Here we are, at the end. After working on this story for a year, it is sad to see it end. Now it is on to the sequel. We have been through the vicissitudes of this story, and come out with my take on what happens next. For those of you needing your Stargate fix while I put together a sequel, I suggest you read Senrab Nomis's story 'The Ongoing Journey. It is a wonderful story I think you will all enjoy and one that I have enjoyed helping with where I could. Also, check out StargateFFWriter's works. The Furling civilization he has created is full and rich with details. Have a great week everyone, and thank you for sticking with this first time writer's voyage through Stargate.
Ida Galaxy, six weeks after the Battle for Earth
Eight hundred light years from where the relocated Traditionalist Jaffa's new home world lay, rested another world. Forests, mountains, oceans, and fertile plains made up this worlds rich and diverse ecosystem. Plant and animal life abounded across the four immense continents. How sentient life never emerged here was a mystery of nature. Here, sentient life was being transplanted from a distant galaxy.
At three separate points on each continent large cities now sat. Newly constructed by the Asgard, these cities were simplified starting points for what would become the cradle of Todd's Hybrid civilization. Equipped with basic amenities, these cities lacked any advanced technology minus cloning technology gifted to Todd by Thor. Were it not for this gift, the Hybrid numbers would eventually dwindle. Todd was thankful for the foresight of Thor, and the benevolence of his gift.
Constructed of an artificial stone/metal mix, these cities would endure any calamity nature might throw at them. This stone/alloy mix would also ensure that these cities would sail gracefully into the ages, free from any signs of wear. Composed of predominantly low-rise structures, each settlement was triangular in shape, with living quarters making up most of the interior. At random intervals, meeting places, conference areas, and work areas could be found. Making use of solar power integrated into each structures construction, these settlements would also have zero environmental impact.
Surrounding these settlements, crops sat ready for harvest. On the plains, wheat like that found on Earth drifted in the breeze. Orderly orchards of fruit trees organized in organized rows could also be seen. Apples, pears, oranges, and pecans were present within these orchards, courtesy of the Tauri donation of saplings that could be transplanted to the distant world. Directly surrounding each settlement were large vegetable gardens. Once again, the Tauri provided the stock that would make up these gardens. Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and a host of other examples were present. Though new to their diet, the Wraith would enjoy a balanced diet.
In sea's teaming with life, many species of aquatic life were available for the Hybrid's to harvest. In shallow water, crustaceans and a species similar to the oyster were also present. In addition to beef and dairy cattle brought from Earth, many other animals were present. Herds of hoofed mammals roamed the continents, and these the Wraith could either domesticate, or hunt to add to their diet. Edible fowl were also present in great numbers.
Above the planets surface, ten Asgard science vessels of the Daniel Jackson class sat in geosynchronous orbit. Hard at work, these vessels labored to complete the settlements below. Beyond the planet, orbiting its five moons, sat the Hybrid fleet. Intermixed with the Hybrid's were those Wraith vessels that wisely chose to defect to Todd. Under tow behind O'Neill class warships, the many Hives and cruisers had arrived in Ida.
Onboard these vessels, the conversion process turning these Wraith into Hybrid was in play. Those not yet undergoing the conversion process were placed in stasis until their time for conversion arrived. It would take many more weeks of effort, but when done these Wraith would forever be free of the mechanisms and need to feed on humans. The time of the Wraith was at an end.
Throughout the solar system, and in the empty space surrounding it, a complex series of monitoring probes lay hidden from view. This spanning constellation would monitor hyperspace and sublight traffic both in and out of the system. Though the Hybrid's were allies, the sensor net would serve to keep watch over Todd and his followers. Mistrust in the past fueled the desire to keep the Hybrid's honest moving forward.
Seven hundred thousand kilometers from the outermost moon, three massive hyperspace windows tore open. Exiting these now collapsing hyperspace windows was the Hala, and the two ZPM powered Hives. At low sublight speed, the three vessels made their way towards the resting Hybrid fleet. Taking station among the less powerful vessels, the two ZPM powered Hives took formation. Todd's flagship lowered its transporter prevention field, allowing Thor to beam the Hybrid leader directly aboard the Hala.
"You were good to your word. I offer you my thanks for my people's new home world." Todd said humbly.
"I honored our agreement, as did you in the fight against your former people. The Alliance of Five Great Races offers you our deepest thanks." Thor replied.
