Celestis
Celestis Solar System
Alterran Home Galaxy
For a day and night, Daniel Jackson and the archeological team present on Celestis poured over artifacts recovered from multiple dig sites. Adding to the collection of artifacts being scrutinized were others recovered years earlier by Prior's of the Ori. With the permission of the Doci, Tomin had graciously offered these previously recovered artifacts to those of the Tau'ri for examination. Comparing the artifacts, it was found that each was alike. Composed of naquadah and heavy metals, these inscribed metallic books told the story of mentors assisting the early Ancient's. Within these texts, a map was found in each. The one time location of this mentoring race was known.
Many tens of millions of years had passed since the maps and books were produced. In that time, it stood to reason that these mentors could have met their end. It was similarly possible that this mentoring race might have moved in total to a new portion of the universe. Many variables existed. The one mitigating fact that these mentors might possible remain at this known location was the repeated disappearance of Prior's sent to investigate. That fact raised a few new questions though. Could these mentors have later became a warlike race? Had they become isolationist? Had they been conquered by another unknown hostile race?
Debate raged through the night as to what the next step could be. Tomin proposed sending an Ori mothership to the location listed. This suggestion was quickly ruled out, due to the repeated disappearance of Prior's. It was possible that the arrival of an Ori mothership might signal the arrival of others following the beliefs of the Prior's, and further communicate hostile intent. A reconnaissance probe was suggested, and quickly disregarded as a feasible idea. In the end, Daniel Jackson's way of doing things prevailed. Years as a member of SG-1 had taught Daniel that the best way of doing things was often the most direct.
The presence of two Copernicus Class science vessels in orbit of Celestis presented an interesting opportunity. The science vessel Stephan Hawking would remain, and support operations on Celestis. Gear and personnel from Copernicus were transferred to Stephan Hawking to make possible the support of ground operations. Four hours after the transfer, Doctor Daniel Jackson returned to the Copernicus so that he might take his next major leap within the Alterran Home Galaxy.
Aboard Copernicus, scans of the artifacts and location information contained within the inscriptions within these artifacts were fed into the vessels onboard artificial intelligence. In moments, a course was plotted to the end destination. Power from the onboard neutrino ion generators poured into power conduits, and the sublight drive of Copernicus. Breaking orbit, Copernicus pulled away from her sister ship, and the other Tau'ri vessels orbiting Celestis. Minutes later, Copernicus crossed the threshold into hyperspace, and raced away.
Unhindered by slower vessels, Copernicus raced across the Alterran Home Galaxy at incredible velocities. As she traveled through the void of hyperspace at velocities far exceeding those of light, the powerful sensor suite of Copernicus scanned normal space in all directions. While Tau'ri vessels had traveled through this galaxy before, Copernicus was plunging into corners of this galaxy where no Tau'ri vessel had ever before ventured. Information from these scans might later prove useful to both Tomin and his people, as well as the Tau'ri. Information gathering is a never ending task.
Six long hours after her departure from Celestis, the science vessel Copernicus detected the solar system containing her destination planet with the powerful sensor suite aboard. Forty five seconds after detection, Copernicus exited hyperspace, and returned to normal space. Her exit from hyperspace fell well outside of the boundaries of this unexplored solar system. It stood to reason that this solar system, if home to an advanced race, might contain defenses of unknown composition. Furthermore, a return to normal space within the solar system might be considered imposing and rude to any who might inhabit the end destination planet.
From a distance of ten million kilometers beyond the orbit of the solar systems outermost planet, Copernicus came to a halt. Sensors set to maximum sensitivity scanned deep into the heart of the solar system. Sensor readings were not what Daniel Jackson, or the crew of Copernicus, had hoped. Zero signals traffic was detected. Power sources were detected nowhere within the solar system either. For all intents and purposes, it appeared as if this solar system played host to no advanced civilization. Turning attention to the destination planet in full, readings there were also not hopeful. Instead of a life supporting world, the destination planet appeared to be a barren and inhospitable desert world.
Activating the sublight drive, Copernicus began her movement towards and into the solar system. While weapons and defensive systems were placed in standby, these systems could be brought fully online within seconds should a threat appear. Traveling into an unknown danger without defensive systems active was foolish in the crew's eyes. To Daniel Jackson, it was simply cautiously optimistic. Six tense hours later, Copernicus found itself within the solar system, and closing on the desert world.
Once upon a time, this world might have been lush. Sensors showed areas with geological clues suggesting large rivers, lakes, and oceans were once present here. Life signs showed this world no longer housed life in any form. This world truly was barren. Detailed scans of the planet's surface and subsurface were performed, looking for the existence of any structures that might remain. Strangely, no trace of the expected trappings of an advanced civilization stood on the surface of this planet, nor beneath the surface. One possibly anomaly existed though.
Surrounded by sheer canyons of stone worn smooth, a large spire rose into the air. Old and weathered, this spire was encased in rock. The ascending spiral shape of the spire gave light to the manufactured origins of the anomaly. Sensors were unable to penetrate the structures interior. If the mentors of the Ancient's were still present on this world, this was the most likely place to begin the search for them.
"What is the next step?" The commander of Copernicus asked.
"Someone is going to need to go down there." Daniel Jackson replied with a gleam in his eye.
Idavoll
Asgard Home World
Andromeda Galaxy
Beyond the atmospheric boundaries of the technologically advanced home world of the Asgard, forty vessels of the Asgard Fleet effortlessly moved away from the planet of their manufacture. Divided into two groups of twenty vessels apiece, these groups were composed of O'Neill Class vessels, and Daniel Jackson Class science vessels. The mission of these two Asgard task forces was one of great importance.
