Delmak
Lucian Alliance Controlled Territory
Milky Way
Highly industrialized; Delmak was a world that had changed hands several times in recent years. For many thousands of years, Delmak served as the capital for the domain of the much feared System Lord Sokar. Under Sokar's ownership, one of Delmak's moons, named Netu, was terraformed into a hellish landscape to house those that fell before to the might of the Goa'uld who stylized himself as Satan in the flesh. Several years after the fall of Netu, Apophis too came to his end.
Delmak enjoyed a period of relative peace during the tumultuous times of the final years of Goa'uld prominence within the Milky Way. That tranquil period was not to last. In time, the Lucian Alliance arrived. Seizing control of Delmak, and subjugating a people long held as the property of one Goa'uld or another; the Lucian Alliance quickly found themselves in absolute control of this prized world. Unfamiliar how to employ such an industrialized world to greatest effect, the true value of Delmak was squandered for several years.
Upon assuming control of what remained of the Lucian Alliance, Kefflin quickly reasserted control over Delmak. Using the industrial might that was Delmak's beating heart, Kefflin rebuilt the Alliance into something far different than it had been before. Instead of a simple criminal syndicate, the Lucian Alliance was transformed into a nation state of sorts. This nation state was soon equipped with a still expanding interstellar fleet, a ground force of increasing strength, and a burgeoning economy. In short, Kefflin had accomplished in a few years what none in his position before him had accomplished since the inception of the Lucian Alliance.
An hour earlier, a single Ha'tak Class vessel had landed on Delmak. Coming to rest, as the first rays of a golden hued sunrise bathed the planets large city, the Ha'tak came to rest among other vessels of the same design. Emerging from the large Goa'uld designed craft were two men. Quickly, these two new arrivals were whisked away beyond the landing area, towards one of Delmak's busy shipyards outside the city. In the distance, rising above the shipyard grounds, was a craft familiar to many in appearance. That craft was a mothership, externally resembling that once used by Anubis to attack Earth.
Circular in shape, with eight long arms protruding from the inner structure; this vessel looked very much like a science fiction writer's vision of a militant starfish. Measuring two thousand meters from tip to tip, this ship was large by Lucian Alliance standards. A vessel much like this one had fought, and died, at the Battle of the Super Gate, falling under the fire of a combined Tau'ri and Asgard assault. It was believed, that this vessel, and her improvements, would fare far better against a similar onslaught.
Suspended above the grounds of the shipyard, by antigravity pods, the mothership sat silently, waiting for the moment she would be brought to life. That moment was soon approaching. Covered in external scaffolding, the mothership buzzed with shipyard workers completing her construction. Kefflin and Carlyle, the two new arrivals, walked beneath the floating behemoth. At Kefflin's insistence, Carlyle had accompanied him to take in this sight.
"Beautiful, is it not?" Kefflin asked.
"The words to came to my mind first were prodigious and colossal. It is quite a sight though." Carlyle admitted.
"Soon, this vessel will serve as my flagship. This vessel will succeed where those of the past failed." Kefflin announced.
"Those of the past?" Carlyle asked.
"Several vessels of similar design were built by Anubis. My predecessor also built one much like this one for his uses." Kefflin explained.
"What became of those vessels?" Carlyle asked, aware of the answer already.
"The Tau'ri happened." Kefflin fumed.
Continuing to walk together, beneath the gigantic vessel, Kefflin and Carlyle continued their conversation. With great pride, Kefflin answered every question about the ship Carlyle had. In many ways this amazed Carlyle, as this was the first time he had seen Kefflin open up to anyone. Kefflin, as Carlyle had learned, was a man who trusted few, and valued even fewer.
"Kefflin, this vessel is very impressive, but I have a concern." Carlyle stated.
"What might that be?" Kefflin asked.
"Why to do you believe that this vessel will not meet the same end as those before it?" Carlyle asked honestly.
"This vessel has a few advantages those before it did not share." Kefflin hinted.
"Advantages?" Carlyle asked.
"Associates of mine, some time ago, came into possession of a powerful piece of Tau'ri technology. They call this device the subspace capacitor. Before we had this technology in our hands, our ships power generation ability was a fraction of what it is now." Kefflin explained.
"More power means stronger shields and weapons, plus faster hyper drive speeds. Tau'ri vessels contain incredible power. Will this be enough to make our vessels equal to theirs?" Carlyle questioned.
