Talus
Pegasus Galaxy
Outside the orbital tracks of the three moons of Talus, a thin debris field drifted. This debris field, inert, was all that remained after the first combat between vessels of the Ori and Wraith. Though this debris field marked the graveyard for thousands of Wraith crewmembers from the two destroyed Hives, the field served a greater purpose. Were one to observe Talus for several days, they would quickly notice something amiss with this mountainous world. Time and its normal passage seemed to not flow, in direct contravention of understood science.
Today, time would once again be manipulated. Instead of the dramatic slowing of time, the normal passage of time as it was understood would be returned. Since the initiation of the Asgard designed time dilation device, nearly nineteen months had passed. On the surface of Talus, those there would argue that only ninety minutes had passed since the imposing Asgard vessel Iskr plunged through the skies. Today, reality as the Wraith trapped in the time dilation field would change, as they knew it.
Beyond the scattered field of Hive wreckage drifting in space sat two massive vessels. Identical to a vessel that once attacked Earth, these two ZPM powered Hives served a far different master. Todd, patriarch of the Hybrid race, sat aboard one of these imposingly powerful vessels. Traveling here from the distant galaxy of Ida, Todd had come to reclaim those he referred to as his wayward children. Having waited patiently for the last day, Todd's patience was beginning to wear thin.
Shifting restlessly in the throne chair once home to a Wraith queen, Todd thought back to the past, in hopes of calming his nerves. So much had changed since the Wraith in slumber had been awakened ahead of schedule. Civil war, victory and defeat, betrayal, and finally a vicious war resulting in blissful freedom. Yes, it had been costly, but worth ten times the cost if measured in blood. Now, Todd sat proudly as head of what remained of Wraith society.
That society, freed from war and the near constant need to cull humanity for sustenance, had blossomed. No longer were those once known as Wraith bound by their previous constraints. This allowed for a great expansion in what could be accomplished. Moving away from their previous roles in the Wraith caste system, Hybrid's immersed themselves in other pursuits. Music, literature, and art were just a few. Though Todd was no fan of poetry, even he admitted the growing crop of poets was possessed with a certain talent. Interrupting these thoughts, a long haired Hybrid commander brought Todd's attention fully back to the current situation.
"What is it?" Todd asked.
"Our sensors indicate a vessel approaching in hyperspace." The commander announced.
"So our allies have finally arrived. Return to your station." Todd said dismissively.
Three hundred thousand kilometers from the two ZPM powered Hive's of the Hybrid fleet, a hyperspace window tore open. As this dimensional rift in the fabric of space was rent open, a vessel familiar to the Hybrid's emerged. Imposing, graceful, and speaking of technological superiority; the Asgard flagship Hala glided into normal space. Driven forward by her powerful subspace engines, Hala effortlessly crossed the gulf between her and the Hybrid vessels. With little fanfare, Hala came to rest neatly between the two Hives.
Sitting in his throne, Todd waited for word from his ships crew that message traffic from the Asgard vessel awaited him. Instead, a hologram of Thor, Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet appeared before him. Considering this briefly, Todd knew he should not be surprised.
"Greetings." Thor began.
"Hello once again Thor." Todd responded politely.
"If you are ready, I will beam you aboard my vessel now." Thor prompted.
"Proceed." Todd stated.
In a flash of silver light and energy, Todd's physical form dematerialized. Traveling through space as energy, the Hybrid leader rematerialized on the bridge of Hala. Gathering his senses as his physical form returned, Todd looked around. Though incredibly advanced, the Asgard design aesthetic left much to be desired in Todd's eyes. Glancing to his far left, Todd leveled his gaze on Thor.
"Welcome aboard the Hala." Thor offered graciously.
"I was beginning to wonder when exactly you would arrive." Todd responded.
"My apologies. Other pressing matters within Pegasus required my attention. Because of those, my arrival was delayed." Thor explained in apology.
"Should I be made aware of a threat to the security of this galaxy?" Todd pressed.
"No such threat exists to my knowledge. As you are aware, the Vanir are members of the Asgard race. At the urging of the Great Races, I am here to initiate contact with them." Thor explained.
"So your presence in this galaxy is not just to release the Wraith trapped in the time dilation field?" Todd asked with a trace of annoyance.
"My purpose here is multifaceted. I trust Ida is peaceful." Thor replied, changing topics.