The Asgard, finally seeing a completed home world, had now decided to expand the Asgard domain. Two worlds, rich in neutronium, which is vital to all Asgard technology, had been found within the Andromeda galaxy and closely evaluated. The first, due to frightening carnivorous wildlife, had been discounted as unsuitable for a future colony sight. Instead, this world would be home to a subterranean mining facility, to extract the vital neutronium for future Asgard use. The second world, lacking the frightening wildlife of the first, would soon be home to the first colony within the domain. Soon, a great city rivaling that found on Idavoll would stand on this planet. In time, the Asgard would continue to expand within the Andromeda galaxy. One day, they would again be a race inhabiting many worlds.
A larger domain under Asgard control required a larger fleet than currently existed. While a shortfall in fleet size existed, Tau'ri vessels would assist where needed. This was nothing more than an interim fix though. Shipyards of Idavoll bristled with activity, as new vessels slowly took shape. Science vessels would make up the bulk of these. Refusing to accept a period of time with insufficient fleet strength, the Asgard High Council had reached out to their Tau'ri counterparts. Aware of the debt owed to the Asgard, the Tau'ri graciously offered the services of Arkos to their close allies. Within Arkos, the first of twenty newly constructed O'Neill class vessels were already taking shape. Watching over the construction process every step of the way was Kvasir. While the Asgard Fleet had at one time greatly outnumbered the Tau'ri Fleet, that was not the case today. In time, with teamwork and great effort, the numbers balance of the two fleets would grow closer and closer.
Far outside of the city of Idavoll, a craft unlike those of the Asgard Fleet sat. Captured by the Tau'ri and subsequently towed across the galactic void separating the Milky Way and Andromeda, a Lucian Alliance stood. Filled with Asgard and Tau'ri technicians, the secrets of the captured Ha'tak were being unlocked. Systems from the sensors to the hyperspace drive were being closely scrutinized. Power production was also being measured. In the coming day, the Ha'tak would be escorted into space, were the weapons and shields could be tested. When done, the upgrades performed by the Lucian Alliance would not only be known, but also understood. This data would quickly find its way into the hands of the Asgard and Tau'ri fleets.
Upon the Ha'tak's arrival, a debate about the final disposition of the Ha'tak had taken place. The Asgard, certain the craft possessed little value once evaluation was complete, suggested outright destruction of the vessel, and reutilization of recovered resources. The Tau'ri had other plans however. While some within Earth's military hierarchy felt the Ha'tak might offer value insofar as a method to sow uncertainty within Alliance ranks, those thoughts were overruled. Instead, the vessel would be turned over to the Free Jaffa Nation, as a show of friendship. Moving forward, all captured Lucian Alliance vessels would be placed in the hands of the Jaffa. Aware of the vessel's limited value against similar Lucian Alliance upgraded Ha'tak's, these would be modified. As far as Earth was concerned, the subspace capacitor technology was already out of the bag. The Alliance built subspace capacitor would be removed from the Ha'tak, and in its place one of Tau'ri construction would be added. This would give the Free Jaffa Nation Fleet an edge, should they ever meet the Lucian Alliance in battle.
Around the captured Ha'tak, in a facility constructed quickly for the purpose, the Lucian Alliance crew sat. Interrogated upon their arrival, the captured crew offered up little intelligence of value. Each of the members of the captured crew confined waited for the death that would surely come. Briefed repeatedly of what the Tau'ri would do to them if captured, each of these crewmembers fully believed their execution was imminent. Other plans had been made. Though the crewmembers could not possibly know, Thor's flagship Hala was speeding towards Idavoll.
Upon arrival of the Hala, the captured Lucian Alliance crew would be beamed aboard Hala. Once beamed, the crew's transport signatures would remain within the beaming buffer. Then, Hala would race towards the distant Pegasus galaxy through the super gate. Hala would then set course for the world existing off the galactic gate network, where Genii prisoners had been exiled several years ago. There, the Lucian Alliance crew would remain. During the planning for this event, the Asgard High Council had proposed the method used in the past with Jaffa intruding upon Protected Planets. When asked exactly what that method was comprised of, Penegal had posed a question of his own when asking if the Tau'ri really wanted to know.
Had the Lucian Alliance known of the close involvement by the Asgard in the tense standoff between them and the Tau'ri, they would have had reason to be afraid. Unaware that two of the Five Great Races were actively working against them, the Lucian Alliance remained blissfully ignorant. As long as the Lucian Alliance kept to their current plan of not directly attacking Earth or her interests, this conflict would remain somewhat civil. Should the Alliance defer from that path, things would grow quickly out of hand, as the Asgard would happily bring their full might to the doorstep of the Lucian Alliance in defense of their Tau'ri allies.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
In the headquarters of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the counterintelligence specialists hunting down security penetrations on Earth were hard at work. Attempts had been made to lure Colonel Andrews, the prime suspect, to pass information of the Defense Intelligence Agency's choosing. A series of briefings, to a select number of SG team commander on potential developments against the Lucian Alliance were given. In these briefings, potential countermeasures were discussed. None present for these briefings knew that the information was manufactured for one member of the audience.
It was hoped the Colonel, as an agent of the Lucian Alliance, would diligently pass on this disinformation. If he did, it could be verified through assets within Alliance ranks that the Colonel was in fact the traitor. When that information never made its way back to Earth, it caused many to question if the Colonel was in fact an enemy agent, while others insisted he may simply not as yet passed on the intelligence. One thing was certain, and that was a glaring fact, that a leak within the SGC existed.
The backgrounds of those on SG-31 were pored over again and again. Through discreet means, figures from the past of each team member's life were interviewed, without any believing it was anything more than an interview for security clearance renewal. In the end, it was decided to bring Colonel Andrews into custody. Bringing the Colonel in needed to be done quietly. Were it done within the SGC, the rumor mill would immediately shift into high gear. With that in mind, it was decided to take Colonel Andrews into custody while off world, for transfer to a location other than Earth.
