Alba Longa
Alba Longan Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Standing in orbit, USS Prometheus stood witness to the pyrrhic victory of e defense of Alba Longa. Communications technicians aboard the powerful super carrier busied themselves trying to contact with multiple groups on the planet's surface. On the far side of the Campus Martius, that Tau'ri Embassy still stood. The Embassy's survival rested solely on the defensive shielding system, that had protected the structure and all within from Lucian Alliance orbital bombardment. Once communications were established with Earth's diplomatic compound, efforts to contact the Alba Longan government, safely protected within the protective embrace of Elysium, commenced.
Looking down on the world of Alba Longa, the bridge crew of Prometheus saw firsthand the devastation unleashed upon this world. The only comparable example to what the crew saw was found in the darkest days of the Twentieth century. Dresden, destroyed in a single night of vicious strategic bombing, bore a striking resemblance to the new reality of Alba Longa.
From Prometheus, and the sixteen AthenaClass cruisers accompanying her, unlimited endurance UCAV's patrolled in orbit, and further out into the solar system. Loaded with anti-ship missiles, these small hunters would inflict horrible punishment on the Lucian Alliance, should they opt to return. This heavily networked standing combat air patrol allowed many of the Athena's to attend to critical tasks on the ground below.
Amid the destruction that was the old city, in a forum built many generations ago, the star gate of Alba Longa activated. Miraculously, the gate remained standing, and able to receive an incoming wormhole. From the shimmering event horizon, allies of Alba Longa, first responders from Tollana emerged. Leading from the front, Chancellor Narim could be seen.
The sight that welcomed those from Tollana was a visceral assault to their senses. Years earlier, these first responders had seen a very similar sight of destruction and devastation, when Tollana met a similar fate. Stomachs churned, as tears welled in the eyes of each Tollan. Time heals all wounds, but for many, the memory of the near death of their civilization was simply too fresh. Calm and logical, the Tollan were not a civilization prone to anger. Despite that, anger and hatred took root in each. This world, an allied world, did not deserve a fate such as this.
Passing overhead, through tendrils of smoke climbing skyward, Puddle Jumpers could be seen. To the Tollan's, these small craft represented a symbol of hope. The first time a Tollan laid eyes upon a Jumper was the day of rescue, when Earth delivered those Tollan's that remained to a future where hope was once again possible. Earth, as she had done before for her allies, was here.
In the orbital plane separating Alba Longa from her moon, a second group of Tau'ri vessels exited hyperspace. These vessels, comprising two groups merged into one, passed near Prometheus, and descended towards the planet's surface. Vessels large and small, moving with purpose, quickly sped towards the devastation below.
As these vessels came into view of the Tollan's standing in the star gate, a stream of small craft blossomed from each. Inside each of these small craft were the men and women of the 15th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units, which were but the opening act of Earth's response. With this influx of manpower came the crisis response knowhow of the United States Marine Corps, which had long ago learned to respond to emergencies big and small.
As the collection of Tollan first responders consulted handheld scanners, laboring to locate any of their allies among the destruction, they found no life signs present. This filled Narim and those around him with horror. This horror quickly took hold, but was interrupted by the visual cues of an Asgard transport beam. In its wake stood a single individual, wearing the now standard multicam uniform of American ground forces when not outfitted with combat exoskeletons.
"Chancellor Narim, I was not told to expect you here." Colonel Latham Hudson began.
"These are our allies. How could I not come? How do I address you?" Chancellor Narim asked.
"I am Colonel Latham Hudson, commander of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and in overall command of ground operations here for now." Colonel Hudson responded.
From the wreckage of a building at the periphery of the forum, a collection of ten men emerged. Eight of these men, wearing digital camouflage uniforms similar to Colonel Hudson's and heavily armed, surrounded the other two men. Well armed, and moving as if they expected combat at any moment, these eight men were clearly legionaries. That made the two men they guarded persons of importance. Closer inspection of these two men revealed the older of the two men was wounded, and limping with the assistance of the man supporting him. Slowly, this group of ten men made their way to the Colonel, Chancellor Narim, and the other Tollan first responders.
"The enemy thinks they dealt us a fatal blow, but they have not." Consul Fulvious Flavius labored to say.
"Consul, I must insist that we get your wounds treated." Primus Imperator Appius Mucius urged.
Seeing the tattered uniform of Appius Mucius, Colonel Hudson saluted crisply. He then reported the location of both Appius Mucius and the Consul into his earpiece. Before he could make another move, Colonel Hudson took not of legionaries pouring into the forum.
"My mission is to assist in securing your world, and rendering any and all assistance necessary. Once my people are in place, we can begin humanitarian operations. We can also begin transporting supplies to an area of your choosing, and rendering medical assistance." Colonel Hudson announced.
"My people are indebted to you for this assistance." Consul Fulvious Flavius swore.
"Can we expect further reinforcements from Earth?" Primus Imperator Appius Mucius pressed.
"If the medical facilities on the vessels present proves to be less than needed, assets on Ilempir have been placed on standby. For now, that may be all that Earth is able to easily provide." Colonel Hudson explained.
"Due to your military chasing down those that committed this crime?" Fulvious Flavius questioned.
"Earth was also attacked. Reports are sketchy at best, but casualties are high. That is all I know at this time." Colonel Hudson admitted.
"If Earth was attacked successfully, then what hope do other less advanced worlds have?" Narim asked honestly.
"These attacks will not go unanswered. While I can only guess as to how my planet will respond, were I to wager a guess, I would say that our response will be biblical. Fire and brimstone will fall from the heavens." Hudson said with venom.
"The Consul needs medical attention." Appius Mucius suggested.
"My orders are, upon recovery of the Consul, to dial the gate and send him to Shambhala. Chancellor Narim, I think it would be wise if you accompanied the Consul." Colonel Hudson stated.
"Of course." Narim agreed.
Accepting the burden of assisting the limping Consul to the gate, Narim wrapped the mans arm around his shoulder. Walking slowly towards the gate, Narim focused on helping his ally, while the Consul took in the destruction all around. Tears flowed down the Consul's cheeks, as he realized the work of his people was now nothing more than strewn rubble. Taking once last look at the destroyed Curia, the Consul spoke.
"Murum aries attigit." The Consul said solemnly.
"What does that mean?" Narim asked.
"The ram has touched the wall." The Consul explained as both men passed through the gate.
First spoken in the early days of the Roman Empire, this saying meant many things. Romans then and now, operate under the assumption that once an assault has taken place, one should never accept quarter or mercy. In his own way, the Consul was announcing that no mercy would be granted to those who had inflicted such pain on Alba Longa.
"We will rebuild." Primus Imperator Appius Mucius promised.
"We have that covered sir." Colonel Hudson replied.
