《Stargate : Unforseen Ally》 Prologue-Changing Tides General Hammond watched the stargate from his view in the command center, awaiting news from SG-1 above earth. The air in the room was thick with tension, everyone could feel it, and it was starting to get to the general a bit. He couldnt blame the staff for it, it was understandable. The fate of earth depended on SG-1''s mission to take out Apophis''s ships, and hopefully make it back safely. He took in his surroundings, trying to distract himself and keep a air of composure. 4 Marines stood at the ready, hands fidgety, antsy. The technicians checked sensors, read status reports, and typed in commands into their computers. It seems everyone had the same idea, keeping themselves busy. "Sir, you''ve been up for quite awhile. Would you like me to get you a coffee?" A young private snapped Hammond out of his thoughts, having to take a second to bring himself back from his slight stupor. "Thank you, Private. A small cup will be fine, you can use the coffee maker in my office, save you the time of walking to the Mess Hall." "Yes sir, General" As the Private walked up the small stairwell at the back of the Observation Chamber, Hammond decided to see if there was any News from O''neil or the rest of SG-1. "Has their been any news from SG-1, or any abnormality''s in the space above Earth?" "No sir, but NASA just reported small flickers of light just above Earths atmosphere. There''s a good chance that was SG-1 kicking Gou''ald ass sir, but thats probably wishful thinking." Hammond couldnt help but smirk at his staffs remark. Nonetheless, it was better than no news. "Incoming transmission, coming from...Earth? Oh, that makes more sense." "Whats happening?" "Sir, we are getting a transmission from just above earth, from what looks like a pair of Gou''ald Deathgliders. Safe bet to assume that its from SG-1, considering how....resourceful, they can be" "Thats not even the half of it. Well, no point in keeping them waiting, put them on speaker." Short bursts of static come from the coms channel, as the computer system locks in the transmission frequency. As the channel clears up, a voice everyone has been wanting to hear comes thru. "General Hammond, about the Goa''uld problem..., Yeah I dont think you''re going to need to worry about them anymore." O''neil reports, with a unseen smile on his face. "SG-1, its good to hear from you. I''ll contact NASA and have them send over Endeavor over to you to give you a taxi ride home. Dont expect any leave from the SGC anytime soon, tho." "Thank you General, but save the drinks till after we land first, i think everyone will probably need one" "Why''s that, Colonel?" "...." a brief pause of silence come thru the coms before O''neil responds "Skarra was on one of the ships. We had to take him out, sir." Hammond took a couple seconds to take in the saddening news. He new how much O''neil took to the young boy, basically seeing him as a son. Hammond decided that when the drinks were poured later, he''ll let a glass sit untouched to honor the young man. "Im sorry to hear that Jack. Is there anything else to report?" "Yeah, 2 things. One, Master Bra''tac, Teal''c''s teacher, saved our asses and would be a great help in our fight against the system lords." "Any help is welcome, and if Teal''c is vouching for him, then he''s more than welcome aboard. What was the other thing?" A small smile streched from O''neils face as he responded "Nothing big sir, just that the view from up here is....amazing. Wish you were up here to see it." "Im sure it is Jack, but I think ill keep my feet on the ground, thank you. Now, lets get you troublemakers home" "Sir yes sir, we''ll just hurry up and wait for our space taxi" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the other side of the galaxy, a young system lord stands on the balcony, overlooking the town below. The town is bustling with activity, trade abundant, and children run amongst the streets, laughter emanating from their childish games. On most Gou''ald worlds, this scene would be wishful thinking, but this system lord was smart. He took the time to study Tauri history, and used a "Speak softly but carry a big stick" approach to ruling his small Domininion. