Shambhala
Shambhala Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
In the two weeks following the uprising on Langara, incredible amounts of diplomatic maneuvering had taken place within the halls of the United Worlds. Sean Lee, current Secretary General of the United Worlds, working in tandem with US Secretary of State Simon Barnes and other high ranking diplomats from many nations of Earth had skillfully brought member planets of the United Worlds around to their way of thinking. Intelligence information revolving around the Lucian Alliance, and the problems Kassa posed for all worlds within the galaxy was freely shared behind closed doors. While this did much to sway member world's way of thinking, the best argument was saved for last.
In a series of closed door sessions, video footage of the Langaran uprising was shown to the international community of delegates. Narrated by a team composed of drug enforcement professionals, military commanders, and emergency management specialists; this closed door sessions exposed the very real threat all worlds existed under. The very real threat of not only economic and physical destruction, but also insurrection springing up from within normally peaceful communities unexpectedly was made clear.
Learning a cure to the effects of Kassa upon human populations, many worlds eagerly jockeyed for position to be the first to receive this Asgard developed safeguard. As had been hoped before the diplomatic push began, each of the Milky Way based member worlds of the United Worlds realized the need to diminish the economic strength of the Lucian Alliance. Having only one pillar of strength in their economic model, this effort would focus on the cash crop of the Alliance. Playing an integral part in this phase of the plan, Hebridan offered trade incentives to worlds joining the effort that supported the United Worlds Resolution.
Relishing the prospect of eliminating a potential threat while receiving trade incentives from one of the economic superpowers of the galaxy, worlds eagerly agreed to waging war against Kassa itself. If it were seen, it would be destroyed. Wherever it grew, fields would be eradicated. While this effort progressed, the Asgard developed preventative cure would be distributed to worlds throughout the galaxy. While the Lucian Alliance considered their actions against Langara a stunning success, they had never considered the resounding ramifications that action would generate. Kassa, the Alliance cash crop, was now an outlawed substance and targeted for elimination wherever it was found.
In the center of the city of Shambhala, within the tall central tower many hundreds of feet above the city below, Shambhala's star gate activated. Activating as it did up to a dozen times per day, this occurrence caused little surprise. Disturbances in the rippled surface of the event horizon suggested a travelers arrival, but none were seen. Twenty seconds later, a single figure emerged from the event horizon. Baldheaded, the young man exiting the gate had a calm demeanor and an intelligent look in his eyes. Clothed in a high collared robe of maroon fabric, the young man's appearance spoke of high station on his world, wherever that might be.
Near the gate upon its activation, Camille Wray took note of the new arrival. Staring intently for a few seconds, Wray failed to recognize the man standing before the now inactive gate. Constant traffic arriving and departing from Shambhala insured Wray would never recognize each to arrive. Putting this line of thought out of her mind, Camille turned her full attention to the tablet in her left hand. Laying her eyes upon the tablet, she began to check the next event on her daily schedule. Before she could locate the next entry, alarms sounded throughout the tower.
As howling alarms filled the air, a series of other events began to unfold. Doors throughout the tower began to close, and seal. Energy barriers took form in the corridors leading away from the gate. Further energy barriers appeared over doors now sealed, and over the interior of windows lining the tower. Beside Wray, Gaia, the avatar of Shambhala's artificial intelligence appeared.
"Gaia, what is happening?" Wray asked in surprise.
"My internal sensors have detected the arrival of intruders through the gate. To hinder the movement of these intruders, I have initiated an internal lockdown of the central tower and all within it." Gaia stated.
"I only see one man." Wray argued.
"My sensors show five intruders that cannot be seen with the human eye." Gaia pointed out.
Casting her fear aside for the moment, Camille Wray quickly mulled the myriad of options available to her as Commander of the city. The military option was always available, but not one Wray relished using. She believed now, as she had throughout her adult life, that discussion could solve more than violence or the threat of violence ever could. Gaia in tow, Camille walked directly toward the gate, which was now enclosed within a protective energy shield barrier. Meeting the eye of the young man who had arrived moments before, Camile began to speak.
"For your own sake, it would be wise to identify yourself." Wray began.
"One from your world once bestowed the name Charlie upon me." The young man responded.
"So your name is Charlie? Who gave you that name?" Wray asked suspiciously.
"Charlie was the name of Colonel O'Neill's late son. It is the only name I have ever known." Charlie explained.
"Charlie? When did you meet O'Neill?" Wray probed.
"Our meeting was many years ago. While on your planet, I also had the opportunity to meet Carter, Daniel, General Hammond, and Sel'mak of the Tok'ra." Charlie continued.
"If you are who I believe you might be,] I have read the incident reports covering your meeting. Your mother accompanied you to Earth, did she not?" Wray asked.
"She did. Medical issues forced my exit from Earth, to the Tok'ra home world." Charlie further explained.
Turning to Gaia, Camille began to speak directly to the avatar of Shambhala's systems.
"Reetou. That would explain unseen intruders, and this young man. Access SGC incident reports covering the Reetou." Wray directed.
Closing her eyes, Gaia quickly processed all known data covering the Reetou. While this took place, Wray continued her conversation.
"I am aware of your relocation to the Tok'ra home world. Nothing was ever said again of your presence their." Wray pointed out.
"When I traveled to the Tok'ra home world, it was explained that the best chance of ensuring my survival lay within their hands. Through a blending with a Tok'ra symbiote, my survival would be assured. Shortly after my arrival, it was explained to me that such a blending would be permanent, due to the stress the healing effort would put on a symbiote. Having no wish to permanently join the ranks of the Tok'ra, I took my leave of their world before a blending could occur." Charlie explained.
