundreds of objects yearly would be eliminated as a threat to Earth.

“All anchors deployed, beginning correction manoeuvre. Based on mass reading of asteroid burn time is approximately 18 hours. TNS Hormuz powering down non-essential systems and signing off.”

Commander Riddick slowly powered off everything except for the sub-light engines, the heat and the command lights. Deciding to put off doing the paperwork he had brought, Riddick decided to read the book he brought instead.

The Truth About the Pyramids.

TFB ERIU, Ireland
Terran Intelligence Corps Headquarters

“The Tok’ra are a roughly cell based organization but have a lot more interconnection at top levels than a similar organization would on Earth. I would hazard the guess this comes about from the fact that they are both a resistance force AND a society. Years fighting against the Goa’uld dynasty have slowly depleted their ranks forcing integration of various cells to maintain effectiveness. At current loss rates, unless they are hiding a majority of their operatives from sight the Tok’ra have 300 years, 400 on the outside, before they lose operational effectiveness. As this happen the Tok’ra will either become more and more cautious, hoarding their remaining numbers, or strike out in a last ditch effort against the Goa’uld. I believe that is what the symbiote poison represents, the beginning of this last gasp.” Olive Boyle said debriefing during a short time on Earth what he saw and remembered from his time with the Tok’ra.

“You see that many of the Tok’ra coming through the base to give such an accurate quantity for their numbers?”

“I see very few of their operatives in person, but reading up on their reports I can ‘see’ the different styles of each operative, how they approach missions differently. I asked for these reports to get a feel for how the Goa’uld operate, and while they took off the names for each report to preserve operational security, you can still see the styles. I can’t hazard a guess on how many are in non-front line duties, and if they rotate through non-frontline and frontline duties the numbers would be much higher. I doubt that they do that; I can only assume that they have Tok’ra who are stronger in research or stronger in espionage and sabotage.”

“How is your Goa’uld coming along?”

“Slowly, the problem is I am trying to learn three different dialects. The modern, a slight variation that Eris insists on having spoken in his domain, and an older version which most of the governing treaties and agreements is written in dating from just after the fall of the second Goa’uld dynasty. If I am successfully placed, I should be able to obtain copies of these records the most useful being this protected planets treaty with the Asgard. It would be nice to know what planets could be considered safe from the Goa’uld.” Oliver explained.

“Good thinking. We are trying to open a dialogue with the Asgard but so far very little has come of it. Even getting a hold of any other agreements might give us an edge against the Goa’uld. Have the Tok’ra given you a treatment with this symbiote poison yet?”

“No, I doubt they will do it until I am about to leave, I think they are just as hesitant about trusting us as we are too trusting them. They realize that it is a major advantage and if I have it in my blood when I come to Earth we can study it without them.”

“Alright we will have to obtain it a different way once you are in place. We will find some place to get a blood sample. Long term plan of course, no rush.”

“Of course, long term.” Oliver said.

National Research Council of Canada, News Release

The Council has approved funding for a 10 million dollar research project into the sequestering of carbon in western Alberta. 500,000 tonnes of coal tar, pitch and petroleum coke have be donated by Oil producers in Alberta for testing purposes of a variety of methods of sequestering, with similar amounts until 2010 annually or as needed.

Chapter 49- Loose Ends
Unnamed Moon, Pluto, Sol
April 15th, 1998

TNS Warspite had entered the solar system with little fan fair having dropped out of hyperspace far in the Kuiper belt and held position as the Tollan’s removed their loaned hyperspace drive. For 5 days, a constant stream of Tel’taks removed Tollan’s and equipment and shuttled them to Abydos for transport back to the new Tollan homeworld through the Stargate. Proceeding in-system at sublight it had taken 4 days for the Warspite to reach its second resting spot, a recently discovered moon orbiting Pluto. Originally the plan had been to land on the planet, but after a Tel’tak had almost been lost from the ground falling out underneath it, the moon with its smaller gravity well was seen as the safer choice.

TNS Warspite would stay on the moon until Earth was on the other side of the sun and shielded from direct observation. Warspite would then make for its final resting place on the asteroid 1036 Ganymede. Originally the plan had been to keep the Ha’tak in the Kuiper belt but the recent battle simulation had shown that it would be too far away to help in the defence of Earth unless it had an operational hyperdrive. Before Warspite would make the journey, the entire outer hull was to be coated to lower its reflectivity and radar cross section as much as possible. A dedicate search would find the 700 metre Ha’tak, if anyone knew where to look but a causal search should turn up empty.

