Chapter 20: The Game

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Rate and Review :) A lot of this is original content from here. The civilisation belongs to me as do any OC's associated with it.

So far Loros have been through many of the labs inside the city and had shut down several pieces of technology that were deemed dangerous. The most barbaric of which was one that released many radiated particles that infected a nearby person. They would then gather behind the lungs and begin to gather trace elements in the body to create an explosive compound in the form of a tumour. The Lantean had ordered the lab sealed and the device destroyed as soon as possible.

"So far you've managed to avoid several accidents. Carson sends his gratitude" Elizabeth grinned.

"Well this should have been done a long time ago" he said with a small smile.

"A tumour creation device?" she asked, amazed.

"Designed as a weapon, however its effects were not limited to the Wraith. It affected my kind and humans as well. One small dose of those particles and then the individual becomes a time bomb unless operated on" Loros said with a small sigh. "I cannot believe the amount of research my kind kept from us…"

"The main thing is that it is now deactivated and it cannot harm us anymore. So how many sections of the city do you have left to check?"

"Still a few, but the areas that see the most activity from the science teams are clear for them to explore. There are still many pieces of technology that are able to be used and studied, despite all of the post-war machines" he said and she smiled.

"Good"

"Unscheduled off-world activation!" Chuck reported.

"Wraith?" she asked the Lantean and he thought for a moment.

"Run off" he grinned.

"Before you start making bets on whether or not we have been run off the planet or attacked by the Wraith, can you get Sheppard's team up here?" Evan said on a video transmission. "I think I may have something that Dr. McKay might be interested in. I'll wait until he's there so I do not have to explain it twice" Lorne said and Chuck was already patching into the PA to reach the team. They were there within minutes. "We came through the space Gate and immediately noticed a bunch of small satellites in geosynchronous orbit above the planet"

"An advanced civilisation?" Elizabeth asked, a little excited.

"That's what we thought, then we picked up life signs directly below, so we flew down, saw several villages separated by a large river and decided to check one of them out, and as you can see... Sergeant?" he said and the man holding the camera stood up showing an agricultural society. "These people don't exactly look like they're ready to be launching any satellites, at least not for the next five hundred years or so"

"The Ancients probably put them up there" John guessed and Rodney hummed in agreement.

"Send a science team to check it out" Elizabeth said and Lorne grinned.

"Uh, actually, I think Doctor McKay may wanna come check this one out for himself"

"Why?" McKay asked.

"Take a look" he was still grinning. The two of them look back over the wall and at the civilisation's flag. Loros' brows raised as the image on the flag looked suspiciously like Rodney and they all looked at him. John and Rodney looked rather guilty for some reason and Loros was detecting recognition in terms of their emotions. He didn't read their minds as their thoughts were private.

Rodney explained that they had discovered a lab in the first year that they arrived in the city but still it was before they had woken him up from stasis. Initially he thought that the map shown on screen was in fact the mainland, however he later discovered that it was a continent with two countries that could be changed by the users. They adapted it to their computers and began to play it like it was a game. When they had finished the whole explanation, they all looked at Loros to see if he knew what it was that had been activated.

"It sounds similar, however I do not know the exact details. The satellites are more than likely for observational purposes… this game however? I do not know…"

"I think you need to check this planet out" she said to John and Rodney.

"Yeah…" they both left then.

"In the meanwhile, me, you, Radek and Lorne are going to check this lab out. See what it is"

"Agreed"

Later, the four of them were in the Game Lab, as they were unofficially referring to it as. Zelenka had already got a head start on the research of the room and the purpose of the technology. Loros also recognised the room once from before. It was built before the war with the Wraith, when they had time to focus on seeding worlds with humans so it was before his time.

"So this is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, yes. It is an amazing piece of technology. It appears to be a sociological experiment designed by the Ancients to help them as they were seeding various civilisations throughout Pegasus. I've had a chance to look at it further and it's interesting: there are many more civilisations in the game's database" Radek explained.

"Really? I thought Rodney said there were only two?" she asked, amazed.

"This is a vast experiment…" Loros said simply.