"You and I are both aware it is not. While affixing this technology to ships in our fleet makes them vastly more powerful, our fleet is still no match for the Tau'ri. When the time comes, our ships will not need to equal those of the Tau'ri. In time, as you will see, we will not even need to fight the Tau'ri at all. They will be far too occupied with matters at home." Kefflin hinted.
"I have often heard Sloviash worry about the outcome of battle between our vessels and those of the Tau'ri. He seems convinced it is a battle we cannot hope to win. His loyalty to the cause I view with suspicion." Carlyle warned.
"Sloviash worries like a child fears the dark. That you took note of what Sloviash says in private I find interesting. I have always known that you are intelligent. More men like you are what I need surrounding me. With men that share your traits, we could be unstoppable. What would you say if I asked you to consider becoming one of my Seconds?" Kefflin asked.
"Why would you do such a thing? After all, you know very little about me, beyond what you have seen." Carlyle replied honestly.
"Where you have been, what you have done, and who you once were means little to me. I know the man you are now. In you, I see great potential. You remind me of myself." Kefflin countered.
"You compliment me greatly. My loyalty is not to the Alliance, but to you. While I am honored by your offer, I would much prefer to be the power behind a Second. One cannot accumulate enemies seeking to displace you, if they are unaware of your true position." Carlyle explained.
"The power behind the man? Yes, you are very much like me. Who would you nominate to stand in before you?" Kefflin asked.
"Given the choice, I would choose Cordry. Sloviash despises him, and Cordry is enjoyably pliable." Carlyle said with a grin.
"Sloviash does indeed despise Cordry. You do understand that if I do as you ask, you will be forced to remove Sloviash from the equation, on a permanent basis?" Kefflin asked.
"I fully understand that. My reason for wishing to keep Sloviash in place for now stems from my need to uncover what he us plotting. Make no mistake; he is plotting against the Alliance." Carlyle announced.
"Sloviash is greedy and arrogant, but I have no reason to suspect he plots against the Alliance. Do you have anything to support your claim?" Kefflin asked seriously.
"Nothing solid, but much that heightens my suspicion. Give me time to uncover what it is he is doing, and I will deliver his head to you on a platter." Carlyle vowed.
"Very well. You will have the time you need. For now, I will elevate Cordry, on the condition that it is you that wields the power as Second." Kefflin decreed.
In the distance, another new arrival quickly approached. Dressed in clothing unlike those worn by Alliance members, Carlyle was unsure of the identity of the figure until he drew closer. Seeing the face, Carlyle recognized the figure immediately. Making his way directly to the duo of Kefflin and Carlyle, Worrel came to a halt feet away.
"Worrel, I did not expect to see you so soon. What have you to report?" Kefflin asked.
"Would you rather I report in private?" Worrel asked in conspiratorial tones.
"I have few secrets from the man at my side. What have you to report?" Kefflin asked.
"The task you gave me is complete." Worrel replied confidently.
"How long until we see results on Langara?" Kefflin asked.
"Two weeks at most. It is a matter of waiting now." Worrel answered.
"You have done well Worrel. Better than I had hoped. Now, let us go somewhere to speak in private. I have another task for you to perform." Kefflin suggested.
"I thought you had no secrets from the man beside you." Worrel stuttered in confusion.
"Few secrets Worrel. I said few secrets." Kefflin chastised.
As the two men walked away, Carlyle listened to their hushed voices with all his might. Walking away quickly, Carlyle caught very little. What he did overhear made his skin crawl. Kefflin and Worrel were discussing preparations to be carried out against Earth in the event the Lucian Alliance fell. In his mind, Carlyle began composing the report he would deliver the moment he could go off world. The intelligence learned today would be needed by Earth, as quickly as possible.
Lucian Alliance Prisoner Holding Camp
Unknown Planet
Milky Way Galaxy
Wake up, get screamed at and or tortured, rinse, and repeat. This was the composition of the world Captain Ashley Vance and Colonel Derrick Owen had come to know since their arrival, wherever this place was. In the first weeks of their internment, interrogation had come twice a day, everyday. During these interrogations, both captured pilots weaved complex tales for their interrogators. Captain Vance, a prolific reader in her free time, recounted the tale The Great Gatsby, and how it applied to the course Earth was currently taking. Colonel Owen, a rapid anime fan, regaled his interrogators with the story of a great alien spacecraft, called the SDF-1, which had crashed to Earth. Over the course of Owen's repeated interrogations, the Lucian Alliance learned that it was not O'Neill who was Earth's warrior to fear, but instead a young man named Rick Hunter.