"It is, as you are aware. We often detect vessels of the Asgard fleet transiting through space near our home world. Surely, you are aware of our expansion to two nearby star systems." Todd baited.
"We are, and fully endorse your decision to expand your domain." Thor replied.
"We will of course continue to watch over the Separatist Jaffa, as agreed." Todd said solemnly.
"The High Council also asks that you refrain from contact with the handful of young races within Ida. Consider them the responsibility of the Asgard." Thor said sternly.
"Agreed." Todd replied.
"During the most recent flyby of an Asgard vessel, sensors indicated lower power levels in both ZPM's powering your two ships present. This, we shared with the Tau'ri." Thor commented.
"Though power levels are lower, both zero point modules have sufficient energy remaining to fuel those vessels for some time to come. Once those modules fail, other arraignments will be required." Todd acknowledged.
"If you recall, the Five Races agreed to your retaining of these vessels, on the condition you came when called. We have no desire to see your fleet diminished. To that end, the Tau'ri have extended a gift." Thor added, while pointing to the case beside the Hybrid's feet.
"Zero point modules?" Todd asked cautiously.
"Use them well. Now, let us free the Wraith trapped on Talus." Thor offered.
"Before we proceed, what of the Harbinger's vessel?" Todd inquired.
"As you are aware, the Harbinger's vessel is in the custody of the Tau'ri, where it will remain. Scientists of the Five Great Races have and continue to examine the vessel exhaustively." Thor indicated.
"When possible, I ask to be allowed to examine the vessel personally. Many of the systems aboard the vessel in question could offer insight towards improvements of my own fleet." Todd conceded.
"I will pass your request along. My schedule is pressing, so I must ask that we finish the task at hand. I will beam you aboard your vessel now. Thor concluded.
Before Todd could reply, he and the case containing the gifted ZPM's, were dematerialized and returned to the Hybrid flagship. Turning his focus to the control panel in front of him, Thor transmitted an encrypted subspace burst to the planet. Due to the effects of the time dilation device, a subspace message was the only form of communications that could reach the device without a long wait.
As the subspace burst emerged from the bonds of subspace, it passed through the dilation shielding surrounding the device. Receiving the signal to power down, the device initiated a five minute countdown. At the end of this countdown, the distortion of time would cease. This would free the Wraith from their invisible prison, and allow Todd to offer them a choice. Conversion or death; the choice was simple.
Aboard his flagship, Todd brought the telepathic amplifiers online. These devices allowed his thoughts, across the hive mind, to be transmitted across greatly expanded distances than he would have been physically capable of. As this happened, both the Hybrid ZPM powered Hives engaged their sublight drives. Accelerating away from the stationary Asgard flagship, both Hives moved towards Talus cautiously.
Standing on the bridge of his vessel, Todd's eyes were locked on Talus in the view screen. Moving closer, the planet grew larger on the screen. This was the moment he had waited for. Finally, he could add significant numbers to his followers. That they would require conversion from Wraith to Hybrid mattered little. Strength in numbers was a line of thought to which Todd eagerly subscribed.
Once more, the holographic image of Thor appeared near Todd. Turning to focus his gaze on the holographic representation of his ally and benefactor, Todd nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"The time dilation field will power down in thirty seconds. What comes next is in your hands. Farewell." Thor said, before vanishing from view once more.
Running his hands over the control panel of biological origins, Todd input his commands. Increasing the magnification of Talus on the screen greatly, the image grew in detail. Settling the magnification increase where he wanted it, the image focused. From this vantage point, it cloud cover over a large grouping of Wraith on the ground was plainly seen. It was this view that would alert him to the time dilation device powering down fully. Tense seconds ticked by as Todd waited.
As his amber colored cats eyes bored in on the view screen in front of him, Todd felt a wave of exhilaration. The last great increase in his follower's numbers had come in the face of violence, while this would come through persuasion. That the threat of violence was being used as the lever to persuade the Wraith was lost on Todd, and was an argument without merit to him should it have been presented. Unaware he was doing so, Todd's breathing stopped as he stared intently at the screen.
Clouds and Wraith on the ground were fixed at stationary points, almost as if in stasis. Without warning, what had been stationary for so long sprang to life. Wraith on the ground could be seen moving. Clouds, riding on unseen winds, once more began to morph into new and chaotic shapes. The time dilation field was offline!
