Chapter Text
Back on the channel 1 TV set
-“Is this an elaborate prank to get me to believe to your nonsense?” exclaimed Professor Vilern staring at Daniel as soon as the President’s speech was over “is this your idea of a joke?”
-“Sure” said Daniel sarcastically, voice low “the President is my best pal and just wants to help me boost my sales”
-“We are all under shock” interrupted Julia Donovan “watching from home on this historical day you may have many questions as we all do. Remember the main information from the President’s speech : do not panic. Now, let’s get back to you Doctor Jackson, is it possible, as suggested by your book, that you know more about what’s going on?”
-“Holy crap your book is telling the truth!” cut Vilern losing all restraint
-“Not ALL of it” said Vala condescending “but I have to agree that Daniel was right on many things. Let’s acknowledge how admirable that is, especially considering that when he wrote that book he hadn’t even crossed the St…”
-“Excuse me Vala” cut Donovan “Joining us, M. Woolsey from the IOA, the International Oversight Advisory organisation mentioned earlier by the President. M. Woolsey what can you tell us about it?”
-“Well, Miss Donovan” started Woolsey just sitting at the table “to be completely exact I don’t work for the IOA anymore : I used to conduct audits on different programs it oversights but I’m now leading one of those programs related to off world exploration. The IOA has become my boss if you want”.
-“Alright, but what’s its role?” asked Donovan
-“Well as off world activities were growing, it became obvious that a civilian and international oversight was needed. The IOA represents a neutral point of view intending to lead the work of the several teams involved as well as making sure that our actions in the galaxy respect the interests of all inhabitants of Earth” he explained
-“There are obviously a lot of things we still ignore -and be sure we will get back to that- but for now, can we say the IOA has been created to fill up for a lack of democratic representation in managing in ‘off world’ activities as you call them? And, if so, why keep that big secret and therefore cancel the possibility of said democratic representation?” pressed Donovan
-“It doesn’t matter for now!” cut Daniel raising his voice
-“Pardon me Doctor Jackson” frowned Donovan “but people have a right to know…”
-“Yes they do” he interrupted again “and time will come to judge the choices made the last few years by people that, as you may guess, have faced impossible situations that nothing had prepared them for. But it shouldn’t be our main concern right now. Someone spoke earlier of an historical day and they couldn’t be more right. Trust me I KNOW that we are, US, the people of EARTH -and I mean all people and nationalities- at a crossroad in our history. The information that was just reveal is so important that the way we react to it could determine our future and the one of future generations. The whole galaxy is looking at us, because yes, if most of us didn’t have a clue about the existence of other people before tonight, they know of us and for the most part, they admire us and are counting on us. We are not alone. Whatever happens after tonight everything will be different, and only one thing really matters : are we gonna be united to assert Earth’s interests or are we gonna keep on fighting each other while the rest of the galaxy is watching?”
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On Atlantis
-“Sir” said Amelia Banks “our ships have successfully warded off the first enemy wave but the rest of the Alliance’s fleet just appeared on our screens”.
-“Yes, I can see that” answered Sheppard “order our jets to attack. The Hammond will stay in orbit above Atlantis for now, we want them to come closer before using the Asgard weapon”
-“Understood sir” she answered
-“Stay in touch with the SGC” Sheppard continued “Landry has to be ready to take command if Atlantis is taken”
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On Lyra’s ship
-“Sir, we are coming out of hyperspace” said Lyra “I’m turning the cloak on”.
Suddenly a space battle appear in front of their eyes
-“Do we have any way to know who is who?” asked O’neill as multiple Goa’uld ships were gunning at each other around a kassa station orbiting a planet.
-“One second, I’ll enter the resistance code” answered Lyra
As soon as she did some of the dots representing ships on the control screen went from yellow to green.
-“Your Resistant friends are getting their asses kicked” noted O’neill “I don’t think we can tip the scale and the Jaffa will stay behind as long as the fleet attacking Earth isn’t defeated”
-“There” said Lyra staring at a part of the screen, she pushed the controls accelerating as fast as the conventional engine was allowing it.
-“Would you mind keeping me update of what you are doing?” asked O’neill maintaining a blank face despite a brutal maneuver to avoid an enemy ship.
-“This is the entryway of the station’s force field” she pointed at the screen before her “the breach stayed opened from neglect or because of a resistant shot, anyway if we come sufficiently close we might be able to reach SG1 via radio” she explained gesturing towards an earthian communication system.
-“SG1 this is General O’neill, please come in” he tried a few minutes later. Lyra barely avoided a Lucian shoot with a swift looping that almost threw the General out of his chair, again.
