Authors Note:
Ah Ha! The final chapter! Your suffering is nearly over.
Chapter 10 – Family Ties
Rear Admiral Cain's Quarters, Battlestar Pegasus
Scopio Orbit (L Day + 734)
"Well I'm glad you're staying." Helena said raising her glass.
"As am I, I must say I was worried when the CNP program was scrapped that I wouldn't be needed." Gina said sipping her wine.
"Oh, I don't know. I'm sure I could have thought of something to keep you occupied." Helena replied with a seductive smile.
Gina had been her rock, a single bright point in the dark. Things had been tough since the failed Liberation of Earth, the fall out ongoing. As the senior surviving Fleet officer she had been an easy target. It had taken every bit of influence and family connection to avoid being the sacrificial lamb. There were still sections of the liberal press who were baying for her blood, and plenty of the Admiralty who would let them have it. But she was still here. She still had her ship and her crew, and of course Gina.
She had reason to smile.
Smirking at her lover Gina leaned back. "I'm sure you would have. However this new sensor and communication suit will keep me quite busy. I won't be going anywhere just yet."
"Well that's good. Still it seems a shame that all your work had to go to waste." Helena replied sympathetically. Gina had worked hard to get ready for the CNP program only for it to be pulled at the last minute. Just one of dozens of projects to be scrapped as the Fleet tried to adjust its priorities to meet the new threat.
Helena still thought they were going about it the wrong way. It was all too defensive for her tastes, just sitting here waiting to be attacked. They needed to be out their harassing the enemy. Not hiding in their own system, too afraid to do much more than carry out a few long range patrols.
She sighed. Her ideas were out of favour and no one was listening.
"I don't know, plans change but the ultimate goal remains the same." Gina said with a smile.
"So say we all." Helena said raising a glass. Relishing in Gina's positivity, thinking she truly was unique and special.
"So say we all" Gina replied, clinking the glasses together.
Multinational Taskforce
Mars Orbit, Sol System (734 Day since attack)
Twelve ships had been selected for the mission in to Colonial space. With the exception of the Thor they were all BC-304 Battle Cruisers. Some had wanted to use the retrofitted Colonial vessels, but in the end it was decided to keep the Task Force to all Earth-built ships as a precaution.
The captured vessels had been gone over with a fine tooth comb but O'Neill had vetoed their use. He had no desire for a repeat of the re-call device problem they'd had with Go'uld ships. More importantly, the Colonials hadn't encountered the upgraded Battlestars and the General wanted to keep them as a surprise.
No one had seriously argued, as the larger ex-colonial vessels were already in heavy use. The huge vessels were needed to supply Earth's growing number of colonies and outposts. Their massive holds able to carry far more than any current Earth built ship.
What had been argued over, debated and discussed in mind numbing length was the purpose of the mission. The Australian government, who understandably wanted a measure of revenge for their lost citizens, had pressed for large retaliatory strikes.
Others, including many European countries, had merely wished to send a message. Something firm but not antagonistic, maybe even the starting point for negotiations. Earth's people had already found out that they were surrounded by enemies. No one wanted to fight a war they didn't have to.
In the end it had been a compromise. They were to proceed to Colonial space and demand the immediate handing over of Rear Admiral Helena Cain, along with the officers of the Pegasus, to face war crimes charges. Failure to do so would result in an attack on a military target, probably one of the major fleet yards.
Few expected the Colonials to meet the demand. Many thought a strike on the Colonies, even if limited to a military target, would just provoke an unnecessary conflict. Regardless, the orders were issued and ships prepared. The Multinational Task force was on its way to the Twelve Colonies.
Main Hanger, Picon Fleet Shipyards
Orbiting Picon (L Day + 738)
"Lee, maybe this is a bad idea." Kara said as she paced nervously. Normally she a was big fan of confrontation but Starbuck had always respected the Commander. His opinion was important to her and she didn't want to let him down.
Bit late for that. She thought bitterly.
"Kara, he's going to find out. Trust me, its better if it came from us rather than someone else." Lee replied, being annoyingly reasonable as always.
"Maybe we should have told your mom first?" Kara countered. She had long suspected Carolanne knew anyway, so it would be less of a shock. Not that she had told Lee of her suspicions. She doubted if he had guessed.