Several thousand feet above the charred landscape, and crumbled cityscapes, multiple Athena Class cruisers could be seen by those below. First, these vessels, making use of their powerful sensor suites, scanned the rubble thoroughly, to ensure no survivors or dead were present. Activating their beaming arrays, incredible volumes of ruble vanished in pillars of light and sound.
The cleanup, of rubble still glowing white hot, began in earnest. Equipped with detailed ultra high resolutions scans of what this world had looked like previously, from other Tau'ri vessels that had made port calls here, all would be rebuilt as it once was. The matter stream creation suites aboard each Athena Class vessel present made this possible. While this rebuilding would not be instantaneous, it would take place far faster than any of this would could ever imagine possible.
From the heavens above, the three surviving vessels of the Alba Longan Fleet in this solar system made their way to the ground below. Passing over the fields of the Campus Martius, the three damaged vessels settled over, and nestled into cradles built for the purpose, where these charred and blackened vessels came to rest. Three of these cradles would remain empty, reminding all the price paid by the crews of the vessels lost in the defense of Alba Longa.
As Aquila, Corfinium, and Arsinoe powered down, the first portions of humanitarian supplies retook material form on the fields of the Campus Martius. Using matter stream creation suites aboard warships present, all materials, supplies, and other odds and ends required by the Alba Longan people would be provided. Sunset slowly took hold over this world, with golden rays standing in stark contrast to the smoke filled skies.
Alba Longa would rebuild, and arise from the ashes stronger than ever before.
Andrews Air Force Base
Seven minutes before first nuclear detonation in Asia
Earth
In dawns early light, the United States, like other nations on Earth, was a nation in the grips of crisis. Chemical weapons coursing through the atmosphere states away was a crisis unlike any America had ever faced before. Word of nuclear weapons release elsewhere on the planet turned that crisis into something more. In the capital cities of several nations, long held plans to protect national leadership were initiated. For many, this meant being whisked away to secure locations around the world, and for others it meant a short trip through the star gate to Shambhala, and Fleet Station McHenry.
President O'Bannon, surrounded by his Secret Service detail, was beamed away from the Situation Room of the White House, where he had watched this crisis continue to grow. Retaking material form, O'Bannon and his security detail found themselves within the cavernous interior of a large and recently constructed hanger on Andrews Air Force Base. Standing before them in this space was a single, subdued grey BC-311. Unlike other 311's, this one was not outfitted for VIP transport. Instead, this 311 was equipped for a single mission, and that mission was one none present wished to ever see performed.
Nightwatch, the mission for which this particular BC-311 was named, differed from the other luxuriously appointed vessels of this class in a number of ways. Sitting on twenty-four hour alert, Nightwatch was never without a crew nearby. Equipped with a variety of communications systems, this vessel existed to be the single most survivable mobile command post ever created. From within this vessel, entire wars, both conventional and nuclear, could be planned and executed. Around the world, the other vessels like Nightwatch, in use by China, Russia, France, and Great Britain leapt into action. While fans of the Mass Effect franchise found it entertaining that the BC-311 resembled the Normandy of Mass Effect fame, nothing about the deployment of these vessels was entertaining or amusing at all.
President O'Bannon, not so much shoved along as carried, found himself traveling up the energy shielding based stairway of the vessel before him. Guiding O'Bannon towards the rear of the vessel, the Secret Service detail unceremoniously deposited him in a conference room. Less than a minute later, the National Security Advisor, and other important figures arrived as well. A deck below the conference room, Air Force communications technicians began to pipe in updates from the Pentagon.
Outside of Nightwatch, armed Air Force security police surrounded the hanger. Their weapons, loaded all, were aimed outward towards any threat that might approach. Massive trinium hanger doors parted. On the flight deck of Nightwatch, throttles were advanced, and the vessel emerged from the cavernous hanger. Normal flight safety rules were set to the side, to allow for Nightwatch and its precious cargo to take to the air.
Clearing the hanger, Nightwatch, while hovering above the concrete tarmac, began to rise at a rate of ten feet per second. Rising above the hangers roof, powerful defensive shielding enveloped the vessel. Advancing the throttles of sub-light engines to their firewalls, Nightwatch rocketed away from Andrews at a frightening pace. Angling away from North America, Nightwatch streaked towards the airspace above the South Atlantic.
Seated in the conference room, O'Bannon felt his throat parch, as his stomach knotted. A man not accustomed to fear or uncertainty, these were the two things the President felt most. Never before in his life had O'Bannon felt so alone, despite being surrounded by others. He knew he had to act, even if that action was later proven to be incorrect. Turning to his National Security Advisor, Carol Barlow, O'Bannon began to speak.
"Carol, I need to know everything you can tell me, and I need it now." O'Bannon prompted.
"Minutes ago, NORAD observed the launch of two intermediate range ballistic missiles take place in Pakistan. One of these missiles is targeted at India, and the other China. India, having also detected the launch, replied in kind." Barlow stated numbly.
"This is exactly why every other nation on this planet did away with these weapons!" O'Bannon snarled.
"Mr. President, my opinion, and the opinion of the Pentagon and national intelligence, is that the timing of this is too convenient. Intelligence was received, warning of an impending attack. The National Security Agency outpost on Tartarus, at the instruction of Secretary Landry, reviewed their logs of subspace communications directed towards Earth. They confirm that a subspace message was transmitted here from Delmak. It is my assessment that what we are seeing is a coordinated Lucian Alliance attack, and not a series of random events. A small task force of our most powerful vessels is tailing the Lucian Alliance Fleet heading towards Hebridan." Barlow explained.
"If that is the case, then why would Pakistan decide to go along with an enemy they have no contact with, and launch a nuclear strike against two neighboring nations?" O'Bannon demanded.
"It could be possible that this is not an action ordered by the Pakistani government. Sowing chaos in the enemies house would work in favor of the Lucian Alliance. Combine this with a direct attack on Alba Longa and the move towards Hebridan, and it becomes clear. Mr. President, at this point we can do nothing to prevent the three nuclear strikes inbound. What we can do is prevent a widening of this, into something worse. India operates under a doctrine they call Cold Start. That allows for their military to immediately go from a peacetime footing to war in hours. They will invade, and possibly launch further nuclear strikes, if we do not step in. China could very well respond in similar fashion." Barlow extolled.
"I want you in the communications area, directing the Pentagon to get all hands on deck. A full standup of the National Guard and Reserves is authorized, to deal with the crisis within our borders. While you do this, I will consult with the leaders of other nations in an attempt to reel this situation back." O'Bannon instructed.
Activating communications links set aside for his personal use, President O'Bannon reached out to the leaders of allied nations across the globe. Over the course of twenty furious minutes, many developments took place. Further Indian and Chinese response was prevented. Contacts were made with the few surviving members of the Pakistani government, following the destruction of that nation's capital. Convincing the governments involved that this was not a Pakistani attack, but the actions of an external actor took every bit of charm, intelligence, patience, and wit O'Bannon possessed. After presenting his case, and the intelligence information in his possession, all parties saw the horrors transpiring around the world as certainly a Lucian Alliance ploy.