-“Sorry sir” she said “this vessel is not made for this kind of flying. O’neill mumbled something about safety belts before calling out again
-“SG1, come in” he insisted
-“General O’neill?” said the stunned voice of Mitchell in the speakers, after a few second he added “the Alliance is about to attack Earth, you need to…”
-“Colonel” cut O’neill with authority “we won’t be able to maintain this communication channel for long, what’s you status?”
-“Davidson’s leg is injured, we had to part ways but he is safe for now” he explained “Simmons and I managed to reprogram the C4 we left behind on a previous mission, the explosion is set up for 1 hours from now and should create a chain reaction destroying the station and any ships in its vicinity. We were hoping to steal a cargo but it seems all ships are participating in the current battle. Do you know what’s going on sir?”
-“The Resistance came to say hi” O’neill answered
-“General, we have to go” cut Lyra “maintaining this position is leaving us far to vulnerable, the cloak won’t do us any good if we take fire”
-“Is that Lyra?” asked Simmons
-“She is our getaway driver for today” said O’neill “go pick up Davidson and meet us in the ship bay in 40 minutes, we are coming to get you. Over.”
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Back on the TV set
-“This is Julia Donovan for a special broadcast” said the journalist staring at the camera “we are now live with Colonel Davis from the Pentagon. Colonel, thank you for taking the time to talk to us in this moment of crisis. What can you tell us about the battle currently raging above our heads?”
-“Let me first repeat the directives for public safety” he started “stay indoor, do not panic. We are confident that we will win this but if the worst should happen, we know from experience that our enemy’s motivations are purely lucratives, if they were to reach the surface, there is no reason to think they would target the population unprovoked. We are receiving reports from several gathering throughout the country manifesting our right to freedom and independence. This is a praiseworthy sentiment but the Lucian Alliance has an heavy past of kamikaze terrorist attacks, let’s not give them obvious civilian targets ; even if, again, the chances of one of their vessels piercing our atmosphere are very slim”.
-“What make you think they will stay out of the atmosphere? What will happen if you are wrong?” asked Donovan
-“We have the upperhand” indicated Davis “thanks to our allies and their intelligence we knew they were coming and we prepared. Plus, we have superior technology. Furthermore if even one of their ships was to breach our defenses, they would be at great desavantage meeting the patrols of Earth’s united Air Forces in an aircraft made for space and not for aerial flight.”
-“You sound like we have nothing to be afraid of” continued Donovan “isn’t it a bit too good to be true?”
-“No battle is free of risks, of course” conceded Davis “what I can tell you for now is that we managed to pushed away the first wave with very little loses, it means our plan is working”
-“Thank you Colonel Davis” said Donovan before going back to her guests “this is pretty unbelievable, aliens are real and apparently we have the higher technology. How did that happened?”
-“Well” said Daniel “not without sacrifices. For several years we have been fighting for freedom and Human Rights for all in the Galaxy. We developed friendships with several worlds, fought along some and we learnt a lot…”
-“We are doomed!” interrupted Vilern
-“See Julia” said Vala putting her hand on Daniel’s who was looking at his former colleague with big eyes “this planet is full of smart and creative people that managed to adapt, modify and create technologies until they made quite an arsenal from various findings. I was myself surprised at what the scientific teams have been able to come up after only a few years of integrating alien technologies. More than that, Earth has lead many fights for freedom in the Galaxy and Daniel here is the most gifted person I know when it’s about to lead the most stubborn soldier to the negotiation table”
-“Negotiating with aliens” Vilern greeted his teeth shaking his head
-“You think it’s naïve? I thought so too at first” continued Vala while Daniel was rolling his eyes, silently thanking heaven that she hadn’t dropped words like ‘Goa’uld’ or ‘Unas’ “but this approach has been proved efficient in the long run, for example, one of the most powerful races of the Galaxy -unfortunately extinct today- bequeathed its technology to Earth and…”
-“You!” jumped Vilern pointing his finger at Daniel then at Vala “You and that woman dared to befriend vile and horrible space creatures, it’s horrendous!”
-“Watch out what you are saying!” warned Vala standing up staring at him and loosing her ‘TV smile’
-“What Vala means” Daniel said putting a hand on Vala forearm for her to sit back down “is that most of the people living on other planets are as human as me or you, or at least they are a derived version of our species. It was very surprising at first, as you can imagine, but there are ultimately historical explanations that bring us back to a common past that…”
-“What proves us that what you are saying is true?” Vilern cut again “And even if aliens have 2 arms and 2 legs it doesn’t mean we are to trust them! SHOULD I REMIND YOU THAT WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!”