"So you snuck away?" Wray asked in amusement.
"You could say that, yes." Charlie answered.
"How is it you are still alive then?" Wray questioned.
"The genetic flaws I was born with were rectified. Through the gate, I traveled to my mother. Receiving permission from the Reetou Central Authority, my genetic makeup was stabilized." Charlie stated.
"Now that question is answered, why are you here Charlie?" Wray inquired seriously.
"For many years, we waged war with our own kind. This we did to protect humans from rebel Reetou attack. That task is now complete. Now that we are once again a unified race, we are prepared to come out of the shadows." Charlie explained.
"So you came here?" Wray questioned.
"It is our understanding that within this city, the voices of all may be heard. We wish for our voice to be heard. During our fight for your species, we endured many losses. Those of us who remain are not many in number, as they once were. Time, safety, and assistance are needed, if we are to rebuild our numbers and civilization. We ask that all Reetou are granted asylum on this world. Understandably, the inhabitants of this city will voice concern over potential occupants that cannot be seen." Charlie stated.
"That would be putting it mildly." Wray replied.
"If you agree, I propose the Reetou live outside of this city. I will remain within the city, as their ambassador. My people will be forever grateful if you grant this request." Charlie said solemnly.
"I will pass along your request for asylum to my superiors, with my endorsement. As commander of Shambhala, I am empowered to grant temporary asylum to those who seek it. You and your people may stay outside the city as you have asked. We will see that you are supplied with what you need. Welcome to Shambhala." Wray offered.
In days moving forward, the Reetou would thrive on this world free from threat. Charlie, as their representative, would ingratiate the Reetou to societies within two galaxies. The first steps of a Reetou renaissance began here.
Hebridan
Hebridan Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Within the boundaries of the Hebridan capital city, a lone Al'kesh descended to a stationary hovering point above a ship receiving facility belonging to the corporate giant known as the Tech Con Group. As the Al'kesh settled into its stationary hove, transport rings engaged, and deposited Queen Egeria on the ground beneath. Outwardly, Egeria appeared calm and in control. Inwardly, Egeria was irritated to the point of distraction.
The Tok'ra Queen's rage stemmed from the unsatisfactory conclusion of negotiations with the people of Martin Lloyd. Refusing to bow to logic, Lloyd's people had taken a harsh and inflexible stance in their negotiations. Their absolute refusal to accept and admit the danger a captive Goa'uld represented astounded and shocked Egeria. In the end, a deal was reached. The Tok'ra would assist the transplanted humans, on the condition that the Goa'uld Enlil was extracted from his host. The host, coming from a planet long ago rendered lifeless, had balked at the prospect of becoming a host to a Tok'ra symbiote. Instead, the host was granted asylum on Earth, in exchange for a thorough debriefing of his time as host.
As the leader of the Tok'ra, Egeria was a born dealmaker. While she had secured industrial assistance from Lloyd's people, the loss of the host who could have provided further intelligence on Goa'uld holdings throughout the galaxy was an unacceptable compromise. She hoped Earth would share intelligence gleaned from the hosts debriefing, but she counted the chances of that as unlikely. Earth she knew was the great consumer of alien technology findings.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Egeria focused on the meeting to come. Striding down a walkway towards a human waiting, Egeria's face once more took on a regal calm. The human, a simple functionary, politely welcomed the Tok'ra leader to Hebridan on behalf of the Tech Con Group. Seating Egeria and himself in a rail bound tram, the human entered commands on the trams destination terminal. Moving off at a quick pace, the tram exited the ship receiving center, and traveled over the Hebridan capital on a skyway above.
Hebridan's capital city spoke of wealth and success. Towers of shimmering glass rose to astounding heights in all directions. In the distance, construction activity could also be seen. While appearing polished and complete, the capital city was still very much a work in progress. During the Ori incursion of the Milky Way, Hebridan was subjected to a vicious and protracted assault. Beginning as a simple ground assault, the Ori troops were beat back time after time by the human and Serrakin population of this world. Shifting tactics, the small Ori Fleet subjected Hebridan to a sustained orbital bombardment. Orbiting defense assets of Hebridan eviscerated Ori small craft that approached, but were powerless against Ori motherships.
During the orbital bombardment, Hebridan's modern cities were scorched, charred, and reduced to rubble. Casualties large and small greatly outpaced the planets ability to cope. Eventually, Hebridan's orbital defenses fell. Going underground, human and Serrakin inhabitants prepared themselves to fight a protracted guerilla campaign against the invaders, once they brought their ground forces to the surface. That guerilla campaign proved unnecessary, as the Ori unexpectedly disengaged, and abandoned their attempt to conquer this world. In their wake, the Ori followers left a mortally wounded world reduced to ash and rubble.
Were it not for the Tech Con Group and other commercial entities, Hebridan might still be a postmodern wasteland. Hebridan was rebuilt, using prepositioned stocks of materials and equipment from corporate holdings. In exchange, the Hebridan government ceded control of a large percentage of government to these corporate saviors. Powerful before the attempted invasion, these corporations emerged far more powerful in a post-apocalyptic Hebridan.
Nearing the end of its voyage, the tram raced across a skyway high above the streets of the capital. The tram slowed, as the skyway entered the magnificently appointed headquarters of Tech Con Group. Entering the seventeenth floor of the tower, the tram slowed to a crawl before finally coming to a stop. Egeria and her escort exited the tram, and proceeded to a private elevator nearby. This elevator, moving quickly, carried both to the topmost floor of the building. As the doors opened, Egeria was told to proceed within the large office near the elevator, while the escort waited outside. Making her way into the office, Egeria was greeted by the half human half Serrakin leader of Tech Con.
