November Site
Joint Asgard/Tau'ri Outpost
Milky Way
Each journey away from Possara, the Lucian Alliance home world, carried with it an element of risk. Early attempts had carried far more danger, due to the short time spent among Alliance ranks. After a time, Carlyle's time away became commonplace. To the Alliance, these off world hunting trips, as they believed them to be, were necessary for Carlyle, as they believed it was during these trips that he did his deep thinking.
Flying an Al'kesh to P9Q-717, Major Carlyle, as he had been briefed to do, landed his Al'kesh far outside of the small township. Cloaking the vessel, he had then made his way into the small township. Leaving a chalk mark on the townships temple, Carlyle made his way out of the town, and into the country, well away from his vessel. A deep cover Intelligence Support Activity team, living in a small room overlooking the temple, seeing the mark left, called in the sighting.
Hours later, a single cloaked Tel'tak, piloted by Vala Mal Doran had arrived. Per established protocol, Carlyle was scanned for tracking devices within his clothing and body. The clothing was removed following the scan, and donned by another member of the ISA. Despite the scan turning up no tracking devices, the clothing, with its new occupant, would continue to move around on this world. A secondary bonus to this system was that the ISA operative now wearing Carlyle's Alliance uniform would be able to hunt local game, which Carlyle would return with to Possara, giving proof to his hunting prowess.
During the flight from P9Q-717, Carlyle found himself subject to a longwinded rant of sorts from Vala. As he relaxed, the Major found himself learning everything he never wanted to know about romance novels, shopping, and the obvious fashion faux pas that was dark colored lipstick. To entertain himself, Carlyle began counting the number of times Vala made use of the word darling. Eventually, he found himself losing count. Moments later, the Tel'tak uncloaked, and entered one of the enclosed landing areas of the November Site.
Upon exit from the Tel'tak, both Vala and Major Carlyle made their way through a never ending series of corridors. Deeper and deeper the duo traveled into the bowels of the November Site. Passing neither Tau'ri nor Asgard occupants along their way, Carlyle guessed that his arrival was covert, to protect his identity and mission. Along their path, Vala diverted from the chosen path, insisting she must pick something up along the way. That something turned out to be a bag of chips.
Chips in hand, and covert operative in tow, Vala brought Carlyle to the end destination of this hike. Passing through a series of outer rooms, the duo came into a final larger room. Standing in this room was Freyr, attending representative of the Asgard High Council, and Brigadier General Dean Frost, commander of the Intelligence Support Activity. Known as a commanding officer who cared deeply for his men, Frost closely examined Carlyle's expression, his demeanor, and his mannerisms. Satisfied at what he saw, Frost quickly crossed the room and welcomed his operative and longtime friend.
"Good to see you Major." Frost welcomed.
"On behalf of the High Council, I bid you welcome." Freyr added.
"Good to see you also General. Thank you Freyr." Carlyle replied.
"Vala, was the extraction a smooth one?" Frost asked.
"Only a former jewel thief could have made it out of their without triggering an alarm. It helps that I just so happen to be a reformed jewel thief." Vala said smugly, while opening her bag of chips.
"We set up an extraction signal for you in the event your cover was blown. I am hoping that is not the case." Frost stated.
"My cover is intact. Every thing is good, better than good. Sir, the reason I signaled for extraction is to pass on information I recently came into, and to inform you of a few interesting developments. It couldn't wait, and going through our normal procedures would have taken too long." Carlyle explained.
"How hot are we talking about?" Frost asked.
"Possible Lucian Alliance action against an allied world, a leak on Earth feeding technical information to the Alliance, and the fact that I am now a Second in the Alliance." Carlyle recounted.
"That is, as you would say on Earth, quite hot indeed." Freyr observed.
"We have the recorders running. Go ahead and tell us everything." Frost urged.
"I am not really sure where to start sir." Carlyle admitted.
"The beginning usually helps." Vala interjected.
Frost, Carlyle, and Freyr all cast their gaze towards Vala. Seeing that the three were clearly unappreciative of her suggestion, Vala quickly returned her full and undivided attention towards her delicious bag of potato chips.
"It has come to my attention that Delmak is under complete Alliance control." Carlyle began.
"We always knew they had aims of controlling former Goa'uld worlds." Frost replied.
"Delmak is a heavily industrialized world General. Under Sokar's rule, the people of Delmak became quite advanced. This is a troubling development, as this planet's industrial base rival's that of Earth before Disclosure took place." Freyr articulated.