-“We are indeed” intervened Woolsey “we are currently being attacked and all groups populating the Galaxy aren’t friendly ; but thanks to the work and sacrifices of our teams, it’s reasonable to say that Earth has more friends than enemies in this Galaxy”
-“What is telling us that our ‘friends’ won’t come to sack us first chance they got?” asked Vilern more and more hysterical
-“Humm…” winced Vala slowly shaking her head “it’s always a possibility. But most smugglers are afraid of Earth’s reputation, not to mention the new security system. No, according to me, the more you have to fear is if Issadins come for tourism. I hear they are insufferable and load, but they have big pockets. I should think about setting up a ‘voyage’ section within Lyla” she added thoughtfully
-“Vala” Daniel warned
-“What?” she said “I don’t see why I wouldn’t take advantage of my knowledge of your planet and give other the opportunity to tour it! It’s completely honest and legal work Daniel!”
-“What do you mean?” asked Donovan with wide eyes as Daniel was closing his as if he was trying to ignore what had just happened.
-“Well” said Lyra staring at the nearest camera and giving her best smile “after all that has been said tonight, you probably noted that ‘Maldoran’ doesn’t really sound earthian!”
The studio was silent, all technicians as well as Donovan were stunned. Woolsey was hiding a smile while Daniel was cleaning his glasses shaking his head. Vala was still smiling while Vilern was staring at her with a mix of fear and fascination in his eyes. She came closer to him, rolling her hips as usual. The professor went stiff and stammered :
-“You’re an alien”
-“I am” she confirmed patting his shoulders until he finally relaxed. No doubt the image was already trending on all social networks.
---
On Atlantis
-“Colonel Sheppard, I’m patching you with Colonel Ellis” said Amelia Banks
-“Ellis” said Sheppard “we are kind of busy right now!”
-“Sheppard” said Ellis “according to our sensors, our fleet has taken substantial damages, Caldwell and I are ready to come in as reinforcements”
-“We are not there yet Colonel” replied Sheppard “I just ordered the Hammond to leave the lunar orbit to attack the first heavy Lucian ships, the Dedalus and the Apollo are to remain hidden behind Mars as planned.”
-“An enemy squad as already managed to go through our lines” Elis argued “fortunately their trajectory lead them above the Pacific ocean and the russians stopped them before any civilian losses were to deplore, but I want to remind you than in the eventuality of a larger break through, conventional aerial aircrafts will be quickly overpowered, especially considering they have no shield. You can’t wait any longer for Doctors Carter and McKay and a solution that MAY work any longer.”
-“Colonel” barked Sheppard annoyed “we just need to buy some more time, keep your position and wait for my orders”
Colonel Ellis cut off the feed shaking his head just before Amelia’s update :
-“Sir, our positions are about to be overloaded, the Hammond coming in battle is concentrating enemy fire and you still have some drones but it’s just a matter of time before…”
-“I know!” cut Mitchell greeting his teeth “I know… patch me with McKay”
---
In the unfinished space station around Earth’s orbit
-“McKay do you read me?” said the Colonel’s voice through the speakers
-“What?” said the scientist annoyed to be disrupted
-“Where are you with the satellites?” asked Sheppard unphased
-“Almost there” answered Sam
-“What?...No!” exclaimed McKay “listen, even if it was possible to focus for a minute with everybody shooting way too close to this space canbox which, by the way, is barely protected by the lamest schield, I don’t see how we can possibly reach a result. As I said before combining earthian, goa’uld and ancient technology -not to mention the Asgard core- in order to attempt on a move that has NEVER been tried before, is COMPLETELY impossible!”
-“McKay!” insisted Sheppard
-“Really Sheppard!” said the scientist serious “it’s time to go to plan B”
-“Rodney, if I have the Dedalus and the Apollo attack the Lucian fleet from behind, nothing is guarantees victory” Sheppard recalled “plus, if you manage to activate the satellites after that, they will be in range of the EMP blast and we will have no way of boarding enemy ships. And if they managed to restart their systems before us, we will have served them Earth on a platter.”
-“Listen” said McKay voice going an octave up “I know I have a thing about saving the world last minute under the pressure of imminent death but, -and I can swear this to you- THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK”
-“Here” interrupted Sam closing a control panel “John, we are ready for first attempt”
-“What?!” exclaimed McKay turning to face her
-“Alright, be ready on my mark” said Sheppard “Amelia patch me with all vessels… Your attention everyone” he stopped to take a big breath “on my mark we will launch protocole ‘Stillwind’. We will know immediately if the operation is a success. Every unit is to be extra aware and ready to react whatever the outcome. Doctor Carter, on my mark 1,2,3 fire!”