One day, quite unexpectedly, the interrogations ceased. While the mental stress of having to continually spin a complex tail of mistruth during each interrogation was removed, in its place the agonizing period of inactivity locked away in their austere holding cells brought new stressors of its own. Thankfully, Vance and Owen were placed in barred cells facing one another. Simply being able to see the other comforted both pilots greatly. This also allowed the pilots to communicate, in hushed tones, with one another. Keeping them sane in insane surroundings, this also had the added benefit of helping both keep the faith.
Since their arrival, physical assault had been a daily occurrence. Some of the beatings were simple affairs, with a few blows landed. Others were more drawn out happenings, sometimes filling what seemed like entire days. During these extended sessions of violence, the only things that kept either aviator going were thoughts of better times, and the hope of rescue.
Though neither captured aviator could know, Earth continued a frantic search for her missing children. Knowing the type of craft that had whisked both Vance and Owen's away, time and distance circles were drawn over a galactic map. Finally, it had been decided that the captives, if alive, were in a discrete sliver of the galaxy. Contained within this sliver shaped galactic tract were over twenty thousand separate solar systems. Vessels of several races were busy, scouring these solar systems for signs of the two captured pilots, but such an effort required far more time than had passed. Communications intercepts had thus far revealed nothing pointing towards the location, or even proof of their capture by the Lucian Alliance. This effort would continue until Vance and Owen were brought home. Patience on Earth was fast diminishing though.
In his cell, Owen looked across the hallway, into the cell occupied by Vance. Locking eyes, both took in the sight of the other. They were dirty, bruised, battered, and still in their now tattered flight suits. Dried blood flecked off of chapped lips, and once dark bruises had faded to a sickly yellow. As much as they both hope and prayed for a shower, to combat their individual amounts of unpleasant aroma, neither was keen on the bucket of cold water slung through the bars they had experienced in the past.
"You ok Captain?" Owen asked quietly.
"Just daydreaming about a pizza." Vance replied.
"New York style or Chicago?" Owen inquired.
"Chicago all the way." Vance answered.
"As a young officer, I am going to overlook your lack of taste in what a pizza should be. When we get out of here, I am going to show you what a New York style pizza is all about. It is going to change your life." Owen promised.
"If we get out of here." Vance interjected.
"Not if, when. They are looking for us, and we will be going home. Keep the faith Captain." Owen urged.
"I hope you are right." Vance answered.
Noise in the distance announced an approaching figure. Looking at the angle of shadow on the cell wall, both Vance and Owen knew this was their meal on its way. Watery, lacking in taste, and slightly nauseating; their daily bowl of gruel was far from the pizza both craved. Both accepted a tradeoff, so long as the vigorous beatings remained at a minimum.
NATO Special Operations Headquarters
Mons, Belgium
Earth
Deep within the bowels of the highly secure facility that is the Special Operations Headquarters, a chamber sat. This chamber was isolated from the outside world around it electronically, acoustically, visually, and from vibration. Known as the skiff, its true name was the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. Within the skiff, highly classified information could be openly discussed, without fear of espionage activities listening in.
As representatives from the Special Operations commands of all NATO member nations took their seats within the skiff, its heavy door sealed shut. Once that door sealed, other systems came online, while others isolated themselves. When complete, the skiff was a black hole unto itself in the eyes of the world outside. Laid out in front of each representative present was a briefing packet. At this meetings conclusion, these packets would be collected, inspected, and destroyed. The information contained within these packets was simply too dangerous politically, to fall into the hands of others.
This packet covered a new program, one several nations were already aware of. Early in the planning stages of this program, it was realized that a full NATO effort would be required to pull off such an ambitious objective. This program was known simply as Grendel. Named after the mythical monster of Beowulf fame, it was a very fitting name for this program. Essentially, the Grendel Program would be like another classified activity conducted many decades before, though reworked for the new realities that came after disclosure.
"This is an assassination program, closely resembling the Phoenix Program during the Vietnam conflict!" The French representative objected.
During the height of the Vietnam War, a Joint United States, Australian, South Vietnam effort had been conducted. Designed to collect actionable intelligence, and then quickly act on that gathered information, the Phoenix Program had engaged in the targeted killing of Vietcong infiltrators within the boundaries of South Vietnam. Years later, Vietnam admitted that the years this program operated were the very hardest upon their efforts during the span of the war.