"On behalf of the Tech Con Group, welcome to Hebridan. It is an honor to have you here Queen Egeria. I am Miles Hagan, President of Tech Con Group." Miles Hagan said in welcome.
"On behalf of the Tok'ra, I thank you for receiving me on such short notice. It is an honor to see your world firsthand." Egeria replied.
"Your request for this meeting was vague. May I ask why you wished to speak with me?" Hagan inquired.
"It is my belief that our two cultures can assist the other. I am here to propose an exchange." Egeria stated.
"An exchange of goods perhaps? The Tech Con Group would love the opportunity to expand our markets to your world." Hagan smiled.
"My people are highly self sufficient Mr. Hagan. What I am here to propose is a more direct transfer of knowledge and goods." Egeria explained.
"Perhaps in the future you would allow our products into your markets. What exactly is it you propose?" Hagan asked.
"The Tok'ra are aware of the methods your world uses to travel between planets. Ion drives, while reliable and durable, lack the speed of hyper drives. Your first generation hyper drives, while a significant achievement, are at an early stage of development. My scientists tell me it will be many years before your race achieves hyperspace velocities similar to those of more advanced hyper drives. Your people have a very capable ship building industry. I propose a simple trade. Advanced hyper drive technology, in exchange for vessels." Egeria proposed.
"While that offer is incredibly generous, I must ask why it is the Tok'ra have not turned to Earth? We are well aware of the close relationship you share with the Tau'ri. One would think it obvious you would turn to Earth for assistance. After all, they are very capable shipbuilders." Hagan stated.
"That is a very good question. The Tok'ra do count the Tau'ri as a valued ally. My host is Tau'ri. I feel it best to not lay all my eggs in one basket. Tau'ri technology is impressive, and they safeguard it with heavily restricted release to other races and worlds. The technology we offer is less advanced than that of the Tau'ri. Think of the research time our gift can save you." Egeria hinted.
"Decades of research at the very least." Hagan admitted.
"Let us be honest. Our technology will save you centuries of arduous research." Egeria replied.
"Yes, that is most probably a more honest assessment." Hagan conceded.
"The hyper drive technology we offer you is complete. With assistance from Tok'ra engineers, your current fleet of vessels can be fitted with these drives. Waiting for a new type of vessel to make use of this technology is not needed. Consider for a moment, a fleet of vessels capable of hyperspace travel at incredible velocities. Affixing these drives to your warships will enhance Hebridan's ability to protect you colonies and home world. Affixing these to your merchant vessels will increase your ability to conduct trade with other worlds, and expand your markets across the galaxy. This technology, in the hands of Tech Con Group, will make you the sole supplier of this technology to your world. That alone should make this trade a valuable revenue stream for you corporation." Egeria stated confidently.
"In return, what exactly are you asking?" Hagan asked.
"My people waged a millennia long war against the Goa'uld. We wish to shed the trappings of Goa'uld technology. By that, I refer to the vessels currently in our use. In return for the technology we offer, and Tok'ra engineering assistance, we ask for a fleet of vessels." Egeria bargained.
"Design and construction of new vessels meeting your requirements would take several years. You stated that your technology could be retrofitted to existing vessels. I might have a solution that serves both our needs." Hagan suggested.
"I am listening." Egeria stated.
"Several years ago, Tech Con Group's experimental development arm commissioned the construction of a new class of space vessel. The lead researcher had high hopes for these vessels, as did I. Before the construction of the first of these vessels could be completed, a change in corporate strategy necessitated abandoning the construction effort. These incomplete vessels, of which five exist, remain in their construction bays. We would be open to completing these vessels, and refitting them for your purposes. As the design of this vessel is familiar to our builders, we could easily construct further examples for you." Hagan offered.
"Before I can agree my engineers would need to examine these incomplete vessels. I am certain they will require certain modifications to bring them up to our specifications." Egeria replied.
"Let us view the incomplete vessels now, before lunch. Perhaps we can find other items we can barter trade for." Hagan suggested with a dashing smile.
Shemya, Aleutian Islands
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Shrouded in mist and ice fog, Shemya Island was little more than a rocky outcropping in the northernmost reaches of the Pacific Ocean. Brutal fifty mile per hour winds swept across Shemya, reducing the already frigid temperatures far below freezing. Normally, Shemya was home to a population of less than forty, but that population had boomed in the last forty eight hours. Had Shemya been home to a native population, those inhabitants might have noticed the sudden up swell in visitors.
The small and rocky form of Shemya had played many roles of great importance over the years. At the start of the jet age, Shemya had served as a refueling point for range limited airliners, making this island the first and only island to be operated by an airline. During the Cold War, Shemya was home to the ballistic missile tracking radar known as Cobra Dane. Throughout this period of time, a host of intelligence collection aircraft called the island home, while operating close to the Soviet Union.
Kept in a tender status for the last decade, Eareckson Air Station was the sole occupant of Shemya. Rarely was Eareckson Air Station visited by anyone, let alone first line strike aircraft. Forty eight hours ago, that trend had come to an end. Lining the taxiway running along the ten thousand foot runway known as 10/28, twenty B-3 Chimera's from the United States, Great Britain, Russia, and Unified China sat. Ground crews brought in for the task circled these aircraft, bundled up in fur lined parkas to beat back the frigid and deadly weather.
Three days before the arrival of the B-3's, a NOTAM, or Notice to Airmen, had declared the airspace above and around Shemya off limits. While it was unlikely a passing airliner would spot the B-3's lining the 10/28 taxiway, no chances were being taken. Similarly, seagoing vessels were informed of a limited maritime exclusion zone surrounding the island. Shemya's best defense against curious onlookers was its weather.