This plan was not without risks. It was very possible that the suspected agent of the Lucian Alliance could escape, and travel through the gate into the welcoming arms of the enemy. This was deemed an acceptable risk, as it would allow for the disinformation to fall into the hands of the enemy. Without ever suspecting it, Colonel Andrews had become a pawn in the great game between nation states.
Aboard Volcae Ship
Milky Way Galaxy
Life aboard the gargantuan Volcae vessel was different to the humans aboard. Coming from impoverished agrarian worlds, these humans viewed life aboard the alien craft as comfortable. While comfortable, it was very different for these humans. Accustomed to a life tending fields, life here was contained and sterile. Many adapted quickly to these new surroundings, but a few had great trouble doing so. Despite their trouble adapting, none could doubt the sincerity of their hosts to make life better for these refugees.
Aelhaearn was one of those having trouble adjusting. While his family loved their new surroundings and hosts, Aelhaearn longed for his old life. That former life and its trappings were what he knew best. Admittedly, life here was far easier. No longer did he or his family need fear drought, disease, or dramatic upheaval. Still, Aelhaearn longed for the surroundings he knew no longer existed. These thoughts filled the former farmer's mind, as a figure tapped quietly on the bulkhead surrounding the quarter's entryway. Looking up, Aelhaearn was greeted with the sight of Sabis, leader of the Volcae.
"Am I disturbing you?" Sabis asked politely.
"No, not at all. Please, come in." Aelhaearn invited.
Making his way fully into the farmer and his family's quarters, Sabis looked around. On shelves lining the wall, toys enjoyed by Aelhaearn's children sat. Made by Aelhaearn's own hand, these toys showed how much this simple man loved his children. That thought made Sabis smile. Turning to his host, Sabis sat down.
"How are you Aelhaearn?" Sabis inquired.
"I am doing well, thank you." Aelhaearn responded.
"Are you really? It has come to my attention that you rarely leave your quarters." Sabis stated.
"Life in the rest of this ship is too crowded, and too busy. I am a simple man, who has little use for crowds." Aelhaearn responded.
"Our children play together. One of them showed me the toy you made for him. For that gift, I thank you. Tell me, what do you most wish for?" Sabis asked.
"What I miss most you will probably not understand." Aelhaearn replied.
"Try me." Sabis urged.
"I miss my fields. Working the soil to grow a crop in the sun is a day's work. When you take your crop to market, you know you have accomplished something. That feeling lets you know you are a man." Aelhaearn explained, while thinking of his farm.
"You gave my child a gift, now let me give you a gift. Come with me." Sabis requested.
Exiting the quarters with Aelhaearn in tow, Sabis led the farmer down several long corridors. Minutes later, the two reached the large vessels internal tram system. Lacking transporter technology, this network of high speed trams allowed the vessels occupants to make their way to any corner of the ship. Ten minutes later, after a journey of many miles, the tram came to a halt. Exiting the tram, Sabis led his human friend through a series of passageways, until finally stepping through a set of interlocking doorways. Passing through this entryway, Aelhaearn's eyes grew wide.
As far as the eye could see, plant life grew. In this section of the incredibly large vessel, the Volcae grew the incredible amounts of food needed for the inhabitants. All around Aelhaearn, the farmer saw plants he recognized, while also seeing many others he did not. Unknown to Aelhaearn, the Volcae used plant protein to manufacture a meat substitute. Making their way to a corner of the large grow facility, under lighting manufactured to simulate sunlight, the two walked wordlessly. Finally, they came to the corner, where long rows of boxed soil sat.
"What is this?" Aelhaearn asked in confusion.
"You have given my child a gift; now allow me to show my thanks. I had this soil brought aboard for your use. This area is now for your use. Anything you may need, simply ask for. Once again, you can grow your crops and find happiness." Sabis explained happily.
"You did this for me? No one has ever done anything just for me." Aelhaearn replied, nearly in tears.
"Yes my friend, I did this to brighten your day. You made my child smile, and I am giving you your smile back." Sabis responded.
"Thank you! You have done so much for us. How can I repay you?" Aelhaearn asked seriously.
"Thanks will be found in your happiness. I just want to make that possible." Sabis answered.
"Sabis, may I ask a question of you?" Aelhaearn asked.
"You may." Sabis invited.
"Why do you live on this ship? Why are you not on your home world?" Aelhaearn inquired.
"Our home world was lost long ago. The destruction was such that we can never return there. Entire generations of Volcae have known nothing but life aboard these vessels." Sabis replied sorrowfully.
"I am sorry to ask such a painful to answer question." Aelhaearn admitted.
"No apology is necessary. For many generations, we hid in the shadows of the galactic center, to avoid those who brought ruin to my planet and people. Those people no longer rule this galaxy, so now we follow the path. That is why we collect what you call the Chappa'ai at each step. These mark the path we must follow to reach our new home, as it was explained to us by a higher power long ago." Sabis explained.
"And when we reach that destination?" Aelhaearn asked.
"On that day, the Volcae will finally be allowed to live again." Sabis responded.
Destiny
Across the Universe
Exiting faster than light travel, Destiny rapidly slowed. From the bridge, and observation deck, crewmembers present saw the spherical glowing mass of this solar systems star. As she had done thousands of times since her construction, Destiny engaged her sublight drive and began to approach the star in order to recharge, and replenish onboard power reserves. As she drew closer to the star, the vessels systems lowered the bridge into its protective housing. Streaking across the surface of the sun, temperatures remained comfortable within the vessel, while external temperatures skyrocketed into a hellish firestorm.