Sam executed the key command, a magnetic blast raised from the space station towards space, forward but not downwards, missing Earth. McKay rushed towards the control screen.
-“The good news is that -to my biggest surprise- your unidirectional wave is working. Bad news is we are the only ones that fired it!” he said frantic pointing at the silent satellites. “I told you commanding earth/goa’uld hybrid satellites with an ancient/earth hybrid software was a wild dream!”
-“Something is probably blocking the command signal” noted Sam without looking up from her tablette.
-“Someth… no! I’m telling you the issue is the compatibility between technologies!” cried McKay
-“Shut down the station’s shield!” ordered Sam
-“Are you insane! It’s the only thing protecting us from enemy fire!” he screamed “and they surely spotted us since we managed to freeze a handful of ships above us!” he added pointing at the window form which stilled goa’uld jets could be seen as well as, in the background, a squad rapidly progressing towards the station.
Sam pushed him away from the station’s command, turned off its shield and executed again the key command on her tablette. This time all satellites as well as the station emitted an EMP blast freezing the systems of every ships on range
-“I… it shouldn’t have worked!” mumbled McKay
---
Back on the TV set
-“M. Woolsey” said Julia Donovan “the revelation about Vala’s origins is as choking as unexpected. Shall we concluded that al… people born on other planets are currently walking free amongst us?”
-“No” said Woolsey firm but uncomfortable “Vala’s case is isolated. She is a strong ally that chose to join our ranks several years ago and proved herself many times, including by being a key element in the direct protection of our planet in a conflict now settled. When she asked for the permission to become a element of our civil society, we granted her an exceptional residency permit which was well deserved. But let me be clear, the IOA has no will to set up a general program to welcome visitors from other planets permanently or not. Vala’s situation is unique and again she proved herself many times before being authorized to…”
While Woolsey was losing himself in his explanation, Julia Donovan was putting two fingers on her earpiece, obviously receiving new information. She raised a finger with her other hand to interrupt the lawyer
-“Sorry M. Woolsey” she apologized “I’m being told that we are coming live with Doctor Samantha Carter. Doctor Carter” she added while Sam’s face was appearing on a screen behind her “you are the lead of an international scientist and researchers network working on alien technologies and cultures, and you are currently...sitting on one of our orbital station! What can you tell us? What’s the situation? How is the battle progressing?”
-“Good evening” said Sam shyly “we lost all communication with our troops engaged in battle. Which was totally expected!” she added quickly “Thanks to our new network of security satellites we depleted a weapon that rendered inert any ships at range. Friends or foe. Our jet squads successfully lured enemy ships near the satellites. Therefore, I am able to tell you that the Lucian Alliance doesn’t constitute an immediate threat to Earth anymore”.
-“That’s… a wonderful news” commented the journalist stunned while Vala was raising a victory fist with a smiling Daniel by her side “but” Donovan recovered “if I understand you correctly, many enemy vessels are resting above our heads. Isn’t it alarming?”
-“Apollo and Dedalus, two of our best heavy combat vessels, stayed out of reach of the weapon and therefore weren’t incapacitated. Their squads have operated preventing strikes immediately after the wave, efficiently damaged weapons and navigation systems of all main enemy ships” explained Sam “In addition they possess weapons capable of vaporizing even biggest ships in one shoot especially now that they don’t have working protective shields. That will prevent any attempt of the enemy even in the unlikely possibility they reboot their systems anytime soon.”
-“Thank you Doctor Carter” said Donovan ending the transmission “It’s over!” she added with a relieved sigh.
-“Well our teams will now board enemy ships to apprehend inboard personnel” said Daniel “resistance in a given but as Sam said, preventive measures as well as our technological superiority allows to be sure the planet is safe”.
-“Great!” said Donovan ecstatic “Vala you don't seem to be seem to be as happy as could be expected” she added noticing the closed posture she added adopted
-“I… the fight is not over for everyone” she mumbled staring at the table before her
-“Vala is referring to a battle our allies are currently leading at the other side of the galaxy” provided Woolsey “they are attempting to seize our enemy's rear base in order to prevent another attack against Earth”
The set was silent. Vilern nodded then came towards Vala shaking her hand
-“Thank you and thanks to your peers for watching over our planet”
-“It’s on that image that our special broadcast ends” said Donovan “I am sure many questions will rise in the next few days but for tonight we thank those who thought for our safety and freedom and we give all our prayers to those that are still fighting on our orbit as well as light years from here.”