Detecting the thoughts of the ten thousand Wraith on Talus, Todd's mind quickly picked up the suddenly expanded hive mind. Anger, shock, surprise, and fear filled the telepathic spectrum. Not wasting a moment, Todd mentally leapt into action. In seconds, with the aide of the telepathic amplifiers, Todd's thoughts overpowered the confused hive mind.
"Wraith, hear me!" Todd's voice boomed throughout the hive mind.
Detecting this new and powerful telepathic presence, the ten thousand Wraith came to a standstill. Was this the rescue they knew would come? Had the Harbinger fought through the enemy fleet to deliver rescue to his followers?
"The Wraith are no more. You are the last of those known as Wraith." Todd boomed telepathically.
Impossible, the hive mind countered with arrogance. We are Wraith! We are the immortal keepers of Pegasus, the slayers of the Ancients! In answer, Todd mentally projected visions of the final battle against the Wraith in Pegasus. As the hive mind watched the Wraith fleet fall, the arrogance contained within it evaporated.
"Unlike the Wraith, I offer you control of your fate. Submit and convert to join the Hybrid race and you will thrive. Refuse, and I will end your lives here and now. The choice is yours. Decide quickly." Todd's mind boomed.
Todd's incredibly powerful telepathic presence decided the issue for many immediately. Wraith, accustomed to a hierarchy dictated by physical and mental power, fell into line almost unanimously. One hundred of those below rebelled however. Screaming mentally over the hive mind, those one hundred dissenting voices swore to never serve the one known as the betrayer. Sequestered in the domed command structure of the Wraith complex, the dissenters felt themselves secure.
"You have chosen poorly. For that, I purge you from the hive mind forever." Todd said with venom.
Before a response could come, four powerful blue bolts of deadly energy weapons fire tore through the heavens. One after another, these blue bolts ripped into the domed structure. Inside the destroyed dome, a cascade of explosions erupted. As smoke and flame rose into the sky, the hive mind took immediate note of the absence of the dissenter's voices. Through force of violence, Todd had once more expanded his following.
As this unfolded, a silver burst of light and energy erupted on a snowcapped peak to the north. Bursting through the snow and ice, this silver energy caused the peak to glisten like a star at birth. This eruption faded as quickly as it began. Thor once more had the time dilation device in his possession.
Through his own view screen, Thor watched as the two augmented Hives descended through the atmosphere. Once on the ground, Todd and his Hybrid followers would collect the Wraith. Placing them in stasis, the Wraith would be transported to the Hybrid home world a galaxy away, where they would undergo the conversion process. Only then could they be integrated into Hybrid society. Focusing his thoughts on his next task, Thor deactivated the view screen. Moving the control stone in his palm, he once more activated Hala's hyper drive and vanished from view.
Atlantis
Lantea
Pegasus Galaxy
Standing on the balcony of his private quarters, Doctor Radek Zelenka looked out over the city ship of Atlantis. Sunlight shone brightly on the many gleaming towers covering her piers. Crisp clean slat air filled Zelenka's nostrils as he took in the sights. Though he hated being so far from his family and friends in the Czech Republic, he admitted that this city of the Ancient's was his true home now. Adjusting his spectacles while squinting in the bright sunlight, a smile crossed his face as he saw expedition personnel sunbathing on the east pier. Within the expedition, this practice was known as 'steel beach', a nickname borrowed from the US Navy.
In the wake of the Wraith defeat almost two years before, Zelenka had found Atlantis a changed city. Gone were the days filled with fear, shock, and anger over the latest Wraith atrocity. Since that time, the city and its greatly expanded science staff filled their days and nights with the study of advanced technology and science. Finally, the depths of the Atlantis database had been probed. Though much progress had been made, years and possibly decades of research and examination remained. One could spend an entire career studying the Ancient database, and still fail to do more than scratch the surface.
To that end, the science department now in residence within the city's hallways made that of early expedition days seem insignificant by comparison. Whereas once the city's inhabitants had numbered in the hundreds, the current science department alone accounted for ten thousand highly qualified individuals. Further adding to inhabitant numbers, thousands more from Earth were present. These further numbers belonged to multiple governments, militaries, and scientific organizations. Belonging to the expedition, yet residing throughout the Pegasus galaxy, many others from Earth were present.