"Upon my visit to Delmak, at the invitation of Kefflin, I observed large scale ship construction. Combine this with the construction efforts on Possara, and it seems likely that the Alliance has built a sizeable fleet. This fleet will continue to grow larger each day that passes. As we have seen in the past, the Alliance is once again constructing an Anubis style mothership." Carlyle continued.
"We took care of the last one before our fleet was as powerful as it is now. A mothership is impressive to worlds lacking large fleets, but nothing we have not dealt with in the past. I would much rather that the Alliance pours resources into building this, than dozens of Ha'tak's." Frost said in rebuttal.
"I agree with you General. A mothership of that design is no match for either the Tau'ri or Asgard Fleets, let along both combined." Freyr agreed.
"Whenever a mothership, or a new ship design suddenly appears, it always means some huge conflict is coming. That is the most overdone TV trope of all time." Vala interjected.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" Frost asked.
"By making use of that marvelous compendium of knowledge I was given access to on Earth." Vala replied.
"Care to enlighten me as to which compendium of knowledge that might be?" Frost asked crossly.
"Google." Vala replied simply.
"Concentrate on your chips." Frost suggested.
"This mothership, and apparently every Ha'tak in the Lucian Alliance Fleet, is equipped with the subspace capacitor. Multiple capacitors are fitted to the mothership, and an uncertain number are similarly fitted to Ha'tak's." Carlyle countered.
"What?" Freyr and Frost demanded in unison.
"Kefflin stated that the subspace capacitor was handed over by his associates. If we aren't missing one, then the Alliance has someone on Earth, or we have a leak in the SGC."
"This is a troubling development. A subspace capacitor generates near ZPM levels of power. This addition would solve the problem which has long plagued Goa'uld designed craft. Insufficient power generation has always reduced Ha'tak capabilities. A change of this magnitude significantly alters the equation." Freyr explained with concern.
"Are you certain that this information isn't meant to discover if they have a mole in the Alliance? It stands to reason that at some point they will realize we can do to them what they have done to us in the past." Frost said, deep in thought.
"I may know of a way to verify if the Lucian Alliance is indeed using subspace capacitors." Freyr added.
"Please continue Major." Frost ordered.
"Per Kefflin's request, I am now a Second of the Lucian Alliance, in all but name. It seems that this infiltration operation has been far more successful than any of us could imagine. I have asked that Cordry sit in the official seat as Second, while I feed him instructions. This opens up a number of interesting possibilities. Furthermore, using Cordry as the standing Second, created a number of problems for Sloviash, as he hates Cordry intensely. While discussing my promotion with Kefflin, I planted the seed of doubt about Sloviash in Kefflin's mind, but at this time I am unsure if the idea has taken root." Carlyle continued.
"This does open up a number of possibilities for us. You have done some amazing work thus far. Major, we have a second operation in play, that you do not need to be briefed in on. This operation, if successful, will put Sloviash in a very ugly predicament. Lucian Alliance leadership is about to start eating its young." Frost announced.
"Before my departure from Delmak, two other pieces of information came into my hands. For both of these pieces of information, I lack solid specifics. Langara is an Alliance target. Based on the conversation I overheard, the planet has at most two weeks before an assault. The second piece of information is far more disturbing than the first. Kefflin, with Worrel acting as his agent, is setting up some sort of a fail safe aimed at earth, should the Alliance fall." Carlyle explained.
"This game just got a bit more complicated than we thought it would." Frost sighed.
Possara
Lucian Alliance Home World
Milky Way
Since the Tau'ri strike at the Lucian Alliance's largest Kassa plantation in the galaxy, the Alliance had become far more careful with the handling, and inventory control of its cash crop. In days past, shipments would leave from plantations, for delivery to one of many addicted worlds. Destruction of Kassa farming operations on P6G-452 brought about a change in methods.
Kassa, once harvested, was bagged and weighed. These records accompanied the packaged Kassa on its journey to Possara. Upon arrival at Possara, the packaged narcotic corn came to rest in one of many secure storage bunkers. During this time, the Kassa was again subject to weighing, to ensure all that was harvested sat in Alliance hands. Deliveries, taken from these tightly controlled stores, were then released to worlds throughout the Milky Way.
Arrogant in their beliefs, the Alliance believed infiltration into their ranks was impossible. Never would they have guessed that they had been infiltrated not once, but four times in recent months. Major Carlyle continued his climb to new heights within the Alliance command structure. Pollux, and the other two infiltrators who believed themselves to be Asgard, focused on lesser, but no less important, areas of responsibility.