"Obviously, we prefer the term direct action." The American representative countered.
"So you admit that this is such a program?" The Frenchmen demanded.
"We have seen what the Lucian Alliance has done in the past. They have attempted to use weapons of mass destruction against the eastern seaboard of the United States. Later, at the Battle of the Super Gate, a Lucian Alliance attempt to seize the Destiny resulted in the destruction of a French warship, and the death of its crew. We know, thanks to Tagrea agreeing to allow us a chance to interrogate Kalfas that the Lucian Alliance was the driving force that brought about our intervention on Tagrea. This group is a threat. Not just to my nation, but to our world as a whole. If we are to prevent another catastrophe, now is the time to take the fight directly to the Lucian Alliance." The American representative explained.
"For some time now, a joint United Kingdom, Canadian, Australian, and American operation has monitored Lucian Alliance communications. We know they are a threat, and that threat must be dealt with now. We either stand together and face down this threat while it is manageable, or we can fall together due to inaction." Britain's representative added.
"If we are to agree to our participation in this venture, how will we generate targets?" The Turkish representative asked.
"Some months ago, the United States and our Replicator allies conducted a special operation against the Lucian Alliance that makes target generation possible. We allowed the Alliance to board a Replicator manned cargo vessel, and seize its cargo." The American representative announced.
"What was this cargo?" Norway's representative asked.
"Weapons." The American representative answered simply.
"You allowed weaponry to fall into Alliance hands? Has your nation gone mad?" The French representative demanded angrily.
"These were simply particle magnum pistols. Nothing more than sidearm's. Each weapon is fitted with a subspace tracking beacon, and only good for a few hundred shots before the weapon is rendered unusable. To this point, we have not activated the these tracking beacons, but will do so in a matter of days." The American representative continued.
"How can you be so sure that these weapons were not sold, and we will find ourselves targeting innocent civilians?" Poland's representative questioned.
"Through other means, we have learned that these weapons have been distributed to Alliance commanders." The American representative answered.
"You have a source within the Alliance." Italy's representative accused.
"How this information came into our hands is not pertinent to the topic at hand. All that matters is we have solid confirmation that these weapons are in the hands of our targets." The American answered simply.
"Why should we agree to commit forces to this?" Croatia's representative asked honestly.
"We can either deal the Alliance a body blow now, before it is stronger, or we can wait for them to hit us again. If we take the fight to them elsewhere in the galaxy, we push them further back from our borders. Simple choice in, my nation's eyes." The American answered.
"If we go down this path, we will need more intelligence than simple tracking beacons." Denmark's representative interjected.
"Recently, we have moved groups into place for just that purpose. Refugees from Svoriin have been relocated to worlds where the Alliance has been known to show up. These refugees have been trained for a variety of missions. Some are already hard at work building networks that will, it is hoped, provide local actionable intelligence. Other groups of refugees will engage in direct action missions against Alliance infrastructure and personnel. Obviously, to go after the command structure of the Alliance, we need teams with more training and operational experience. That is why we are sitting here today." The American continued.
"Is your nation sure this is the path we need to follow?" Greece's representative asked.
"My nation fears standing idly by and a tragedy befalls our world, our people, our interests. We can either come together and do this, or we can live with the regret of doing nothing while our way of life suffers." The American stated.
"If the United States has already laid the groundwork for this program, why then are you not conducting it on your own. After all, your military is much larger in size than many of our nations." Slovenia's representative countered.
"The United States can do this on her own, if necessary, though we have carried the torch for far too long. Multinational operations are what we must all focus on moving forward. Now is your chance." The American said in conclusion.
The meeting continued on for several hours. When it was done, NATO nations all agreed to support this program, and commit forces. As the meeting concluded, these representatives would return to their home nations, to brief their respective governments. In Brussels, at the main headquarters of NATO, a very different meeting was underway. In this other meeting, the future of Earth was being discussed with representatives of all NATO nations, and many other nations from around the world. This meeting too would bring changes, though incredibly large changes. After this meeting concluded, a new organization would be born, that would replace NATO, and add many new members. It would be known as the United Earth Alliance.
Farrow Marshall Manufacturing Center
Ft. Worth, Texas
Earth
The sprawling aircraft production facility, once known as Air Force Plant 4, was filled with activity. Here, production lines were filled with the newest generation of hypersonic passenger aircraft, which when complete, would find their ways to airlines awaiting their delivery. These airliners were the latest product to be produced by the facility formerly known as Air Force Plant 4.