"That's what he thought. The actual countries that he and Colonel Sheppard are controlling are on this specific planet but I've been able to access the codes to unlock additional levels to the game… I mean, to the experiment. I discovered countries on planets throughout the galaxy. Some have been idle for the past ten thousand years, I guess awaiting instructions from the Ancients, but some have managed to develop on their own, even flourish. Some have been destroyed by war, and others have been completely wiped out"

"However, John and Rodney's societies are not headed on that path"

"So much power at one's finger tips…"

"It's amazing the attraction of this... game" Radek said wistfully.

"You look like you recognise the technology"

"Well in our efforts to give humanity a fighting chance, some of us used the technology. Some took a very direct approach with the civilisations, affecting their technological development even at an early level whilst others, like myself, set them on a path of natural development. I assigned the people of my world to follow years of natural development and I also told them to hide beneath the vast cave systems located beneath the planet so they could live in peace. The planet was rather fertile both above and below the surface"

"And then you stopped interacting?"

"I adopted the policy of non-interference from then on"

"Could you access your world now?"

"It has been a long time, but I could try"

"Do so, but only to see how they have developed. Do not alter anything" she said and he nodded before sitting at one of the consoles. He began typing his own personal passcodes in and one of the screens lowered. "Let us see how the Subterrans are…"

"Subterra?" Evan asked.

"Underground earth. Similar to your legend of Hollow Earth" Loros smiled.

"You planted this civilisation ten thousand years ago?"

"I did"

"So they must be rather advanced then…" an image of the architecture showed up.

"Victorian?"

"Architectural style that was chief in the United Kingdom. However the image of technology that just loaded shows that it is considerably more advanced. Awesome…steampunk technology. Weapons, trains, dirigibles…all of it so advanced. And the city is quite large" Evan was giddy. They had not really encountered many advanced civilisations. The Olesians were only just developing energy weapons, the Taranians don't count as they were using Ancient technology and the Ancients are taking an isolationist standing just so they can rebuild. This was the first one with a degree of advancement.

"I think I am going to go there and make contact with them"

"Are you really sure?" Evan asked.

"I am. I will be checking in every four hours"

The planet upon which the civilisation had flourished was an untouched paradise. A large mountain range ran around for miles, no doubt the site of the city they had seen. As soon as Loros stepped through the event horizon, he was met with four people armed with automatic weapons that were, as Evan had put it, steampunk in design.

"I mean your people no harm" he said, hands up.

"You come alone?" The leader of the four asked.

"Yes. I am serving as the unofficial ambassador of the Terrans who inhabit the city of Atlantis" he explained and the murmured amongst themselves.

"The city of the Ancestors?"

"Yes. The Terrans have been seeking to establish relations with many races…"

"We have never traded with people on the outside. We seldom use the Stargate, preferring to stay here where our homes are. Nevertheless, I am sure the people of Subterra will welcome a chance to communicate with your people. I am Seymour, leader of the people of this planet" he said, before gesturing to the closest mountain.

"Loros…" he smiled slightly.

"Please follow us…" he said.

"You built your civilisation underground"

"We did. Ten thousand years ago, we received two orders from the Founder, the entity that gave life to our civilisation. It was he that helped us avoid the Wraith during their war on the rest of the worlds and set us on a path to better ourselves. The Founder knew of a vast cave system beneath the surface that would provide the perfect refuge"

"Hence the name Subterra" he said and Seymour nodded. "So your people have lived beneath the surface for ten thousand years?"

"We kept our development slow. We created technology at a slow rate so as not to attract the attention of the Wraith. It seems however that the mountains that are above us allow us to continue to develop at a faster rate"

There was a door carved into the mountain with a panel with nine numbers. The door had an ornate symbol, similar to the one on their shirts, so it must have been the symbol of their civilisation. Seymour punched in several of the numbers and the doors opened slowly revealing pillars of illuminated stone.

"How do you power your civilisation?" Loros asked.

"We tap into the geothermal energy here. We created tunnels that were made to reduce pressure as it is used. As it stands, our scientists have estimated that we have three hundred years before a new tunnel is needed"

"How sophisticated" he smiled as they walked through the tunnel.

