National Military Command Center
The Pentagon
Earth
Having departed the White House an hour earlier, Secretary of Defense Hank Landry had passed up his chance to head directly for home, and instead made his way to the Pentagon. Earlier in the evening, after consulting with his counterparts in participating allied nations, the end of hostilities on Ilempir had been declared. Casualties for the liberation of Ilempir, thankfully, had been minimal. Still, life had been lost, and that was a difficult outcome for Landry to accept. Though the price in human life had been paid, it was one that was paid with regret.
Making his way through the endless maze of halls that filled the Pentagon, Landry struggled to push these thoughts from his mind. Try as he might, those thoughts lingered. Joining these thoughts were the memories of each SG team member lost during his time in command of the SGC. So much death. So much loss. Earth had long ago shouldered the burden, while accepting the cost in life, of bringing freedom to multiple galaxies. If asked if the price paid thus far was worth it, Landry would have proudly replied yes. Despite all that had been achieved, the faces of those who were now lost to death haunted the Secretary of Defense. That was a secret he would carry with him up to his last breath.
As these thoughts continued to well up within his mind, Landry made his way to his end destination. Coming to a halt before the outer doors of the National Military Command Center, Landry waited as the biometrics system verified his identity. Waiving to the uniformed guards outside of the NMCC entrance, Landry bid them to return to their seats. Seconds later, with his identity confirmed, the entrance opened, and allowed Landry to make his way inside.
Stepping within the boundaries of the overall command center of the United States military, Landry took in the sights and sounds. Now, like all hours of the day and night, the NMCC was alive with activity. From this room, entire wars could be monitored and directed. Professionals all, the men and women staffing the NMCC went about their duties. In certain corners of the NMCC, reports and developments on Ilempir were monitored. In other corners, sensor data flowed in from assets throughout the galaxy. This was done to monitor Lucian Alliance fleet movements, or lack thereof.
In the far corner of the NMCC theater, Landry saw the one individual he did not wish to see here. General Jack O'Neill, looking tired and disheveled, passed from area to area. By the look of his uniform, it appeared that Jack had been here for quite some time. Landry, worried for his friend and subordinate, knew he would be forced to intercede. Before that, he first needed a better handle on the facts surrounding Jack's presence. Striding purposefully towards the NMCC officer in charge, Landry moved to ascertain those facts as quickly as possible. Seeing the Secretary of Defense approaching, the OIC leapt to his feet.
"Good evening Mr. Secretary." Major General Winters said in welcome.
"How are things down here Winters?" Landry asked.
"Virtually silent. Enemy fleet movements are nonexistent, and Ilempir is quiet Mr. Secretary." Winters responded.
"A quiet evening is never a bad thing. That might be what the doctor ordered. Now, I'm going to ask something, and I would appreciate an honest answer. Understood?" Landry asked pointedly.
"Understood Mr. Secretary." Winters responded promptly.
"How long has Jack been down here?" Landry inquired.
"Since before operations against the Lucian Alliance fleet, and Ilempir began." Winters replied.
"That was days ago!" Landry protested.
"He won't leave." Winters added in subdued tones.
In the far corner of the NMCC, well away from Landry, General Jack O'Neill reached for his fifth cup of coffee of the hour. His stomach, irritated by the steady consumption of literally gallons of coffee, again announced its displeasure. That, Jack knew, was the least of his pressing issues. For the last twenty-four hours, Jack believed he had been experiencing auditory hallucinations. Each time he heard the laughter of a child, he knew his mind was playing tricks on him. From his training, he knew this to be an indicator of exhaustion. If he was hallucinating now, things would only get worse the longer he pushed himself. Aware of his pressing problems, Jack grimaced when he took note of Landry approaching.
"I would ask why you're here and how long you've been here, but I don't want to hear the answer." Landry scolded.
"It's not what it looks like." Jack protested weakly.
"So this isn't a man pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion and collapse? Good to know." Landry countered.
"Look, I need to be here. You know as well as I do that everyone has a process they work through. As I can't very well pick up and go fishing in the middle of a war, I decided to come here." Jack explained.
"Think about the position you hold Jack. I'm saying this as your friend, OK? Don't make me turn this into an order. You don't want to go home, fine. What you will do is go to your office and sleep." Landry stated sternly.