Elsewhere, a very similar conversation was taking place between the financial chiefs of each nation. Each realized that they were witnessing an unprecedented financial meltdown, the likes of which had never been dreamed of. Had world markets not ground to a standstill after the takedown of the internet, trading would have certainly been halted. During a heated debate, it was realized that the internet takedown presented an opportunity. If the internet had been left untouched, a mass global selloff would have doomed the global economy. The sudden shutdown of the world wide web, and accompanying destruction of much stored data made possible a reset across the board, to the time of the last backup of market activity in each exchange. It wasn't necessarily legal, ethical, or even acceptable, but it was something that just might work. A market reset would mean that certain trades were lost, but that was far better than a total market collapse.
Seated in the conference room, President O'Bannon was surrounded by hologram representations of leaders from around the world. Much ground had been covered in this continuing conversation, but much remained to be dealt with as well. One of the largest was how to respond, and who would be responding to this attack.
"Weapons of mass destruction have been unleashed upon five nations. No one questions if we will respond. The only questions are when we will respond, and how we will respond." O'Bannon said crisply.
"Nuclear weapons have been used against the Russian people. I will settle for nothing less than responding in kind." The Russian President answered angrily.
"China concurs with Russia on this matter." The leader of China agreed.
"While the United Kingdom pledges our full support for whatever measures are taken, we cannot and will not respond in such a manner. This is due to no such use of weapons of mass destruction taking place against our territory or people." The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom announced.
"France also will offer whatever support is needed or requested, but we will not make use of a class of weapons not used against our nation." The French President stated.
"Before we move forward with this line of discussion, I believe we must also realize a few realities. Whatever actions we take in response, they must be performed as one. We must stand together. This situation, while tragic, presents us all with an opportunity to correct our failings. The Lucian Alliance exploited our divisions, and at this moment, civilians are paying the price for that. Now, we can do something not for politics sake, or political gain. This is our opportunity to do something larger than each of us. To make full use of this opportunity, we will need to make full use of the United Nations." O'Bannon stated.
Before any of the world leaders in conference could ask what President O'Bannon was speaking of, the door of the conference room opened. Stepping through the doorway was a middle aged officer of the US Navy. In his right hand was a briefcase, known as the football. This case, a key component to unleashing the strategic arsenal of the United States, was never more than fifty feet away from the President. Seeing this officer, with the burden he carried approaching, O'Bannon turned directly towards the officer.
"I appreciate your dedication to duty, but before I need use of that Pandora's box you're carrying, I must consult with allies. When you are needed, I will call for you." O'Bannon said as politely as he could.
While the President continued his discussion with allies around the world, other allies were organizing a response of their own.
Star Gate Command
Cheyenne Mountain
Earth
Throughout the subterranean complex of Star Gate Command, the mood was grim. Accustomed to dealing with global catastrophes on other worlds, the SGC found itself facing a crisis it could not prevent. A feeling of powerlessness prevailed in each of the highly trained members present. Safely encapsulated underground, all within the SGC viewed the walls of the facility as a barrier preventing them from helping their fellow inhabitants of Earth. Also present was an overwhelming sense of guilt that while they were safe, citizens and innocents of the world were dead or dying.
Hope, an emotion the SGC had relied on since the very first step through the star gate, was not to be found. No magical solution to undue the tragedies unfolding around the world was at hand. In the heart of all, a sense of sham and failure took hold. Each service member believed it was their duty to protect those that could not protect themselves. In that task, they saw only their failure. What none were aware of, was that help and hope was already on its way.
In the gate room, a stable event horizon appeared within the gate, without the normal flurry of flushing as a connection was established. Seeing this, Brigadier General Samantha Carter rushed into the gate room itself. Through the event horizon, Ambassador Dorin of the Furling exited. On his face was a stern look, a look of grim determination. Locking his eyes on those of General Carter, the powerful ascended ally of Earth spoke.
"Help has arrived." Dorin said simply.
From the shimmering blue event horizon, a brilliantly illuminated stream of ascended beings poured out. In their spectral energy form, the dozens of ascended beings blazing forth from the gate per second looked vaguely like Ancient drone weapons when in flight. Thousands upon thousands of these beings poured through the gate, in an unstoppable flood. This writhing pillar of ascended presence and power angled upwards, and effortlessly passed through the energy barrier guarding the shaft traveling from the gate room to Earth's surface. While the majority of the still arriving ascended beings took this route, dozens remained in the gate room, slowly circling above both Dorin and Carter.
Ascended beings of several races and cultures were not the only ones making their way to Earth. Through the gate, members of the Nox, in groups of several dozen, arrived individually. On the normally serene faces of the Nox were expressions of sorrow, and a resolve to rush to the aid of those currently dead or dying. As each individual group of Nox reached the bottom of the ramp leading away from the active gate, a single circling ascended being swooped down from above, enveloping the Nox, and racing elsewhere on the planet with them in tow.
This was not all the response from the other Great Races. Near Mars, the Replicator home world, three dozen hyperspace windows tore open in unison. From each of these dimensional doorways, a vessel of the Asgard Fleet returned to the bonds of normal space. Several of these vessels were the powerful and intimidating Hala Class. Accompanying these most powerful of Asgard warships were the smaller, but still incredibly powerful O'Neill Class. The vast majority of this Asgard armada was composed not of warships, but of Daniel Jackson Class science vessels.
Powered forward by their sub-light drives, this armada of vessels passed near the upper reaches of the Mars atmosphere. Having communicated their intentions from hyperspace, the billions of Replicators inhabiting this world stood ready for what the Asgard planned. Transport beaming arrays, aboard each of the thirty-six vessels activated. Incredible numbers of Replicators, standing ready, vanished. These Replicators, allies of Earth, would remain dematerialized, and stored in the pattern buffers of each vessel. Their cargo in tow, the Asgard armada powered forward, as fast as their sub-light drives could propel them, towards a grievously wounded Earth.
Passing the vessels of the Tau'ri Fleet, waiting for any attempted Lucian Alliance incursion into the solar system of Sol, the Asgard task force exchanged signals and information. Continuing along their course, the Asgard marched towards Earth. Reaching Earth's moon, the collection of Asgard vessels broke up into six groups of six vessels apiece. Powerful sensors scanned Earth, and the electromagnetic spectrum. This information, combined with data flowing from many nations, provided a full picture of the crisis below, as well as the scope of damage.
Instead of slowing, and taking stationary orbits, the collection of Asgard vessels continued their charge towards Earth. Descending towards the individual regions affected, these vessels once more activated their transport beaming arrays. Replicators, in untold numbers, returned to material form on Earth's surface. These Replicators, joining forces with the Nox and ascended beings present, dove head first into the task of saving those that could be saved. Also responding, but not yet their in force, were the militaries, emergency services, and civilians of those nations attacked.