As he often did from his balcony, Radek tuned out the picturesque surroundings, and thought back to the past. Though he loved Atlantis as she now sat, the original expedition would always fill a place in his heart. How things had changed in a handful of years. McKay and Keller, now married, were assigned to Borealis. Elizabeth Weir, alive once more, was leader of the Replicator race and current second in command of Shambhala. Colonel Sheppard, if rumors were true, was in trouble of some type once more. As much as some things changed though, others remained the same.
Many familiar faces were still here. Richard Woolsey, with Earth's blessing, remained in command of the city and expedition. Lieutenant Colonel Evan Lorne remained in command of the Atlantis military contingent. Carson Beckett, turning down several lucrative offers on Earth, remained the chief medical officer. Despite these familiar faces being nearby, Radek still missed those no longer present. Interrupting this trip down memory lane, a figure appeared on the balcony beside him.
"Doctor, pardon the interruption." The avatar of Atlantis said.
"It is ok. I was just thinking is all. What can I do for you Atlantis?" Zelenka asked.
"Your presence is requested in the control room." Atlantis explained.
"Please inform the control room I am on my way." Zelenka requested.
"Very well Doctor." Atlantis replied before vanishing from sight.
Collecting a few items from his nightstand, Radek exited his quarters. Stepping into the hallway brought a cacophony of noise to his ears. Expedition members filled the hallway, speaking about this and that. Thinking this is how the city must have been during the height of Ancient presence in Pegasus; a crooked smile crossed the doctor's face. Making his way to the end of the hall, he stepped into the transporter booth that would carry him to his destination. Tapping the representation of the center spire on the destination screen, Radek watched as the booths outer doors closed, and he was instantaneously beamed to another section of the city.
As the outer doors of this different yet identical transporter booth opened, Radek was greeted by the sight a gate team, apparently newly returned from an off world exploration mission. Giving the scientist a nod, the team entered the transporter booth for an in city journey of their own. Walking through the hallway towards the city's control center, the Czech perked up his ears. Hearing nothing, he felt reasonably sure his summoning to the center spire had nothing to do with an emergency or great catastrophe. Yet another indicator of how things in Pegasus had changed.
Making his way to the control center platform, Radek noticed that both Richard Woolsey and Lieutenant Colonel Lorne were watching a display screen intently. Stepping behind them and clearing his throat, he immediately came to the attention of both men. Peeling his eyes toward the screen, he took note that this display was from the long range sensors of Atlantis.
"Thank you for joining us Doctor. I apologize for bothering you on your day off." Woolsey said with genuine feeling.
"Hey Doc." Lorne welcomed warmly.
"What can I help you with gentlemen?" Zelenka asked.
"As you can see, sensors have detected a vessel rapidly approaching through hyperspace. Thor, at our request, is coming to speak with you." Woolsey explained.
"Wonderful! If the Asgard have already located the Vanir, my project was at least a stimulating exercise. If they have as yet to locate the Vanir, it might help them." Radek stated.
"Mr. Woolsey, the vessel has exited hyperspace. Supreme Commander Thor wishes to speak with you." The avatar of Atlantis announced.
"Please put the message through Atlantis." Woolsey requested.
"Very well." Atlantis replied.
Seconds later, a holographic video display appeared in front of the three men. On that screen was seen the familiar face of an Asgard.
"Greetings." Thor began.
"Thank you for coming Thor." Woolsey replied.
"As yet, we have been unable to locate the Vanir. Until such time as we do, initiating contact will be….difficult." Thor explained.
"Perhaps we can help with that. Doctor Zelenka wishes to show you a project he has been working on. Please beam down at your convenience Woolsey invited.
Hardly had the words left Woolsey's mouth, when the familiar chime of an Asgard transporter rang through the air. With it, the expanding and contracting pulse of silver energy illuminated the control center. In its wake, the Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet stood.
"I am most eager to examine your project Doctor." Thor said without hesitation.
"Let us step into the briefing room, and I will present my data and findings to you." Zelenka suggested.
Accepting that suggestion, Radel, Thor, Woolsey, and Lorne quickly made their way to the briefing room. As the last of them entered, the outer doors sealed shut. Standing, full of nervous energy as he usually was Radek one more adjusted his glasses.
"Atlantis, can you please transfer the subspace data we were reviewing in my lab to the main display?" Radek asked.
"I have already taken that liberty Doctor. The information is ready for your use now." Atlantis stated.