Luna Base 1
April 27th, 1998

“You know that we have been to dozens of planets over the last few years, probably closer to hundreds. We have been all over the galaxy and travelled at speeds that everyone else on the planet would say is impossible and yet it took as almost 4 years to get to own moon.” York said as the ring transporter receded from view and SG-1 stepped into the slowly developing Luna base.

“The Stargate and its capabilities, along with the secrecy of the program, made such travel impractical until further assets could be put into place.” Teal’c said, still somewhat shaky in the lower gravity of the moon, as the Goa’uld usually kept all facilities at a close to Earth gravity standard.

A Tel’tak had been cannibalized to provide initial life support system before the modified spares from the French and British nuclear submarine force could be brought online. While Luna Base was meant to be independent from Earth for several weeks, air exchanges still occurred whenever there was a gap in the ring transport schedule. In 5 to 10 years a completely algae based oxygen system would be installed when the base was large enough to support and justify it.

“Where on the moon are we exactly York?” Malley asked.

“The transfer point, that little space with basically just the set of rings, is about 300 km ‘north’ of the equator almost at the dividing point for the near and far side. The base itself is another 600 km north and 400 km farther onto the far side, and located almost 10 metres below the surface for the majority of it.” York explained as they walked by a technician slowly excavated out another portion of tunnel. During each of these excavation stages everyone was in space suits due to the risk of explosive decompression.

Digging through the moon’s surface of regolith with only the very bottom of the planned base getting into the bedrock underneath it was an easy task. The problems arose from making an airtight and lasting facility without having to import huge amount of material from Earth. In the end a mixture of regolith, water imported from Earth and a specially created bonding agent was used to create the mooncrete used in the building of the bases wall.

“What are they doing with the excess material?” Lee asked noticing that the amount removed wasn’t being totally used in the creation of the mooncrete for the walls.

“Being used to create the surface shelters for the Avro’s that will be eventually based here. 16 ten metre long tunnels, crafted to look like a collection of stress fractures in the surface. Powered down the Avro’s should be completely hidden. It will be a devil to get them here but should provide a heck of a hidden punch.” The technician working the drill chimed in, never taking his eyes off area of work.

Because of the peculiarities of the ring transporters it was easy to come back from the moon assignment, but the incoming matter stream was constantly filled with supplies and the often required the human technicians to squeeze in wherever they could. Typical assignments of a week for the technicians meant that a steady stream of individuals went to the moon in pairs to slowly expand the base. Already control rooms, storage areas and a plethora of other spaces had been excavated waiting the finishing touches to be put in later once the base was deemed safe for long term habitation. While it was not purely necessary to have the SG teams cycle through the base, it did provide a cheap alternative for low gravity training and whenever possible in the future teams would be cycled through for the training.

“If the US could see us now.” Malley said thinking of how much the world had changed in the last couple of years.

“Sir, I think they would be pissed and ask exactly how we think they jives with the Outer Space treaty.”

“Actually sir, no signatory has broken the treaty, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and every other country involved does not military forces on the moon nor in other parts of the solar system. The Terran Commonwealth, a supranational body that has not signed that treaty does.” Lee said.

“Which is made up off countries that have signed the treaty. Yes, it is true that we are supposedly using it, the moon, for the benefit of all mankind and thus it could be argued that the treaty has not been violated. But we still represent a small fraction of the planet and there still will be some weapons deemed ‘of mass destruction’ on those alert Avro. No matter how we try to spin this, we could have a war on Earth once this gets out. Problem is the other side doesn’t know how outclassed they are.” Malley said.

“What do you suggest Malley? Go before the United Nations saying we’re sorry and hand over the project to the whims of tin-pot dictators. It maybe inform one of the three and later get marginalized in a program we started simply because we can spend as much as others.” York said rehashing arguments already said.

“I don’t know the answer, but whatever happens it’s going to be painful.” Malley declared walking back towards the ring transport room to be ready for the next schedule supply run.