"Well it's nothing compared to the feats of the Ancestors, I'm sure"

"Actually it is. Not many races can use geothermal energy with efficiency such as yours"

"Thank you, Loros. We are almost there"

When they emerged from the tunnel, Loros beheld a marvellous sight indeed. The city was beautiful. The architecture, whilst old, was suited to the technology that the people utilized. Hundreds of them bustled through the streets in vehicles, dirigibles were in the air and several trains ferried passengers across the city. A large home above them allowed sunlight to stream in and despite its underground nature, the city was covered with trees, parks and lakes. This civilisation was one of the few to have flourished.

"This is incredible…"

"As always, there is room for improvement. We've already begun work in expanding this cave to accommodate more people. A million live here in peace and harmony, safe from the Wraith. We have taken refugees in and given them sanctuary from time to time, and they became invaluable members to the community"

"All in secrecy…"

"It is our best defence"

"So what about food production?" Loros asked as they walked into the centre of the city.

"There are several large caves scattered beneath the mountain that grows our food. All of it is eventually transported here to be distributed evenly amongst our people. Mines are on the other side of the country, and they provide us with the material to make our weapons and technology. We draw water from the sea and purify it here…" Seymour said as they soon made it to the centre of government. It looked similar to the Houses of Parliament from the city of London. He had seen it in books.

"Have you ever been attacked by the Wraith?"

"In my lifetime, we haven't. Ten thousand years ago, we dealt with a rash of Wraith attacks until the Founder ordered us to see shelter below the surface. In that time we grew and now we are capable of defending ourselves from the Wraith if they lead a ground assault"

Loros was soon introduced to the leader of the Subterrans, a man named Henry. The government consisted of one leader and a council. Overall, he had the final decision, but the rest of the council would offer their opinions and he in turn would make a decision based on that, even if his own opinion was differing.

"It is truly an honour to meet an Atlantean" Henry smiled.

"Likewise, Henry. You have truly done a remarkable job in protecting your people" he smiled in return. Henry looked to be a man who took no nonsense. He was distinguished but also in peak physical condition, the reason of which is that he likes to set an example to his people.

"Well if it wasn't for the Founder issuing his order, we may never have reached point"

"So I have heard"

"May I ask what is it that interests the people of Atlantis?"

"We would like to offer an alliance between our two peoples. We have technology that we could perhaps share with one another. Some of your advancements differ vastly from ours you see, so we'd be able to learn from you, just as easily as you from us" he began and Henry looked to be interested.

"There is something that we have been working on…" Henry began before getting up and gesturing for him to follow.

"Oh?"

"We have weapons that are capable of fighting the Wraith, however we are working on something that can defend us from there ships that were mentioned in our history"

"A weapon?"

"Yes. Energy weapons to be exact…"

"You are worried about an invasion, Minister?" Loros asked.

"Well with the Wraith, one can never be too prepared" he said as they walked into a large lab. They had functioning computers that looked old but were quite advanced, and they even had tablets. Stylistically they looked old, but they were some of the most advanced pieces of technology he had seen in this galaxy. "This is it…"

It was a large multi-barrelled cannon. Six barrels were attached to the structure and they appeared to have the opportunity to alter their angle so they could fire either into the air or towards ground units. The user would sit at a control area and fire the machine.

"The design is complex…"

"Yes…we have been working on it for years and have the basics ready. We have even begun building places for them to rise out of the mountains so they stay hidden. However, it is proving to be a little more complex"

"Due to the fact that you are accustomed with regular ammunition"

"Precisely. However, I believe with your help, we may be able to fully defend ourselves"

"I shall have to speak with my leader…However, I imagine that she will be open to the idea of cooperating with your people on this project. Thank you very much for showing me this Minister Henry.

Back on Atlantis, Elizabeth was speaking to Loros after having to deal with Nola and Baden, for they were very close to going to war with one another. Apparently, John and Rodney had sparked of a bitter rivalry whilst playing the game with one another. Like Loros, they too were the Founders or in their cases, the Oracles that had led the nations.

"Please tell me you didn't create a war?" she pleaded with the Lantean.

"I did not create a conflict" he said and she sighed in relief.

"Thank God"

"My order for the Subterrans to relocate to the cave system is what allowed them to develop into a technologically advanced civilisation. The population is just over a million" he said and she widened her eyes.

"That's incredible…" she said.

"That is exactly what I said"

"How advanced are they?"