Locking eyes with Landry, O'Neill weighed his options. Having been Landry's friend for many years, Jack knew all too well that if push came to shove, Landry would have him forcibly restrained and put to bed. Knowing Landry was right, and hoping to keep a modicum of pride intact, O'Neill relented and agreed to a few hours sleep. Escorting Jack, Landry walked O'Neill to his office. Once there, he watched as Jack laid down on the comfortable leather couch in the corner. Seconds later, overcome by exhaustion, Jack collapsed on the couch. Snoring soon followed. Taking a last look at O'Neill, Landry quietly left the office. In the outer office, Landry gave instructions to the staff present to allow the General eight hours sleep, minimum.
In the dimly lit office, Jack's snoring filled the air. Finally asleep after days awake, O'Neill was unable to take note of anything around him. Had he been able to peel a single eye, he would have seen a blanket appear from nowhere, and cover him. Standing beside the couch in the dim light, two spectral outlines looked down on the unconscious O'Neill.
"He is pushing himself too hard." Homer said quietly.
"Your father fights for his world, and he fights for the memory of you and I." Laira explained.
"He fights for us?" Homer asked in surprise.
"Yes, he does. He fights for all of us, even those he will never know." Laira explained tenderly.
"My father is a good man. I hope one day I can know him." Homer replied hopefully.
"In time, that will happen. Your father is a good man, but needs to focus on what lays ahead. This is just the beginning of this fight. We must be strong for your father now, and in time he will know that we are safe." Laira explained.
Homer, approaching his father, gently touched a spectral finger to Jack's temple. In response, the tension rippling through O'Neill's unconscious form faded away. On Jack's face, a small smile took hole. In turn, both Laira and Homer kissed O'Neill's forehead, before silently fading away.
Arcadia
Arcadian Solar System
Pegasus Galaxy
Arcadia was a world in transition. Since the arrival of Tau'ri settlers, the landscape had forever changed. The colony, composed of modules from Commencement, housing settlers brought for the purpose, thrived. New settlers quickly rose to the challenge of building a new life, on a new planet, in a new galaxy. This colonists would not remain alone for long though. Soon, colonists would arrive in droves, to take up residence in the city quickly taking shape in the distance.
Running in a straight line from the colony, across long fields, an elevated maglev train platform pointed the way towards the city under construction. Replicator labor, brought in for the task, worked around the clock to construct the city that would share this planets name. Incomplete towers, undergoing construction, rose into the heavens. When complete, this city would outshine Shambhala in size, population density, and grandeur.
Following maglev platforms leading west of the city, a series of complexes now stood. The largest of these, forty miles from the city, was the Joint Base Pegasus. Housed within this complex was the US Army's 2nd Infantry Division. Relocated to Arcadia after pullout from the recently unified Korea, this division would stand guard over Tau'ri interests within this galaxy so far from home. Also housed within the boundaries of Joint Base Pegasus was a fighter wing belonging to the US Air Force.
Following the maglev platforms beyond Joint Base Pegasus, deep into the mountains, a series of heavily automated mining facilities were nearing completion. Limited to underground mining, these mines would remain unseen, and prohibited from marring the Arcadian landscape. From these mines, an abundance of valuable mineral wealth would be extracted. In time, further mines would be added, and connected to the ever growing maglev network.
Off shore, in the calm ocean beyond Arcadia's desalinization arrays, sat Atlantis. Having arrived three days before, the city was here to host diplomatic efforts. Under the glow of the moon and stars, Atlantis rested. Silently, a single craft rose from the waters separating two of the city's five piers. Carrying Secretary of State Simon Barnes and United Worlds Secretary General Sean Lee, the BC-311 named Spirit of Liberty was beginning the short voyage that would lead to the super gate, and then Earth.
Both Barnes and Lee had come to Arcadia to formalize diplomatic matters. After weeks of talks on Averia, the Averian's were now formally members of the United Worlds, and allies of Earth. Like their Vanir allies, Averian's would now take on the role of safeguarding Pegasus beside the Tau'ri. In coming weeks, scientists from both worlds would travel between planets as members of a scientific exchange program. Though both very advanced worlds, each had much they could learn from the other.
Averia, hidden away from the Pegasus Galaxy at large, had never expanded beyond its own solar system. Reluctant to expand into a galaxy that might resent Averia's reluctance to enter the war against the Wraith, Averia now had the chance to colonize other worlds. The Tau'ri, understanding Averia's concerns, offered a planet within the Milky Way. Leaping at the chance, Averia quickly accepted this gift, and in return pledged to assist Earth within the Milky Way in time of war.