The path taken to arrive at Eareckson Air Station varied for the B-3's by country of origin. Those belonging to the Russian Federation and Unified China simply lifted off from their secluded airbases, and flew directly towards the Aleutian Islands. Mindful of curious onlookers, those from the United States and Great Britain had used other methods. Lifting off from their home bases, the Chimera's of these two nations did so under cloak, and followed commercial aircraft towards their end destination. To prevent the notice of aircraft no longer present on these home airfields, Chimera's not participating activated their defensive hologram generators, and projected images of B-3's sitting in hangers. These holographic representations and the hangers containing them were sealed off by security forces, which allowed no one to enter for fear of the ruse being discovered.
In a briefing room once used by personnel assigned to the Cobra Dane radar site, three person flight crews entered. Taking their seats, the flight crews exchanged pleasantries with their counterparts from other nations. Spirits were high as all exchanged witty and jovial banter. Two individuals, dressed in fatigues instead of flight suits, entered the briefing room, and brought the aircrew banter to a quick end. Instructed to take their seats by both of the late arrivals, the flight crews sat down and awaited the briefing to start.
"Good morning. I hope everyone got their rest last night and ate a good breakfast, because you are in for a long day. Necessary briefing data, along with navigation and other mission critical data has already been uploaded to each of your aircraft. That covers the how, and this briefing will cover the specifics of why. The only stupid question is the one left unasked, so if you have a question, make it known." Colonel Vanessa Corvin instructed.
"As some of you may have guessed, you are not here to take for a seaside winter retreat. Each of you is here because you are the best at what you do. All of you are aware of recent events on Langara. It has been ascertained that the Lucian Alliance is behind this event, and we are viewing this as an attack upon an allied world. For far too long, the Lucian Alliance has had their fun. Now, we are going to send a message and have a bit of sport of our own. Your target is a world known as Possara. This is the current home world of the Lucian Alliance. Make no mistake, this will not be a risk free entry and exit. You are going to fly directly into the bears den, so expect that bear to try to prevent it." Colonel Evgeny Primakov stated in a growling voice.
"This mission revolves around the threat of force. Chinese, Russian, and British aircraft are loaded with an anti-ship load out. We would very much prefer these aircraft never need to fire a shot. You will instead provide jamming support. Assisting you in this task will be two vessels of the fleet. USS Crossbow, which will depart in company with another vessel from the November Site, will arrive shortly before your strike package. We have an intelligence asset in orbit of Possara, providing real time intelligence. As I said a moment ago, more detailed briefings are uploaded aboard each aircraft. Four USAF B-3's will enter the Possaran atmosphere, and conduct a low level ingress to target. Each of these four aircraft are outfitted with the new plasma attack system. Your targets will be provided by your onboard mission computer." Colonel Corvin explained.
"Why are American aircraft performing the low level mission?" A Russian copilot asked.
"Our American friends have practiced low level penetration missions for decades. We trained for the anti-ship role with our bomber force for decades. To answer your question, it is a matter of expertise." Colonel Primakov answered.
"One thing I think you need to be made very aware of. This mission, while dangerous, is not one that will be gracing your flight logs. So, for all of you hoping for that next juicy chapter in your memoir, all I can do is say sorry. In effect, this mission never happened. We will debrief and conduct after action reviews upon your return to Eareckson." Colonel Corvin said seriously.
For the next half hour the briefing continued. As questions were asked, each was answered thoroughly. Midway through the briefing, an icy calm came over each flight crew. These men and women had trained for years to reach the pinnacle of their profession. This was time for each to put that training to the test. They were ready. If it was a message Earth wanted to send, then these men and women were the ones who would deliver it.
Rising from their seats, each flight crew exited the briefing room. As they exited, the numbered briefing folders in each crewmembers hand was retrieved. These retrieved briefing folders were slated for destruction, and would be nothing more than a memory within the hour. Donning fur lined parkas of their own; each flight crewmember exited the building, and boarded one of several heated vans that would transport the crews to their aircraft.
Driving out to the awaiting aircraft, the howl of fifty mile per hour gusts of wind could be heard within each van. Mother Nature howled like an angry banshee, as the wind buffeted and rocked each vehicle. The short drive to the taxiway was filled with silence, as each flight crewmember mentally prepared themselves for the events to come. Oddly, the stress of a dangerous mission was not the most largest stressor. Instead, it was the hours long journey to Possara that would prove the most stressful to all involved.
Vans loaded with flight crews from many nations stopped at each aircraft assigned to them. Upon arrival, each crewmember exited the comfort of the heated van, and stepped out into the frigid cold of a Shemya winter. The sky above was unseen, as it was blanketed out by ice fog. Globes of light from runway 10/28's illumination system could be seen trailing off into the distance. Pushing thoughts of the bitter cold out of their minds, flight crew members quickly made their way to the entry point of each Chimera. The pilot in command of each aircraft punched the quick system start button mounted on the front landing gear. Seconds later, the internal systems of each Chimera powered up and initialized. Hoses from heating carts went slack, as the powering up of each Chimera's internal systems nullified the need for external heat to be pumped into each aircraft. Seconds after the heat hoses were removed, entryway stairways and doors lifted and sealed flush with each fuselage.
As the flight crews waited the complex systems of their aircraft align and perform a system of readiness checks, a signal was transmitted from the Eareckson communications array to United China. Upon receipt of this signal, a large cargo vessel began its ascent towards space. This portion of the mission was a vital component in the scheme. Climbing at a steady pace, the Chinese cargo vessel made its way into orbit.