"What is to become of our relations now?" Todd asked.
"You are now the guardians of the galaxy of Ida. I am certain you have taken note that we have allowed you to retain your ZPM enhanced Hive ships." Thor stated.
"I noticed. My expectation was that you would remove the Ancient power sources out of fear that we might misuse these vessels in some way within this galaxy." Todd countered.
"The Five Races agreed to allow you to retain these vessels in their current form on one condition." Thor continued.
"What might that condition be?" Todd asked warily.
"In the future should your assistance be needed, you will come when called." Thor explained.
"You ask us to be mercenaries answerable to your beck and call?" Todd protested.
"No, that is not what we seek. Instead, we hope to maintain our relationship as allies. Should we find ourselves in need of assistance, we ask that you honor he commitments of an ally." Thor continued.
"Can we expect the same in return?" Todd asked carefully.
"Of course. The Five Great Races honor our relationships as allies willfully. Should you require our help, we will gladly provide such help in any form required. Perhaps in time, our races can expand our knowledge together, to further our understanding of the universe." Thor stated somewhat hopefully.
The conversation continued for another hour, until Thor transported Todd back to his flagship. Sure that Todd had many matters requiring his attention; Thor had pressing matters of his own.
In time, the Hybrid's would make this new world and galaxy home.
M3S-419
Four hours ago, Radek Zelenka and Janus had arrived at the Ancient outpost discovered by the Borealis expedition. Their mission was one Dr. Zelenka could scarcely believe when he had learned of it. To say that Earth was making a gigantic leap forward would be to say the least. As Janus had put it, humanity having matured was taking its first of many steps on a long journey. Had McKay been present when that was said, he might have been overcome with the need to add a witty retort.
At the direction of Janus, Zelenka busied himself with modifications to the outpost's gate dialing program within the DHD. While that was done, Janus went about inputting the information required for his portion of this operation into the facilities computer core. Instead of transferring the data with a crystal, it was easier for the ascended being to simply transfer the data by touching the interface console. Being ascended had its advantages.
On the holographic screens in front of Janus, an ever-changing series of DNA structures flashed at an incredible pace. Making adjustments every few seconds, Janus manipulated the digital genome representation until it took the intended form. Using humanity from several thousand years before as the template, he quickly finalized his task. Transferring this data to the main system, the facility's computer core began to adjust the transmission protocols of the main waveform generator several hundred yards away.
Entering the facilities control center, Zelenka saw Janus looking through computer logs. Having been built many millions of years before Janus was born, the ascended being was curious what insights might be gained by reviewing crew logs from past inhabitants. Taking note of Zelenka's arrival, Janus turned and greeted the Czech with a warm smile.
"Done already Radek?" Janus asked.
"Yes, I am. The modifications were not needed. It seems that this DHD is preprogrammed with a protocol similar to the one we were going to add." Zelenka explained.
"I thought that might be the case. My forbearers were very thorough in their planning." Janus replied.
"That is one thing I learned early on during after my arrival to Atlantis." Zelenka replied.
"This is a monumentis day my friend!" Janus exclaimed unexpectedly.
"It is a surprise I agree." Zelenka responded.
"Many millions of years ago my people seeded life in our image in this galaxy, and yours. I doubt they would have ever imagined those children one day doing the very same thing." Janus continued.
"How can you be certain Earth is ready for such a responsibility? Even now, many of our nations cannot agree on the most basic of ideas. Now, we are seeding life. Does that not strike you as a bit premature?" Zelenka questioned.
"Great responsibility is one thing anyone can rarely be prepared for in even the best of circumstances. Should the burden of such a responsibility be thrust upon you though, you quickly rise to the occasion." Janus countered.
"If you say so." Zelenka answered unconvinced.
"Life will take hold, and as my people did, yours will nurture and guide these new children into a vibrant future. In your world, my people see amazing potential balanced with great ability. As your mother and father figuratively, I could not be prouder of you than I am now." Janus beamed.
Janus's words ran through Zelenka's mind repeatedly. Knowing what they were about to do, he was filled with reservations. Balancing out those reservations were feelings of hope for the future. It has been said that a parent wants nothing more than a better future for their children. This was true for Zelenka. His only hope was for humanity to thrive in this galaxy, free of Wraith oppression. The first part of that hope he had helped to achieve. He could only hope that a better future was one he could deliver.