Along the bottom surface of Destiny, solar collectors extended. Power flowed through power conduits, into power storage banks. Continuing her decent into the star, Destiny entered the body of the star itself. All around the Ancient vessel, radiation, extreme magnetic, and gravitational anomalies flourished. Ten minutes later, after circling half the circumference of the star from within, Destiny exited the solar mass. Returning to space on the opposite side of the star she had entered, Destiny began to power away.
Moving away from the center of the solar system, Destiny's powerful sensors reactivated. Upon activation, these sensors immediately detected emissions filling the electromagnetic spectrum. Crew standing watch on the bridge analyzing the detected emissions took note of the similarity between these emissions and radio transmissions filling the electromagnetic spectrum of Earth in the early twentieth century. Intelligent life had been found.
At Colonel Davidson's order, Destiny delayed her return to faster than light travel. Altering course, Destiny angled towards the planet from where the radio emissions came. Word quickly passed through the crew that an inhabited world had been found. Moments like these were the moments Destiny's crew lived for. First contact was always a moment of wonder and discovery. None aboard Destiny thought this would be any different. Perhaps they would find an ally in this distant corner of the universe.
Aware of the discovery, both Nicholas Rush and Eli Wallace made their way to the bridge. Remaining behind the railing near the bridge entrance, both intelligent minds opted to stay out of the way and simply observe. Falling into a high orbit, Colonel Davidson directed deep level scans of the planet below. Images of the planet's surface quickly appeared on overhead monitors. What filled these screens shocked all present.
Across the planet, cities stood. Many of these cities resembled those found on earth at the start of the twentieth century. Several of these cities had been reduced to ruble at some point, while others actively burned. The landscape surrounding these burned out cities was a hellish sight. Pockmarked and devoid of vegetation, these areas of the planet were filled with combatants locked in a battle of attrition. Eerily, these scenes closely resembled the killing fields of World War One Europe.
To either side of Eli and Rush, the phantom visions they had before encountered appeared. Unseen by the man beside him, both Eli and Rush thought the vision unique to them. Beside Rush stood his late wife, Gloria Rush. Beside Eli stood the late Sergeant Riley.
"You are about to see firsthand the reason you must press forward with this mission to its conclusion Nicholas." Gloria whispered into Rush's ear.
"Now you will see the justification to abandon this mission forever Eli. Your presence here will exact a price in blood." Riley said solemnly to Eli.
Edora
Edoran Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Much had changed on Edora since the arrival of the Tau'ri thirteen years ago. When first visited by the Tau'ri, Edora had been a world rich in mineral wealth, and home to an agrarian society. During then Colonel Jack O'Neill's forced stay on Edora following the gate being buried by a meteor storm referred to by locals as the fire rain, Jack did much to ingratiate the Tau'ri to Edora. After O'Neill's rescue, Jack left behind a population friendly to Earth, a woman who loved him, and an unborn son. Later, Edora became home to the first commercial off world venture, tasked with extracting much coveted naquadah.
While the agrarian society of Edora still flourished, it now did so with assistance from Earth. While the mining facility was constructed, a Tau'ri embassy, and shipping port were constructed. During this time, Edoran's were gifted with improvements such as indoor plumbing, electricity, and free health care. Making life easier, this also served to strengthen ties with Edora, and greatly improve the life expectancy of natives to this world.
Within the docking facility, three commercially owned Tau'ri cargo vessels sat. Two of these were busily engaged in disgorging cargo brought from Earth. Much of this cargo was destined for the mining facility and embassy, while the remainder would soon be in the hands of Edoran's. The third vessel, SS Doubleday sat inactive, having loaded naquadah ore fifteen hours earlier. In the distance, two figures, a woman and child, could be seen making their way up the boarding ramp of the Doubleday.
The child, General O'Neill's son Homer, was filled with excitement by his surroundings. Adding to Homer's excitement was the knowledge that in two days, he would see Earth, and finally meet his father. Laira, Homer's mother, was also excited by the prospect of rekindling the relationship shared so many years before. At the end of the boarding ramp, the woman and child came to a halt. Laira, handing a sheet of paper obtained from the Tau'ri embassy to the man standing at the top of the ramp, smiled. This man, taking the paper and comparing the names to a clipboard in his hand, returned the smile in welcome.
"I'm going to Earth!" Homer exclaimed.
"You are? Excited?" The man asked.
"I am! I'm going to see my father for the first time to!" Homer beamed.
"I bet your father is excited too! Ma'am, you are good to go. Step through the airlock, and someone will show you to your quarters." The man stated.
"Thank you." Laira responded.
Walking through the airlock, Homer was fascinated by the surroundings of the ship. Laira, feeling that life was about to change, turned to look out on Edora one final time. Across her face, a smile of hope spread.
High above Edora, USS George Hammond sat in stationary orbit, on the last leg of this patrol cycle in the Milky Way. These patrols were always milk runs. After this patrol was over, Colonel Erin Gant and her crew would enjoy a period of leave, followed by a refit of the USS Hammond. It was a relaxation period all aboard were looking forward to. Much had changed since Colonel Gant's time aboard Earth's first space vessel, the original Prometheus. In that time, Earth had vanquished many existing threats, and taken its place as a superpower in this multiple galaxies.
"Vessels detected approaching in hyperspace Ma'am." Hammond's sensor officer announced.
"Can you identify?" Colonel Gant inquired.
"Unsure ma'am." The sensor officer answered.
"Lucian Alliance maybe?" Gant pressed.
"The velocity is too fast for that ma'am. Speed of travel is similar to the BC-303's gifted to Alba Longa." The sensor officer responded.
"That is a possibility." Gant suggested, before returning her attention to other matters.