While the cargo vessel climbed towards orbit, the Chimera's sitting on Eareckson Air Station's taxiway began movement of their own. Advancing their throttles to taxi power, the line of twenty Chimera's made the turn onto runway 10/28. Through the ice fog, each taxied to as instructed by onboard systems. As the last of the twenty Chimera's made the turn onto the runway, the antigravity drives aboard each aircraft came online. From front to back, in line, the twenty B-3's lifted into the air. As they did, landing gear retracted. Reaching thirty feet above the runway, the fog shrouded aircraft activated their cloaking systems and vanished from view.
Reaction drives aboard each Chimera began to propel the twenty aircraft forward. Quickly, the large flight of strategic aircraft passed through the speed of sound. Racing over violent seas beneath, the flight began a rapid climb. Internal sensors scanned the airspace around each aircrafts current position, and found nothing approaching. Adding power, the Chimera's raced towards orbit, and broke free of the bonds of Earth.
In their path, the long line of Chimera's encountered the Chinese cargo vessel. Passing underneath the vessel, the Chimera's charged past the civilian ship. Moving beyond the cargo vessel, the last in the long line of Chimera's transmitted a coded signal to the cargo carrier. This signal began a countdown aboard the civilian vessel. As the countdown reached the appointed time, the cargo carrier activated its hyper drive. As the large hyperspace window was torn open, the long line of Chimera's racing away from the vessel opened hyperspace windows of their own.
Should any observatory on the Earth below be watching, the departure of the Chimera's through hyperspace would be covered by the much larger hyperspace window of the departing cargo ship.
Operation Pointed Suggestion had begun.
Fairfax, Virginia
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Traffic along Interstate 66 could be a nightmare at the best of times. Today, that nightmare was somewhat manageable. The drive from Winchester to Fairfax took Colonel John Sheppard ninety minutes to complete. Traffic had not been an issue, until passing the exit leading to Nissan Pavilion. From that point on, traffic grew as 66 moved closer to Fairfax. Finally, Colonel Sheppard arrived at the interstate exit that would carry him to his destination.
While his destination was not visible from the freeway, the business park containing that destination was. Like business parks across the nation, this one was filled with a handful of multistory office buildings. Thankfully, this one had parking. In the Washington DC metropolitan area, parking was worth its weight in gold. The endless fight to secure parking was often the single most frustrating and time consuming portion of residents of this part of the nation's day.
Stepping out of the borrowed Jeep Grand Cherokee which had brought him to this office park, Sheppard reached for his suit jacket from the rear seat. His orders here had made it very clear that under no circumstances was a military uniform to be worn. On top of this restriction, those same orders had informed Sheppard to not step foot on the office park grounds while in possession of his military identification card. Donning his suit jacket and smoothing his tie, Sheppard looked up at the building several hundred yards in the distance.
Across the uppermost reaches of the building holding Sheppard's attention, the Colonel cast his gaze upon the blood red colored letters informing the world who resided in this building. According to the letters, this building belonged to Intrepid Statistical Analytics. Smirking to himself, Sheppard managed to stifle a laugh that the ISA was apparently hiding in plain sight. Walking through the manicured garden landscaping leading to the buildings main entrance, Sheppard focused on reeling in his amusement while putting on his professional game face.
Stepping through the mirrored glass doors of the main entrance, Sheppard's eyes took a moment to adjust to the diminished levels of lighting. Crossing the entry portico, Sheppard made his way directly to the front desk. A brief moment of conversation between the Colonel and the security attendant seated at the desk garnered Sheppard permission to travel upwards in the building. Under escort, Sheppard was taken to one of several elevators servicing the main lobby of the office building. Looking around, Sheppard's trained eye spotted several surveillance devices around the lobby. For every one seen, Sheppard was certain that five more he did not see existed.
Traveling higher in the building within the elevator, the Colonel listened to the several years old top 40 music that filled the elevators speakers. While it was supposed to be soothing, John had always found elevator music annoying to a great degree. His escort remained stoic and silent the entire time. An audible chime announced the elevator had reached the requested floor, and as the doors opened the escort motioned for Sheppard to exit. Seconds after the Colonel exited the elevator, the doors closed.
Passing through glass doors six feet from the elevator, Sheppard saw yet another front desk in the distance. Seated at this desk was a dour looking secretarial type, who looked as if she never once had smiled in her life. Making his way directly to the front desk, Sheppard offered the dour faced woman a dashing and engaging smile. Seeing this, her expression changed not at all.
"Do you have an appointment?" The woman asked.
"Do I really need an appointment?" Sheppard asked casually.
"If you wish to enter these offices, yes you do." The woman replied scornfully.
"Lucky for you, I do have an appointment. I am expected by the Special Projects office. My name is Jeremy Shiften." Sheppard stated.
"How was your drive in from Baltimore Mr. Shiften?" The woman asked, presenting the prearranged security challenge question.
"I flew in from Portland actually. The flight was bumpy." Sheppard replied, giving the challenge answer.
"Proceed through the door to the right of this desk." The woman instructed.
Stepping through the doorway, Sheppard was unsurprised when the door automatically closed and locked behind him. Tracked modules on either side of Sheppard began to move towards the floor, while faint beams of light swept over the Air Force officer. As he suspected, Sheppard was being scanned for any intelligence gathering devices or weaponry. Having none on his body, the scan confirmed this fact, and a second door sprang open. Stepping through this doorway, Sheppard came face to face with another unsmiling individual. Requesting that Sheppard follow him, the escort led the way to an office in the distance. Immediately, Sheppard noticed that not a single soul was visible in this area of the building, and each door passed was secured shut.