Opening its doors in 1942, Plant 4 was operated by the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation. During the Second World War, over three thousand B-24 Liberator aircraft flowed from the production lines contained within. Later, B-36 assembly moved here, as Consolidated Aircraft came to be known as Convair. In time, General Dynamics assumed operation of Plant 4, and produced hundreds of F-111 Aardvarks, for the United States Air Force, and later the Australian Air Force. The sale of General Dynamics fighter division to Lockheed took place later, as thousands of F-16's built for air forces of the world rolled off the assembly line. Farrow Marshall Aeronautics purchase of Lockheed Martin coincided with Plant 4's sale to Farrow Marshall by the United States government.
Beneath one of the largest assembly plants in the world, a veritable maze of corridors, rooms, and secure areas existed. Bustling activity in and out of the manufacturing center made introduction of shipped goods a simple exercise. Months before, a sealed container had arrived, marked with an alphanumeric designation that meant little to those who witnessed the container being moved into the depths below the plant floor. Had workers on the plants floor seen the contents of this container, alarm would have spread quickly. Contained within the crate was David Sheppard, brother of Colonel John Sheppard.
Several levels beneath the production floor above, in an area behind the tightest security within the manufacturing complex, the unconscious form of David Sheppard sat. After manipulation, torture, and mistreatment; still David Sheppard resisted. Standing around his unconscious form, Ba'al, Athena, and Amaterasu looked down on this human who refused to provide the information they sought.
"Perhaps he lacks the information we seek." Amaterasu mused.
"No, he has the information. Unfortunately, our guest is much like his brother. He will resist until his dying breath." Ba'al replied with a frown.
"If he will never give us the information we seek, perhaps we would be better off killing him." Athena suggested.
"No, he still has value. Place him in stasis. One day he may prove a valuable host. Then, we might achieve the access we desire. Humans of this world are renowned for their stubborn tendencies." Ba'al sighed.
"One of our agents in Southeast Asia was recently approached by a group seeking weapons. I believe they are seeking to fight a rebellion, based on the weaponry they seek." Athena announced.
"Before we sell anything to an unknown group, we must learn their intentions and identities. Did they leave a way to get in touch with their group?" Ba'al asked.
"Yes, a cell phone number was provided to our agent. This, he passed along. The phone is a Virgin Mobile prepaid phone." Athena continued.
"This group is either trying to protect their identities, or they are on a budget. Give the number to Richard Branson to look into. He owes us greatly, as he stands to make a second fortune with Virgin Galactic." Ba'al replied.
"As Sheppard has yet to give us the information, what do you propose is our next step?" Amaterasu inquired.
"Many of the former IOA board members are in our pocket. Russell Chapman is in the United Kingdom, climbing the ranks of Her Majesty's government. Shen Xiaoyi is maneuvering her way to higher government position in China. Jean LaPierre is considering a run for President of France. Obviously, we know what Strom is doing. That mans grandstanding is the reason I can no longer bring myself to watch CSPAN or Fox News." Ba'al explained.
"Amaterasu feels a different style of handling for Strom is required." Athena hinted.
"Is that so?" Ba'al asked aloud.
"You forget your place Amaterasu. You are here to serve, not lead. Do not force me to remind you of that fact again." Athena threatened.
Refusing to rise to the taunt, Amaterasu felt her blood boil. As her cheeks reddened, she thought deeply about Athena in copious amounts of pain. That momentary distraction allowed her to maintain her outward composure. One day, a confrontation between Athena and Amaterasu would come. That was inevitable. Glancing at Athena, Amaterasu watched as Athena looked upon David Sheppard with a malicious and wicked grin. To Amaterasu, the sight was slightly unsettling.
"What of our other acquisitions?" Ba'al asked.
"A majority of the tracts of land you desire have already been purchased. Those not yet in our hands soon will be. At this time, we are the single largest landowner in Madagascar." Athena answered.
"Will the governments of Earth see through what we are doing?" Amaterasu questioned.
"No, they will not. We are calling this a nature preservation project. They will hail us as heroes for safeguarding their precious environment." Athena replied.
"They will thank us for building the seat I will one day rule from. Let's not forget the tax incentives this brings us." Ba'al said.
As Ba'al finished that last sentence, all three Goa'uld broke into laughter. Like any good super villain, laughter was always required after discussing the latest plot in the works.