Beginning as a confederation of criminals, the Lucian Alliance was home to a vulnerability present in all criminal organizations, greed. Often called an emotion, greed was instead a character trait. This specific character trait has been known to drive men to madness, fuel wars of startling ferocity, and sow destruction wherever it took root. This caustic character trait was being weaponized for use within the Lucian Alliance.
Busying himself with a data pad, containing detailed records of Kassa shipments arriving from plantations, Pollux was thoroughly engaged in his task. Falsifying these records would allow Pollux to change local totals. As this records database communicated with another database under Kefflin's control, the two databases would be left with a records trail that was irreconcilable. Later, from a subspace communications terminal, Pollux would falsify message archives, to show a series of instructions from Sloviash to plantations. These instructions would inform the recipient to falsify weight totals of Kassa shipped, to show a lower total weight per bag. Achieved message traffic would show acknowledgement of these instructions.
Within the secure Kassa storage bunkers, Pollux's compatriots were busy with a task of their own. Comparing tracking numbers on sealed bags of Kassa, those from specific plantations were pulled to the side. These sealed bags; they unsealed, and removed very exact amounts of addictive space corn. The pilfered Kassa, they placed in other packages, which they sealed. Small amounts removed from so many packages soon turned into a large amount of pilfered Kassa. This Kassa, removed from packages and tracking data, would find its way aboard the personal flagship of Sloviash. There, it would remain unseen, hidden in a compartment used for nothing.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Earth
Milky Way
Upon his return to Earth, Lieutenant Aiden Ford enjoyed a weeks long period of leave. This served not only to allow the young man to reacquaint himself with his family, but also to allow a period of adjustment. Change on Earth had come in many forms, as Ford learned. Though the landscape of his home world was far different, this was still the world he loved, and fought to defend.
The day before his leave came to an end, the Commandant of the Marine Corps had personally reached out to Ford. Over an hour long discussion, the two spoke of changes on Earth. At the end of this discussion, Ford had reaffirmed his desire to serve. Though he was offered the chance to resign his commission and return to civilian life, Aiden wished to continue his military service. This answer was the one the Commandant had sought.
Days later in the halls of the Pentagon, at a ceremony filled with pomp and circumstance, Lieutenant Aiden Ford, was promoted. As the silver Captain's bars were pinned to Ford's shoulders, his grandfather beamed with pride. Both Lara, and Grandmother Ford found themselves overcome by the moment, and cried tears of happiness. Emotion and pride swelled throughout all those present for this warrior returned home after so many years.
Ford's promotion came about due to standing regulation. Considered missing in action during his years long absence, Ford continued to be considered for promotion with his contemporaries. Due to his time in service, upon promotion to Captain, Ford would soon find himself promotion eligible again. Though exciting to the young man, he fully realized the staggering number of staff courses he would need to complete before further promotion was possible.
On the day Ford had arrived at Bolling Air Force Base, Colonel Paul Davis had stated that an exciting opportunity existed. After his promotion ceremony, that opportunity was presented. Instead of a posting with the SGC, as Ford had expected, a company level command was offered. The parent unit of the company Ford was destined to command was a recently established command, but one with an impressive albeit brief history.
The Marine Raiders were unconventional and elite units established during the Second World War. Their purpose had been to conduct lightning fast rubber boat raids, in small teams, against Japanese held island garrisons throughout the Pacific Theater. Veterans of the Raiders from the Second World War prided themselves on being members of the first special operations force to see combat in that second great war.
A quantum leap in technology meant Raiders would no longer use rubber boats. In fact, their entire mission focus would be far different from that of the past. 1st Raider Battalion would instead serve the role of highly trained boarding parties first and foremost. Operating in small teams, these Raiders would board and seize enemy vessels primarily, while also filling a unique search and rescue role. As a true special operations unit, the Raiders would come equipped with the very best technology available.
Arriving at Camp Pendleton, Ford was soon returned to the world that was the United States Marine Corps. A large base, Camp Pendleton was home to a large portion of this branch of the military. Armored force and aviation units, artillery and special operations units called Pendleton home. Though fully briefed on updates to common equipment, Ford was awed by the sheer number of new systems now in use. This was not the Marines he had first joined, but instead the Marine Corps of the future.
Standing on San Onofre Beach, Aiden watched as the sun set over the deep blue Pacific. Staring at the surf, Captain Ford thought back to the early days of his time on Atlantis. So much had happened since then, and he knew even more awaited him moving into the future. He was ready to lead his Marines, and bring each of them home when done. This, he would do not for himself, but for those who lacked the ability to defend themselves. Unable to sense the change in himself, Ford would have been shocked to learn that over the years he had matured and grown. Now, Captain Aiden Ford was a leader of men.