Showing Sheppard into an office, the escort surprised the Colonel. Instead of taking his leave, the suited escort instead entered the office, and took a seat behind the desk within the office. For a moment, the man who had escorted Sheppard simply took stock of the Colonel sitting in his office. Based on his disapproving expression, John realized that the man behind the desk did not approve of John being in his office, or this building.
"So, here we are." The man began.
"I am Colonel John Sheppard, but you can call me John." Sheppard responded.
"I am all too aware of who you are. Your presence here is not by my choosing. You can call me Dan. I am the executive officer here. Let me be very clear about a few things. In no way do I condone the use of this unit as a bolt hole to hide you within. What ever you are up to, I want nothing to do with it. You are only here because General Frost approved it. Apparently you made quite the impression on the General during his time in Pegasus." Dan frowned.
"If you do not want me here, then why am I here?" Sheppard asked.
"General O'Neill is using this unit as a place to keep you out of the limelight for now. Since you will not be staying, you will not be briefed on who and what this unit is and does. Nor will you come into contact with unit personnel. That is a breach of security I will not allow." Dan lectured.
"Before we turn this into a grudge match, realize that I did not ask to come here." Sheppard countered.
"Of that I am very aware. General Frost made it very clear, after listening to my many objections, that we are to extend any material or nonmaterial support you may need. I will follow that order to the letter. If you endanger this unit in any way, you will answer to me, and I promise you I will leave you in a world of hurt." Dan warned.
"All I want to do is get my brother back." Sheppard sighed in frustration.
"I know all about your brothers abduction. Anyone who reads the Washington Post knows about your brothers abduction. My heart goes out to you. I know this isn't an easy time. Just realize that my loyalties are with those under my charge. While you are off playing vigilante, I will be your point of contact. You will deal with me, and only me. If you need something, from material support to a hug, I am the guy you call. Understand?" Dan asked.
"I can respect that. Let's cut to the chase then, shall we? I need everything you can give me on the Capital Ballroom." Sheppard prompted.
"The nightclub?" Dan asked.
"Yeah, that is the one." Sheppard replied.
"How soon do you need it?" Dan asked.
"As soon as possible. I have a bit of business there that I need to attend to." Sheppard said coldly.
"Give me a few days. Take the cell phone on my desk. I shouldn't need to tell you that you only use this to speak with me, and no one else. I will call and arrange a meet once I have the information you need. Now, how about you leave before someone recognizes you?" Dan asked in suggestion.
Possara
Lucian Alliance Home World
Milky Way Galaxy
In orbit and under cloak, USS Narwhal silently monitored the Lucian Alliance home world. Of the new Advanced Capability Improved Daedalus Class, USS Narwhal was one of the newest ships in the US portion of Earth's interstellar fleet. A dedicated intelligence gathering platform, Narwhal had observed Possara and her inhabitants for the last seven days. As she monitored the planet, defensive sites were identified and local ship patrol schedules had been learned. Equipped with signals intercept gear, USS Narwhal had also focused on interception of communications to and from Possara. The information compiled by this vessel had been used to build the mission getting ready to unfold.
Seventy eight million kilometers from Possara, twenty two separate hyperspace tore open the fabric of time and space. Between Possara and these opening hyperspace windows, a lifeless planet stood outside of the Goldilocks zone, and served to prevent detection of these now open windows by sensors belonging to the Lucian Alliance. This also prevented by the lone Ha'tak patrolling Possara's orbital track. As twenty two vessels emerged into real space, one of these vessels ejected a small metallic object.
At high sublight velocities, four B-3 Chimera's broke away from the large cloaked formation of Tau'ri craft. Powered by their Reaction drives, these four attack craft raced towards the Lucian Alliance home world. Data links aboard these four Chimera's exchanged relevant data with USS Narwhal. This data updated current known location of weapons emplacements and vessels at rest outside the Lucian Alliance settlement. Cloaks active, the four unseen Chimera's began their decent into the Possaran atmosphere, at four different points above this world.
Flight crews aboard each Chimera engaged their terrain following system, as the craft sliced through the upper reaches of atmosphere. Like an elevator in free fall, the four craft plummeted towards the landscape far below. At the conclusion of their rapid decent, each Chimera raced scant feet above the Possaran landscape, one thousand miles from the Lucian Alliance settlement. Flying individually, these craft closed on the settlement from the north, south, east, and west. Following rivers, valleys, and other masking terrain, the craft pushed forward to their target.
As these newest and most lethal iterations of the strategic bomber raced across the untouched wilderness of Possara, flight crews powered up their integrated cyber warfare suites. While this process unfolded, each Chimera powered down its cloak. Once the cloaks were fully offline, the four craft powered on their individual holographic decoy generator, serving as the newest of penetration aides in Earth use. At points miles from the real craft, holographic copies of the Chimera appeared, and raced over Possara at low altitude. Should a sensor scan sweep over these holograms, it would appear as if a real craft was being observed. In high orbit, monitoring the Chimera's progress, a signal transmitted from USS Narwhal to craft further out in the solar system. That signal read simply 'start the music'.
Upon receipt of this transmission, a coded burst radiated from USS Crossbow to the small metallic object ejected shortly after exit from hyperspace. Receiving this coded burst, the small metallic object activated. Powering up quickly, the small object began to transmit low power, but not too low to detect, transmissions. These low power transmissions were meant to attract the attention of the patrolling Ha'tak, and in that mission the metallic object fulfilled its designated purpose completely.