Standing on a balcony, watching the Spirit of Liberty depart, Richard Woolsey and Averia's Minister Jakose enjoyed the night air. Partaking of cigars and a bottle of wine, both men chatted amicably about the recent diplomatic developments between their two worlds.
"Have you decided on a name for your new world?" Woolsey asked.
"Thessara seems a fitting name. This wine is excellent." Minister Jakose answered between sips.
"Its part of my personal stock I brought with me from Earth. This is a particularly good vintage. If you don't mind my asking, how many will you relocate to Thessara?" Woolsey inquired.
"It is too soon to say. Considering the planetary profile your people provided, I would say a good many. Judging by the construction taking place on this planet, I assume you would understand if we turned this into a large undertaking." Jakose explained.
"The Milky Way is a galaxy teaming with races who will wish to befriend your world. Like any neighborhood, some of your neighbors are good, while others are not." Woolsey added.
"So much has changed for Averia in a few short years. For generations we prepared for a war with the Wraith. Now, we find ourselves free of the burden of that war. We also find ourselves allied with the civilization that brought an end to the Wraith. As a boy, I dreamed of seeing the city of the ancestors. Sometimes, I wonder if it is all a dream." Jakose mused.
"Working together, and with the United Worlds, imagine what we can accomplish. Future generations will look back on this moment, and know that the world they enjoy stems from this moment." Woolsey proclaimed.
"I read the summaries of your world's history that was provided to us. Your people have done more than anyone could expect to free our galaxy, and your own. My hope of hopes is that we can live up our own expectations, and to one day strive towards goals matching those of Earth's accomplishments." Jakose said hopefully.
"Every path begins with small steps. For our every triumph, multiple failures or missteps can be found. Speaking for those within Atlantis, we are overjoyed to finally have a technologically advanced race to call our ally in this galaxy." Woolsey stated.
"My people will always regret not being at your side to rid this galaxy of the Wraith. In the future, we will stand beside Earth to face new threats. Together, we have a bright future." Jakose said while raising his glass in toast.
Turning their attention towards the starry skies above, both Woolsey and Jakose watched as the Spirit of Liberty climbed into the heavens. Raising their glasses high, both men toasted the vessel, and the diplomats aboard her.
"I don't suppose I could ask you for a few more of these cigars, could I? A good friend of mine would love these." Jakose stated.
Dakara
Dakara Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Over the course of the previous day, the majority of the Free Jaffa Nation's Fleet had returned to the seat of the FJN government. Each Jaffa warrior aboard the many vessels felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. For so long, the Jaffa had watched from the sidelines as the Tau'ri took the fight to this galaxies enemies. Finally, the Tau'ri had included the Jaffa, and for that the Jaffa were grateful. In the eyes of warriors young and old, the feeling of finally having arrived as a people was now felt.
Many of the returning Free Jaffa Ha'tak's were instructed to remain in orbit. Landing areas on the planet below, where these craft normally rested, were now filled with new occupants. Filling these landing areas were vessels of identical design to the Ha'tak's in orbit. Unlike those operated by the Jaffa, these Ha'tak's had recently belonged to the Lucian Alliance. Each of the dozens of captured Ha'tak's seated on the arid landscape were swarming with workers.
These teams of workers were made up of Jaffa,Tau'ri, and Asgard. Above the stationary Ha'tak's, a number of Asgard O'Neill Class vessels, and Tau'ri Athena Class vessels hovered stoically. With them, these vessels brought pieces of technology for each Ha'tak parked below. In each Ha'tak, these teams first disconnected the Lucian Alliance built subspace capacitors present. Once disconnected, these devices were beamed away.
In their place, Tau'ri constructed, and vastly more powerful subspace capacitors were installed. Accepting the uncomfortable fact that the subspace capacitor technology was out of the bag, the Tau'ri decided to gift more powerful versions to the Jaffa. Moving forward, all Jaffa vessels would be retrofitted with this power generating device. This act of generosity did much to endear the Jaffa to their Earth bound allies.