"Then who would look after Tamara, Helo?" Apollo replied confirming it.
Instinctively leaping to her friends defence. "Hey, Karl's alright!"
"As a Raptor jock sure, but can you seriously see him looking after an infant?"
Kara smirked. "Helo with kids. Funny but I see your point." Before shaking her head. "What about Zak, your dad still thinks we're engaged?"
Lee breathed out and lent back against the wall. "It's been two years. Dad can't expect you to wait forever."
Kara wasn't so sure about that. "Lee, it's not a simple as that, you're both his sons and what about Tamara? You know how this looks."
"I know, this is pretty frakked up even for us." Lee replied with a sigh as he idly span the ring on his finger. Kara couldn't help but agree. When it came to her and Lee things always seemed to get so complicated. Zak by contrast had been easy. In her darker moment she wondered if that was why she had strayed.
The conversation was ended by the Chief of the deck opening the door.
"Sir's your Raptors ready when you are."
Colonial POW Camp
Zulu Site (L Day + 738)
The Earth people had made no secret of the fact they were going to attack the Colonies. After all, who were they going to tell? It wasn't like they could call up Fleet HQ and tell them they were coming.
Not that it would have made any difference if they could. Unlike when they had come to Earth the Tauri (Zak was still confused by the multiple names these people went by.) had twelve targets to chose from, plus any number of bases and outpost. Even with the massive defences built to keep out the Cylons there was no way of protecting everywhere. One way or another they could cause a lot of damage.
Not that he could really blame them. They hadn't started this. Lee had been right, they shouldn't have come here. He had been so naive. They thought they were bringing them civilisation. Helping them retake their rightful place in the Colonies of Kobol, giving them back their history. They had been wrong. These were not the Thirteenth Tribe.
There was no point denying it now. The Earther's had given them all the proof they would ever need that Earth was their world, the first world. Kobol, the mythical origin of the Colonies, was nothing more that a colony itself, founded by the Ancient people of Earth. The Thirteenth Tribe, if they had even existed, hadn't been going off to form another colony, they had been going home. The whole basis for the Liberation was wrong.
They had rushed in thinking they knew best, but instead it had all fallen apart. The Fleet that had come to save them had instead killed millions, Instead of removing suffering causing it.
They deserved their revenge, and now they would have it.
He just hoped they would leave something to go home to. He hadn't given up hope. Even after two years he still believed he would go home. He had to, Kara was waiting for him and he wouldn't let her down.
Be safe Kara, one day I will get back to you.
Bridge, USAF Strike Carrier Thor
Multinational Taskforce - Edge of Colonial Space (738 day Since Attack)
Since entering the area the Taskforce had split in to three groups. Each one checking up on the probes that had been in place for the last two years and scanning the area, Gathering and confirming intelligence ready for the operation.
"Sir, we are picking up a number of vessels one hundred light years from our current position." Colonel Caldwell said looking across at General O'Neill, who had temporarily taken his seat.
"The Colonials?" Jack replied.
Caldwell shook his head. "I don't think so sir. They don't match any of the Colonial recognition charts we took from their fleet. We are also picking up a lot of sub space communication emanating from the ships."
"The Colonials don't have sub space communication." Jack agreed. Their lack of sub space comms had been one of the main reasons for their defeat. It allowed them to jam the Colonials whilst not effecting their own transmissions.
"Yes sir, we haven't picked up any from their planets over the last few days. We are running the messages through the computers but they may take a few minutes to decrypt. We did managed to get references to 'Basestars' and 'Centurions' though." Caldwell said sending him a copy of the data they had so far.
"So were thinking Cylons?" Jack said levelly.
"That's our best guess. Based on the number of ships and their location I'd say they are getting ready for a major attack. Our other ships are picking up similar groups in the space around the Colonies. What should we do Sir?"
Jack knew what he was asking. It might solve a lot of their problems if they let they Cylons wipe out the Colonials for them. There was that old adage about the enemy of my enemy is my Friend. It would be nice to have one less bad guy to worry about.
Then again, the Cylons were machines. Thanks to the Colonial computers and interviews with the POW's they knew all about the Colonies Frankenstein invention. Honestly Jack thought they were a little to much like the Replicators for his liking. The last thing Earth needed was more of those guys.