"According to Evan, their architectural style is known as Victorian and their technology is steampunk in appearance. They have automatic weapons, trains, dirigibles, computers and tablets to name but a few. They are also working on an energy weapon that is similar to the pulse guns or the railguns in use by the Daedalus"

"Really?!" she was giddy.

"Yes. However they are more accustomed to conventional weaponry and despite the fact that their scientist have managed to create the basics, they need assistance in putting the finishing touches. I did say that I would ask you. The past with the Genii made me think that we have to be careful, but they are a peaceful people. It's been a full ten millennia since they came into conflict with the Wraith due to their location"

"Well we'd be happy to help. An ally like that could come very much in handy"

"Very well. They agreed to set up a video meeting with us when I dial back" he smiled.

"At least something good came out of this. You know Radek and Evan were playing the game earlier and had developed a rivalry identical to Rodney's and John's?" she asked and he shook his head.

"Even with the real knowledge of what the technology was meant to do?"

"Yep. I asked them to cut power to the room. John and Rodney have gone back with the leaders of their respective nations in an attempt to broker peace between them. Baden has apparently ordered his people to begin attacking the Geldarans. However, they possess more technology than the Hallonans, so it will be pretty safe guess on who would win that"

"Let us hope that they can broker that peace then"

"Yeah. In the meantime, shall we speak with the Subterran Minister?"

Later, Elizabeth and Loros were in the mess hall to grab a drink when they spot both John and Rodney playing a game of chess. The two of them join.

"Gentlemen" she gets their attention.

"How's it going?" John asked.

"Ah, it's still going. We're just taking a break. There's a lot of animosity to be unravelled but I think they are finally willing to at least try to make it work" Elizabeth explained to them.

"Well it's about time" Rodney said.

"And have you two called a truce yet?" Loros asked.

"Yeah, sure. We're good" Sheppard said.

"Yeah, don't worry. We're gonna stick to chess from now on"

"As long as Rodney doesn't cheat" Sheppard snarked.

"Oh please, like I need to cheat playing against you?" he said.

"Well we'll leave you to it" she smiled.

That night, Loros was in their quarters, a smile on his face. He'd shut down all the dangerous technology in the city and had helped a civilisation survive into this millennia with some advanced technology to boot. Needless to say he was feeling proud. John and Evan came in hand in hand before flopping down on the bed either side of him.

"You're looking happy" John grinned.

"Very happy" Evan added on, also with a grin.

"That is because I am happy. All technology that is deadly is shut down and due to be destroyed and I helped a civilisation survive. Not to mention the Subterran energy weapon project will keep Rodney occupied for days until the next crisis hits us. So yes, it has indeed been a good day. So have you and Radek made up?" Loros grinned and Lorne chuckled.

"Sort of. He curses at me in Czech now and then, still"

"Well at least you convinced your civilisations to be more independent" John said.

"Indeed. And you did save them from going hungry so that is a plus" Loros added.

"And now I get to spend a day of relaxation with my guys tomorrow" the military commander smiled and pecked them both on the lips.

"Actually…I have to help with the repairs of the Tria. We salvaged it and are preparing it for combat too. Providing you two do not have off-world duty, Elizabeth is going to offer you both the command of the Orion and Tria whenever we need them"

"Really?" Evan was surprised.

"I recommended you both myself" Loros smiled.

"You really are the best" John kissed him deeply and Evan did after they had broken apart.

"Well you are two of our best gene users. Who better to command the ships? Elizabeth theorizes that it will not be long until we will be using them to ferry supplies between here and Earth as they have a larger capacity"

"Not to mention, I want a crack at some of the Wraith. Now that they're in a civil war, we can begin to hit them when they are weak"

"In time, John…" Loros smiled. "We need to make sure that we are completely secure before we charge against them. There are still more of them than us" Loros pointed out.

"But now we have three ass-kicking ships with more powerful technology on the way from that outpost you found on Eden" Evan said and Loros chuckled.

"You forget however, that we must fight the Replicators too. And because they are emulating my kind's technology…It may prove more difficult for us to defeat them. Not to mention their replicating ability means they can rebuild fast…"

"Good thing we like a challenge…" Evan said.

Loros chuckled. Yes, they had to fight the Wraith. Yes, they had to fight the Replicators, but they had the means with which to do it now. Pegasus is not passed saving. Far from it.