Retrofitting the far more powerful subspace capacitor was not a straightforward instillation. Due to the expanded amount of power generation found in the Arkos built version, replacement of power conduits within each Ha'tak was required. The miles of power conduit required were constructed on site, by matter creation suites aboard each Asgard and Tau'ri vessel present. Beaming out power conduits running through each Ha'tak before quickly beaming replacements in greatly reduced the time required for each refit.
Weapons and sensors would also receive an upgrade, but not one requiring hardware replacement. Altering targeting software and power flow algorithms greatly increased the potency of each vessels weapons suite. Similar software upgrades, meant to increase sensor sensitivity by an order of magnitude, would provide similar results to those found with the weapons suites. The Jaffa, warriors at heart, were very pleased with the weapons capability increases far more than the increases found with sensor upgrades.
On the bridge of each vessel, teams of Tau'ri intelligence specialists tirelessly downloaded all information present. While much of this information might be useless, the potential of coming across a valuable piece of intelligence existed. Similar teams, elsewhere aboard each vessel, scoured the crew quarters for any and all paperwork that might be present.
Looking over the vessels present, both Rya'c and Rak'nor stood atop a patio. The two Jaffa, both leaders of the Free Jaffa, carefully eyed the new additions to their people's fleet.
"The Tau'ri promised us vessels, and delivered us a fleet." Rak'nor exclaimed.
"That they did it without firing a shot is impressive." Rya'c added.
"Impressive and fearsome, yes." Rak'nor agreed.
"This should forever silence the few among the Council that still harbor doubts about our allies from Earth." Rya'c said hopefully.
"Those sharing beliefs about the sinister motives of the Tau'ri grow less in number each day. It is time we admit that the Jaffa have much to thank the Tau'ri for." Rak'nor stated.
"I suspect this fight is just beginning for our allies. It is very likely that we will be called upon to join our allies in this fight. We must be ready for that eventuality." Rya'c said resolutely.
"If that fight comes, we will show the Lucian Alliance the true metal of a Jaffa warrior. On that day, this galaxy will forever know that the Jaffa are now and forever more a force for good." Rak'nor promised.
The Capital Ballroom
Washington, DC
Earth
In the weeks following Colonel John Sheppard's check in to the Intelligence Support Activity, things had been quiet. The group assisting John in his efforts to recover his brother, or bring his brothers killer to justice, had diminished in size. Rodney McKay and his wife, Doctor Jennifer Keller, parted ways, unable to participate in John's vengeful quest any further. Ronon, loyal till the end, remained.
Information garnered from their last visitation upon those behind David Sheppard's kidnapping made clear the location of their next target. Weeks of surveilling the Capital Ballroom had provided a wealth of information. Some of this information was significant, while the majority of it was not. Slowly, through a variety of methods, the picture became clear. Tapping into social media, and paying local partygoers, a full photographic model of the club took shape.
Aware that Colonel Sheppard would act, even if he lacked the relevant information needed, the ISA stepped in. Utilizing a series of unauthorized wire taps, the ISA collected information from all phone lines running into the club. Going a step further, cellular communications of all employees were monitored. These efforts turned up a great deal of information.
Expanding their efforts, simply to ensure Sheppard had a better chance of success, the ISA performed a series of intense background checks on employees and frequent attendee's of the Capital Ballroom. An in depth technical review was also performed, to learn the capabilities of any and all security systems that might be present. All of this information was compiled into a dossier that found its way to Sheppard.
Upon receiving this dossier, Sheppard and Ronon studied it intently. Carefully analyzing the information provided by the ISA, then adding in information gathered through their own efforts, the duo of Sheppard and Ronon soon developed a full set of expectations. While this wouldn't be easy, the two men knew what to expect, and knew that they had handled much worse situations.
Their plan set, the two men quickly gathered the props necessary to play out the fiction they had planned. Sorting out the props, Ronon found himself confused a number of times. Sheppard, realizing Ronon's confusion stemmed from his coming from a world unlike Earth, quickly explained. After three explanations, Ronon finally stated that he didn't care, as long as it worked. For John, that was all he needed to hear.
On a Saturday evening, Sheppard and Ronon set off from their confines in Winchester, Virginia. Making their way into the Washington metropolitan area, the two men switched cars in a parking garage. The car that would carry them on to their destination was one prepositioned by the ISA, and borrowed from a Drug Enforcement Agency seizure impound lot. Some might feel a Bentley Continental GT ostentatious, but Sheppard found it a great way to ride into a fight in style.