P5X-777
Thurvaraiyam Pathi, Former Furling City
Milky Way
Standing proudly on the lush forested world, Thurvaraiyam Pathi blazed in the day's light. Deep blue paving stones lined the city's many walkways. Twisted spires, of incredible height, and made of a blue veined stone, reached out towards the sky above. Domes, also of great height, colored a blue similar to that of city's paving stones, towered over the walkways below. Between each spire, and passing through domes along their route. Skyways high above the ground below linked each structure together.
Throughout the city, teams of Furling and Tau'ri moved about. Built for the Furling, Thurvaraiyam Pathi in its original configuration was poorly outfitted for humans. These teams were busied with the task of refitting the city for its new occupants. Facilities as basic as rest rooms were added within the city. Far below, an Arcturus device like that powering Earth's global power grid would soon be brought online. Using Shambhala as a template, powerful shield emitters, a citywide artificial intelligence, and an Ancient drone platform would soon become operational. Once complete, this city would become home to tens of thousands of Tau'ri, as well as members of other allied races.
At ground level, along a blue paved walkway, three men walked together. Each of these men were considered friends of the Tau'ri. It had been some time since Teal'c, Bra'tac, and Ry'ac had been together as a group. Each of their lives had taken a different direction, taking them in unexpected paths, but in no way had this reduced the bond these three shared. Having found himself exiled, Teal'c had fully embraced his new home world of Earth, and defended it zealously. Bra'tac, having ascended several years earlier, watched over both Teal'c and Ry'ac. The former teacher guarded over both of his former star pupils. Ry'ac, after the exile of the separatist Jaffa, had risen quickly to power in the government of the Free Jaffa Nation. Helping him greatly in this task was his relationship to the two men walking beside him now.
Wandering aimlessly throughout the city's many walkways; the trip took in the sites of their majestic surroundings. Each learned that the Furling were an artistic people. Gazing upon the artwork and decorative sculpture that adorned this city, the trio came upon a large painting. Though they were unsure of the significance of the individual standing in this portrait, each knew they looked upon a Furling of note. Tastefully done, this painting captured the true natural form of the Furling. Tall, with then arms and legs, the Furling were a race of delicate build and features. Surprisingly, not a bit of fur was seen.
Moving on along their chosen path, the trio of men engaged in conversation. Hearty Jaffa laughter echoed throughout the ground level courtyards. A smile adorned the face of each.
"Cultural exchanges between Dakara and Earth have helped many Jaffa better understand the Tau'ri." Ry'ac stated.
"These exchanges will help our two civilizations find common ground, and bring us closer together." Bra'tac agreed.
"As I told you years ago, the Tau'ri are an intriguing people. The Free Jaffa Nation owes much to the Tau'ri." Teal'c lectured.
"While our people receive much from our trade agreement with Earth, it is their cultural activities that have found favor with many." Ry'ac continued.
"Both sides profit from your mutual trade agreement. The liquid naquadah power cells manufactured on Dakara are used in rail gun rifles now carried by Tau'ri forces. It is a fearsome weapon." Teal'c explained.
"The farming technology has made our people self sufficient. Advisors from Earth are assisting in the establishment of ranching operations. I must admit to a love of what they call beef. A recent request of ours was also approved." Ry'ac hinted.
"Technology?" Bra'tac asked.
"No, it is a cultural request. Footage of something called the UFC was gifted to several Jaffa by Tau'ri advisors. We have requested that the UFC be allowed the chance to compete on Dakara. Earth approved this request." Ry'ac beamed.
"What is this UFC you speak of?" Bra'tac asked in confusion.
"Ah, I know it well. I much prefer the form of martial combat known on Earth as hockey." Teal'c admitted.
"Is hockey similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championship?" Ry'ac asked.
"They are far different rituals. In hockey, the participating combatants balance themselves on thin blades of metal, moving at fantastic speed over ice, and engage in combat." Teal'c explained.
"Glorious!" Ry'ac proclaimed.
"That is truly a display of martial ability, to fight in such conditions." Bra'tac mused.
"Every four years, the nations of Earth gather their best hockey warriors, and host an impressive contest of supremacy." Teal'c continued.
"Do the Tau'ri have a name for this ritual?" Ry'ac inquired.
"Yes, they call it the Winter Olympics. Many other competitions take place during these event." Teal'c further explained.
"When we first encountered the Tau'ri, we discounted their ability as warriors. That was a foolish miscalculation." Bra'tac stated honestly.