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. A young woman in a grey uniform calmly approached her lord from her behind, in her hands, a data pad report of the overall state of the Domininion. She carried herself with pride, knowing full well who she served and his potential. "My lord, I bring a update on the general state of the dominion." the young woman announces, partially to make her presence known. A small silence starts to build between the 2, before the woman asks "My lord, is there something wrong?" "No, nothing is wrong. Im just taking in the work I''ve created." the young lord responds, his snow white hair gently flowing with the breeze. "Tell me Alice, what is the news from the fleet, both from our navy and mining flotilla?" Alice stands to attention, before responding "2 more support carriers have just come off the shipyards, bringing our total fleet to a size of 13, of which there are 8 light cruisers, 2 heavy, and now 3 support carriers. For the Mining fleet, our converted Hatak ships are slowly but surely making progress on the local asteroid belts. All and all, I think we are doing quite well." The young lord takes a couple seconds to take in the news before responding "Good, because I have a feeling times are changing." Alice tilts her head slightly at her lords response, slightly showing a long scar that stretches across her right shoulder and across her chest, before asking "What do you mean, my lord" The lord turns around, looking her in the eyes with is pale skin and red eyes, and responds "Because I had a few loyal Jaffa hidden on the system lord Apophis''s ship, who reported shortly before communications, that a small group of Tauri had managed to kill Apophis''s son and severely damage the 2 ships, shortly before all contact was lost." Alice bore a face of slight shock, but quickly shook her head before asking "My lord, what are we to do in regards to these Tauri?" The young lord takes a couple steps towards Alice, before resting a hand on her shoulder and responding "As of right now, only gather information about them. Their leaders, possible ways of contact, and how they operate. Although unlikely, they might make a resourceful ally in the near future. Keep me up to date on any major news or changes, or if the Tauri make another move. In the meantime, I will be in the Library, drafting up further plans and relaxing while I can." The look her lord gave her was powerful yet gentle at the same time, which was a weird combination for a system, considering that most would have killed her for asking questions. But her lord was different, in that he took pride in breaking the norm on many things, the 2 biggest was his large distaste for Jaffa Staffs and weaponry, and how they were used and made. The other was his gentle but extremely useful way of rule. Instead of making all the decisions of the dominion for himself, he divided the roles up amongst his subordinates, and made a point of asking them for their opinions on matters. Over time, people spoke out more, and asked the lord if actions were sound, and often offered their own thoughts on how things could be done better. This led to a staff that effectively ran the dominion themselves, with the young lord taking more of a backseat to the day to day running of his small empire. What he does do is rule the overall direction of the dominion, such as large-scale things like the fleet, major construction projects, and diplomacy with the other system lords, albeit rarely, since most look down upon or simply havent heard of him. Alice responds "Yes my lord. I will bring any news I find, even the gossip" He simply smiles before saying "Good, ill need the entertainment. Now, get out of here Alice, go get something from the pantry to eat before you leave. We both know you could gain to put on a few more pounds." A slight blush come across her face as she retorts back with a slight giggle "My lord, stop it, Im not that skinny!" she turns to walk a way before turning her head and hitting back with "Besides, you cannot talk, considering the kitchen staff knows you snuck in last night to steal some snacks." before she turns her head and keeps walking, opening the door to the pantry, grabbing a small loaf of sweet bread, before heading out of her Lords chambers. The young lord simply shakes his head before doing the same, with a audible click coming from his door as she shuts it behind him before walking down the hallway towards the library. Chapter 1-Extended Hand 2 months later, SGC Conference Room It was just the beginning of the day. General Hammond and Colonel O''neil were making small talk, while Teal''c was making the 3 some coffee. Carter and Daniel were busy nerding out in their labs, working on reverse-engineering random Gou''ald tech, mainly staff weapons and power sources. The staff was doing its morning routine, making sure all the machines and electronics were in working order. Most were drinking coffee or tea to help wake up. 3 SG teams were scheduled to go offworld, O''neil''s team included. Well, that was the plan anyways.... The base-wide intercom comes to life as the words "UN-SCHEDULED OFFWORLD ACTIVATION" are announced to a puzzled staff. "Oh come on, I haven''t even taken a sip of my coffee yet! At least let me wake up first!" O''neil semi-yells at the ceiling in frustration. "I know, but we might as well see what''s going on in the gate room." General Hammond