TFB ORIGIN
May 1st, 1998
Special Departure Area

The FEUs had been piling up outside of the base almost as soon as the logging road into the area had been finally clear of snow, having exhausted the bases internal storage capacity in the first week. Coming in a slow but steady stream of trucks driven by base members returning from leave at the various bases around Canada, the twice annually construction shipment to ARK was being arranged for final departure. While small shipments of personnel, consumables and perishables were sent to ARK every week, the vast majority of the construction supplies used to expand the base, and build the dry-dock and manufacturing facilities came through on this shipment and a similar one in October just before the snow would begin to fall.

The containers were consistently old and worn but still structurally sound and packed to the brim with concrete mix, aluminium plates, disassembled machinery and other components bought and shipped to the various Canadian bases from around the world. Like most of the non-regulated building material the containers had been bought through agents in the US and Canada in cash for little more than there scrap value, but were completely untraceable for an earth based corporation.

Arranged into neat lines on temporary rolling skids, all converging on a single point the containers were waiting for the Stargate to be moved into position. While the Stargate usually resided in the heavily defended Stargate containment room, the corridors and the base itself were not designed to move such large containers quickly making for a location change for these cargo convoy missions. Located topside the special departure area was a simple overhang used to shield the Stargate from all sides when situated on the surface, blocking anyone from even seeing the unstable forming of the event horizon. While still exposed from a Stargate security point of view the Stargate was always the last to arrive in position, after it was confirmed that all off-world teams knew not to attempt to travel to Earth.

The commander from ARK was on-hand to establish the wormhole connection using a dialling pedestal brought in specifically from ARK were it was stored and where it would return once it has completed the dialling. He was currently the only one within line of sight of the pedestal and would remain alone until the last cargo container was through the Stargate and had disengaged. Not even General Sheridan would be allowed to approach to keep the security of ARK intact.

“General the Stargate connection appears solid with Abydos, I am going to shut down the Stargate and proceed with the dialling to ARK. Please be advised that the latest reports from Abydos were also downloaded during the connection and have been forwarded onto intelligence.” The commander said into his radio to General Sheridan who was monitoring the base from the usual Stargate control room.

Proceed Commander.

Dialling in the address for ARK, the Stargate quickly made its connection with it’s compatriot on ARK, with the commander sending his one-time code to verify his identity and to have the iris on ARK opened and the Stargate raised from it’s horizontal resting position on ARK.

“ARK this is Giraffe one nine eight, proceeding with shipment of six-zero containers.”

Received Giraffe one nine eight. Cleared for shipment.

Proceeding quickly the containers were moved into position and pushed through the Stargate in order of priority and value, one going through the Stargate every 30 seconds never to return to Earth. Once empty of cargo, each container would be half filled with the excavated soil from the ARK build site and used to build the two walls that would enclose the Stargate and the base at ARK to protect from ground assault and wildlife.

Stargate Control Room

With the transfer of material going smoothly General Sheridan turned his attention to the mound of paperwork on his desk detailing the daily on-goings of an organization that spanned multiple bases on Earth and 4 off-world bases. While insulated from the regular politics of the armed forces because of the need for secrecy, the Stargate program still created a respectable amount of paperwork that needed to be signed-off on. General Sheridan’s concentration on the paperwork lasted almost 15 minutes before being interrupted.

“General Sheridan, Agent Smith from Terran Intelligence is coming here to see you. He says it’s urgent.” Chief Petty Officer Summers said getting off the phone and turning towards the general.

“Thank you Chief.”

Agent Smith arrived shortly in the control room and dispensing with any formalities immediately began speaking.

“Sir, the latest intelligence from Abydos has some disturbing information. SG-24 recently arrived back from PX-0120-96 codename DIESEL in search of SG-7 who was overdue for check-in from their long term reconnaissance of Eris’ major shipyard. Oberst Jeager reports they didn’t find SG-7 but did find these.” Agent Smith said dropping down a set of pictures for the General to look at.

The pictures showed a classic observation post scarred by mass weapons fire from staff weapons. A number of dead Jaffa could be seen each with a several staff blasts neatly placed in the center of mass showing the opposition that the Jaffa had charged were clearly professionals, meaning SG-7. Four times the number of Jaffas littered the ground but nowhere could any bodies of the SG-7 could be seen. Close-ups of the Jaffas foreheads showed a collection of marking from different minor Jaffa but three stood out to the General.

“She’s on the move?” General Sheridan said.