Navigating through the often nightmarish Washington, DC traffic, both men mentally prepared themselves for what was to come. Turning onto 15th Street, their nerves settles, and an intense focus overcame them both. Slowing to a crawl, both men took in the sights around them. Long lines of partygoers waited in a line that extended down the block. On the street, luxury automobiles waited in cue for valet parking.
Pulling up to the front entrance, Sheppard brought the Bentley to a stop. Exiting the vehicle, the sounds emanating from the club and the crow washed over Ronan and Sheppard. Tossing the keys to a valet, both quickly bypassed those standing in line to enter. From the waiting line, an attractive woman clad in a school girl outfit and pigtails quickly rushed to Sheppard's side.
"Hello gorgeous." Vala said in a sultry voice.
"Why am I not surprised you're here?" Sheppard asked rhetorically.
"You didn't think you would go in there alone, did you? Now act natural darling. I'm noting but fabulous arm candy after all." Vala suggested.
Approaching the door, the head bouncer moved towards the three on comers. Sheppard, aware of what to do, held up the aluminum briefcase held in his left hand, and tapped it with his right. The bouncer, aware of the message being conveyed, granted entrance to the three quickly. Passing word to the security team within the doorway, the bouncer arranged for the three to bypass the metal detectors present. Once in the interior of the Capital Ballroom, Ronon and Sheppard went one way, while Vala went her own way.
A bouncer assigned to the task escorted the two men past the bar, and up a set of stairs. As they climbed the stairs, the thunderous bass line of Deadmau5's 'Sofi needs a ladder' washed over them. Reaching the top of the stairs, the bouncer pointed down a hallway at a door before making his exit. Before the two men could reach the door at the end of the hall, the door opened.
Standing in the doorway was a tall muscular Asian man, with peroxide blond hair. Sizing Ronon and Sheppard up quickly, he motioned them in. Sheppard, making motions of his own, instructed Ronon to wait in the hallway. Taking station in the hallway, Ronon settled in for a wait, while looking intimidating. Sheppard, making his way into the open office, quickly scanned the room. Seeing no threats visible, he took a seat in front of the large desk belonging to the man with the ridiculous hair. Returning to his own seat, the muscular Asian man studied Sheppard closely.
"Where is the regular guy?" The Asian man asked.
"He's moved on to other things. I'm who you will be dealing with from now on." Sheppard responded cooly.
"I like schedules. You being here early is a scheduling problem for me." The Asian man pointed out.
"I know that now. Do you want to do this, or not?" Sheppard questioned crossly.
For a brief moment, the Asian man with the ridiculous hair starred crossly at Sheppard. No one talked to him like this, yet, if this man was, it mean he was someone with backing. That was enough for the Asian man to accept the brief outburst.
"So what do I call you?" The Asian man asked.
"You can call me anything you want, as long as I can call you the guy with the cash." Sheppard suggested brashly.
"You have all of it?" The Asian man asked pointedly.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't." Sheppard responded flippantly.
"If we are going to do business, you need to watch your mouth. Now, let me see the merchandise." The Asian man said in semi annoyance.
Sheppard, barely suppressing a grin, handed the briefcase to the man behind the desk. Taking the case, and laying it in front of him, the Asian man began to open it. Before he could, Sheppard stood and put his hands on the case.
"Before you open that, let me see the cash." Sheppard suggested heavily.
"You are a man who values his money. That, I can appreciate." The Asian man responded.
Rising from his desk, the man with the ridiculous hair crossed the office. Opening a wall safe, he quickly extracted several bundles of crisp cash. These, he set on the desk in front of Sheppard. Returning to his seat, he pulled the briefcase closer, and unlatched both catches. Lifting the lid of the aluminum briefcase, the Asian man's eyes gazed upon its contents. There, in sealed transparent bags, was the white powder that brought additional income to the Asian man. Greed drives even highly trained individuals to make the stupidest of mistakes.
Reaching into the case, the Asian man lifted one of the sealed bags. As he did, a pressure sensor triggered a series of small charges secured to the bottom of several of the bags. These charges ruptured several of the bags, filling the air with white powder. Some of this, expelled into the Asian man's face, temporarily blinded the man. Filled with surprise and shock, the Asian man tasted powdered sugar, and knew he had been had. Reacting quickly, but not fast enough, he reached for a weapon secured under his desk. Before he could reach the weapon, Sheppard was up, with a pistol extended towards the man's chest.