Asgard transport beaming would play another crucial role. Fallout, drifting through the skies of Asia at three locations, was targeted by sensors aboard many vessels. It began in the skies of Asia. Bright flashes of light appeared, much like an aurora borealis, beaming away radioactive fallout. Once the atmospheric fallout was removed in full, these vessels would refocus their efforts on the ground below. A similar sight took place over the United States, where beaming removed the chemical residue of VX nerve agent drifting through the skies, and already present on the ground below.
Within an hour, the powerful Asgard sensors aboard each vessel would be repurposed for yet another mission. Searching for life signs amid the destruction, these vessels sought out those still miraculously alive. When located, these fortunate individuals were beamed away, to a location of safety, where medical personal, or the Nox, would attend to them. Next, those with failing life signs were located, and similarly beamed away. Once that task was complete, the remains of those who perished in these attacks were locked on to, and also beamed elsewhere. Nox, insisting the dead be brought to them, awaited these dead. While they might not be able to save all the dead, the Nox believed a number could be returned to life.
Across Earth, a mad dash to save lives was taking place. Never before had a humanitarian mission of such size and scope taken place. Putting aside their differences, grievances, and disagreements; all worked tirelessly towards one goal. That goal was to protect life where possible, and save as many as could be saved. It had taken a disaster of unspeakable proportions to bring all mankind together, but for the first time all Earth labored as one.
In areas dangerous to human life, Replicators surged forward. Viewing the people of Earth as the mother and father the Ancient's had refused to be, all Replicators labored to save the family that had provided a chance at life. Nox, disregarding the dangers around them, charged into dangerous territory beside the Replicators. Never before had teamwork been seen on such a scale. Many races now stood as one, to bring about the most noble goal, and safeguard human life. In the coming hours, lives through lost would be saved, while many lives would remain lost for all time.
Underneath Cheyenne Mountain, Brigadier General Samantha Carter watched as the star gate powered down. Dorin, remaining in front of the now inactive gate, looked down at the floor upon which he stood. Having lived for many thousands of years, Dorin knew what heartache was. Knowing the suffering of the people of this world, a world he had helped nurture, Dorin's heart broke. A single tear rolled down his face. Pushing this emotional tumult aside, a steely resolve took hold within the Furling Ambassador. Turning on his heels, General Carter saw firsthand the emotion, turmoil, and rage in Dorin's eyes. Before Carter could say a single word, Dorin raised a hand into the air. In response, a stable event horizon appeared within the gate as if by magic.
"Where are you going?" Carter asked.
"As the Fifth Race, I will leave the response to this unspeakable attack in your hands. What I will do is make clear the magnitude of the transgressors mistake. Your people will be the sword of justice, and I will be your messenger." Dorin promised, before stepping through the gate.
The San Remo Building
New York, New York
Earth
Not one to sleep with any regularity, Ba'al sat in the ornately appointed salon of his living quarters. Taking a sip from the glass in his hand, Ba'al savored the smokey flavor of the aged Scotch. Shifting his attention from his drink, the former System Lord returned his attention in full to the cable news station broadcast filling the screen across the room. The images that filled the screen filled Ba'al with an anger he had not felt in hundreds of years.
Earth, or the First World as Ba'al preferred to call it, was a world Ba'al had invested much in. All of his efforts were geared around the internal order and workings of this world. His future return to power over this galaxy revolved around first gaining control of a vibrant and prosperous Earth. He had chosen this planet as his refuge, simply because he believed it immune from attack.
What angered Ba'al most was not the fact that Earth had been attacked, but the form that attack had taken. Financial markets were Ba'al's chosen playground, and one where he had enjoyed great success. Earth, as he liked to say, was a pit where the greediest individual wins. Attacks on financial markets, and subsequent market free fall, were undoing all that the former System Lord had achieved thus far.
Possessed of a quick wit, Ba'al was not one to overlook known facts, be they large or small. Months before, Ba'al had been notified of a group searching for weapons. Even then, Ba'al had believed this group to be planning an uprising of sorts. If the events seen on screen were the actions of that group, Ba'al believed it was time to take action against them.
Rising from his seat, the former System Lord made his way into the office he maintained here. As he walked towards the office, he thought back to times past. Memories of the prolonged torture of then Colonel Jack O'Neill never failed to bring a smile to Ba'al's face. The thought of speaking with his former nemesis amused him greatly. He was sure, had O'Neill been aware of his presence on Earth, the General would have happily rained hell down upon him. What he General didn't know wouldn't hurt him, yet.
Taking a seat behind the polished desk of his office, Ba'al removed a small index card from a drawer. On this card was the contact information the group seeking to purchase weapons had provided. This information could accomplish things. First, it could give Ba'al a sense of payback against those that had damaged his financial holdings. Second, providing this information to the Pentagon could serve to ensure large scale contracts in the future in thanks for providing information. Third, this would give Ba'al a chance to treat O'Neill as a fool. While all three reasons served Ba'al's interests, it was the third reason Ba'al liked most.
As the owner of both Farrow Marshall Aerospace, and now Lockheed Martin, Ba'al possessed the knowhow to bypass normal channels, and reach out directly to senior military commanders within the hierarchy. Using the speakerphone atop his desk, Ba'al dialed the direct line of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Reaching General O'Neill's aide, Ba'al communicated the urgency of his need to speak with O'Neill. After four minutes of waiting, and several transfers of the phone call, Ba'al heard the ever familiar voice of General Jack O'Neill.
"Mr. Ballston, I understand you wish to speak with me on an urgent matter. While I appreciate the call, I hope you understand that I have a literal handful of urgent matters needing my attention." Jack O'Neill said in annoyance.
"Forgive me from pulling you away from other urgent matters. I am aware of how you dedicate yourself to the defense of our planet. I appreciate you taking my call." Ballston replied.
"My time is short. What exactly do you need to tell me?" O'Neill asked plainly.
"It has come to my attention that some time ago, an individual approached consultants of my company. This individual had a shopping list of weaponry. It is my belief this individual may be connected to the attacks across the planet. I am calling to pass along the contact information for this information. This information could potentially help you catch those who committed this hateful attack." Ballston explained.
"In my experience, military contractors never provide anything out of the goodness of their heart." O'Neill interjected.
"I am well aware of all that you have done to protect this planet, and I for one am thankful for your efforts to keep Earth safe. Without those efforts, I doubt I would be nearly as comfortable as I am today. The information I am willing to provide, I provide simply for the good of Earth. My future is assured with an Earth looking outward, ready to repel all threats." Ballston admitted.
Over the course of the next two minutes, Ba'al provided the cellphone number, and other relevant information in his possession. O'Neill, dutifully copying this information down, thanked Ba'al several times. During the conversation, O'Neill was hit with the odd sensation that Mr. Ballston sounded incredibly familiar. Believing the stress of the moment was getting to him, O'Neill pushed these thoughts aside.