Minutes later, hyperspace windows opened near Edora, and further out in the solar system. From these dimensional rifts nearest Edora, ten Ha'tak Class warships emerged. Upon exit, these ten Ha'tak's opened fire. Plasma bolts raced towards the Edoran landscape far below, and also towards the ill prepared USS George Hammond. A single powerful plasma bolt slammed into the starboard side hanger bay, marring hull plating in all directions, and venting the bay to space. Through this hull rupture, crew members, equipment, and other debris were sucked into the cold vacuum of space. Before a second plasma bolt could strike the damaged warship, shields energized and protected the Tau'ri vessel from further damage. Unknown to the attackers, Hammond was a stricken vessel, with her hyper drive rendered inoperable.
Hammond's powerful Asgard designed shields flared brightly under the torrent of Ha'tak weapons fire. As this initial onslaught unfolded, Colonel Gant ordered the weapons suite brought online. Lacking the powerful weaponry of other newer vessels in Earth's fleet, the most lethal weapon aboard was the Asgard plasma beam. Directing that an emergency signal notifying Earth of the attack upon the Hammond and Edora be sent, Gant took the warship under her command into the fight.
Orienting to face her nearest attacker, Hammond maneuvered into firing position. As she came nose to nose with the Ha'tak, Hammond's shields continued to flare under the plasma bolt pummeling. From the forward most plasma beam battery, a bright and lethal beam sprang forth towards the attacking vessel. Crossing the gulf between the two vessels in the blink of an eye, the beam struck the Ha'tak's shields. More powerful than earlier models of this Goa'uld designed craft, the Ha'tak's shields shrugged off this first initial assault from USS Hammond. Seeing this shocked the bridge crew surrounding Colonel Gant.
Shifting to volley fire from all plasma beam batteries, Hammond unleashed incredible amounts of destructive power upon her attacker. Beam after beam struck the Ha'tak's shields. Impact of the fifth shot of the volley penetrated the Ha'tak's shields. The beam, continuing on into the body of the attacking craft, easily pierced the Ha'tak's hull. Seconds later, power generation systems failed and detonated aboard the Ha'tak, rendering it to nothing more than orbiting debris. Witnessing the death of their sister ship, the remaining nine Ha'tak's deviated their weapons fire away from Edora, and focused it fully upon the Hammond.
On the bridge of the Tau'ri battle cruiser, showers of sparks rained down on all present. Alarms blared, as smoke filled the command center. Hammond was in an indefensible position, and her crew knew it all too well. This situation was not one the USS Hammond could simply run from. Each member of the Hammond's crew knew that all that stood between life and death for the inhabitants of Edora was the single Tau'ri vessel.
"Shields are at twenty six percent and falling!" The defensive systems officer called out.
"Maneuver us away so we can recharge shields!" Gant ordered as the full brunt of enemy weapons fire came into play.
In defiance, Hammond's shields weathered unimaginable amounts of plasma bolt fire. Altering her course, the Tau'ri vessel angled away from her attackers, in hopes of replenishing shield strength, and possibly restoring systems rendered inoperable during the opening moves of the attack. Powering away with her sublight drive, Hammond's shields were struck over and over again to the rear. Twenty seconds later, Hammond's shields collapsed altogether. Seconds later, two late fired plasma bolts impacted Hammond's sublight drive, and vented further sections to space. Lacking propulsion and positioning thrusters, Hammond began to spin in the axis. Now, she was adrift, and defenseless. Seeing this, the remaining nine Ha'tak's once more shifted their fire fully towards the planet below. As these nine vessels unleashed a steady stream of destructive force, Death Gliders and troop landing ships began to deploy.
Edora now faced not just an assault, but also an invasion.
USS Ascension
In hyperspace
Milky Way Galaxy
Effortlessly racing through the void of hyperspace, USS Ascension, and her two sister ships Equinox and Neil Armstrong traveled along their preplanned route. Recently commissioned, none of these three vessels was yet inducted into service within the Tau'ri Fleet. Two weeks from now, upon completion of a rigorous test schedule, the three vessels of the Ascension Class would join the powerful fleet of Earth.
Life aboard the vessels of the Ascension Class was good. Unlike previous generations of Tau'ri vessels, the Ascension Class was the first to factor in crew comfort in both the physical and psychological area. Internally, all spaces were coated in a glasslike finish. These surfaces were tied in to a variety of ship systems, as well as entertainment and personal communications systems. Ascension was also the first class to completely integrate holographic display technology into all systems. While the Class was still new to the crews, it was an experience thus far raved about.
Within the bowels of USS Ascension, the bridge was an area of never ending activity. Seated at their comfortable workstations, the crew of Ascension went about the task of monitoring systems, scanning space, and marveling at the sheer speed of this new vessel. In his command chair, Brigadier General Aaron Eckhart enjoyed a cup of coffee while attending to evaluation paperwork for the most recent set of systems tests. Well aware that Ascension might very well be his last ship command, Eckhart had decided long ago to enjoy every moment this vessel was his. The appearance of the avatar of Ascension's onboard artificial intelligence interrupted Eckhart's concentration.
"Commander, I am receiving emergency message traffic from the USS George Hammond. They report they, along with Edora, are under attack." Ascension announced.
"Display galaxy map, and show all fleet units nearest Edora." Eckhart ordered.
In front of and above Eckhart's command chair, a holographic representation of the Milky Way galaxy appeared. Discreet blue diamonds marked the current locations of all Tau'ri vessels within the galaxy. Allied units, displayed with green diamonds, were also shown. As allied fleet units were displayed, Ascension's chief engineer, Lieutenant Colonel Larry Murphy arrived on the bridge.
"Looks like we are the closest to Edora. Send word to Equinox and Neil Armstrong that we will be responding to Hammond's message as a group." Eckhart ordered.