"Grab for the weapon, and I put one in your chest." Shepard hissed.
"OK, be cool. We can work something out." The Asian man suggested.
"More than you know." Sheppard said in low tones.
Behind Sheppard, the office door opened. Ronon, with a fierce look on his face, quickly crossed the room. Once at the Asian man's side, he quickly zip tied the man to his office chair, before removing the weapon secured to the desk.
"You got this?" Ronon asked.
"Yeah, wait outside." Sheppard instructed.
Taking his leave quickly, Ronon returned to his spot in the hall. There, he would prevent any of the Capital Ballroom's security from interfering in the get together unfolding in the office.
"You are never going to get away with this. If your life is worth the little bit of money on the desk, then you have bigger problems than I can count." The Asian man taunted.
"So says the N.I.D." Sheppard smirked.
The mention of the Asian man's former employer startled him. If the man with the weapon knew that, then this situation was far worse than a simple robbery. That knowledge was greatly unsettled to the Asian man.
"Who are you?" The man asked.
"Do I look familiar?" Sheppard asked.
"No, should you?" The Asian man asked in reply.
"Let's start with something easy. Whats your name?" Sheppard asked.
"Foster Fong." The Asian man replied honestly.
"Foster Fong?" Sheppard asked incredulously.
"My dad, he had a sense of humor." The Asian man shrugged.
"OK Foster, tell me about David Sheppard." Sheppard instructed.
"Who?" Foster asked benignly.
"Keep playing games, and I'll shoot you in the knee. Lie to me after that, and I will get more creative with my shot placement." Sheppard threatened.
"Ask your questions, and I will tell you what I know." Fong said in defeat.
"Where is David? Why was he taken? Who gave the order to grab him?" Sheppard asked in rapid fire succession.
"I don't know where he is. For all I know, he could be alive or dead. That is outside of what I know. All I know, is that he was taken to a small airfield. Where he was taken I simply do not know. The order came from a woman." Fong admitted.
"You said a lot without giving me anything concrete. Fill in the facts, or I cut your dance career short." Sheppard threatened.
"Her name is Ami Su. She's chief legal counsel for Farrow Marshall. Look man, that is all I know. Take the money, and walk away. You have my silence. Just walk out of here and I won't say a word. Deal?" Fong asked nervously.
"Let a former N.I.D. operative go? I don't think so. You won't be given the opportunity to get even, or warn your employers." Sheppard countered.
In the hallway, two loud thuds gave evidence of things happening elsewhere. Keeping his weapon leveled on Fong, Sheppard slowly backed his way to the door. Opening it, he saw Ronon give him a thumbs up signal. On the floor, two unconscious Capital Ballroom security members laid. Sheppard, raising an eyebrow in Ronon's direction, was greeted with a simple shoulder shrug.
"Pass down word to Vala. It's time to make a mess and get out of here." Sheppard instructed.
Making his way downstairs, Ronon had his misgiving. By abandoning his position in the hallway, he was leaving Sheppard exposed. Pushing these thoughts aside, he quickly made his way downstairs to find Vala. In the Capital Ballroom, music pulsed through the air, as multicolor laser light cut through the artificial fog hovering above the dance platform. Thankfully, in Ronon's eyes at least, tonight was not a foam party night. Seeing Vala, he quickly made his way to her side.
"Are you here to show me your moves?" Vala asked suggestively.
"It's time to go. Set off the fire alarm, and get these people moving towards the doors." Ronon instructed.
"So, the dance floor is about to be literally on fire?" Vala asked in amusement.
"Get it done." Ronon ordered, before moving away.
Moments later, the music cut out suddenly. In its place, fire alarms rang out. Hearing this, the crowd was momentarily caught off guard. Realizing the fire alarms were sounding, the rush to exit the Capital Ballroom began. People surged towards the exits, hoping to depart rapidly. Upstairs, both Fong and Sheppard heard these alarms as well.
"Who owns this club?" Sheppard demanded.
"Through a number of cut outs, Farrow Marshall." Fong admitted.
"Then it is going to burn." Sheppard decided.
Before Sheppard could take a step, the chime of an Asgard transport beam announced a new arrival. Staring intently at the office door, Sheppard waited for this new arrival to make his presence known. A moment later, Agent Burke strode through the doorway. Looking around the office, and taking notice of the powered sugar coating everything, Burke grinned.