"Before we begin, may I ask exactly what we are reviewing?" Thor questioned.
"When the Atlantis expedition first encountered the Vanir, I was able to fix their position in the galaxy using the work of Lazlo Babai." Radek explained.
"And he is?" Thor asked, puzzled.
"He is a Hungarian professor at the University of Chicago, but that does not matter to the point at hand. Using his work on combinatorics, I was able to peel away layer upon layer of subspace message traffic and arrive at the source of origin." Radek continued.
"Doctor, I assure you the fleet I bought to this galaxy has already verified that the Vanir have not returned to the destroyed Ancient outpost." Thor countered.
"Yes, I am certain you have. When I began to suspect you were having trouble locating the Vanir, I reviewed the subspace sensor logs from the day the warning of the approaching Wraith fleet was transmitted." Radek continued to explain as he pointed to the star map displayed on screen.
On reflex, Woolsey, Lorne, and Thor leaned closer towards the screen. On this display, eight separate solar systems were highlighted.
"As you and I both know, the message you received that day was relayed from these points around the galaxy." Radek stated.
"Yes, of that I am aware." Thor replied.
"I managed to peel away higher powered subspace traffic, and isolated eight lower powered signals to these relays." Radek announced.
"Originating from where exactly?" Thor asked, as his eyes squinted somewhat.
"Even with the incredibly sensitive systems of Atlantis, I cannot say exactly. What I can do is give you a region of space. That should greatly improve your search efforts." Radek offered.
Data on the display screen altered from a large galaxy view, to a more confined view. Within the displayed region of space, three solar systems stood. True to his word, Zelenka did indeed offer a more refined search area.
"How sure are you of these findings Doctor?" Thor asked.
"Atlantis and I both worked on these findings. As we went, we reviewed the others work. I also had my science staff peer review the findings." Radek replied.
"If correct, you have indeed helped us. The Asgard will be in your debt Doctor. Thank you." Thor said genuinely.
"What is your next move?" Woolsey asked.
"We find the Vanir, and make them an offer they would be foolish to refuse." Thor replied deadpan.
Uncharted Space
Pegasus Galaxy
Six hours after the impromptu meetings within Atlantis, the Asgard task force roaming the galaxy converged. Hala and the seven other ships of her class paired with a single O'Neill class vessel apiece. The remaining four O'Neill's remained in the empty space between the three solar systems, standing guard over the ten Daniel Jackson Class science vessels. The last time the Asgard had located the Vanir home world, shots had been exchanged. For that reason, the science vessels would remain out of potential harm.
Two of the solar systems were likely candidates to support life. The third was lifeless, icy, and unlikely to host life of its own. In Thor's opinion, this fact made the third solar system the single most likely location for the Vanir to reside. As a group that had lived in hiding for many thousands of years, a sudden change of methods was unlikely. Hala and her sister ship Othalla, with their two accompanying O'Neill's in tow, made their way to this lifeless solar system. The remaining Six Hala's and their accompanying O'Neill's divided between the two remaining systems.
Already powerful sensors were tuned to their maximum sensitivity. What they sought was any sign of Asgard style technology. The similarities between Vanir and older Asgard technology was an advantage in this search, as the Asgard knew the detection weaknesses of the technology in use. As a precaution, Thor and his fellow ship captains raised their shields. Though this was done, weapons were left conspicuously powered down. They must not represent a threat, if they hoped to avoid confrontation.
Moving through the seemingly lifeless solar system, the sensors of the collection of vessels detected no trace of Vanir presence or technology. To be safe, Thor inquired with the groups assigned the other two solar systems in hopes they might have find the Vanir. Unfortunately, they had not. This told Thor that the Vanir must be in this solar system. If his sensors could not locate them, he would simply resort to other means.
Moving his hands over the communications terminal, Thor opened a video channel. Transmitting in the clear, anyone within the solar system would be able to hear and see the Supreme Commander.
"I am Thor, Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet. My mission is to establish a dialogue with the Vanir in friendship. We pose no threat to you, nor do we mean you any harm. I come baring an offer you will wish to weigh for yourselves." Thor said clearly.
Minutes ticked by without acknowledgement. Erring on the side of safety, Thor repeated the message again. For eleven minutes, Thor waited for a response. On the twelfth minute, that response came.
"Thor, though it is good to learn that you still live, I cannot condone your presence in a solar system not your own." A disembodied voice answered.