“It would appear so General, SG-7 seemed to have taken out several times their numbers in Jaffa but were overwhelmed and apparently captured. Oberst Jeager downloaded the most recent planets from the ECHELON unit placed on the dialling pedestal, but if she has any sense considering her power base, she probably had her Jaffa return through a round-about route. Oberst Jeager has brought back the bodies of the dead Jaffa for further analysis and cleaned up the ambush site as best he could.”

“Summers!” General Sheridan yelled “Get signals out to all our off-world bases and teams. All missions are scrubbed and they are to return to any of the safe-worlds at best possible speed. Also get a team to the Tok’ra start negotiating for any information they have. Recall all elements of the fleet to the convergence points and be prepared for a mission. As soon as the re-supply mission to ARK is done get a line to Abydos and have them get teams to scout the most likely planets from the ECHELON list. I have a few calls to make.”

General Sheridan walked out of the control room leaving Agent Smith to pick-up the photos he had brought. On the top of the pile was an extreme close-up of one of the Jaffa’s foreheads.

It bore the mark of Hathor.

********************************************
Smallish update but setting up did get some of what I needed out of the way.

Chapter 50- Matters of Little Substance
Stargate Containment Room
May 7th, 1998

“What amazing and interesting planet is next up on the docket?” Malley said adjusting the support strap for his pulse rifle as the Stargate began the dialling process.

“PX-0183-95 codename ETHANE, a marginally habitable world under the domain of Acolnahuacatl. According to intelligence, he often uses this world as a staging ground for attacks through the Stargate. A cross-road planet ideal for mapping connections within his domain and who he is attacking. Also a great potential ambush sight for future mission.” Lee explained.

“A very Goa’uld idea, to attack an enemy after it has given and taken casualties from another enemy.” Teal’c said.

“If they are firing on each other, they miss us coming from behind to knife them. All fairs in war and war.” Malley said.

“That’s love and war, sir.” York corrected.

“With the Goa’uld it is only war, tally ho.”

PX-0183-95 codename ETHANE

“I don’t think we are going to have to worry about this planet for awhile.” York said stepping through the Stargate in the scene most often viewed in a history documentary.

The land near the Stargate was bare of trees and shrubbery, with the area farther out showing signs of the massive explosions that caused it. Trees leaned away from the multiple epicentres of the explosions that had levelled the Jaffa settlement in an around the Stargate. The steps down from the Stargate were still warm from the recent explosions and cracked in multiple places from the effects, with the dialling pedestal having been overturned from the shockwave. The amount of firepower used on the settlement was complete overkill for its position as an observation post of the path from the Stargate to the larger Jaffa settlement over the hills. The ground was littered with mangled pieces of armour and staff weapons, their owners obliterated by the explosions.

“York you sure that this wasn’t us? The blasts effects look similar to large demolition charges.” Malley said in awe of the level of destruction that had been brought on the Jaffa living here.

“This kind of destruction would take 8 or 10 teams to bring off; we don’t have that amount to spare from the search for the Bitch. Besides why have us recon this place afterwards, and why leave all this armour and weapons spread around.”

“It just kind of looks like our MO. Alright stay alert, the ones responsible for this might still be on the planet. Though I like there style I must say. Lee, Teal’c you to go up ahead and scout the main settlement though I expect the same scenario. York, call back to Abydos and get them to send a retrieval team for the salvage here, afterwards set up the ECHELON unit. We might get luck a snag a few planets when Acolnahuacatl sends some Jaffa to investigate.”

Teal’c and Lee melted into the background as they went to survey the main Jaffa settlement, with York returning to the dialling pedestal to report back and call in the salvage team. Proceeding with extreme caution to the expected area of the Jaffa settlement it took over an hour for Teal’c and Lee to cover the distance. Usually a mission through the Stargate, even a reconnaissance mission would have at least 2 SG team but with the ongoing such for Hathor the SGC was spread thin. The settlement was in the area that Teal’c predicted, but all that stood were the outermost huts, all the rest were smashed as the smaller settlement near the Stargate was.

“Malley, this is Teal’c. Lieutenant Lee and I have reached the area of the settlement. The settlement has been destroyed in the same way as the smaller one near the Stargate; I recommend that you direct some of the salvage units to this location. I…” Teal’c said stopping.

Teal’c?

“I’m sorry Malley, my symbiote has become extremely agitated.”

You want to go back to base, or maybe to the FJ? This mission is a wash anyway once the salvage teams are done. Lee can watch the sight until the follow-ups arrive there.