"Father, Master Bra'tac, I wish to discuss the true reason I asked to meet you both." Ry'ac said sheepishly.
"I knew you wished to do more than exchange pleasantries when you asked that we all meet at a location other than Earth." Teal'c admitted.
"Let us have the discussion you seek." Bra'tac allowed.
"Your people need you both. We have accomplished much since your departure. To further our progress, we need both of your honored presences." Ry'ac continued.
"I believe I speak for both Teal'c and I when I tell you that we cannot grant what you seek Ry'ac." Bra'tac replied.
"Many things have changed my son. After my exile, the Tau'ri gave me a home my own people denied me. They have placed their faith in my, and I in them. My place is among the Tau'ri, and that will not change." Teal'c explained.
"What do you possibly have on Earth that you cannot have on Dakara?" Ry'ac argued.
"As a member of the Borealis crew, I am part of something larger than myself. I finally feel as if I know where I belong. When Borealis again departs Earth, I will be aboard." Teal'c stated resolutely.
"Are you returning to the Pegasus Galaxy?" Ry'ac asked.
"No, the time of Borealis in Pegasus is over. We will be departing for a new galaxy. I will brook no argument about this." Teal'c said firmly.
"What of you Master Bra'tac?" Ry'ac asked.
"I no longer walk on this plain of existence Ry'ac. My place is with the other ascended beings. For much of my life I sought ascension. Now that I have it, I will not squander such a gift. Our time as leaders of the Free Jaffa Nation is past. We have passed that torch on to you. You are the future, and we are the past. Lead your people well, and you will bring about the future we both envisioned for all Jaffa." Bra'tac said solemnly.
For several more hours, the trio would continue their exploration of the city. Though he would never admit it, Ry'ac considered his mission a failure. Not only would the Jaffa be better served with these two highly respected men in positions of leadership, Ry'ac needed them both. Left unsaid, Ry'ac needed both his mentor and his father.
USS Ajax
Near Fleet Station McHenry
Milky Way
Sitting ideal in the space surrounding Fleet Station McHenry, USS Ajax observed the ongoing construction process being mounted by her two Athena Class sisters. Once construction was completed, Ajax would remain while the other two vessels departed. Ajax would stand guard over the station, and the fleet replenishment vessel which would stock the station with munitions and supplies. Goaltender duty was a role the crew of Ajax had long ago become accustomed.
Fifty two thousand kilometers from Ajax, a small hyperspace window tore open. From the dimensional doorway linking subspace and normal space, a small craft emerged. Seventy four feet long and nineteen in height, the small craft was triangular in shape, with sharp delta wings jutting out from a smoothly countered hull. Two reaction drives, as used in other small craft from 302's to Puddle Jumpers, drove the new arrival forward at respectable sublight velocities. Launched from USS Nimitz, this small craft was known as the C-3 Beagle, and served as the latest iteration of the carrier onboard delivery craft, or COD.
Signals were exchanged quickly between the COD and USS Ajax. Landing instructions quickly followed. Instead of being routed towards one of Ajax's two fighter bays, the COD instead was directed to proceed for landing in the bottom Jumper bay of the receiving warship. Crossing the gulf separating the two craft, the Beagle banked in a wide turn. Passing directly under the prominent bow of Ajax, the small craft began to decelerate rapidly. Slowing to a crawl, the C-3 passed through the energy barrier separating the internal spaces of the Jumper bay from space. A tricycle set of landing gear extended from the bottom of the Beagle. Moving silently scant feet above the bays deck plating, the small craft glided past rows of Jumpers on both sides. Coming to a halt at the rear of the large bay, the Beagle pirouetted in place, before setting down. As internal systems powered down, a loading ramp extended from the rear area of the Beagle.
Exiting the passenger area of the now stationary Beagle, a single Air Force officer strolled down the cargo ramp. Dressed in his utility uniform, the officer had a metal briefcase chained to his wrist. At the foot of the cargo ramp, a junior enlisted member of Ajax's crew greeted the arriving officer. Acting as guide, the enlisted crewmember escorted the new arrival to guest quarters. Leaving his charge at the doorway of guest quarters, the young enlisted escort handed a data pad to the officer, which contained a map of sorts for Ajax's internal layout, plus schedules for meals and such.