"Mr. Ballston, thank you for this. I will personally see that this information finds its way into the hands of the right people." O'Neill stated.
"Thank you for that General. We are all in this together. Perhaps, someday you can come work for me. I think you'll find that I am someone you will be surprised about. Now, I will let you attend to your duties. Keep Earth safe for both of us." Ballston said in parting.
Ending the connection, Ba'al leaned back in his high backed leather chair. A broad smile spread across his face. Not only would he get even with those that had hurt his financial interests, but he had been gifted the chance to laugh at his former enemies expense. This day was looking up.
In the Pentagon, O'Neill immediately passed this information along to law enforcement, and intelligence services. This small bit of information might provide the break that was needed to ascertain the identities of those who had launched this attack. In the coming hours, the information given would provide a wealth of intelligence. Those of the Lucian Alliance, heirs of all the Goa'uld left in their wake, would unknowingly be undone by a System Lord they thought dead.
Aboard Nightwatch
Over the South Atlantic Ocean
Earth
High above the storm covered waters of the South Atlantic Ocean, Nightwatch sailed through the skies. Similar craft, carrying leaders from other nations, did much the same thing in other corners of the globe. Astride Nightwatch, four armed and ready F-302's flew in formation. Should any attempts be made to interfere with the mission of Nightwatch, F-302's stood ready.
In the President's conference room aboard Nightwatch, the major powers of Earth were making steady progress. Miraculously, international efforts had managed to prevent an Indian incursion into Pakistan. That crisis averted, albeit narrowly, the leaders of Russia, China, and the United States agreed that a response was in order. Deciding together that any response must not be waged by a single nation, but by all, these three nations agreed that the time had come for Earth to focus her rage, and deal death to the Lucian achieve that goal, the conference of three leaders came to an end, so that each of these leaders could turn their full attention to unleashing the strategic genie from its bottle.
Remaining in his conference room, the President sipped at his cup of tea. Events and endless cups of coffee prevented any appetite in the man, while also forcing him to realize that anymore coffee might give him an ulcer. Setting the tea down, President O'Bannon instructed communications personnel elsewhere aboard Nightwatch to open a communications link with the United States Strategic Command; the minders of America's strategic deterrent. A minute later, a hologram of the STRATCOM commander appeared in the conference room.
"Mr. President, I can only assume it is time to respond in kind." General Scott Croft began.
"That is a fair assessment General." O'Bannon replied.
"Before I have the nice officer carrying the football sent in, I want you to give me your take on all of this, and your thoughts on a response." O'Bannon urged.
"May I speak candidly Mr. President?" General Croft asked.
"Please do." O'Bannon suggested.
"This entire situation is a loser for the Lucian Alliance. An attack on this scale dictates a response. To believe otherwise shows they didn't study up on their game theory. A response that simply matches the destruction let loose on Earth does nothing to deter further attacks. Our response must be one of power, or we invite problems across the galaxy. My recommendation is a full scale retaliatory response. Target their every possession and holding. Anything short of that, and we will be viewed as weak." General Croft stated.
"To do that would be to eradicate an entire people. That is not something I am prepared to do." O'Bannon objected.
"This isn't a children's game Mr. President. This is a game you only engage in if you are prepared to give your all. The rules for this game are incredibly straightforward. If someone throws a rock at your house, you do not simply throw a rock at theirs in kind. Policy dictates that instead of throwing a rock back, you instead burn down their house, and the homes of anyone related to them, friendly with them, or known to be swayed by their logic. It is really that simple. I am not your therapist Mr. President, but I am the man you have entrusted with maintaining this nations strategic deterrent." Croft lectured.
"Can we review what options I have available?" O'Bannon asked.
"We can Mr. President, but before that can take place, an identity check must be performed." Croft explained.
Turning to one of the Secret Service agents standing in the conference room, President O'Bannon requested that naval officer outside be brought in. Quickly complying with the President's request, the member of the Presidential protective detail quickly ushered the officer carrying the football into the conference room. Entering the room, the straight faced officer quickly made his way directly to the President's side. Laying the football on the conference room table, the officer quickly unlocked the case, and then removed the cuff securing it to his wrist.
Once the case was open, the officer input a series of codes, which unlocked protective features within the case's internal workings. An electronic display elevated. From within the case, a palm scanner slid out, with a small retinal scanner extending from it. Using communications links within the case, the football quickly established contact with computers housed underground at Offutt Air Force Base, in Omaha Nebraska; home of United States Strategic Command.
"Mr. President, I will need your access code card." The naval officer requested.
Reaching in his shirt pocket, the President extracted a small plastic card baring the Presidential Seal, and a dozen rows of numbers. Handing this card to the naval officer, O'Bannon took in a deep breath.
"My authorization code is on row number seven." The President stated.
Consulting the card, the naval officer examined the series of numbers found in row number seven. Moving with practiced efficiency and speed, the officer quickly input the series of numbers into the touch screen pad within the football. That task complete, he then turned to President O'Bannon.
"Mr. President, if you could please place your right hand on the palm scanner, and bring right eye to the retinal scanner, your identity can be confirmed. As this scan takes place, I need you to state your full name and title aloud for the voice recognition portion of identity verification." The naval officer instructed.
Leaning towards the case known as the football, the President placed his hand on the palm scanner. At the same time, he brought his eye to the retinal scanner. Ultra high resolution scans of his palm were taken, along with the path the veins in the President's wrist took were scanned. While a palm print could be faked, the path of travel for veins could not. As the retinal scan progressed, the President spoke.
"Dillon Charles O'Bannon, President of the United States." He said aloud.
For several seconds, the systems within the football analyzed the patterns taken from the President, against those stored within the cases memory. Finding the new data matching the stored data, access to the information contained within the football was granted. On the elevated data screen, a menu of attack options were listed. These options were contained within two categories. The first was titled Major Attack Options, while the second was titles Limited Attack Options. Interestingly, use of nuclear weapons by ship commanders in space remained at the discretion of the ship commander, whereas use within an atmosphere required Presidential authorization.
"Mr. President, what you see on the screen before you are the preplanned responses of the Single Integrated Operations Plan. SIOP is divided into two main sections, Major Attack and Limited Attack. Within these two sections are options available to you." General Croft explained.
"Can you explain the difference between the two categories?" O'Bannon asked.
"Major Attack contains a series of constantly updated plans for a full scale nuclear assault on the Lucian Alliance. Several of these options are counterforce plans, but since we have already been attacked, counterforce is of little value. The Limited Attack library contains plans for select attacks on targets of importance and strategic value." Croft further explained.
"General Croft, while I understand your desire for full scale retaliation, I think it is important that you know I am against that. In your professional opinion, where is the Lucian Alliance most vulnerable?" O'Bannon questioned.