"To whom do I speak?" Thor asked.
"Are you so long lived that you have already forgotten who it was that taught you to command a vessel of the fleets of Asgard?" The voice asked lightly.
"It is good to know that you still live as well Njoror." Thor replied honestly.
"You must depart this system. Though we are old friends, I will not hesitate to turn this visitation into a battle. I ask you Thor; please leave while I make the option available." Njoror implored.
As the conversation was taking place, Thor, diligently manipulated the sensor controls before him. Even at incredibly low signal strength, the Vanir message traffic was detectable by the advanced Asgard sensors of the Hala. In seconds, Thor knew exactly from which planet the transmission originated. Moving another control stone on curving bronze colored panel, Thor commanded the Hala to close on the ice entombed world. The accompanying three Asgard vessels followed her charge closely.
"Njoror, you are someone I have learned a great deal from. You are one whom I respect in the utmost. We must speak face to face." Thor countered.
"What you ask is not possible. Turn back now, while you still can." Njoror warned.
As the four vessels closed on the Vanir planet, messaged the trailing Asgard vessels through text. Heeding his command, the trailing Hala Class vessel, and two O'Neill's halted. There they remained, with their weapons powered down, but shields powered fully.
"The vessels with me will remain distant from your planet. I however, will not." Thor admitted.
"Thor, consider this the last warning. Do not make me teach you a final, fatal lesson." Njoror cautioned.
Moving his hands over the systems control panel, Thor initiated a dangerous gamble. Though he was prepared for the consequences of this gamble, it was an outcome he hoped to avoid.
"As your sensors no doubt detect, I have lowered Hala's shields. I approach unarmed and unprotected." Thor announced.
"You wager your life on a fool's gambit. If you are willing to protect the other ships of your fleet, why then do you not protect your own life?" Njoror asked in puzzlement.
"The lives of those under my command I place before my own. That lesson I learned from you. Attack if necessary, but know that I die alone, as a messenger of peace." Thor challenged.
"Still stubborn, after thousands of years I see. Fine, I will grant you an audience. The coordinates will be transmitted to you momentarily." Njoror said in frustrated admiration.
Entering orbit of the icy world, Hala established stationary geosynchronous orbit. There, she motionless in relation to the planets surface far below. Receiving the coordinates for beaming a moment later, Thor activated the Asgard transport beam, and vanished. Seconds later, after he rematerialized, Thor saw standing before him his long ago teacher, Njoror. In a room reminiscent of the SGC briefing room, the two stood, with other Vanir around the chamber.
"You have taken great risk to come here." Njoror scolded.
"Without risk reward is almost always unattainable." Thor countered.
"Still using my own teachings against me? What is this message you bring?" Njoror asked.
"I come to offer an arraignment beneficial to us all." Thor replied curtly.
"What makes you believe we wish to enter in to any arraignment with the High Council? Have you forgotten what happened the last time Vanir and Asgard were together? The High Council has proven it cannot be trusted." Njoror challenged.
"This arraignment is not between the Vanir and the High Council. I come to you on behalf of the Five Great Races. It is the Alliance of Great Races that wishes to offer something to you." Thor hinted.
"What do they wish to offer the Vanir?" Njoror asked in disbelieving tones.
"Peace, prosperity, partnership, and a domain of your own in this galaxy." Thor stated.
"We have a domain; this is one of several Vanir worlds. Coming out of hiding is far too dangerous." Njoror said dismissively.
"In exchange for your partnership and assistance, we are prepared to offer much." Thor tempted.
"Not that we are interested in your enticements, but just what is it you offer?" Njoror inquired.
"A fleet of your own, not of your construction; a home world rich with resources and natural beauty; and a permanent solution to your genetic degradation." Thor answered truthfully.
"A fleet you say? Of what composition? Where is this world, and how can we be expected to rebuild our civilization elsewhere on a whim? What is this cure you speak of?" Njoror pressed.
"We will provide a fleet of Bilisknr Class vessels to you. The Tau'ri within Atlantis have located a suitable world rich in neutronium. As for the cure, look at my body. You too will be granted a return to a stable genetic profile." Thor rebutted.
"A fleet will take much time to construct. As will infrastructure on this new world you mention. I am told by those you captured and held on your home world that the High Council refused to share the genetic degradation cure with Vanir." Njoror argued.