His hands racing over input keys on the control terminal before him, Janus activated main systems. A soft background hum grew in intensity as power surged through power conduits. Automated doors throughout the facility snapped shut as the facility went into lockdown. In the hallway containing the gate the duo had arrived through, the floor parted twenty meters in front of the star gate. From this opening, a pedestal rose. On top of this pedestal was a dull metallic sphere, with a concave face aimed towards the gate.
Power flowing through the energy conduits channeled immense amounts of power towards the device. As charge built, energy began to arc throughout the length of the now sealed hallway. Bolts of energy cracked through the air, from pedestal to surrounding structure. In the dim lighting of the hallway, this would have been an impressive sight to some, while frightening to others.
Sensing power levels approaching discharge strength, automated protocols in the facilities DHD took effect. Dialing the gate automatically, the multidialer initiated a connection to fifteen gate addresses across the Pegasus galaxy. The event horizon took shape and stabilized as static discharge arced towards it. Second's later energy arced throughout the body of the active gate.
Smile beaming, Janus offered the honor of pushing the activation key to Zelenka. This activation key would unleash the power now coursing through the pedestal mounted waveform generator. An unsure look on his face, Radek pushes the activation key at Janus's urging. As the key is depressed, a writhing energy wave flows towards the gate.
Passing into the active wormhole, the energy wave does not dematerialize. Instead, the still intact wave burst through fifteen identical gates on worlds scattered around the galaxy. Shimmering as it travels; the wave's flowed from the gates and enveloped everything in their path as they spread. In less than a minute, the fifteen worlds were fully engulfed in the still energetic wave. Restructuring matter in its path, this matter would take familiar form in coming weeks. Humanity was being reborn where once it had been lost.
Washington, DC
In America's capital city, between the Vietnam War Memorial and the Constitution Gardens pond, a new addition to the memorials around the reflecting pool was taking shape. Unannounced, this new project was one attracting attention from many. Passersby along Constitution Avenue drove by in wonder at the rapidly nearing completion monument.
Making use of replicator labor diverted from other tasks, a sorely overdue structure had taken shape over the last ten days. Eighty feet high, one hundred and thirty feet wide at the base, the structure was composed of a deep black onyx like material. Flecked with gold colored veins, the structure glistened in the sunlight. Identical to the Earth point of origin symbol found on Milky Way model star gates, above the towering chevron was a circle composed of the same black and gold material.
Circling the monument in a semicircle, thick shining panels made of the same material stood. On these panels was engraved the name of every life lost in connection with the gate program. Both civilian and military names alike were listed. In the center of the semicircle, a panel of white and blue marble stood. On it was listed the names of allies lost fighting beside the off world forces of Earth.
Underneath the apex of the towering chevron, an eternal flame blazed. This flames reflection shimmered off the glassy black monument, compounded by the reflective gold veins. The effect was meant to be overwhelming, and overwhelming it was. When the sun set, bright light emitting diode spotlights recessed into the ground at seven locations around the monument would light, sending shafts of light into the darkened skies above.
The formal dedication ceremony opening the monument to the public was scheduled three days from now. Those invited were members of the governments involved in off world affairs, as well as the families of those who had fallen. Veterans groups were scheduled to attend. Speaking at the ceremony, President Hayes, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and General O'Neill would say a few words. Rarely did America honor her fallen hero's so rapidly. Those involved in the program were overwhelmed by the outcry of public support suddenly showered upon them.
Following the successful repulsion of the Wraith attack on Earth, floods of volunteers for many nations' militaries stepped forward. Joining this mass, similar numbers of volunteers for any and all off world activities also came forward. The number of applicants for any agency involved in off world operations skyrocketed overnight. Deciding to make use of this sudden interest, many governments decided to focus these eager volunteers towards colonization efforts in both the Milky Way and Pegasus galaxies.
Brining the assets of many nations together in support of this colonization effort, Earth's holdings would soon increase exponentially. Instead of simple off world outposts, instead entire cities could be built. Mining, farming, and exploration would soon increase to previously unimagined heights. In true to form fashion, Earth was assuming its place among the community of powerful worlds in several galaxies. These efforts would further push Earth expansion in many fields, while also opening the doors to economic expansion throughout several galaxies. Private industry as well as the Secretary of Commerce salivated at the prospect of expanding markets for their goods to previously untapped markets. This effort would also increase the urgency of privatized commercial spacecraft.