"Was someone baking thumb cookies in their easy bake oven, or what?" Burke asked in amusement.
"He's still got his thumbs." Sheppard argued.
"Really? Well, that's surprising." Burke frowned.
At that moment, Ronon entered the office, dragging the two unconscious security staff from the hall. Once in the office, Ronon left the two men in a heap, before turning to face Burke and Sheppard.
"People are leaving. Let's light a fire." Ronon urged.
"So, just these three guys?" Burke asked.
"These three, plus all the paper work and any electronic device in this room." Sheppard explained.
"What about the money?" Burke asked.
"Who cares about the money?" Sheppard asked in exasperation.
Walking over to the desk, and picking up the stacks of cash laying there, Burke smiled at the men in the room.
"Ever think about retiring on a government retirement? I care. No one will miss this anyway. My retirement thanks you." Burke said to Fong.
As Sheppard and Ronon made their way from room to room in the upper story of the building, they triggered and tossed a thermite grenades. These highly volatile munitions, once detonated, generated intense heat, and would incinerate anything present. While these munitions detonated, Agent Burke arranged for the beaming of all paperwork and electronic devices present in the room.
"What are you going to do, toss me in a storage space?" Fong asked in rage.
"Thats not a bad idea. Maybe." Burke taunted.
Moments later, Burke and the three captives beamed away. Sheppard and Ronon, stepping into the hallway to make their escape, took not of the smoke filling the corridor. The light of flames washed over the walls. Yes, it was time to go. Making their way down the stairs, they watched as the last of the clubs attendants exited. Joining this throng of people, the two men made their escape. From the valet station, Sheppard grabbed his Bentley keys.
Finding Vala, busily engaged in conversation with a clearly well dressed and wealthy man, the two men interrupted. Vala, turning to face both men, smiled broadly.
"Are you coming with us?" Sheppard asked.
"No, I think I'm going with this fine gentleman here. He was just telling me about his yacht at National Harbor. We are going to go back to his place, and discuss the shopping spree he wants to take me on." Vala grinned.
The crowd filling the streets watched as the first flames leapt into the air from the roof of the Capital Ballroom. Many were dismayed to see their night of drinking and dancing interrupted. This large crowd, filling the streets, served to block the approach of the fire department. From a block away, all the fire department could do was watch as smoke filled the air, unable to approach through the crowds.
In tonight's operation, Sheppard had again learned information that would guide his quest. Making it away without discovery was an added bonus. By burning the club to the ground, he insured that his enemies would have no reason to believe Fong captured. Sheppard's next target would be a much larger fish.
Possara
Possaran Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
In the wake of the Tau'ri move against the Lucian Alliance, Alliance leaders were shaken. For forty-eight long hours following the assault, the Lucian Alliance Fleet had found itself incapacitated. Finally, mysteriously, function had returned to the Fleet. Kefflin, enraged, issued rapid fire orders. Some of these orders went directly to Delmak, while others to the Fleet itself.
Following the issue of these orders, Al'kesh, loaded with replacement sets of all control crystals for the entire Lucian Alliance Fleet departed at speed. Suspecting Tau'ri introduction of tainted control crystals, Kefflin insisted on the total replacement of all crystals throughout the Fleet. He believed that this replacement would prevent the Fleet from being rendered inert again.
The Fleet itself, following the orders of Kefflin, made its way to Possara. Until all control crystals were replaced, undoing Tau'ri sabotage, Possara would be the only world guarded. This would also allow for losses to be calculated in person, and for Alliance leadership to come together. Kefflin, passing word to these leaders, assured them this meeting was vital.
Once the Fleet arrived in total, the process of accounting for missing personnel and vessels began. The results of this accounting did little to please Alliance leadership. These career criminals viewed the Tau'ri actions as theft. While it was fine for the Alliance to steal from others, theft from the Alliance was frowned upon. Irony was not the Alliance's strong suit.
Kefflin, and the Lucian Alliance Second's gathered in a room meant for the purpose. Arriving before Kefflin, the mood among the Second's was somber. Several feared repercussions for failing Kefflin, and his temper was legendary.
"From the look on your faces, I can see that some of you believe I will doll out retribution for your failures. That is not the purpose of this meeting." Kefflin began.