says to Jack, before opening the door to the Gate room and walking down the stairwell, with Jack and Teal''c following shortly after. "What''s going on, Airman?" Hammond asks, puzzled and groggy. "Sir, the gate just started dialing in out of nowhere. We''ve also have reason to believe that it was from a Gou''ald system lord." "Do we know which one is making the housecall?" O''neil remarks with a sly grin "No, they unfortunately are using a payphone to call. Jokes aside though, they sent a message saying they were a servant of a system lord, but which one was left out. The only thing it does say besides that is a set of coordinates to a planet, which seems like no-one has any claim on." "Well, Jack, do you think this could be a trap by Apophis or one of his men?" "Well sir, I wouldn''t put it past him, but it is out of the ordinary for a Gou''ald to be so obvious. I say we send a MALP thru to the planet and let the system lord have some expensive target practice for a change" "General, there is also a chance that this might be a operative of the Tokra making contact with us, however unlikely. I heavily doubt a system lord would just sit down for a small chat" Teal''c adds. "hmm. Fine, we''ll send a MALP thru first, and if the coast is clear then you have the go-ahead to chat with this system lord. Just do me a favor and don''t start blasting as soon as you are planet side. Even if the chance is remote, if we can get this system lord to at least stay out of our conflict with the rest of they system lords, the SGC can take that as a Win." Hammond orders The noise footsteps approaching from behind has the General and Jack both turn around. "Sorry we''re late, was in the middle of experiment when the alert went off and couldn''t leave right away." Daniel says with intermittent gasps of breath Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "What''s going on?" Sam asks O''Neil "Well, Sam, it seems we are taking a little picnic with a system lord......" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Same time, in the Council chambers on Dresen "My lord, is it wise to have me be the one to put out the invitation to the Tauri? I can understand the why, but it would probably be better to have put your name on the message." Alice asks calmly "The Tauri are already warry of most system lords, not that I can blame them. Its better for them to see someone else send the message and talk to them instead of my kind, a unknown one at that, even if i don''t really consider myself part of.....them" He responds. "Ah, that''s fair....." "Wait, you want ME to speak with them, face to face?" Alice asks, needing to check if she heard that right "Well, of course. Not only do I trust you and your capability, you are also my right hand woman. You effectively carry my will and orders for me, no-matter where you are." "Also, for the biggest reason. You''re human. Not a simple minded Jaffa. They would see you as more trustworthy than a simple grunt, and be more willing to talk." "Hmm, I understand. And what would you like me to talk about with them?" Alice asks, looking for a general direction to go with "More or less just get the point across that im not here to wage war with them, and that a meeting of a place of their choosing for a more formal discussion would be welcome. You may offer them a gift of technology as a peace offering if it helps. Preferably not weapons related, please. Medical or even just a simple data-pad with basic trinkets would do." Her lord responds. "And should I give them your real name or a Alias if asked to whom I serve?" "You may say my real name, but only if they ask you who your leader is. I''d prefer it if I could introduce myself to them in person, but only after I make sure they wont try to kill me on sight," "Yes, my lord. I will make the preparations for the trip right away. And how many guards am I to bring with me?" "5 will suffice. No need to bring a army to a simple meet and greet" "Yes, my lord. I shall take my leave then and set off. If all goes well, I should be back by sundown" Alice replies, before getting up from her seat and leaving the room The young lord simply sits there in silence before saying aloud to no-one "I can only hope that all goes well. Things can always get out of hand quickly..." Chapter 2-Picnic and gift Baskets Dresen Barracks Alice approached the barracks with purpose, making a list in her mind of everything she would need prepared for the meeting. The guards were easy, just simply request 5 soldiers from the local barracks, but that would require her to make the request to the city guards office, which acts as the head station for police Actions on the plant. As she opens the door, she sees the Commanding officer sleeping at his desk, with next to no paperwork on his desk. *sigh* "Im not surprised, to be honest. There''s