Prompted by the arrival of the Beagle and the new arrival, a security officer from elsewhere within Ajax made his way to guest officer quarters. Arriving at his destination, the security officer entered the quarters before him without invitation. Passing through the opening doorway, the security officer found the new arrival sitting at the room's desk, with the briefcase still chained to his wrist. Similar to handcuffs, a set of twin bracelets secured the case to the individual carrying it. Instead of the traditional key system of unlock, these cuffs were designed to only unlock when in receipt of a coded signal. Arriving via subspace signal from Earth, this unlock code had been added to a small pen shaped wand, which the security officer had in his possession. Removing this wand from a pen pocket on his upper right sleeve, the security officer touched the device to the cuffs; freeing it from the officer who had arrived with the case. Consulting a data pad of his own, the security officer found the brief case combination, and unlocked the case itself.
"The skipper is in his quarters when you're ready." The security officer stated before turning on his heels, and exiting the room.
From the case, the visiting Air Force officer removed a small metallic box, with a glasslike panel on its top. Taking a pouch from the case, the officer also removed an Ancient communications stone. Balling a fist around the stone for a brief moment, the officer then set the communications stone on the desk in front of him. Consulting the Rolex Submariner adorning his wrist, the officer counted down the ticking seconds.
As the appointed time came and went, the officer knew a sequence of events were taking place on Earth. Twenty seconds before, a similar terminal to the one the officer had brought with him, was being powered down somewhere within the Pentagon. Allowing a further minute to pass for safety's sake, the officer powered up his terminal. As a blue glow took hold within the terminal, the visiting officer grabbed the now set communications stone, and placed it on the glasslike top. In a disorienting series of events, the officer's consciousness was exchanged with a member of the crew of Destiny, on the other side of the universe.
Looking around for a moment, to gain their bearings, the new occupant of the officer's body looked first at his hand. Consciousness exchange through use of the stones was always a novel experience, no matter how many times it was done. Turning their gaze towards the mirror within the guest quarters, the new occupant took stock of the body they now inhabited for a brief time.
Rising to their feet, the officer's body with new occupant in control strode out of the guest quarters. Moving quickly, and with purpose, the officer's body made its way to an internal transport booth at the end of the hallway containing guest quarters. Consulting a destination guide on the digital screen within the transport terminal, the body with new occupant stabbed a finger at the display, and selected an end destination.
Several decks, and four hundred feet from the sending transport booth, another transport booth received the energy stream containing the visiting officer. Returning to material form, the officer waited while the outer doors of this new transport booth opened. As they did, the individual within continued on towards their end destination. Looking at nameplates beside the quarters lining this new hallway, the individual controlling the officer's body quickly found the space they were searching for. Behind these doors lay the quarters of Ajax's commanding officer, Colonel Everett Young. Hitting a button built into the wall beside the door, a chime signaled within the quarters to announce someone seeking entry. At Young's approval, the outer doors to his quarters opened, allowing the visiting officer entry. Stepping through the doorway, the occupant occupying the visiting officer's body saw Young seated at his desk, and motioning the visitor toward.
"Come in and sit down Ian." Colonel Young invited.
"Colonel Davidson is still aboard Destiny actually. I am here with his approval, to speak with you." The visitor countered.
"Who might you be?" Young asked suspiciously.
"Rush." The Scotsman replied.
"This is a surprise. Tell me Rush, to what do I owe the honor?" Young asked lightly.
"I find myself in the midst of a crisis." Rush hinted.
"Oh, this should be good. What sort of crisis Rush?" Young inquired mirthfully.
"One which you have intimate familiarity." Rush further explained.
"Oh, do tell." Young urged, in an intrigued tone.
"I am a married man." Rush began.
"Yes Rush, I know. I was there." Young added.
"Of course you were. I find my heart torn between two people." Rush continued.
"Please tell me you are not having an affair aboard Destiny. Your wide is onboard for god's sake!" Young exclaimed in frustration and surprise.
"Now you know why I said this is a crisis which you have intimate familiarity. What I need to know, is how did you deal with the duality of heart?" Rush asked honestly.
"You have really gone and done it this time. I always said you were a lot of work. Ok, I will play ball. The simple answer was hundreds of light years between myself, the woman I was married to, and the woman I had an affair with. All I ask is that you not give me specifics, or I will be forced to include those in my conversation report." Young urged.
"My situation is far more complex than that, with implications I cannot begin to fathom." Rush further hinted.
"Complex? Having an affair on ship on a years long mission, with your wife aboard, is a bit more than just complex. You are in a mess." Young sighed.
"The other woman is…" Rush began to say.
"Stop. I do not want to know who she is." Young stated, cutting Rush off midsentence.
"My wife." Rush continued.
"Ok, back up. How are you having an affair with your wife? Is this what academics do behind closed doors?" Young asked in amusement.