There was another thing to consider. The Colonials were for all the faults, maybe because of them, fellow humans. They had killed millions of people with their ill judged 'Liberation', but he wasn't sure they deserved genocide as a result. Besides twenty two billion people were a lot of deaths for any man's conscience to bear. It wasn't an easy choice.
Leaning back in his chair Jack considered his response. Life was so much easier when all he had to worry about was his team. This whole 'fate of the universe thing' could be a real ball ache sometimes.
Looking down, he spotted the picture he had pinned to the console. It was of Sam and the girls, sitting on the old dock at the cabin. He'd taken it just before they left. For a second Jack stared at the picture. Before he had children he hadn't understood this, but you see yourself reflected in their eyes. And there are some things that he thought of doing, but hadn't, because he knew he'd have to face them the following day.
Sighing he made up his mind. "Can we contact their nearest base at this range?"
"If we relay through one of the probes we can reach any Colonial outpost in the system. You want to warn them?"
Daniel's never going to let me hear the end of this.
Commanders Quarters, Battlestar Galactica
2 hours sub light travel from Picon (L Day + 738)
"Lee, come in. Sorry I couldn't meet you on the deck but I didn't know you were coming." Commander Adama said waving his son in.
"Yeah dad, we know." Lee replied stepping in the room.
"We?" The Commander said confused.
"Commander." Kara said with a weak smile as she stepped in behind Lee.
"Kara? Is everything ok? Is Tamara alright?" Bill replied, now worried.
"She's fine sir, Carolanne is looking after her whilst were here." Starbuck reassured him.
"Why is that exactly?"
The Commander was looking at Starbuck but Lee answered. "I've gotten married."
"What! Why is this the first I'm hearing of this? Who?" The Commander said confused. Lee watched as his eyes drifted back to Kara as realisation dawned.
"I see, and what about Zak?" He said finally, clearly unhappy about the turn of events.
"Dad.. " Lee started but the Commander cut him off "No.. I want her to answer my question. Not only were you engaged to my son but you're bringing up his daughter. What are you going to tell him when he gets back?" The commander demanded.
"Dad, Zak's been missing for two years." Lee answered for her.
"Zak's alive, he will be coming back." The Commander replied with absolute certainty.
"You can't know that!" Lee countered.
"He's my son!"
"So am I!"
The Commander ignored him and stared back at Kara "Lieutenant, answer my question!"
Kara just looked back, unsure what to say but the Commander didn't shift his gaze.
They stayed locked like that until the Commander's phone began to ring. Adama let it buzz for few seconds before picking it up. "Yes!" he shouted at the poor person on the other end.
He listened for a few minutes before putting it back on the cradle.
"We aren't through here." He said before storming out.
CIC, Battlestar Galactica
2 hours sub-light travel from Picon (L Day + 738)
"This has to be some sort of joke?" Tigh said as he joined the Commander at the command station.
"I don't think so." Bill said reading the report one more time before looking up at the screens.
"Why now?" Saul continued.
"It doesn't really matter anymore, their here." Commander Adama said picking up the headset.
"This is the Commander. We have just received word that a massive Cylon force is staging outside Colonial space. Admiral Heller has taken command of the Fleet from the Battlestar Atlantia. All units are to make ready for immediate action, report to your stations and set condition one throughout the ship."
Bridge, USAF Strike Carrier Thor
Multinational Taskforce - Edge of Colonial Space (738 day Since Attack)
"Sir we just intercepted a Colonial transmission." Said a lieutenant looking back at the General.
"Have we decrypted it?"Jack asked.
"No need, its being sent in the clear." The young officer replied.
"Well?" the always impatient General responded.
"They got our warning, looks like they are taking it seriously, their ordering all forces to prepare for action." The Lieutenant finished.
"Cylons ships detected jumping into the Colonial System." Caldwell said interrupting.
"Looks like we won't have to wait. Plot a course for the nearest Cylon ship and jump to Hyperspace." Jack said. He knew he was going further than he needed, he could have given them the warning and left it at that. However he couldn't just stand by. It wasn't in his nature.
"Yes sir." responded Caldwell as the ship transitioned to hyperspace.
CIC, Battlestar Galactica
1 hours sub-light travel from Picon (L Day + 738)
"DRADIS Contact! Three unknown vessels. Their launching fighters. It's the Cylons Sir." Gaeta called out from his station in tactical.