Several miles from the off world monument, business as usual was taking place at the Pentagon. Underneath the command nexus of the United States military, Home World Command was also returning to a normal footing after recent events. In General O'Neill's office, he sat enjoying a cup of coffee with his longtime friend General Hank Landry. Not a social call, the two men sat after being summoned to the location at the suggestion of President Hayes. When a President suggests, the military understands that a direct order has just been passed down.
Not knowing what to expect from the meeting to come, the two senior Air Force officers discussed other matters. The topic turned to the Langaran's recent agreement to the placement of a military base on their world. This base would serve both the Earth fleet, but also ground combat units. An Army Brigade Combat Team would rotate to Langara, serving as trainers for the Langaran military. Air Force units would also rotate through, serving as trainers for Langara's Air Force. Naval personnel would do much the same, serving as trainers and advisors to the host world.
As the customer of Earth's first off world arms sale, the Langaran military establishment was highly pleased. Making use of the trade mechanism established on Shambhala, Langara had brought pressure to bear on the American government. Their only want was the ability to defend their world, and this reasoning gained traction in the wake of the Wraith assault on Earth. The floodgates open to arms sales, the Langaran's came with a long shopping list. A ready supply of naqaudria to offer for sale helped Langara's cause greatly.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing were the first to benefit from this policy shift. Four squadrons of F-16 Block 60 aircraft and two squadrons of F-15's were the first item agreed on. Sikorsky was the next to benefit, with the purchase of fifty UH-60M utility helicopters. Lockheed again profited with the sale of eight Littoral Combat Ships outfitted with the Aegis missile defense system. This would not be the Aegis fitted to Prometheus or Nimitz, but instead the Aegis fitted several years ago to seagoing vessels of the United States Navy. In coming months, negotiations for ground combat equipment would finalize. The Langaran Military was about to make a quantum leap forward in abilities.
American defense contractors under contract with the Department of Defense would travel to Langara. There, they would train and maintain key systems of the gear sold until such time as the Langaran's completed training programs from the US military. Pilots would soon arrive for training, as would ships crews, and rotary wing aviators. In Langaran eyes, Earth was finally treating them as an equal. Agreeing that now might be the time to buy stock in Lockheed Martin, the two General's looked towards the office door as it opened.
Stepping through the now open door, two Secret Service agents looked the officers over closely. Knowing that these two belonged, the Secret Service agents quickly retreated from the office. Seconds later, President Henry Hayes stepped through as O'Neill and Landry quickly came to their feet.
"No need to stand on my account. Sit down, enjoy your coffee." Hayes said jovially.
"Mr. President, always a pleasure." O'Neill replied.
"Good afternoon Mr. President." Landry greeted.
"Thank you for coming Hank. Jack, good to see you. I bet you two are wondering why I wanted to see the two of you together here." Hayes wagered.
"The thought had crossed my mind Mr. President." Landry replied.
"You save the world a few times, and you get used to cloak and dagger visits from the National Command Authority." Jack joked.
"The debt this country and this world owe you guys. On behalf of a grateful nation, can I do anything for the two of you?" Hayes asked.
"Its just part of the job Mr. President." Landry replied.
"Yeah, what he said." Jack agreed.
"Now that things are quiet and the world is safe, any plans?" Hayes asked.
"Thor stopped by to tell me I have an open invitation to a cozy cabin with its own fishing hole on the Asgard home world. I will be taking a few weeks of leave to take him up on that." Jack explained.
"What about you Hank?" Hayes asked.
"Honestly Mr. President, I'm thinking it might be time to relax on a more permanent basis. Retirement is looking like the way I might go." Landry admitted.
"Retirement is in the near future for me as well. I had a good run, but my second term is ending. That is why I asked to speak with the two of you. Last week, I had a long sit down with Vice President O'Bannon. As I am sure you are both aware, he is leading the polls for the coming election. What do you think of the Vice President?" Hayes asked.
"Mr. President, I think I speak for both of us when I say we greatly prefer the current Vice President to Kennsey." Jack admitted.
"Took the words right out of my mouth Jack." Landry added with a smile.