Hearing these words, the attitude of several in the room relaxed. While they relaxed somewhat, those who relaxed realized that retribution could still be forthcoming. That knowledge kept these men on their toes.
"For too long, I have kept you in the dark on our plan moving forward. That changes now. Those of you who suspected a plan did not exist will be left disappointed." Kefflin continued.
"Will we finally take the war to the Tau'ri?" Bulak questioned.
"Their actions deserve a response, and one that will leave their world burning!" Vosh added.
"To achieve our aims, we do not need to fight the Tau'ri directly. As we all know, that is a war we could not win." Kefflin explained.
"The Fleet is upgraded, and far more powerful than in the past. We outnumber their ship numbers." Bulak argued.
"Look at what the Tau'ri accomplished when visiting our worlds. No, a direct fleet battle is one we cannot hope to win. My predecessor thought that possible, and you all remember how that ended. To achieve our goals, we need not fight the Tau'ri directly. All that is needed is distraction. If we distract them long enough, we will have achieved our aims, and the Tau'ri will be forced to accept the new balance of power." Kefflin lectured.
"How do you propose we do that?" Carlyle asked.
"Having studied the Tau'ri closely, I long ago learned of their weaknesses. All one needs to do is create confusion elsewhere. Their military wages not just war, but what they refer to as humanitarian operations. All we need to do is create a humanitarian crisis, and their military will be too involved to stop us. Tie down your enemy, and he cannot hit you." Kefflin continued.
"How do we accomplish that?" Cordry wondered aloud.
"That portion of events to come is already in the works. My orders have already been transmitted. The neutering of Tau'ri military power that can stand in our way is underway!" Kefflin promised.
"The question of how that is done remains." Carlyle pointed out.
"That will be made clear in coming days. That is all I will say for now. Now, the Tau'ri have another source of military power that they can use against us. That source of strength is the world of Alba Longa. We must remove them as a fighting force also. Tau'ri conquest of Ilempir limits the size of our ground forces. We can turn the removal of Alba Longa from the equation into an advantage for our aims. Burn that world and leave its inhabitants in ruin. Later, we can turn Alba Longa into a new recruiting ground for our forces. Bulak, you will take one-third of our fleet, and destroy everything that stands on that world. Leave no structure untouched." Kefflin ordered.
"It will be done." Bulak swore.
"Another one-third of the Fleet, and our ground forces, will depart today for Hebridan. First, we will destroy their fleet. Then, we will invade. After we capture Hebridan, we will be an industrial and economic power that easily rivals Earth. Soon, they will trip over themselves to do business with us." Kefflin stated.
"What of the other one-third of the fleet?" Vosh asked.
"That will remain in reserve, should either group require assistance. Now, return to your vessels and prepare your men. Our rise begins!" Kefflin promised.
The Seconds, following Kefflin's instructions, quickly departed. All but Carlyle. Kefflin, seeing his trusted underling, motioned him closer.
"You have doubts?" Kefflin asked honestly.
"Not on our ability to conquer Hebridan, or destroy Alba Longa. My doubts are focused on tying down the Tau'ri and their surely swift response." Carlyle explained.
"For this, I want you aboard my flagship. I want you at my side for the victory to come. How will they respond while they watch their possessions burn and their economy crumble?" Kefflin asked.
Taking his leave, Carlyle quickly made his way to the ships under his command. Ordering the crew to depart the ship, Carlyle quickly gathered his belongings. From there, he made his way to the data core aboard the vessel. He suspected some type of computer virus had infected the vessels of the Lucian Alliance Fleet. If that virus monitored data being input, it might be his one way of warning Earth. Looking at the data screen, Carlyle began to type.
"If you are present, I am from Earth and need your help." Carlyle typed.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, a reply appeared.
"I know of your mission." The entity replied through text.
"If you can, you must warn Earth. The Lucian Alliance will attack Earth or Earth holdings, Alba Longa, and Hebridan." Carlyle typed in reply.
"Your warning will depart with me. We can no longer remain within the systems of these vessels." The entity typed in reply.
The entity, with warning in hand, sent a low power transmission to all other entities remaining within the Lucian Alliance Fleet. Acting in concert, each vessel transmitted a single subspace transmission. The entities, and Major Carlyle's warning, would soon return to the entity core, on the Replicator home world. Would that warning arrive in time? That question would burn in Carlyle's mind.