"The Achilles heel of the Lucian Alliance currently is their reliance on large scale industrial operations in one location. Destruction of the enemies industrial capacity would cripple their war effort moving forward. If you consult the Limited Attack menu, you will find plans for that scenario." Croft instructed.
Consulting the attack option the General spoke of, President O'Bannon quickly read the plans synopsis. Seeing long lists of possible options to modify this plan, O'Bannon opted to question General Croft directly, instead of reading these for himself.
"In your own words, give me the options available for this attack option." O'Bannon requested.
"As you are aware, when a vessel of the Fleet passes outside our solar system, that vessel assumes a role in SIOP, as they did for the operations plan in use before our return to SIOP. The nearest vessel to the target can be redirected to Delmak. At this time, USS Ajax is the closest to target. Once there, Ajax can deploy a single, or multiple devices. I have concerns about this specific Limited Attack Option though." Croft explained.
"What are your concerns General?" O'Bannon questioned.
"The problem, as I see it, is that use of tactical nuclear weapons will invariably leave portions of the industrial base present on Delmak, which can later be salvaged. Use of a Mark IX negate that concern somewhat. If infrastructure exists far below ground, a Mark IX will have little effect. If the intent is to kill all Lucian Alliance heavy industry, the attack must be taken a step further, and the entire planet targeted." Croft admitted.
"I am no expert, but wouldn't that require hundreds of weapons?" O'Bannon asked in confusion.
"That depends entirely on the weapon employed Mr. President. If you will consult the submenu in this attack option, you will see a listing of alternative attack options. The topmost option is titled Antares. It is my professional opinion that Antares is the option with the highest chance of success." Croft responded.
Reading the synopsis of Antares, the President's eyes went wide. Pushing back from the football, his mind weighed the cost benefit ratio in his mind. This option, as horrific as it was efficient, sickened O'Bannon on a very basic level. Thinking over all that had happened, a sense of anger and dismay took hold. So many dead and dying. A war thrust upon the world, and the helpless. Thinking back to his campaign for office, President O'Bannon remembered a rally he had held in Lexington, Kentucky. So many faces swam into his memory. Many, if not all of those faces were now dead. In that moment, O'Bannon decided that their death would be avenged, in spectacular fashion. While he had failed to prevent their deaths, he could see that justice was served upon their killers.
"General Croft, Limited Attack Option Antares is authorized." The President forcefully.
"Understood Mr. President. Under the two man rule, that order must now be confirmed." Croft said in response.
Conferenced in minutes before, but opting to remain silent, was Secretary of Defense Hank Landry. Aware that he was to be the second man for the two man rule, Landry broke his silence. Seconds later, a hologram of Landry appeared in the conference room aboard Nightwatch.
"General Croft, this is Secretary Landry. I am transmitting my authorization codes to you now." Landry announced.
"Codes received and authenticated. Do you confirm the order to strike Mr. Secretary?" Croft questioned.
"I do." Landry replied.
"One hour will be needed to load the weapon, with another three hours for the delivery vehicle to reach the target. We are now in Slap Shot status. The attack sequence can be halted at anytime until weapons release." General Croft explained.
The target selection made was quickly shared with both Russia and China. Both those nations were also walking through a very similar process. The coming attack would depend on coordination
From Offutt Air Force Base, orders were transmitted to Whiteman Air Force Base. More specifically, these orders went directly to the 509th Bomb Wing, famous for dropping the two weapons which ended World War II. The motto of the 509th was Defensor Videx, or Defender Avenger. Avenge, they would.
.
Whiteman Air Force Base
Knob Noster, Missouri
Earth
When the emergency action message was received in the operations center of the 509th Bomb Wing, the unit as a whole sprang into action. Four minutes later, further information arrived. As the current alert wing, the 509th was prepared for the call to action. From the operations center, further orders made their way to other components of the command.
First, the ready alert crew was informed of a mission order. Quickly, both pilots donned their gear, and made their way to the briefing theater. The two B-3 Chimera's detailed for the coming strike were placed under guard, while crew chiefs performed last minute checks. All over Whiteman Air Force Base, security was elevated to its highest level. Exits across Whiteman were sealed, while heavily armed sentries patrolled the bases perimeter.
From a specially constructed bunker, far beneath Whiteman Air Force Base, armament technicians loaded the newest variant of Earth's most fearsome weapon aboard a transfer cart. Wedge shaped, with an ominous black polished skin, this weapon looked anything but fearsome. Looks can sometimes be very deceiving though. The weapon in tow, the armament technicians returned to the single large transport booth within the underground weapons bunker.
Returning to material form within the hangar of a single B-3 Chimera, the weapon was carefully moved towards the aircraft. Checks and rechecks were performed on the weapon, to ensure proper function when the time came. After these checks were performed, and found satisfactory, the weapon was moved underneath the large open weapons bay of the Chimera. Over the course of the next ten minutes, this weapon would be affixed to the weapons tackle within the Chimera's weapons bay.
Elsewhere, the two pilot flight crew entered the mission briefing theater of the 509th. Taking their seats, both pilots found it ominous that they were the only flight crew present. That was never a good sign. Standing in the room was the Wing Operations Officer. The Ops Officer, tense, jumped directly into the briefing.
"Good morning gentlemen. We all know why you are sitting here. Earth has been attacked with strategic weapons, and it is our duty to hit the data screen behind me is your target. Delmak is a planet you have been briefed on numerous times. The National Command Authority has decided to take the Lucian Alliance's industrial capacity out of play for all time. Your call sign for this mission is Pale Rider. Any questions so far?" The Ops Officer asked.
In response, Colonel Kevin Boyle and his copilot simply shook their heads. On the face of both was a rather detached expression. Neither Boyle or his copilot could actually believe this was really happening.
"Standing guard over Delmak are four Ha'tak Class warships. Other assets will ingress before your arrival, and prosecute those targets that could prevent mission success. This is not just an attack, but also a psychological operation. Fleet assets tasked with clearing your ingress path will also drop a probe, which will transmit live footage of the event galaxy wide." Ops explained.
"What is our payload for this tasking? Mark IX's?" Colonel Boyle questioned.
"For this mission, you will be delivering a single Mark XV-D. This is a planetary strike tasking, so you get the crowd pleaser." Ops responded.
Over the course of the next fifteen minutes, the briefing continued. During the remainder of the briefing, Boyle and his copilot learned that theirs was not the only strike to take place. Russia and China would launch similar strikes, within the same timeframe. Those attacks would also be broadcast. While informative, the briefing managed to take the wind from Boyle. Until now, the strategic mission was simply hypothetical. Driving home in all its horrors, Boyle knew that mission had suddenly become very real.
The briefing came to a close, and the flight crew made their way to the van that would carry them to the flight line. There, their aircraft and its horrifying payload waited. Passing through the armed security ringing the hangar, both Boyle and his copilot showed their identification. Cleared into the hangers interior, both men laid their eyes on the B-3 Chimera. Under the lights of the closed hanger, the Chimera looked much like a caged predator, waiting to be unleashed.