“I believe I shall Malley.” Teal’c said getting up from his placement beside Lee and walking back towards the Stargate. Before he had walked 20 metres he stopped and radioed in.

“Malley, my symbiote has returned to its normal state. I believe it was just a temporary period of unease.”

You eat something that didn’t agree with the little devil huh?

“I do not know, I will return to my previous position with Lieutenant Lee.”

Keep me informed Teal’c, there no need for you to play the quiet soldier all the time.

“I understand Malley, Teal’c out.”

Turning too returned to his location near Lieutenant Lee, Teal’c immediately began feeling the return of the agitation of his symbiote. Struggling through the discomfort, Teal’c returned to Lee the feeling not receding as it had last time but growing stronger.

“Lieutenant Lee, I believe we should vacate this area. Something in this area is disturbing my symbiote a great deal. I have never felt it so agitated.”

“Alright, best let some things lie. Colonel Malley, Teal’c and I are pulling back from the main settlement. Something in the area has his symbiote on edge. I recommend we take what we have already salvaged and leave.”

Understood Lee, pulling back salvage teams. ECHELON unit is in place so we might get some intelligence on that side. You and Teal’c double time it back.

“Understood, Lee out.” Lee said turning off his radio and turning to face Teal’c “Alright, time to move out.”

Teal’c and Lee began heading back toward the Stargate, Teal’c improving by the moment as they left the immediate area of the settlement.

“Lieutenant Lee, I believe we are being followed.” Teal’c said suddenly, slowing down but not stopping.

“Wait, what?” Lee said pausing to scan the area looking for whatever sign Teal’c had seen to lead him to his conclusion.

“My symbiote continues to be agitated, but to a much lower degree than at the remains of the settlement. The level of agitation always varies in intensity, as if the source is trying to maintain a discreet distance from us but that distance is constantly changing, if only slightly.”

“Someone cloaked perhaps, like those animals on the Nox planet?”

“I never had this feeling on the Nox planet. If there is an invisible individual near us, they are using a different means. I recommend proceed under that assumption and not head directly to any of the designated safe worlds for fear of discovery.”

“You get that sir?” Lee asked into this radio, having turned it on after Teal’c declaration.

Loud and clear Lee, we will radio on to FORTRESS to have the grate ready. Lee slow down and let the salvage team evac out first. Time yourself to arrive at the Stargate in 30 minutes.

“Sir?”

Lee if we have one invisible admirer, there might be more and we can’t treat the situation exactly how the grate was designed to work. I want to evac in a controlled manner if I can. Some of the salvage team goes through, the grate to make sure they aren’t followed, than the rest and repeat.

“Understood sir, ETA 30 minutes.” Lee said.

30 Minutes Later

The Stargate was off when Lee and Teal’c arrived in the area, with only York and Malley still in the area scanning for an apparently invisible threat. Throughout the trip to the Stargate Teal’c gave a running commentary on the agitation level of his symbiote, if only to prove that the assumed observer continued to shadow Teal’c and Lee.

“Malley, the agitation of my symbiote never diminished. If there is only one unseen observer, they have continued to observe myself and Lieutenant Lee.” Teal’c said

“Well that speaks well for the salvage team. Alright I radioed FORTRESS to put up the grate as soon as the wormhole is stable. We’ll treat this like a room breach and time it down to the second. York dial into FORTRESS.”

The wormhole was quickly established with SG-1 setting up four abreast right beside the event horizon waiting for confirmation from FORTRESS to proceed. Given a ten second countdown, SG-1 jumped through the Stargate at 2.

PX-0503-97 codename FORTRESS

The grate as it was informally known as, or by its official designation Rapid Stargate Denial System, was designed to stop an incoming horde of Jaffa following a retreating SG force. Consisting of half centimetre rods welded in a mesh format, the grate deployed to within 2 centimetres of the event horizon. SG teams would dial into FORTRESS and state what team was coming through. As soon as the last member was through the Stargate, powerful pneumatics shot the grate into place in a tenth of a second, with the grate itself being locked into place by fast reacting clamps.

The grate system didn’t have stopping power of a full fledge iris, it wouldn’t stop weapons fire or heavy fast moving vehicles like an iris but it would deploy and undeploy 20 times faster and was more than adequate for stopping a charging Jaffa and neutralizing them in the most effective way. The grate was to far away from the event horizon to stop the atoms from rematerializing, but it stopped them from continuing forward causing whatever was coming through the wormhole to ‘bounce’ back into the event horizon, a just as final solution.