"Not my current wife. I am speaking of Gloria." Rush explained.
"Gloria, as in your late wife?" Young asked in confusion.
"Yes. Like I said, it is a complex situation." Rush explained before continuing on.
For the next hour, Rush explained each appearance of Gloria aboard Destiny. Surprisingly, to Young atleast, was that these appearances had been going on since Rush first cracked the master code of the Ancient vessel. Tears flowed as Rush explained the tragic events of Gloria's demise years before on Earth. Though the two men had many differences, the outpouring of emotion from a man he often believed completely devoid of emotion at all touched Young.
"Rush, I am going to give you some advice. You love both of these women, that much is clear. That being the case, you owe it to both of them to explain your feelings. An explanation is owed to both these women at some point. You will need to make a choice though, as to which you want to spend your life with. When that time comes to make your choice, I do ask that you consider one is alive, and the other might be nothing more than a hallucination.
Destiny, Across the universe
In Hyperspace
An hour earlier
Deep within the bowels of Destiny, as she coursed through space at velocities greatly exceeding that of light, Rush made his way to the room housing the communications stones. Authorized by Colonel Ian Davidson, Destiny's current commanding officer, Rush would be using the stones before Davidson's scheduled meeting with Colonel Young. These meetings were commonplace, and allowed Davidson the resource of Young's knowledge of the ship and personalities aboard her.
Seated in the commander's chair, on the bridge of Destiny, Davidson was busy going through his notes. These notes, which he jotted down at every occasion, served to remind the Colonel of issues to speak with Young about. Before each communications stone session, Davidson always refreshed his memory by consulting these notes. An audible chime in the background momentarily distracted the Colonel from his voluminous notes. Turning his attention to a helmsman manning his duty station, Davidson began to speak.
"What's with the chime? I only ask because we are in FTL at the moment." Davidson inquired.
"Sensors are detecting that odd signal again sir." The helmsman replied.
"Same signal composition?" Davidson asked.
"Yes sir." The helmsman replied.
"Catalogue it, and see if we can track down a source this time." Davidson ordered, before returning to his notes review.
The signal in question was one Destiny's sensors had taken note of several times in the past. As Rush touched the communications stones in another section of the vessel, the signal increased in intensity. Attempts to localize a source for the signal once again proved impossible, even to the powerful sensors aboard the Ancient vessel. These emissions seemed to emanate from all regions of surrounding space. The composition and intensity of this signal was immeasurable, even to Destiny's advanced sensors. Though this was not the first time such a signal had been detected, it was also realized it would most probably not be the last either. Strangely, these signals had somehow followed Destiny through a handful of galaxies.
Elsewhere, in Destiny's dining facility, Ginn Wallace, Amanda Rush, and Joseph Kent sat, enjoying a meal and the company of each other. These mealtime get-togethers were a near daily event for the trio of scientific minds. Ideas, jokes, and gossip were readily exchanged, while the three enjoyed a meal of brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, and creamed spinach. Amid the mealtime banter, Rush's wife Amanda posed a serious question to her two close friends.
"Have either of you noticed Nick acting strangely in the last few weeks?" Amanda asked.
"No stranger than usual." Ginn responded.
"Why do you ask?" Kent inquired.
"Nick is never a big sleeper, but he is sleeping less than usual. He will never admit it, but I can see something troubling him deeply." Amanda continued.
"We have been very involved with our work on the cosmic microwave background signal. Chances are he is mulling over a new idea to decrypt the signal. He tends to shut others out when solving a problem." Kent explained.
"Maybe that is it. Just keep an eye on him, and if he acts strangely, let me know." Amanda requested.
Once an unfathomable concept, exercise had become a staple of Eli Wallace's day. Instead of participating in exercises groups with civilian and military members of the Destiny expedition, Eli preferred to workout alone. As his chosen area to jog, Eli always came to the forward section of the massive ship. Here, in the long and empty hallways, Eli ran while pouring over ideas. Jogging had become therapy of sorts for the recipient of the repository of knowledge download.
As he ran, as he always did, Eli tuned out his surroundings. Having run so many times through these hallways, Eli knew them by heart. Every deck plate was as familiar to him as his wife Ginn's face. The soundtrack to Starship Troopers filled the ear buds connected to the young mans iPod, giving him music to exercise by. A new track began, as the young mans feet pounded against the deck plating. At that moment, lights throughout the hallway began to first flicker, before going out entirely.