"No real surprise there. O'Bannon agrees that we need to keep you two around a bit longer." Hayes explained.
"Mr. President, with all due respect, I'm nearing mandatory retirement age. Even if I was given another star, the regulations are clear on the matter." Landry countered.
"I can sit another spell here at Home World Command." Jack suggested.
"Jack, your talents are needed elsewhere. As you know, the military is about to change at a fundamental level. Reequipping and retraining for duties in the universe is going to take strong leadership. You have done a great job here, but you will not be staying at Home World Command. Instead, you have another star in your future. General Maynard and I concur that you are the man for his post when he leaves. When O'Bannon is elected, he is going to ask that you serve as his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs." Hayes stated.
"I am not sure I am the right man for that job. It is flattering, but I do not know that I am your man." Jack countered.
"Jack, your country needs you one last time. After this, nothing can stop you from retiring. Take the posting, and give us a military ready to deal with what is out there." Hayes suggested.
"Mr. President, if you give me thirty days of fishing on the Asgard home world, I suppose I could be talked into doing it." Jack replied.
"Agreed. Pack your bags Jack. When you come back, be ready to get to work with General Maynard. As for you Hank, O'Bannon and I have a different idea." Hayes hinted.
"If it is filling in for Jack while you find a replacement, I could do that on a short term basis." Landry replied.
"This might be a comfy office, but it is not the one we have in mind. Jack is going to need someone to help him navigate the pitfalls of rebuilding the military. O'Bannon is strong on foreign policy, but weak on defense policy. You are going to be asked to serve as his Secretary of Defense, assuming you retire before the election." Hayes explained.
"Would I have a free hand to do what needs to be done?" Landry asked.
"O'Bannon assures me you will." Hayes replied.
"After that I can finally retire in peace?" Landry asked.
"If that is what you want, then yes." Hayes answered honestly.
"Mr. President, please tell Vice President O'Bannon that in the event of his election, it would be an honor to fill the post for his first term. Any more than that and we will have to talk." Landry replied with a laugh.
In a matter of moments, the future leadership of the United States military was decided. What could these two men accomplish together? Only time would tell.
Arkos
For weeks craft large and small had come and gone from the Ancient shipyard. These vessels were hard at work on the cleanup effort dealing with wreckage left in the aftermath of the Battle for Earth. While progress had been made towards the cleanup, many more weeks and months would be needed to complete the task. Larger more intact portions of destroyed Wraith vessels were taken to the southern hemisphere of mars for study by replicator and teams from Earth. Smaller sections were towed towards the sun, where they would burn up.
Inside Arkos, sequestered away and heavily shielded, the Harbinger's vessel sat docked. Asgard and Tauri teams of engineers, biochemists, and other scientific professionals examined the vessel. Though it might take years, the ships many secrets would be unlocked. Of particular interest to the teams were the inner workings of the system that repeatedly disabled shipboard shields. Once that system was fully understood, a countermeasure could be devised. Some among the Tauri hoped to construct a similar system for use aboard vessels of their own.
On all levels of the station, activity could be seen. Not since its construction had Arkos been so alive with activity. In design labs, teams of designers working hand in hand with the Arkos artificial intelligence were hard at work. Several new classes of vessel were I the beginnings of the design process. Several smaller craft designs were as well. These efforts would one day soon culminate in the newest additions to the Tauri fleet.
Several variations of ships similar to amphibious assault vessels were being compared in one lab. In another, designs were being proposed for a craft smaller than the Daedalus class, much like a frigate. In still another lab, designs were being weighed for a new strategic bomber, more capable than the Al'kesh once employed by the Goa'uld. Many current designs were also being evaluated after the recent battles, for upgrades and new tasks.
On construction levels from top to bottom of the massive shipyard, the beginnings of construction could be seen. While new vessels were taking shape, those damaged in the battles against the Wraith were being repaired. Instead of these new build vessels being pushed into service; they would sit in storage as crews were trained. This pace of construction would be kept for many months to come. The Tauri fleet was about to expand exponentially in size.
As four new Prometheus class carriers began the long and complex construction process, so too would Athena and Daedalus class vessels. In fighter construction bays, F-302's and UCAV's were also taking shape. These would not only replace those lost in combat, but would also fill out the compliments needed for the vessels under construction. Along the way, upgrades would be made for these small craft as well.