---
On the kassa station
-“How are you holding up?” asked Mitchell to Davidson while they were running is a hallway, Simmons helping him.
-“I will feel better when we are out of this damned station” he mumbled
-“Almost there” said Simmons “the ship hold is at the end of this corridor”
-“Oh crap” blurted Mitchell pushing his team mates out of the way as a Lucian patrol was appearing behind them
-“Stop right there” said a Lucian while they started shooting
Simmons and Mitchell returned fire. Davidson was slipping on the floor.
-“Colonel, I’m almost out of amo!” informed Simmons after a few minutes
-“Their back up has come through, we won’t hold much longer. Davidson?” inquired the team leader from the other side of the hallway
-“He passed out” said Simmons worried
-“Stop shooting” ordered a Lucian “Colonel Mitchell, you have no way out, even if you can reach the ship hold, all our vessels are out. Surrender and I promise you a quick death”
Simmons looked at Mitchell alarmed, not seeing how to get out.
-“I have to oppose that idea” said a voice behind them.
The unknown man, hidden behind the door frame of the ship hold opened fired on the Lucians; Mitchell barely had time to recognized General O’neill before he took cover again.
-“Cover him!” ordered Mitchell to Simmons who had grabbed Davidson’s gun.
O’neill joined forces with SG1, heavy fire preventing the Lucians to progress
-“Now!” he screamed stopping his shoots.
Lyra surgered from the door, while Simmons and Mitchell kept firing. She stopped just behind them, raised her arms and focused two Goa’uld gantelets blasts above the Lucians’ heads, collapsing the hallway on them.
-“Let’s get out of there” she yelled helping Simmons to grab Davidson and leading SG1 towards her ship
-“You are late” said O’neill to Mitchell once on board
-“Sorry sir, we were held back. Thanks for coming to get us” Sg1’s leader said
-“The station is going to explode any minute” said Simmons has the ship’s gate was closing.
Lyra throw herself on the commands and flew the ship out as fast as possible.
‘Breach detected’ - ‘Breach detected’ - ‘Scan initialized’ said a soft but firm computerized feminine voice.
-“What is THAT?” asked Mitchell as force shields were appearing around the tree newcomers
-"It’s that thing again!” O’neill rolled his eyes
‘Breach detected’ - ‘Multiple humanoide subjects’ - ‘Multiple weapons detected’ - ‘One unconscious subject’ the voice went on while a ray of light was scratching the men.
‘Breach detected’ - ‘Blood work in process’
-“Just stay still for a second” O’neill advised waving his hand towards the ceiling
-“Davidson needs medical attention” pressed Simmons eyeing his friend lying of the floor
-“Lyra when you have a second” said O’neill impatient
-“We need to get far enough to avoid the blast!” said Lyra racing for her seat.
‘Subjects identified’ interrupted the voice ‘Colonel Mitchell, Captain Davidson and Doctor Simmons’ ‘Pending confirmation for Authorization protocol Allea’
-“Allea right away?” frowned O’neill accusing the ceiling
-“Protocole Allea confirmed. Activate status Dorma for Davidson.” said Lyra “they are my team” she shrugged.
-“Is the battle over?” asked Mitchell.
A explosion occurred behind them, the blast making the ship shake.
-“It is now” noted O’neill
-“What’s all of that?” asked Simmons pointing out the machines now surrounding Davidson
-“It’s gonna keep him stable and unconscious until we can get him to a doctor” dismissed Lyra “according to the scans internal damages aren’t too expensive, as long as the bleeding is stopped he should be fine” she added putting an IV in Davidson’s arm. She stepped aside and the soldier was immediately surrounded by a blue magnetic field.
-“This is a Goa’uld ship but I have never seen this kind of tech” noted Simmons joining the others in the control room, Lyra following.
-“What happened sir?” Mitchell was asking
-“We communicated our plan to Iphor and he ordered the retreat of the resistant fleet, or at least what was left of it. A good part of the Lucians ships followed them, it’s probably what allowed us to get in the ship hold without being noticed. You know the rest.”
-“All the ships that stayed behind to protect the summit were destroyed in the blast” informed Lyra
-“What are we doing now?” asked Mitchell “shall we go give a hand to the Resistance?”
-“That won’t be necessary” smiled O’neill “On our advice Iphor lead them right to the Jaffa fleet. Teal’c will take care of it”
-“Do we have any updates about Earth?” asked Simmons with a severe expression.