Responding quickly the Commander began issuing orders. "Launch Alert Vipers. Set batteries to defensive fire."
Lee and Kara, who had been watching from the sidelines, turned and began to leave.
"Were do you think your going?" The Commander said spotting them.
"The hanger deck, you're going to need every pilot you can out there." Lee said firmly.
"He's right Bill." Saul interjected, unsure what was going on between the old man and his son.
Bill scowled but said. "Go, but we are going to finish our talk when you get back."
When they were gone Tigh asked. "What was that about?"
"You don't want to know" Bill replied not taking his eyes off the screens.
Bridge, USAF Strike Carrier Thor
Emerging from Hyperspace near Galactica (738 Days Since Attack)
"Exiting Hyperspace. Three Cylon capital ships dead ahead. Looks like they are ganging up on one of the Colonial Battlestars, Colonial IFF shows it to be the Battlestar Galactica, one of their oldest ships." Caldwell said looking up from his console.
"Well, that doesn't seem very fair." Jack replied raising an eye brow. According to the information on his screen the ship was older than he was.
"Cylons have launched fighters." Caldwell said regaining the Generals attention.
"Contact all ships, have them form up on us and launch F-302's."
CIC, Battlestar Galactica
1 hours sub-light travel from Picon (L Day + 738)
"DRADIS Contact! Four ships just appeared off our port side." Gaeta said trying to keep the panic out of his voice.
"Bastards are trying to surround us." Saul spat in indignation.
"Sir, new contacts are not Cylon. Repeat not Cylon. Signature matches known Earth vessels." The Tactical Officer cut in.
"By the Gods, the frakkers are working together!" Tigh cursed.
Steady as always the Commander calmly said. "Redirect Vipers to intercept the Earth ships."
Bridge, USAF Strike Carrier Thor
Approaching Galactica (738 Days since attack)
"Galactica has split its Vipers, half of them are now heading directly for us." Caldwell said not looking up.
Annoyed, Jack replied. "Morons must not have told them were the warning came from. Send them a message before they start shooting at us."
CIC, Battlestar Galactica
1 hour sub-light travel from Picon
"Sir, we have an incoming message from the lead Earth ship." Duala said holding her headset.
"Maybe their going to ask for our surrender?" Guessed Colonel Tigh from the command station.
"What does it say Mr Gaeta?" Asked Adama.
"Single line, in the clear, 'Blood is thicker than water'. End of message." Gaeta said looking confused.
"What the frak does that mean?" exclaimed Saul.
The commander let out the breath he had been holding. "Order all Vipers to ignore the Earth fighters and concentrate on the Cylons."
"Yes sir!" Snapped back Gaeta
"Bill, what are you thinking?" Tigh said recognising the familiar glint in his old friend's eye.
"That it's a bad day to be a Cylon." The Colonial Commander said with a rye look.
Galactica Viper Squadron
Heading towards Cylon Basestar (1 hour sub-light from Picon)
Apollo watched in disbelief, as the swept wing Earth fighters they had been ready to engage just moments ago slid in to formation around them.
"Starbuck are you seeing this?" Lee called out as he looked over in her direction. Flying close he could clearly see her looking back at him wide eyed.
"Colonial Vipers, this is Lt Colonel Young of the United States Air Force. Hope you guys don't mind if we even the odds a little."
"This is Apollo, go right ahead" Lee replied still not quite believing what was happening.
"Fox one, Fox two!" Came back over the channel as the massed F-302's launched their missiles at the Cylons.
Lee smiled as Kara let out a rebel yell as a score of Cylon raiders exploded ahead of them. Within seconds the other Viper pilots had joined the cry as they too launched their weapons at the enemy.
"All Vipers, weapons free, Engage at will!" Apollo ordered before letting out his own yell and kicking in his turbo. As one, Colonial and Earth fighters speed towards the oncoming Raiders.
Now this is more like it!
**End**
Authors Note:
Yep, that'll do pig.
Just one final thing, I want to issue a Challenge to any Stargate/ Battlestar writers out there. Do a crossover fic where Earth LOSES to the Colonials and Earth is successfully invaded.