SG-1 came through the Stargate at a run, 4 abreast, as the grate shot down as the controller called out zero. As quickly as the grate was retrieved it was deployed again blocking the Stargate completely. The Stargate had been uncovered for a total less than 2 seconds. The iris installed on the Stargate would have taken double that just to be confirmed open. Less than 5 seconds later, the grated seemed to bulge and flex slightly, like it was struck by something before a flash came from the Stargate signalling something had fallen into an incoming wormhole. Something had tried to follow them through, but the question now was what.

PX-0600-97 codename MEMPHIS

“Re’tu” Jolinar said authoritatively.

“Re’tu?” Malley said

“Yes, one of the many races almost hunted to extinct by the Goa’uld, they match your description perfectly. Somehow, and no one in the Tok’ra can quite explain it, the molecules that make up the Re’tu exist a half wavelength out of phase with we would constitute as normal matter. The Tok’ra hypothesize that some form of genetic engineering occurred early on in their history to explain this. They can interact with normal matter but cannot be seen in the normal electromagnetic spectrum. Symbiotes are sensitive to emission from the Re’tu because of their unique situation and the sensation is not pleasant. Teal’c I am not surprised you didn’t recognize the feeling that Re’tu provoke in a symbiote. Common practice for the Goa’uld is to bombard Re’tu settlements they find from orbit and since they cannot be seen…”

“Jaffa can’t see what they are hitting but don’t really think anything off it because the Goa’uld just tell them what to do.” York said finishing the throught.

“Correct, now the Re’tu are completely Stargate based as far as the Tok’ra know. They don’t posses any interstellar ships.”

“Or their ships are invisible as well.” Lee offered.

“It is possible but unlikely. If the Re’tu had ships they could simply leave the known Stargate network of planets and the Goa’uld would most likely ignore them.”

“I’m surprised the Tok’ra don’t know more about them, there abilities would seem to mesh nicely with your own. An alliance could be most beneficial for all involved parties.” York commented.

“The Tok’ra have tried but the vast majority of the Re’tu are pacifists. The group you saw is most likely part of the rebel fraction that goes against the wishes of their central governing body. They launch suicide attacks against Goa’uld holdings, using small 5 member infiltration teams. The central governing body does condone attacks on the Goa’uld, but only in defence of their settlements. The question is, did you stumble onto a Rebel or Central attack?” Jolinar said thoughtfully.

“Well there was at least one left to follow us, so I would say central. Do the Tok’ra have any contacts with the Re’tu? Or someway even to know that a Re’tu is nearby short of a symbiote.” Malley asked.

“None, we only know where they have been after they have already moved or from raids like the one you described. The Tok’ra have devices based on the emissions the symbiote are sensitive to that can illuminate a Re’tu, so that we can protect our bases. We are justifiably worried that the rebels will consider us Goa’uld and attack our interests for that reason.” Jolinar explained.

“And what would it take to get some of these devices.” York asked immediately seeing the benefit of having such technology not just for defensive purposes.

“The Tok’ra call them Transphase Eradication Rods or TER. They serves the dual purpose of locating and if need be killing a Re’tu. I am sure at the next meeting between the Tok’ra and your ambassador something can be arranged.”

“Excellent, please pass on my thanks and the thanks of the Commonwealth to the Council Jolinar. While it didn’t answer all of the questions to a satisfying degree, it did answer some.” Malley said getting up to leave and signalling that the meeting from his point of view was concluded.

Walking back to the Stargate the Tok’ra escorts gave SG-1 a respectful distance to discuss their information session. It was more than likely they were still being monitored and recorded but it gave the air of privacy. It wasn’t a sign of distrust or suspicion, merely a precaution and an understood agreement. When the Tok’ra were on FORTRESS the same precautions were applied.

“Invisible aliens, this job never gets old. Though I will breathe a little easier once we have some of those TER.” Malley said.

“As will I, a potential adversary with proper training and the advantage of invisibility would make a formidable opponent. And the SGC does not have the advantage of being able to detect them.” Teal’c said.

“One call to New Dakara through HAIL and I bet we can have something in place.” York declared.