In the center of the station, a procession of four Athena's was exiting the station. Ajax, Intrepid, Bunker Hill, and Anzio passed through the energy shield into open space. Upon exit, the four powerful warships formed into line, one after the other. There, they waited.
Inside the station, Destiny undocked much as she had done millions of years before at the beginning of her ages old voyage. Gliding towards the center of the station, the Ancient vessel began her turn towards the energy-shielded exit. Alerted to the vessels departure on a mission of unknown duration, those aboard Arkos flock to watch Destiny and her crew depart.
"Destiny departing." Boomed throughout the stations public address system.
Hearing this announcement, those in view of the vessel stand to attention as they salute. Those saluting hold that salute as Destiny passes through the energy screen. Slowly, she passes through the screen and out of view. Free of the stations interior, Destiny effortlessly maneuvers in behind the last Athena class vessel in line. Tucking in neatly three kilometers to the rear of Ajax, tractor beams latch on to Destiny's hull. Their charge in tow, the four Athena's accelerate and leap into hyperspace.
Soaring through hyperspace, those aboard the five vessels realize that the last time Destiny was at their destination, the Battle of the Super Gate had ensued. This time no such battle awaited them, they hoped. Despite the lack of a threat at the Milky Way super gate, the crews remained vigilant. For five hours, the five craft sped towards their destination. Fifty thousand kilometers short of their end destination, the five vessels reemerged into normal space as they exited hyperspace. Moments later, Ajax powered down the tractor beam array, releasing Destiny from their hold.
"Destiny, this is Ajax." Colonel Young said into his earpiece.
"Go for Destiny." Colonel Ian Davidson replied.
"We will be dialing the super gate momentarily. Are all systems on your end good to go?" Young asked.
"All systems are in the green. Confirm we are good to go." Davidson replied.
"The Athena's are going to general quarters on the off chance that one of Destiny's many admirers is waiting for us on the other side. Should that be the case, remain behind the escort screen. We are here to handle any interference." Young explained.
"Roger that Ajax. We will gladly let you handle the heavy lifting." Davidson answered.
On command from Intrepid, the super gate is dialed. Energy surges through the separate modules making up the gate. Sensors aboard the five vessels register a massive energy spike as the unstable vortex of the event horizon explodes into space. Settling into a stable puddle, the gate signals to the dialing vessel that a stable connection has been achieved. That signal in hand, first Intrepid, then Bunker Hill, Anzio, Ajax, and finally Destiny enter the gate and vanish from the Milky Way.
Emerging from the dialed super gate on the other side of the Universe, the four escorting warships spread out in line abreast formation. As they move forward, Destiny too emerges from the gate and takes station behind the leading vessels. At low sublight speed, the five craft to accelerate away from the now inactive super gate. When active, the super gate is detectable by even the most primitive of sensors, serving as a beacon in the darkness of space. That beacon was just what those lying in wait had hoped would appear.
On the bridge of all five vessels, four approaching vessels were detected. Having encountered vessels of this type before many times, Destiny revealed to the accompanying escorts that the inbounds were Nakai mother ships. On reflex, shields were raised as weapons were moved from standby to active settings aboard the Athena's. Two minutes later four Nakai mother ships come into view, having halted in an attempt to block Destiny's path. Looking at the sight on the holographic view screen in front of him, Colonel Young takes a heavy breath.
"Weapons officer, are we powered up and ready?" Young asks.
"That we are sir." The weapons officer replies.
"Okay, good to know. I have dealt with these guys a few times in the past. Engineering, give me maximum power production on the Arcturus. Signal the other escorts to do the same. Maybe we can bluff these guys with power output." Young stated.
Going to maximum power production settings, the four Arcturus equipped vessels soon began to emit a blinding blanket of sensor readings. These readings were off the scale in comparison to the readings of Destiny. Evidence of diminished of blinded sensors aboard the Nakai vessels was not forthcoming. Instead of launching their small boarding craft, the Nakai vessels instead powered weapons. For three tense minutes the ships of two races stared wordlessly at one another.
"Dawkins, I want you to send an unencrypted text message to the vessels in English." Young says.
"What is the message you want to send Colonel?" Dawkins asks.
"Surrender." Young says simply.
"Sir?" Dawkins asks with uncertainty.
"They will understand." Young suggests.