I started thinking about it when I was about half way through and you know what. I think it might be a more interesting plot. I mean, how will the Colonials deal with integrating Earth society into the Colonies? How will the Asgard react?.. Hell, what about the Go'uld? Who would be the Earth representative to the Quorum? (Kinsey?) Will there be a resistance movement?.. The possibilities are endless.
I started doing one myself but I just know it will take me frakking ages (besides I need to also do a sequel to this).
By popular request here is the timeline of prior to the story.
Everything prior is as per SG-1 canon
CA. 2000-01 (SG-1 Season Four)
The Russians recover the Egyptian Stargate from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and soon establish their own Stargate program in Siberia.
Martouf is killed by Samantha Carter. The Tok'ra symbiote Lantash survives in stasis.
The Earth is separated from the rest of the Galaxy by the effects of ancient time dilation device (See 'Windows of Opportunity')
Whilst on P3R-118 Col. O'Neill and Major Carter are stamped with the false memories of Jonah and Thera and they have a brief relationship. As a result their daughter, Grace, is conceived.
SG-1 is sent to Siberia to deactivate their Stargate and investigate the Russians' failed program.
The X-301 test is deemed a failure.
SG-1 and the Tok'ra detonate Vorash's sun, destroying most of Apophis' fleet.
Mayor Carter becomes aware she is pregnant as a result of the event of P3R-118.
Major Carter is barred from Gate travel and both she and Col. O'Neill are suspended pending Court Martial.
Despite protests form Senator Kinsey, Court Marital proceeding are abandon. JAG lawyers determine that mitigating circumstance offered evident grounds for appeal. Both officers receive NJP (Non Judicial Punishment) for filling inaccurate reports.
Still barred from Gate travel Major Carter is transferred to a teaching post at the Air Force Academy. Col. O'Neill resumes command of SG-1.
CA. 2001-02 (SG-1 Season Five)
Apophis dies. Again.
The Aschen's plan to absorb Earth into their confederation and make humans extinct is thwarted by SG-1.
Anubis reveals his return to the System Lords who (minus Yu) vote him back into their ranks in exchange for destroying Earth. Osiris holds his seat on the council.
Jonas Quinn smuggles naquadria to Earth. With lobbying from Daniel, Jonas takes Sam's place on SG-1.
Jack retires from Air Force (again) allowing Sam to return to SGC. Jack proposes to Sam and they are married at the Air Force Chapel.
Thor abducts Jack O'Neill and the still pregnant Sam to help them with an urgent Replicator problem.
Replicator problem fixed, Sam goes into labour and Grace Carter-O'Neill is born in Ida Galaxy.
CA. 2002-03 (SG-1 Season Six)
Sam/Jack and Grace return from Ida Galaxy after an extended stay. Sam decides against returning to join an SG team (despite being offered command). Sam becomes Chief Science Officer of SGC.
The X-302 interceptor is completed.
Naquadria-based hyperspace technology is deemed a failure.
After both Russia and the Tok'ra try to recruit him the President decides to recall Jack back to active duty. Senator Kinsey ensures Jack is side-lined into running a small team, called the Special Projects Division, looking at improving efficiency of various R&D projects. Now based at Area 51, Jack becomes depressed at being separated from his family and being stuck behind a desk.
Whilst Jack is at Area 51 rouge NID try and fail to kidnap Grace. Jack blames Kinsey and start looking for ways to get even.
Working with renewed zeal, Colonel O'Neill's team help rush the production F-302 into service, quickly followed by the Prometheus. As a result the Special Project Division grows and takes over all of the US ship building programs.
The Pangarans share tretonin with Earth.
The Asgard isolates the entire Replicator civilization inside a time dilation field. With their main enemy contain they come to Earth looking for help with their cloning problem.
Jack O'Neill negotiates exchanging technology for access to Grace (who the Asgard believes holds the key to their cloning problem). Earth gets access to some Asgard weapons and engines.
The governments of Great Britain, France and China are informed of Stargate Command. Seeds for the International Oversight Advisory are planted.
Sam transfers down to Area 51 to take over as Head of R&D.
A Free Jaffa summit at Kresh'ta is ambushed. One hundred eight Jaffa are slaughtered. Both Teal'c and Bra'tac lose their symbiotes and must adapt to tretonin.
The System Lords formally disavow Anubis.
Anubis destroys Abydos.