“I do not believe I follow your logic Master Corporal York.” Teal’c said

“We can create a system like they had in the coal mines with canaries. A symbiote can sense the presence of a Re’tu, by I would guess a good 5 to 10 metres. Not direction but at least the presence. From what you said Teal’c the agitation happens quickly when one is in that range. We dial into HAIL and get our synthetic versions to pick up 4 or 5 for each planet we want to protect and place them around the Stargate in special containers. If the symbiotes are swimming around placidly we know that a connection was Re’tu free. When they start getting frisky, there is a Re’tu on the base. Biggest problem will be on planets where the Stargate is not contained, and a Re’tu could move out of range quickly. Once we get the TERs we augment the system with those.”

“And if they are on the base?” Lee asked amazed at the ingenuity that York had for coming up with low technology solutions.

“Shotguns and people holding the symbiote containers corralling them into smaller area and than just spray and pray. Risky and redundant once we get the TERs but until then, better than nothing. If the grate can stop them they have to be affected by regular matter. Actually we could also fog an area and watch for disturbances might work for a larger area.” York said smiling at how one idea led to another.

“And if Colonel Malley’s plan works we won’t have to worry about them at all.” Lee said.

“Lee, the General is probably just finishing reading my proposal. How do you know it already?”

“It is the obvious thing to attempt. If we can make an alliance and coordinate our campaigns against the Goa’uld, we more than double our effort. The question is did the ECHELON unit get an address.” Lee said.

“That is the 64,000 dollar question.”

PX-0503-97 codename FORTRESS
May 15th, 1998

The remaining Re’tu from ETHANE had waited 5 days before dialling out to another planet. During that time the SGC had fully implemented the canary warning system as York had coined it with symbiotes now swimming freely in specially designed transparent bullet-resistant containers. Each containered held one symbiote and was covered with a heavy mesh to prevent the symbiote from jumping and attempting to take a host. The system would probably lead to many false positives until the TERs could be integrated into the system, but they did provide a wide range and continual watch for an invisible threat.

The planet was a best guess on a Re’tu controlled planet because it was obvious that Jaffa from Acolnahuacatl had come to the planet to see what had happened, based on other Stargate addresses downloaded from the ECHELON unit. Three of the other planets had been immediately recognized as in Acolnahuacatl domain, while a fourth had matched 4 of the symbols of the first 3, giving the impression of being in close proximity to the Acolnahuacatl controlled one. The final address only shared a single glyph with any of the other four, making it the likely outsider of the set.

“I still ask to join the mission Colonel Malley.” Teal’c said as SG-4, 5, 14 and the balance of SG-1 waited for the wormhole to be established.

“Teal’c the Re’tu don’t seem to like the Goa’uld and seem to paint the Jaffa with the same brush. Best not to antagonize them unnecessarily. We have to go because the Re’tu, if any are from that planet, will recognize Lee, York and myself. And you get the difficult, difficult task of going to New Dakara and spending time with your family while teaching the Jaffa there what a Re’tu nearby feels like. Your overdue for some rest and relaxation, Teal’c make the best of it.” Malley said, not quite making it an order but really trying to suggest that it was not a slight that Teal’c was not allowed on the mission.

PX-0815-98 Codename ARGON

“So how exactly are we supposed to find and make contact with an invisible race of aliens that the majority of them are pacifists and probably will try to avoid us?” York said as they walked through the forest looking for signs of habitation by visible or invisible creatures.

“We’re really banking on the Re’tu from ETHANE recognizing us and making contact or giving us some type of sign that they are here. If not, we could probably leave a calling card of some sorts.” Malley said.

“We could go with a calling card they use and just obliterate a Goa’uld base.”

“That is happening so often its not a great signal anymore. Besides it looks like they have cooler explosives then us.” Malley said as the search team left the forest and entered a clearing that looked suspiciously artificial.

Before York could a string of energy blasts appeared out of nowhere and traced a circle around the search party. While not extremely close, the blast still had the SG members vainly looking the source.

“Sir, I think that’s your cue.” York said helpfully.

“Thanks a heap.” Malley said rising from his crouch to properly address their unseen observers.

“I am Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Malley of the Terran Commonwealth. I come searching for representatives of the Re’tu to propose and alliance against the threat posed by the Goa’uld.” Malley yelled unsure where to direct his voice.

“Direct me to your leader!”

“Classy Sir.” York quipped

“Shut-up, I had to use it one of these days.”