Darkness filled the corridor unexpectedly. Not wanting to trip, or run into a wall; Eli quickly came to a halt. Laboring to catch his breath from the jog, Eli muttered a curse about hating the darkness filling the ship. Standing in place, sure the lights would come back on, Eli again cursed when the avatar of Destiny failed to appear when summoned. Oddly, that was something that had never once happened before. When summoned, the avatar of Destiny never failed to appear.
The human eye is finely tuned to detect both light and movement. Moving light sources were especially easy to detect, even to those with poor eyesight. In the distance, an ethereal glow appeared, filling the dark corridor. That was a strange sight. Even stranger, the ethereal glow began to move towards Eli, illuminating sections of the corridor as it traveled. His feet, seemingly welded to the metallic deck plating, refused to move. Eli's breathing quickened as the glow approached at an ever quickening pace. Surprise and wonder quickly turned to panic, as the glow quickened its pace towards the young man.
A wall of pale blue light passed by and through Eli. As it did, a shiver of cold ran down the young mans spine. Turning quickly, Eli attempted to lay his eyes on the light source that had just passed through his body. Seeing the light source continue its race through the corridor, Eli's heart rate began to slow, until he saw the light source halt, and race back towards him. Passing through him again, Eli's panic turned into sheer terror. Before he could turn that feeling of terror into thoughts, a voice called his name. That voice was one Eli knew well, and served to heighten his sense of fright.
Standing before Eli was the form of Sergeant Hunter Riley. Clearly, this was impossible, because Riley had tragically lost his life long before Destiny's return to the Milky Way, and subsequent redeployment to this corner of the universe.
"You're dead." Eli whispered.
"Do I look dead Mr. Wallace?" Riley asked pointedly.
"Well, no. Maybe, but I really don't know what else to say." Eli admitted.
"Get your uncertainty under grips. I have come a great distance to have this conversation with you." Riley stated.
"I bet." Eli managed to say.
"The quips do little to help the conversation progress towards its endpoint." Riley lectured.
"Ok, I am all ears." Eli conceded.
"I come with a request for you. My request is simple and to the point. Turn back now. Abandon this quest you and this vessel are on." Riley said with authority.
"Why would we do that?" Eli asked honestly.
"Your people did not begin this journey. You only fill the role now. Abandon this quest, and I will grant you and your people anything you want." Riley pleaded.
"Bribery? What is so important that you would bribe us to abandon the mission?" Eli asked.
"You are an intelligent young man. Even before receiving the repository of knowledge download, you were bright. Even for someone of your considerable intellectual gifts, you must know that some things defy your level of comprehension. Turn back now." Riley continued.
"I appreciate the kind words of compliment, but that does nothing to answer the larger question of why." Eli stated argued.
"If your people persist in this mission, you will find what you seek. Ask yourself if what you seek is worth what the end price will be. Forces larger than your ability to comprehend are at work on a level you can never begin see. Turn back, and abandon this mission." Riley ordered before vanishing.
Seconds after Riley vanished, lights throughout the hallway regained power. For a moment, Eli stood silently contemplating what he had just seen and heard. Instead of continuing his jog, Eli reversed his course and made his way towards the bridge.
Langara
Langaran Solar System
Milky Way
Hours after Major Carlyle's debriefing at the November Site, Brigadier General Frost sent an operational immediate alert to the Pentagon, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Attached to this alert was Frost's opinion that the intelligence was genuine. Quickly, this intelligence found itself in the hands of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a number of international partners. After fighting a conflict fomented by the Lucian Alliance on Tagrea, no chances would be taken.
At the edges of the Langaran Solar System, six hyperspace windows opened. From these windows exited two Athena Class vessels, two of the Improved Daedalus Class, and two of the smaller Crossbow Class vessels. Immediately upon return to normal space, each vessel engaged their cloaks, and vanished from view. Both Improved Daedalus Class vessels would monitor and patrol the outer reaches of the solar system. Both Athena Class vessels, and their smaller Crossbow Class sisters, would move in closer to Langara. Should the Lucian Alliance attempt a fleet action against Langara and her people, they would be met by a frightening amount of firepower.
Word also reached the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Joint Base MacArthur, and other units also present. Units of both the Tau'ri military contingent and the Langaran armed forces went to an increased alert level. To prevent panic, no warning was passed to the citizens of Langara, by choice of the planets government.
Ground based sensors, as well as ship based sensors, scanned both normal space, and hyperspace for any approaching vessels or threats. Though nothing was detected, these deep level scans would continue until the stand down order came from Earth. If the Alliance wanted a fight, all present were prepared to give them an eventful arrival.