For six tense minutes, the standoff continued. Then, quite unexpectedly, the four Nakai vessels begin to move. Turning one hundred and eighty degrees of bearing, the vessels begin slowly moving away from the five vessels of Earth. Sensors aboard the five vessels detected energy blooms in the rear sections of the Nakai vessels. Four seconds later, the vessels accelerate rapidly into the distance and power away to an unknown destination.
"Continue to track our friends. I want to now if they moved just out of sight. I will be on the observation deck." Young states to the bridge crew.
Walking quickly to the transporter booth in the hallway outside of the bridge, Young steps in. Seconds later, he reemerges outside of the observation deck. Seeing that no one else is there, he walks in and looks out at the panoramic view of open space. Tapping his earpiece, he radios the bridge.
"Communications officer, patch me into the holographic communications device. I will be hailing Destiny." Young states.
"You are patched in Colonel." Dawkins replies.
Second's later, Young see's not the observation deck of the Ajax surrounding him. Instead, he see's the bridge of Destiny. Colonel Davidson smiles at his holograph's arrival. Eli waves with a low hand, while Rush see's Young's face and nod's.
"It is about time to go Ian." Young begins.
"That it is. Wish you were coming with us?" Davidson asks.
"No, not this time. One pleasure cruise in this corner of the universe was enough for me." Young replied.
"Fair enough." Davidson concedes.
"You have a great crew and a wonderful ship Ian. I know they will serve you well. Trust in them and they will get you home." Young says.
"I know. We will see you when we find the answers to life's questions." Davidson replies.
"Rush, I know you are happy to be continuing the mission you believe in. If anyone can carry this mission to its conclusion, it is you." Young stated.
"Thank you for the kind words Colonel Young. It won't be the same onboard without you." Rush answered.
"Do you really mean that?" Young asked.
"That I do Colonel. You kept me on my toes. Colonel Davidson has a lot of work to do if he wants to fill your shoes." Rush replied.
"Eli, it surprises me on one level that you are going, but on another level I am not surprised at all. If another Star War's film comes out, I will schedule you some time on the communications stones." Young promised.
"Another Star Wars? Wait, nobody told me about that!" Eli complained.
"You know where we are going, but where might you be going Everett?" Davidson asked.
"Our next stop is Minerva Base to drop off a few items. From there it is back to the Milky Way where this task force will be heading to the base of the Perseus Arm of our galaxy." Young explained.
"That is fairly unexplored space. What is taking you there?" Davidson asked out of curiosity.
"The SGC has received reports from several off world allies of entire worlds dropping off the grid. These civilizations suddenly going quiet coincides with intense gravimetric anomalies in that area." Young further explained.
"Be careful. We better be going." Davidson said with a smile.
"Good luck Destiny." Young said before shutting down the holographic communications array.
Intrepid and Anzio sat at the far ends of the four-ship line of escorts. Prompted by Ajax, the two vessels activated low power but still visible targeting lasers. Two bright blue shafts of light shot out into the distance. The path marked, Destiny began to power up her FTL drive.
Soaring over the top of Ajax, Young watched as the Ancient vessel passed overhead. Looking out the observation deck window, she seemed close enough to reach out and touch. While excited at the sight before his eyes, a pang of regret rang through him watching his former command begin the continuation of her journey without him. As her FTL drive modules glowing brightly came into view, memories of his time aboard Destiny flashed through his mind. Their arrival, battles fought with her and inside of her passageways, and finally bringing her home played out as if they were happening now.
Where had she been and where was she going? Only Destiny knew. Her mission of discovery was far from complete. The sights and mysteries she might encounter were wondrous to ponder. Only now was Young certain that Destiny would one-day return home again.
"Goodbye Destiny. We will meet again." Young said softly.
Activating her FTL drive, Destiny accelerated rapidly and disappeared into deep space. A smile found its way onto Young's face as a twinkling flash in the distance marked Destiny's departure at faster than light speed. Winking playfully at the flash, Young's smile broadened. Yes, they would see her again.
Thank you for taking this yearlong journey through Stargate with me. This is not an ending, but a new beginning. It has been a crazy ride, but more is in store. Please leave a review and tell me what you have enjoyed about this story, what your ideas and wants in a sequel are, or anything else you want to share. Without you the reader, this story might never have been. For that, I thank you.