"Pardon me General, but no, we will not. The Ascension Class isn't even inducted into the fleet yet. Our weapons are locked and not yet fully tested. This is a reckless move." Murphy objected.
"Murphy, drunk driving is reckless. Telling your wife that yes, those jeans do in face make you look fat is reckless. This is our job." Eckhart argued.
"Nothing I can do about that General, as the weapons are locked out until certified for use." Murphy countered somewhat smugly.
Squinting his eyes in displeasure with his chief engineer, Eckhart stared silently for a moment. In his mind, he quickly computed variables and angles. Being told that something was simply not possible was not an outcome the career fighter pilot would ever accept.
"Ascension, what is your primary directive?" Eckhart asked.
"To protect the lives of my crew under any and all circumstances." Ascension replied.
Upon hearing the answer already known, Eckhart smiled. Tapping his earpiece, he began to speak once more.
"Send security teams one, two, and three to the shield emitter station nearest them, with their sidearms. Ascension, grant these teams override access of all security protocols relating to the shield emitter stations." Eckhart ordered.
In other parts of Ascension, the three roving security teams quickly made their way to the closest of three shield emitter stations onboard. As each arrived at their appointed place, they reported in their arrival directly to the bridge.
"Ascension, I need all weapons unlocked, now." Eckhart requested.
"I cannot comply with that request commander." Ascension argued.
"Listen very carefully. If the weapons are not unlocked, I will order the security teams to open fire on the shield emitters, until they are destroyed. I will then take this vessel into combat to assist the Hammond. Will a lack of shields hinder your primary directive?" Eckhart questioned.
Hearing this, Lieutenant Colonel Murphy scoffed scornfully. Ascension, considering the situation, and evaluating this against Brigadier General Eckhart's service record, quickly reached a decision.
"Yes, standby. Weapons unlocking now." Ascension replied.
"Transmit the unlock sequence to Equinox and Neil Armstrong." Eckhart instructed.
Some lessons have far reaching consequences. What Eckhart never stopped to consider was Ascension would store this interaction, and learn from it. Someday, Ascension might put the lesson learned today to use.
"Incoming message from Earth sir. Athena and four other ships are departing Arkos now. An Amphibious Ready Group is also vectoring towards Edora." The communications officer announced.
"What are the estimated times of arrival for both groups?" Eckhart questioned.
"At maximum speed, the Athena group will not arrive for half an hour. The Amphibious Ready Group will arrive ten minutes after Athena." The communications officer replied.
"Sound general quarters throughout the ship. Set course for Edora at emergency speed. Pass along these instructions to Equinox and Armstrong." Eckhart ordered.
Increasing speed, the three unproven vessels altered course. Ascension and her sisters were going to war.
Edora
Edoran Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Across the normally tranquil Edoran landscape, a continuous hail of orange colored plasma bolts rained down. Dirt filled the air, as white smoke marred the sky. Fires raged in wood lines ignited by the impact of energetic high temperature plasma bolts. Each impact caused the ground to quake. Emergency alert sirens, installed by the Tau'ri throughout Edoran settlements, wailed in the background. These wailing sirens were nearly drowned out by the thunderous explosions filling the air.
The Tau'ri embassy was the unlucky recipient of orbital bombardment. As a diplomatic mission, the Tau'ri embassy contained defensive systems. Shields, activated before the orbital bombardment took full effect, defiantly resisted the continuous series of impacts upon them. Flaring with each strike, the shield held, but was rapidly weakening. These shields lacked the strength to withstand a sustained assault of this magnitude. Embassy security forces within the embassy grounds deployed around the under siege facility.
Edoran inhabitants near the Tau'ri embassy rushed within, praying for protection by the facilities shielding system. Those inhabitants in other areas of Edora made their way to a system of caves, used for generations as a safe harbor from meteor impacts known as the fire rain. While many were already safe or making their way to safety, many were caught in the open. Had this world been heavily populated, the casualties would have been staggering. Despite the somewhat low number of casualties, the percentage these casualties represented of Edora's total population were shocking.
From above, small flights of Death Gliders rained down harassing fire at any human seen in the open. Behind these attack craft, Goa'uld designed troop carriers descended. Setting down in fields not yet marred by orbital weapons fire, these troop carriers began to disgorge ground troops in large numbers. Upon exit, the troops, clad in unique armor, did something unexpected. Rifles carried in the hands of each soldier were quickly slung over shoulders, at the order of the overall ground force commander.
"You know what to do! Earth will come!" The ground commander bellowed.
In response, the troops did nothing more than stand stationary. If this was an invasion, it was one not reliant on a speedy ground force. As the nine hundred ground troops stood, watching Edora burn, they took note of a vessel lifting off in the distance. The Tau'ri cargo vessel Doubleday, rising to an altitude of three thousand feet, began to quickly move away from Edora's docking facility. As the cargo vessel gained forward momentum, a hail of Ha'tak cannon fire rained down upon the fleeing Doubleday. Shredding first the upper deck plating, and then the inner body of the cargo carrier, Doubleday erupted from stern to bow in flame. Trailing smoke and fire, the burning vessel lost altitude, and exploded in the distance.
In orbit, onboard the lead Ha'tak of the Lucian Alliance task force, the vessel commander stood on the bridge of his ship. An unconcerned look marked his face. Shifting his attention from the viewport to the communications terminal before him, the vessel commander pressed a single button. Seconds later, the image of Sloviash appeared on the screen to the vessel commanders left.
"The attack is underway. We have crippled a Tau'ri battle cruiser. What are your orders?" The Ha'tak commander asked.
"Leave nothing alive on that world. Send the message that the Lucian Alliance will never bow to Tau'ri hegemony. Your actions will secure my leadership of the Lucian Alliance, and for this you will be richly rewarded." Sloviash promised.