Moving towards these detected transmissions, the Ha'tak scanned for any trace of vessels present. Detecting none, it continued onwards. Certain that the location of Possara was unknown to the Tau'ri, shields were not raised. Closing on the source of the faint transmissions, the Ha'tak was mindless of the unseen forces arrayed around it. Eight hundred thousand kilometers away, sixteen B-3 Chimera's disengaged their protective cloaks, while powering holographic decoy generators of their own. Instead of just sixteen craft, sensors aboard the Ha'tak showed eighty individual craft. Panicked by this sight, the Ha'tak's crew quickly transmitted a warning to Possara. Monitoring communications, USS Narwhal intercepted this message, and passed along the go order for the next phase of Operation Pointed Suggestion.
Dropping its own cloak, USS Crossbow, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Marks, fired her Pulse Wave Generator. Limited to the forward transmission array, a pulse of energy shot out towards the Ha'tak. Had shields been raised, this assault would have been trivial. As they were not raised, the Ha'tak was defenseless as the energetic pulse wave enveloped the Goa'uld designed and Lucian Alliance constructed vessel. Systems large and small across the Ha'tak went dark. Energy surged and arced between control crystals throughout the vessel, in crystal cabinets out of view, overloading the myriad of offensive, defensive, and more benign systems aboard. Powerless and adrift, the Ha'tak sat silent.
Sixty kilometers from the now powerless Ha'tak, a second vessel lowered its protective cloak, as the last lights aboard the Lucian Alliance vessel went dark. USS Galactic Express, lead ship of her class, was a relatively unknown ship class to the Alliance. Two hundred and seventy one feet in length, eighty feet high, and with a beam of seventy two feet; Galactic Express was a small and boxy ship. Outwardly, she resembled a design once seen in ocean going vessels, known as Sea Fighter. While Galactic Express belonged to the military, other examples of this hull form made up the interstellar vessels used by the United States Coast Guard.
Doors on the flat upper hull of Galactic Express opened, with the glow of a shield protecting the ships interior from lifeless space visible to any looking at the small Tau'ri vessel. Through this shield, a dozen Marine Raiders wearing exoskeletons and the newly introduced flight system exited. As they closed on the Death Glider launch bay, further Raiders making use of transport rings installed for the purpose, began to appear aboard the Ha'tak. The first four Raiders to arrive aboard the Ha'tak through the transport rings brought the small lighted rods carried in each hand together. Copied from a gifted Wraith model, these stun rods when joined together transmitted a localized stunning field throughout the corridors surrounding the receiving transport rings. Raiders penetrating the Death Glider bay followed suit with stun rods of their own. As energy waves traveled through corridor after corridor, Lucian Alliance occupants aboard the vessel were rendered unconscious. Without firing a single shot, the Raiders had placed the Ha'tak firmly in Tau'ri control. Despite the unconscious state of the crew, the Raiders continued their methodical clearing of the capital ship.
While Marines assaulted the Ha'tak, the sixteen uncloaked Chimera's turned their attention to Possara. Activating incredibly powerful jamming gear designed to defeat sensitive sensor arrays, the Chimera's began to hammer sensors on each ship of the Lucian Alliance shitting on the planet at rest. Normally clear screens displaying sensor data on each at rest Ha'tak went chalk white, filled with many millions of false returns and incomprehensible static. Hoping to defeat this jamming, watch standers aboard these at rest Ha'tak's first increased power to sensors, and dialed up their sensitivity to a high degree.
This is what the four Chimera's screaming across the Possaran landscape had been waiting for. From cyber warfare suites, powerful signals and malicious code began to radiate towards the at rest Ha'tak's. Intermixed with these signals was a single sentient program from P9C-372, coded to self replicate its own code into further examples of itself. This single entity would turn into many, as it infected each vessel present belonging to the Lucian Alliance Fleet. Sensor screens aboard each Ha'tak, gone white from Tau'ri jamming, suddenly began to display a new image. Grabbed from YouTube for the purpose, a video known simply as the troll song began to play. Dressed in a brown polyester suit, the Russian gentleman in the video began to sing the single most bizarre song ever to grace YouTube.
Watching the bizarre sight of the troll song, crews aboard each Ha'tak were transfixed in confusion. As they pondered the incomprehensible meaning of the ballad, they took little note as systems aboard each Ha'tak went offline. Weapons already powered up reverted to standby mode. A long Ha'tak attempting to take flight plummeted forty feet to the ground below, as systems aboard this vessel suddenly shut down. Possara was defenseless.
Closing on the Lucian Alliance settlement, the four Chimera's raced onward. Taking note of one of these Tau'ri attack craft, a young Lucian Alliance pilot in training piloting a Death Glider gave chase. Attempting to angle his Death Glider into firing position, the inexperienced pilot struggled to chase down the swift Chimera. If this young man could bring down a Tau'ri attacker, he would be hailed as a hero of his people. These visions filled his mind, as he angled for a shot. Aware of the Death Gliders attempt to engage, automated defense systems aboard the Chimera sprang into action. A small golden glowing object was ejected from the rear of the lethal looking flying wing, from a launch port unseen by the attacker. This glowing device was an Ancient designed mini drone, fitted to the Chimera for an occasion such as this. Closing on the Death Glider with incredible speed, man and machine met. Due to the closure rate shared by the Glider and the mini drone, the impact was cataclysmic in the extreme. The young pilot, whose mind was filled with visions of heroism, was reduced to nothing more than pulverized material, along with his craft. Now nothing stood between the settlement and the four Tau'ri craft.
The four Chimera's, and their sixteen holographic decoys continued to close on their target. Climbing to nine hundred feet above ground level, the four Chimera's and their holographic mirror images opened their bomb bay doors. From these openings, the newly introduced ground attack plasma discharge array lowered into firing position.