Normally, flight crews perform a series of preflight checks on their craft before startup or takeoff. All B-3's belonging to Strategic Command, once known as the Strategic Air Command, instead kept ready alert craft in a ready status for immediate departure. Approaching the forward landing gear of the Chimera, Colonel Boyle slapped the quick startup button attached to the gear, before climbing the ladder into the aircrafts underside.
On the flight deck, systems powered on. Navigation systems aligned, and the Chimera verified exactly where it was in time and space. Performing self diagnostics, the Chimera verified that all systems were performing within operational parameters. Entering the cockpit, the copilot inserted a data crystal into a side consul. On this crystal was critical mission data. Uploading this, the Chimera confirmed the data was successfully transferred.
Taking his seat in the left side pilot in command seat, Colonel Boyle reached in the upper arm pocket of his flight suit. From this pocket, he removed a photo of his daughter. Placing this photo on the corner of a central data screen, Boyle looked at his little girl and smiled. At this moment, he knew his daughter was fast asleep, but most importantly, safe.
Moments later, the Chimera emerged from the hanger. Taxiing away from the hanger, Boyle saw activity in other hangers on the flight line. During the briefing, Boyle and his copilot had learned that the majority of the 509th was being rapidly forward deployed to Fleet Station McHenry, in case followup strikes were required. The entirety of the 509th Bomb Wing was now at a wartime footing.
"This is insane." The copilot said.
"One of these days, I would like to wake up in a world that isn't." Boyle responded, as he steered the Chimera towards its circular launch pad in the distance.
"Thats the truth." The copilot agreed.
"And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hades followed with him." Boyle said quietly.
"What?" The copilot questioned.
"Revelations 6:8. Our call sign is Pale Rider. Think about it." Boyle suggested.
"Looks like we are going biblical in more way than one. This is some real fire and brimstone stuff." The copilot mused.
Minutes later, the B-3 Chimera known as Pale Rider took to the air. Elsewhere around the globe, a single B-3 did the same from both Russian and Chinese airspace. High above Earth, the Asgard flagship Hala took note of the three craft rocketing towards space. Freyr, aboard the Hala, turned to Thor. As he began to speak, the three Chimera's exited the atmospheric bonds of Earth, and powered away from the planet.
"Where are they going?" Freyr asked.
"Earth has long been prepared to respond to an event such as this. They are making their anger known, and avenging those who were lost. We are all now at war with the Lucian Alliance, and this war will not be one which the Lucian Alliance will survive." Thor responded
Delmak
Delmak Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
On the world known as Delmak, business carried on as usual. As they did each day, the tens of millions of inhabitants of this world went about their day in an orderly fashion. None had reason to suspect that this day would be the last for the people of this world. Nor did they have reason to believe that the signal which had unleashed horrible action on Earth had initiated here.
In the shipyards of Delmak, dozens of Ha'tak's and many dozens of Al'kesh were in differing stages of construction. The vast majority of the Lucian Alliance Fleet had begun life here, constructed in shipyards first built by the fallen System Lord Sokar. While Delmak could construct large amounts of these two classes of warship, the people of this world were barred from operating them. Only crews selected by the Lucian Alliance were permitted to pilot these warships. Only four of these handpicked crews was present in this corner of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Orbiting Delmak were the four most recently completed Ha'tak Class vessels. In the coming week, these four vessels were slated for handover to the Lucian Alliance Fleet. The four crews would remain, awaiting the next batch of warships to be completed. Relegated to handover and acceptance duties, these four crews were far from the most competent of crews. Instead, these crews were composed of individuals found lacking, and passed from ship to ship. Eventually, these outcast crew members were formed into individual crews, and shipped to Delmak, where they could do the least damage.
Aware that the entirety of the Lucian Alliance Fleet was deployed elsewhere, the four crews standing guard over this most important of Alliance controlled worlds felt they had little to fear. Both offensive and defensive systems were powered down. All believed that the Lucian Alliance was on the rise. None had reason to suspect that the Tau'ri, sworn enemies of the Lucian Alliance, were about to make their anger known to all.
To either side of Delmak, beyond the curve of the planet, and out of the view of the four orbiting Ha'tak's, four hyperspace windows sprang open. Exiting these dimensional rifts, the Tau'ri vessels USS Ajax, USS Essex, USS Shiloh, and USS Antietam emerged. Divided into flights of two vessels apiece, these four vessels activated their powerful sub-light drives, and rapidly sped around the curvature of Delmak. Closing from either side of the world, the four orbiting Ha'tak's were surrounded, outgunned, and unprepared.
On the bridge of Ajax, Everett Young sat in his command chair. Placed in charge of this hit and run mission, Young was fully prepared to take the fight to the enemy. Chosen for his vessels proximity to Delmak, Young was also chosen due to his being one of the single most experienced in ship to ship combat. All vessels of the Tau'ri task force were ready for the coming combat action, with shields and weapons fully powered.
"Send signal to all other vessels to close on the enemy, and open fire. They are to keep firing until all enemy vessels are destroyed." Young ordered.
"Sensors show four contacts in orbit. Their shields are down, and weapons are offline." The sensor operator announced.
"Call out any new contacts that appear." Young instructed.
Powering around Delmak, all four vessels closed on their prey. Energy flowed into the Grodin on each Athena Class warship. Shields of incredible durability enveloped each. Their world had been attacked, and the crew of each vessel was ready. Payback was the order of the day. Only the individual ship commanders knew that their actions were nothing but the opening act of Earth's response.
"Accompanying vessels confirm targeting on individual targets. Ten-seconds to firing position." An officer on the bridge of Ajax called out.
"When in range, commence firing." Young instructed.
"New contact! Eighty-thousand kilometers away, at our two o'clock." The sensor operator called out.
Before Young could respond, all four Tau'ri vessels opened fire. Piercing beams of green energy sprang forth from the Grodin array of each vessel. Crossing the gulf to target, these beams reached out towards their targets like spectral fingers of death. Unprotected by defensive shields, the four Ha'tak's stood virtually no chance of weathering the storm. Beam energy sheered through the hull of each target. Inside each dying vessel, bulkheads failed, atmosphere spontaneously combusted, and jets of burning men and material explosively vented into space. Seconds later, each Ha'tak exploded violently, unaware of why death had been thrust upon them, and powerless to prevent it.
"Come about towards the new contact. If hostile, open fire." Young ordered.
"Contact has vanished!" The sensor operator called out.
"Vanished? Is it cloaked?" Young demanded.
"No sir, it is simply gone. It was there one minute, and then it was gone. Target vanished as we opened fire." The sensor operator explained.
"What was it?" Young further demanded.
"Sir, I know you will think I'm crazy, but the target appeared to be a British police box." The sensor operator stammered.
"Are you telling me that a phone booth magically appeared? Run diagnostics on your gear." Young thundered.