"It will be done." The Ha'tak commander replied.
Elsewhere on the lead Ha'tak, many levels below the command center of the ship, a Lucian Alliance crewman stared out of a shielded viewing port. Reaching in his tunic, the crewman removed an apple. Polishing the delicious fruit with his sleeve, the crewman brought the apple to his mouth and took his first bite. As his teeth tore into the apple, the crewman's eyes went wide. Through the viewport, the crewman watched as USS Ascension exited hyperspace nearby. Seconds later, as the intimidating form of Ascension closed; an energy wave sprang forth towards the crewman's Ha'tak. Seeing this, the apple fell from his hand, while the bite taken seconds before fell from the mans mouth to the deck. The energy wave from Ascension impacted the Ha'tak's shields, and the crewman felt the vessel shudder as the Ha'tak's shields mysteriously faltered completely. Seconds after, the man watched the last thing he would ever witness in this life, as four beams of brilliant blue energy streaked away from Ascension, and struck the now unshielded Ha'tak.
USS Ascension, Five Minutes Earlier
In Orbit of Edora
Milky Way Galaxy
Seconds after the call to General Quarters, the crews aboard the three vessels of the Ascension Class raced to their duty stations. Bulkheads slammed shut, as internal shields formed over those now secure passageway doors. As duty stations were fully crewed, status updates were relayed to the bridge by the onboard artificial intelligence.
Power surged through many miles of power conduits running through the hull of each vessel. This power, provided by the onboard Arcturus shipboard power generation system, brought the many offensive and defensive systems of each vessel fully online. On the upper hull of Ascension, hull plating separated at two points to the front and rear of each vessel. From these openings, four turrets rose. Looking much like a battleship of old, the three Ascension Class vessels readied their main heavy armament. Smaller openings at places around the vessel also appeared. From these smaller openings, independently targetable Grodin batteries raised. Unseen, the many thousands of Ancient drones contained within magazines within Ascension stood ready.
On the bridge, Brigadier General Eckhart checked and rechecked the status of all offensive systems. As he did this, a golden colored conformal shield formed closely around the vessel's outer hull. Satisfied that all was ready, Eckhart tapped his earpiece once more, to address the crew under his command.
"All hands, this is the commander. In four minutes, we will exit hyperspace. I intend to take this ship into harms way. You are the best crew, with the best ship, that our world has ever given any commander. The men and woman of Edora, and the USS Hammond are counting on each of us. Rely on your training and trust in your ship, and we will make it through this. This is what we have trained to do. Do your duty, and we will save lives. That is all." Eckhart concluded.
As the three vessels raced towards Edora, they rapidly exchanged data amongst themselves. Equipped with powerful sensors, each vessel knew what to expect upon exit from hyperspace. Detecting a secondary group of Ha'tak's forty million kilometers from Edora changed the overall plan of attack. While Ascension and Equinox would drop out of hyperspace near the force pummeling Edora, USS Neil Armstrong would exit well away from the planet under siege.
"When we exit hyperspace, fire the culling wave at the nearest Ha'tak. Once the shields are down, I want a full spread at full power from turret number one." Eckhart ordered.
"Understood sir." The weapons officer replied.
In the air, a holographic countdown hovered. Seconds ticking by felt like minutes. The coppery and acid taste of stomach bile filled the mouths of crewmembers not accustomed to combat. Several aboard the powerful Tau'ri warship uttered a few last minute prayers. As the clock ticked down to zero, Ascension and Equinox reemerged from hyperspace near one another, but also near an attacking Ha'tak.
From the forward edge of the blade shaped hull of Ascension, a wave of energy raced away. This wave, quickly crossing the gulf between Ascension and the targeted Ha'tak, impacted the enemy vessels shields. Striking the shields, this wave immediately latched on to the energetic defensive field. This energy, whisked away in the same method used by Wraith to grab their prey, was transmitted to energy buffers aboard Ascension. Four seconds later, the Ha'tak's shields failed altogether. At that moment, from the forward most turret, four brilliant blue beams of ionic particle cannon fire raced towards the targeted Ha'tak. These beams, impacting tenths of a second later, ravaged the outer hull of the Ha'tak. Hull plating buckled and vaporized, as the four beams savaged their way into and through the Ha'tak's inner spaces. Seconds later, the Ha'tak detonated, and showered surrounding vessels and the planet of Edora with its remains. Through this pillar of fire and death Ascension drove, disregarding the carnage left in her wake.
Equinox, following suit simultaneously, similarly opened fire. Maneuvering her bow towards the crippled USS Hammond drifting in the distance, Equinox brought a quick and violent end to the Ha'tak nearest the crippled Daedalus Class vessel. Powering through the debris field left by the second Ha'tak's violent end, Equinox moved to cover Hammond. Passing above the stricken Hammond, Equinox pirouetted, and shielded Hammond with her own hull and shields. Watching Ascension turn away, to press her own attack on the line of Ha'tak's, Equinox fired off sustained bursts from her forward number one and two turrets. Gun directors aboard Equinox coordinated their fire with gun directors aboard Ascension, to ensure maximum lethality. Two more Ha'tak's fell to Equinox's untested main weapon.
Within Lucian Alliance ranks, chaos and panic broke out. These newly arrived vessels were ones never before encountered, and possessed of unimaginable power. Getting momentary control of panic on the bridge of each remaining Ha'tak, the Lucian Alliance ship commanders ordered their weaponry be brought to bear against these two newly arrived attackers. Using every bit of the power provided by onboard reactors and the subspace capacitor, the six remaining Ha'tak's discharged a hellish hurricane of plasma bolt fire.