Speeding above the settlement, the Chimera's tore through the sky unchallenged. Opening fire under computer control, balls of energetic plasma began to impact preselected points around the Lucian Alliance shipyard. Striking points precisely between every four parked Ha'tak's, these balls of plasma exploded and threw soil and rock into the air. In under twenty seconds, the Chimer attack run was complete, and the four B-3's screamed away in separate directions. Increasing speed rapidly, the Chimera's raced away towards their preplanned exit routes, and began to quickly gain altitude. In their wake, they left the settlements inhabitants shaken and speechless at the sight of an unexpected assault.
In the center of the dust covered shipyard, a hologram of a man, standing many hundreds of feet tall, appeared. This image came courtesy of USS Narwhal's holographic communications array. With a booming voice heard by all, this holographic figure began to speak.
"For too long you have believed your location to be unknown to this galaxy. Our unexpected arrival shows just how false that belief is. No longer will this galaxy tolerate your continued sowing of violence and discord to worlds not your own. Cease and desist these actions immediately. The immediate return of our aviators in your custody is also demanded. You have twenty four hours to comply with these demands. Should you choose to disregard these demands, our next visit to your world will result in a far different outcome from the one you see now. Consider this your opportunity to continue existing in peace. Ignore these words at your own peril. You have been warned." The voice stated again and again.
In space, from the hull of USS Crossbow, a powerful tractor beam latched on to the powerless Ha'tak now under Marine control. Activating their hyper drive, both Crossbow and Galactic Express leapt into hyperspace with the Lucian Alliance craft in tow. While the Ha'tak would be taken to the Asgard home world within the Andromeda galaxy for study and evaluation, the unconscious crew were destined for another location within the Milky Way. Rejoining the other craft in their flight, the multinational group of Chimera's also leapt into hyperspace. Silent and unseen in orbit above Possara, USS Narwhal remained. Here she would sit, continuing to monitor the enemy settlement below, waiting for the response that was sure to come.
Possara
Twelve Hours Later
In the wake of the Tau'ri assault upon Possara, shock and fear rippled through the noncombatants calling this world home. Several hours after the departure of the Tau'ri, communications had finally been reestablished with Lucian Alliance commanders and vessels away from the home world. These had quickly been recalled, to bolster the defense of the planet. In the main chamber where the Alliance hierarchy met, the collected Seconds met with Kefflin to discuss this disastrous turn of events.
"How did they locate this world? We selected this planet because it is not part of the galaxy's gate network!" Vosh stated shakily.
"Perhaps we have a spy among us." Bulak suggested.
"If a Tau'ri spy were among us, I would know." Kefflin replied.
"Then how did they locate this world?" Sloviash demanded.
"The Tau'ri are resourceful. It comes as no surprise that our hideaway has become known to them." Kefflin countered.
"What I do not understand is why the Tau'ri did not destroy us. They destroyed nothing." Vosh said in a puzzled voice.
"A lose was suffered. The Tau'ri made off with one of our vessels, and abducted its crew." Bulak argued.
"This attack is nothing to fear. They have shown us just how weak and inept they are. After all, they hit nothing of value. All they did was destroy dirt." Sloviash hissed.
"That is a flawed view." Carlyle interjected.
"You dare question my view?" Sloviash thundered.
Wordlessly, Kefflin watched both Carlyle and Sloviash. This was a conflict he knew would come eventually, and one Kefflin greatly looked forward to seeing. Sitting back in his comfortable seat, the Lucian Alliance First settled in for the show to come.
"Your view is a gross oversimplification of what transpired here. You either believe your version of events to be true, which tells us just how intelligent you are, or you are trying to put a brave face on for all here." Carlyle replied with an eerie calm.
"Share your views then so the rest of us can have a laugh." Sloviash invited.
Around the table, all present leaned in. Each had learned over time to respect Carlyle's point of view, and knew him to only speak after having put thought into a subject. Intently, all listened closely.
"This was not a failed attack. We have all seen just how potent Tau'ri technology can be. No, this was not a failed attack. This was a message. They are telling us they can march in here at a whim, and strike with impunity." Carlyle explained.
"The Tau'ri can do no such thing!" Sloviash raged in disgust.
"Then explain how they did that very thing today. Our fleet was reduced to nothing more than decoration, in a way we do not understand. Destroying these craft was unnecessary. As I said, this was a message, or a warning if you will." Carlyle continued.
"We must respond! The location of Tau'ri holdings is no secret to any of us. Rally the fleet and they will feel the might of our reply!" Sloviash urged angrily.
"You are not in command of the Lucian Alliance. If you ever again attempt to usurp my authority, I will kill you slowly." Kefflin warned.
"A direct reply would be a mistake in my opinion." Carlyle added.
"We cannot appear weak in the eyes of our enemy. With your permission, I will lead an attack myself." Sloviash said directly to Kefflin.
"No, I will not authorize any response. We all knew this day would come, and we have readied ourselves for this eventuality. Spread our holdings to the other worlds. That act alone will stretch the Tau'ri thin. Those are my orders. Now, get our people ready to move." Kefflin said with finality, before standing and exiting the room.
As the meeting broke up, rage consumed Sloviash. Though he would never dare call Kefflin weak to his face, Sloviash believed weakness had finally taken hold in the First. Then and there, Sloviash decided to respond on his own accord. If he succeeded, perhaps he would be the next First of the Lucian Alliance.
Hours after the meeting adjourned, men, women, and children boarded vessels of the fleet. While a portion of Possara's population would remain behind, a mass exodus began. From this point forward, the Lucian Alliance would no longer call a single planet home. Instead, they would expand to other unpopulated worlds.
Watching the developments below, the commander of USS Narwhal directed that a subspace message be sent to Earth. This message said simply 'they are scattering like roaches when the lights come on'.