CA. 2003-04 (SG-1 Season Seven)
Thor returns with news that the Asgard have found a solution to their cloning problem. Earth humans are accepted as the 'fifth race' and the Asgard return the information extracted from Jack O'Neill mind during his first visit to the Ida Galaxy, leading SG-1 to Proclarush Taonas to locate a Zero Point Module and eventually the Antarctica base.
Stargate Command establishes a mining treaty with the Unas of P3X-403, which will expedite the construction of BC-304s.
Anubis develops Kull warriors to begin to phase out the increasingly rebellious Jaffa.
Samantha Carter-O'Neill and Jacob/Selmak develop a technology to combat the Kull warriors at Area 51.
Dr Janet Fraiser is injured off-world and goes on medical leave, eventually retiring.
United States President Henry Hayes takes office with Vice President Robert Kinsey.
George Hammond is relieved as leader of Stargate Command, and is sent to Washington to advise Henry Hayes. Elizabeth Weir takes his place.
Anubis takes his battle to Earth.
Henry Hayes learns of Robert Kinsey's treachery and forces him to resign from the office of vice president.
Jack O'Neill uses Antarctica chair room to destroy the 30 Goa'uld ships in orbit. O'Neill is promoted to Brigadier General. Jack convinces President to increase funding to BC-304 production.
Development of SC-305 (The Thor) is begun with help from the Asgard.
CA. 2004-05 (SG-1 Season Eight, Atlantis Season One)
Anubis' energy essence transfers into Russian cosmonaut Anatole Konstantinov with the intention of escaping through the Earth Stargate.
The Asgard develop viable means of combating the Replicators and destroy them one and for all.
Elizabeth Weir steps down as leader of Stargate Command. Brigadier General Hank Landry is made leader of Stargate Command. Samantha Carter is promoted to lieutenant colonel and become CSO of the newly created Home World Command under General Hammond.
Elizabeth Weir leads an expedition to Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy.
John Sheppard awakens the Wraith.
Jack O'Neill negotiates for the Orban and Hebridan to start making parts for F-302/BC-304 Production.
Anubis is imprisoned on KS7-535. He eventually finds a means of escaping.
Vala Mal Doran attempts to sell the Prometheus to the Lucian Alliance.
The Atlantis expedition locates the last remaining Ancient satellite in the Lantean system.
Anubis returns and declares war on the System lords. In resulting conflict the Goa'uld System Lords are all but defeated. The Free Jaffa Nation is created.
Oma Desala saves Daniel Jackson from death at the hands of Anubis by ascending him. Realizing Anubis cannot be killed, Oma Desala occupies him in a direct confrontation for all eternity.
Daniel Jackson returns to Stargate Command.
The Daedalus is launched, and sets out for Atlantis.
CA. 2005-06 (SG-1 Season Nine, Atlantis Season Two)
The BC-304's USAF Odyssey and USAF Apollo are launched.
The BC-304's Korolev and Sun Tzu launched.
CA. 2006-07 (SG-1 Season Ten, Atlantis Season Three)
The BC-304's USAF Phoenix and Damocles are launched.
The BC-304's HMSS Warspite along with the ESA Liberté and ESA Bismarck are launched.
The Asgard genetic degradation problem reaches an irreparable point. The race installs a core of their technology and knowledge into the Odyssey and then retreats to the Ida Galaxy whilst they treat their population. Earth takes over responsibility for Protected Planets until they return.
Mobile land based Ion Canon are positioned around the globe.
Elizabeth Weir and Col Sheppard and badly injured in an accident and are return to Earth. Dr Jackson takes of as commander of Atlantis expedition.
CA. 2007-08 (Atlantis Season Four)
The Colonial survey ship Wanderer accidentally finds Earth whilst looking for Kobol.
The USAF SC-305 Thor is launched.
The BC-304's USAF Constitution and the HMSS Dreadnaught are launched.
Dr Jackson discovers the ancient city of Lyonesse under the ice of a planet in the Pegasus Galaxy. They begin a recovery operation.
George Hammond suffers a near fatal heart attack but is saved by Dr Frasier.
Sam finds out she is pregnant for a second time.
CA. 2008-09 (Atlantis Season Five, Continuum)
Lunar base becomes Operational
The Defence Net Satellite Grid is made Active
Colonial forces attempt to Liberate Earth.