As the many hundreds of plasma bolts impacted both the Ascension and Equinox, conformal shields flared and blossomed. Unknown to the Lucian Alliance, these conformal shields were far stronger than those found aboard any other Tau'ri vessel other than a city ship. Knowing that the longer the Lucian Alliance Ha'tak's remained functional, the longer Tau'ri fleet crews and Edoran's were in danger, the two Tau'ri dreadnoughts moved to end the ship battle as quickly as possible. Aboard the Ha'tak's, vessel commanders screamed for the reserve force of Ha'tak's to join in the lopsided battle. As they did, a long stream of Ancient drone weapons sprang forth from within the hull of Ascension.
As the golden colored weapons closed on the four nearest targets, Equinox again opened fire with her ionic particle cannon. As drone weapons effortlessly phased through shields and savaged their way through Ha'tak hulls, ionic particle cannon fire impacted the shields of the other two remaining Lucian Alliance attack craft. As the beams impacted, the two Ha'tak's first found their shield strength dropping at an incredible rate. Seconds later, under sustained bombardment by the powerful beam weapon, these shields buckled and failed completely. While the two Ha'tak's violently met their end, and were torn apart by internal explosions from power systems gone critical, those Ha'tak's struck by drones similarly exploded. Within seconds, the Lucian Alliance task force that had moments before bombarded the surface of Edora, was reduced to wreckage and debris.
In the distance, the six Ha'tak's of the Lucian Alliance reserve force powered towards Edora. Their shields and weapons fully powered, these Ha'tak's raced to get within firing range of the two attackers orbiting Edora. From their positions, both Equinox and Ascension trained their forward turret towards the oncoming Ha'tak's. Aligned in two side by side rows of three vessels, the Ha'tak's felt themselves somewhat safe from incoming weapons fire. As one, both Ascension and Equinox opened fire with all four beam emitters of their forward most turrets. Once more, eight beams of brilliant blue energy raced through cold and lifeless space. Seven seconds later, as the lead Ha'tak's entered firing range, the eight ionic particle beams impacted their targets. Following the fate of their brothers and sisters, the lead Ha'tak in each line shuddered, and then exploded violently.
Feeling themselves safe within the cover provided by the debris field from the two destroyed Ha'tak's; the remaining four powered their hyperspace drives. At this point, all aboard the four remaining Ha'tak's knew that the battle was lost, and now was the time to escape and fight another day. What they did not know, was that death lurked within their ranks. Between the four Ha'tak's, USS Neil Armstrong powered down its cloak. Targeting a turret at each Ha'tak, the powerful conformal shields of USS Neil Armstrong sprang to life. A second later, gun directors aboard Neil Armstrong opened fire on their respective targets. Once more, brilliant blue beams of lethal weapons fire delivered death. The sight of USS Neil Armstrong was quickly obscured by the exploding box of death that was the four now destroyed Ha'tak's exploding all around.
Moments later, as Equinox went about beaming Hammond's crew from their stricken vessel, hyperspace windows tore open the fabric of space. From these dimensional rifts emerged Athena, under the command of Brigadier General Stephan Caldwell, along with four other Athena Class vessels belonging to several nations. Realizing the warship threat had been dealt with; the five Athena's quickly deployed their internally carried F-302's. These 302's quickly entered the Edoran atmosphere, to hunt down and exterminate the Death Gliders rampaging through Edoran skies.
As the first of the long line of F-302's entered the Edoran atmosphere, hyperspace windows once again tore open. Emerging from these latest tears in the fabric of space were the ships of Amphibious Ready Group Four. Under escort by Crossbow Class frigates, the Veracruz Class troop ships began to quickly beam elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to Edora's surface. These Marines would first secure Earth's embassy compound, and then move to engage Lucian Alliance ground forces present.
In the coming hours, the Lucian Alliance ground forces would surrender without ever firing a single shot. Further ship arrivals, in the form of the hospital ships USNS Benevolence and USNS Haven, would move to render aid to wounded across Edora. As wounded were tended to, and the enemy ground force taken into custody, the Lucian Alliance ground force commander would travel through the gate under escort to Earth.
While the genie of war had once more slipped from the battle of peace, that genie had been neutered by technology. Once more, war had come home to roost among the Tau'ri, and the Milky Way at large.
Star Gate Command, Cheyenne Mountain
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
The mood was tense within the subterranean complex of Star Gate Command. Having received notification of the attack upon Edora, the SGC waited with bated breath for further acts of war from the Lucian Alliance. When word came of the speedy repulse of the Lucian Alliance attack, the SGC and Brigadier General Samantha Carter in particular breathed a collective sigh of relief. Hours later, word was received regarding the capture of the Lucian Alliance ground force commander, and his coming transfer through the gate to Earth.
In the gate room, General Carter stood. Surrounding her were six armed SGC security personnel. As the announcement of an inbound traveler rang out, a wave of anger filled Carter. Once again, the Lucian Alliance had attacked Earth and her interests. After a career spent journeying throughout the universe, Carter wanted nothing more than an end to senseless killing, violence, and power jockeying. Sadly, Carter was all too aware that war was something older than man itself.
Tens of seconds after gate activation, and subsequent settling of the event horizon, the first Marine escorts stepped through the gate. Behind them, a single man dressed in armor oddly familiar to General Carter, took his first steps on Earth. A second later, two more Marine escorts passed through the gate, and the gate deactivated in full. Walking their prisoner down the ramp leading away from the gate, the Marine escorts ordered their prisoner to halt. One of these Marines removed the Lucian Alliance ground force commander's helmet, and exposed his face to Samantha Carter. Locking eyes with Carter, the ground force commander smiled broadly.
"Samantha Carter, it is good to see you again. We have much to discuss." The ground force commander began.
"Aris Boch?" Carter asked in confusion.
"Surprise!" Aris exclaimed.
"Take him to a holding cell." Carter huffed.