"The fleet is already under construction by the Tau'ri, using the Ancient Arkos facility. The Asgard can accomplish construction of the infrastructure on your new home world in days. Cure, I have on hand in the form of bodies. We are unsure as to the total amount of your numbers, but if more bodies are required, we can accommodate with ease." Thor said soothingly.
"Why should I trust these promises? The High Council has shown the Vanir no affection in past dealings." Njoror argued.
"You are not dealing with the High Council. You are dealing with me." Thor answered.
"What is it you ask in return?" Njoror asked, as his resistance to the idea faltered.
"The Great Races simply ask that you assist in maintaining peace and order within the galaxies of Pegasus and Ida." Thor explained.
"We need not fear betrayal or repercussions from past actions? You speak the truth?" Njoror pressed.
"You have no need to fear. What I say is truth, and only truth." Thor admitted.
"If any other stood here and made these offers I would refuse to believe them. You, I know from experience, speak truth. As leader of the Vanir, I agree to your terms as explained." Njoror announced for all to hear.
"I have one question." Thor interjected.
"Ask." Njoror urged.
"How is it Mimir, Syn, and the others escaped Hala after the Tau'ri disabled the vessel?" Thor asked with genuine interest.
"You captured but a handful of us. Take notice, you did not capture me." Njoror answered cryptically.
"I understand." Thor replied.
"Now that we are allies, albeit uneasy allies for now, would you pass something to the Tau'ri we found? It is something of certain interest to them." Njoror hinted.
"I will." Thor answered.
"Syn, bring in our guest." Njoror ordered.
As the Vanir known as Syn left the room quickly, Thor's mind raced through the possibilities of who this guest was. How would this guest, whoever they were, be of interest to the Tau'ri? An old enemy perhaps? No, the Vanir would not bring a threat to this world of theirs. A friend? If so, then who?
Several minutes later, Syn returned with a human. Fit, confident, with a defiant look in his eye; this man was clearly from Earth. Only they, and they alone in this universe, carried themselves with an air of dogged determination and arrogance borne of ability. Silently, the dark haired man stood by, as Thor and Njoror arraigned a return of the Supreme Commander to this world. When done, both Thor and the dark haired man were transported away, courtesy of the Hala's transport beam.
Atlantis
Lantea
Pegasus Galaxy
Richard Woolsey, Radek Zelenka, and Lieutenant Colonel Lorne sat in the briefing room. As they finished the sandwiches brought from the dining facility, a mess attendant cleared away their dishes. Since Thor's departure, the three men had sat in the briefing room planning the week's research and gate team schedule. Though none would admit it, the real reason they remained near the control room was to learn if Thor had indeed located the Vanir. Their day long wait was about to end. Poking his head through the open briefing room doors was Chuck, longtime expedition member.
"Gentlemen, the Hala is inbound. ETA is two minutes. Supreme Commander Thor has specifically requested all of you be present upon Hala's arrival. He stated he has something of value for you." Chuck announced.
"Did he say what it was exactly?" Woolsey asked.
"No, he did not explain in detail sir." Chuck replied.
"That will be all Chuck." Woolsey said in dismissal.
"Fruit basket?" Lorne asked aloud.
"I hope it is nothing I am allergic to. Although, a nice citrus fruit would be wonderful. Do you remember when McKay tried to institute a ban on citrus fruits in the city?" Zelenka asked.
"He did?" Woolsey asked incredulously.
"Oh, he did." Lorne replied with a chuckle.
"Thor is beaming the item to the gate room." Chuck called out.
"On our way, thank you Chuck." Woolsey replied.
"Let us go see what the surprise is." Zelenka said with excitement.
Exiting the briefing room, the three men quickly passed through the control room of the city. As they made it to the railing of the vantage point overlooking the gate embarkation area, the telltale energy signature of an Asgard transporter filled the room with shimmering light. As the silver energy shone off the ornate stained glass panels behind the gate, it filled the room with an ethereal glow. As it faded, a man was left in its wake. On the faces of the three men looking down into the gate area was a look of shock, surprise, and confusion.
"Who is this?" Woolsey asked in a puzzled tone.
"Aiden." Zelenka whispered to himself.
"Lieutenant Ford, welcome back." Lorne said in mock amazement.
"It took awhile, but I am finally home." Ford replied with a smile.
"This, we are going to need to phone in I think." Woolsey muttered.