next to no crime to begin with, so being a city guard is boring. But it pays decently and most people consider it a noble, if not relaxing job. Except when a emergency occurs, like a natural disaster or military incursion. In which case, they are called in to provide support as needed. Alice quietly walked forward and lightly tapped the Officer on the shoulder, letting him wake up on his own. She had half a mind to slam her hand on the table just to mess with him, but decided against it. "eugh, wha-oh, Lady Alice, its you. What brings you here?" the officer asks, grogy and drousy. "I need to borrow about 5 guards for a small mission. Diplomatic one, so no need to bring out the big guns or anything. Just a small group for the misssion and thats it." "Well you''re in luck, one of my patrols should be back any minute no-" he is cut off as said patrol walks in as he mentions them. "oh, well there they are, we were just talking about you lot" "yeah yeah yeah, old man, we''re back. Hey lady Alice, nice to meet you." one of the guards say. "Well, hello there. Perfect timing too, as im comandering your squad for a little picnic, and I need to go put together the gift basket." Alice responds to who she assumes is their leader. "Ma''am? What mission are we being dragged along for?" "Nothing combat related, so you can relax. I just need a token bodyguard for a diplomatic mission. Thats all" Alice explains calmly. "Diplomatic mission? I thought our lord shies away from diplomacy with other system lords?" The man ask puzzled Alice responds with a slight grin "Who said we were meeting a system lord?" Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. The man looks confused as he starts muttering to himself "If its not a system lord, then who could it be? Cant be the Asguard, no reason to talk to them. Maybe the Tokra? No, they wouldnt talk to us to begin with. Wait, no it cant be...." His eyes widen at the sudden realization. "Yep, its the Tauri, or as the group we are to make contact with call themselves, Stargate Command. They are sending one of their SG recon teams to meet with us, so dont be surprised if they come armed. Since the mission is really nothing more than a simple meet and greet, I thought it best to not bring soldiers along and instead just bring some city guards instead." "Can we trust the Tauri to not just shoot us as soon as they walk thru the gate?" one of the female guards asks" "Most of thir orders are usually just to explore and return fire only, so unless we shoot first, I wouldnt worry about it." "Alright then, Lady Alice, what are your orders then?" "Simple, bring standard gear minus ruck-packs, meaning just your Staff-Rifles and sidearms, and your police vests. We are not aiming for a fight, so you can just stand there and look ugly. I''ll be the pretty one." Alice orders. One of the guards just smirks at the last bit. "Yes Ma''am. One squad of human statues, coming right up" The squad leader says with a smile. "Report to the gate by noon. Dismissed" Alice responds, slightly shaking her head while chuckling. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SGC Confrence Room, One hour prior to the Meeting "This Mission is simple people, just get in, find out what their angle is, and see what they want from us." General Hammond says as he gives the rundown on their mission. The team around the table double checking their gear, with Teal''c not bothering, since the only weapon he uses is his staff. "MALP video feed shows what looks like a flat grass plain, and what looks like a small group of Jaffa with what looks like unique staff weapons and a lone woman in some kind of military uniform." "Alright, 2 things. One, what do you mean by Unique, and what can we tell about this woman? Is she a Goa''uld or something" Daniel asks quizzicolly. "Unique in that they look more human in design, almost like someone cut off half a staff and stuck a stock, pistol grip, and front grip and sights to make it a rifle of sorts. As for the woman, we dont know who she is, but we confirm that she is a leader of some kind. Not hard to tell, considering her uniform looks like someone stole a WW2 german officer''s uniform but slapped bits from our country for the ranks" Hammond explains. "Alright, am I the only feeling like we''re walking into a trap or are we all in aggreance on this one?" O''neil exclaims, very annoyed. "No, but if a goa''uld is offering a chance to talk then I say its worth a shot at least." Hammond responds. "Alright then, lets get down to the gate and get this little meet and greet over with then" O''neil orders, and almost a hour after, the team was standing at the foot of the steps to the stargate. As the stargate opens, the team just looks at each other with a collective "Lets just get this shit over with" look and walks thru the gate with....