"Already done sir. Sensors are operating normally. One minute it was there, and the next minute it was gone." The sensor operator admitted.
"We are on a clock here. We don't have time for this. Set course for one light minute away from Delmak. Give me full sub-light. As we pass the outermost moon, drop the probe. Let's move people!" Young ordered.
Gaining velocity, the four Athena Class vessels streaked way from the world of Delmak, and the wreckage of the now deceased defenders. Passing the outermost moon, a small object ejected from the rear portion of Ajax's hull. This object, a probe, began to instantly transmit a live video feed of Delmak. In this video feed could be seen Delmak as a whole, and the scattered orbiting wreckage of the four Ha'tak defenders. This subspace video transmission was aimed not just at the Lucian Alliance, as they raced towards Hebridan, but the galaxy as a whole. Earth was making a statement of power, here and now. Elsewhere in Lucian Alliance space, similar video streams were transmitting images of two Lucian Alliance colony worlds.
Reaching a distance of one light minute from Delmak, the four Athena's came to a halt, and turned on their access. Watching and waiting, the commanders of each vessel sat with forced patience. Sensors aboard each detected a single B-3 Chimera, racing through hyperspace.
In the seventeen million nine hundred and ninety-thousand kilometer gap that made up the one light minute gulf between the Tau'ri task force of four vessels and Delmak, a single hyperspace window tore open. Racing out of this dimensional doorway was a the B-3 Chimera, known as Pale Rider. Sub-light drives, pushed to their maximum output, powered Pale Rider forward.
On the flight deck of the Chimera, both Colonel Kevin Boyle and his copilot were tense. In the weapons bay, the single Mark XV-D was readied for launch. The power of this weapon had only been unleashed in anger once, against the Wraith. Developed under the name Sol Invictus, or invincible sun, this weapon had seen changes since its use. Conceived as a weapon to combat the Wraith Fleet, this weapon was repurposed to other tasks after the defeat of the Wraith. A matter-antimatter weapon; the MarkXV-D was now known as a planet buster.
Looking once more at the photo of his daughter, Colonel Boyle felt ice run through his veins. The destructive power he was about to unleash would destroy all life on Delmak. How, as a man, could he ever explain to his daughter that he had ended all life on a planet much like Earth? Aware of the attacks on Earth, Boyle understood why his mission was taking place. Sometimes, what is understood on an intellectual level is repulsive on a spiritual level.
Automated systems aboard the Chimera, measuring velocity, vector, and closure rate initiated the launch sequence. Inside the weapon case, critical systems came online. Guidance, firing computer, and propulsion prepared for launch. Data, flowing from the Chimera, poured into the weapon. Becoming aware, the weapon prepared itself to deliver its lethal payload.
Signaling the Chimera that it was ready in all aspects, the weapon announced the completion of its preparations to launch. In response, the Chimera's automated firing systems began the weapons deployment sequence. Bomb bay doors, separating the weapon from open space, opened quickly. The weapons cradle, holding the weapon, lowered fractionally, exposing the weapon to space.
From this point forward, the flight crew of the Chimera were simply along for the ride. Constrained to a restricted flight profile, with very tight tolerances, the Chimera's onboard systems assumed control of weapons release, flight control, and defensive systems. Nearing Delmak's outermost moon, automated flight control systems made minor corrections, bringing the Chimera into position.
The time life on Delmak had remaining existed on the whim of a weapons control computer. Measuring this remaining time in microseconds, the weapons control computer watched as Delmak civilization's time in life expired. Sending signal for weapons release, Pale Rider launched its single volley. From the weapons bay, the single Mark XV-D was ejected. Separating cleanly from the B-3, the wedge shaped weapon activated propulsion of its own. For ten seconds, this weapon sliced through the cold depths of space, relentlessly homing in on its appointed place of detonation. While the Mark XV-D traveled towards this point, the B-3 angled away, and opened a hyperspace window, in order to make its escape.
"God forgive us." Colonel Kevin Boyle whispered in a heavy voice.
Aware only of its appointed destiny, the wedge shaped weapon reached its preprogramed firing point, and began the sequence. Energy absorbing shields, in a shape similar to an umbrella, took form at the rear of the weapon. This shield constructed cone curved towards Delmak. Internally, hydrogen and anti hydrogen came together, unleashing incredible amounts of energy, and forming a second sun. Some of this energy came in the form of light and heat, while the majority took the form of lethal gamma radiation.
A gamma ray burst is the most energetic and destructive force in the known universe. Using the Mark XV-D, Earth was harnessing the lethal destructive force of a gamma ray burst, to bring an end to Delmak. In four-seconds, this weapon let loose energy equivalent to that which a sun would emit over a decade. Focusing the blast, with the help of the rear mounted reflective shields, this lethal geyser saturated Delmak.
Slicing through the atmosphere of Delmak, the torrent of gamma radiation set off a chain of events. Spontaneously combusting, plant life, animal life, and all human inhabitants of Delmak outdoors found themselves enveloped in flames. Flammable material of all forms also combusted. Many died without ever knowing why, or how. Incredible firestorms erupted, across Delmak. Those not killed instantly absorbed several hundred times the lethal dose of damage did not stop there though.
Striking the atmosphere, gamma rays changed the chemistry of atmosphere itself. Oxygen and nitrogen molecules ripped apart, creating nitrogen dioxide. This change turned the sky a deep brown. Highly toxic, this nitrogen dioxide would suffocate any that might be living on Delmak. Ozone, which shielded Delmak from lethal solar radiation, was also destroyed. Ultraviolet radiation bathed Delmak. Nitrogen dioxide, allowing ultraviolet radiation through, while blocking out long wavelengths of warmth providing light from the sun.
Surfaces of lakes, streams, oceans, and sea's flashed to steam. Across Delmak, firestorms raced, adding thick smoke to now brown skies. In minutes, water soluble nitrogen dioxide precipitated acid rain, with rained down on the dying planet. Concrete buildings, resistant to the firestorms rampaging across the countryside, began to spall, then shatter.
Delmak, taking its last gasp, ceased to be a provider of life. In time, this world would dramatically cool, and undergo an ice age. While the majority of destruction was contained to the side of Delmak facing the Tau'ri weapons detonation, death and destruction would soon engulf the other. Acid rain, toxic atmosphere, and lethal ultraviolet radiation from Delmak's sun would end plant, animal, and bacterial life of all forms. The only life that would remain untouched was aquatic life, living deep below the ocean's surface.
At three points in the Milky Way Galaxy, this process played out. The death toll surpassed the human population of much of the Pegasus Galaxy. This played out, through subspace, in ultra high definition video. No longer could the Lucian Alliance believe that the Tau'ri would yield to Kefflin's plan. The blood of three worlds gave proof to Earth's rage and resolve. This reflex action of the Tau'ri brought about the death of three worlds. What would they do once their strength was gathered?