Chapter 130

Athena

After a full power sprint to the Milky Way and a brief layover within Arkos Station, the ultra powerful flagship of the Tauri fleet powered through hyperspace. Her destination was somewhere she had been before; the Milky Way super gate. This trip to the powerful Ori built portal was under far different circ.u.mstances than her last.

Her mission was one of diplomacy and cooperation. A glimpse into American history would show that wars were one or lost based upon the coalition built to fight them. This war would be no different. While the Tauri and the Asgard possessed mighty fleets of sh.i.p.s in great number, the remaining Great Races had none. The addition of the fleets of Todd's forces, and the Traveler's reinforced the number of vessels standing against the Wraith, but few of these vessels matched the technological excellence of the Athena and O'Neill class vessels. Sh.i.p.s closely matching the power of the two classes were needed, and only one other race was known to posses them in any number.

The Odyssey was the last Tauri vessel to make this perilous journey to the far corner of the universe. The circ.u.mstances of that voyage had been far grimmer than those surrounding Athena's current deployment. While the Ori incursion had been dealt a fatal blow with the use of the Sangraal and the Ark of Truth, many unknowns existed. As was last known, Tomin had stepped forward to provide much needed leadership for the combined planet's within the Alterran Home Galaxy. Was Tomin still in power? Had he brought peace and harmony to a people confronted with the realization that they had prostrated at the feet of false gods? If so, would he be willing to commit forces of his own to confront a foe that he had virtually no chance of ever encountering?

The man tasked with finding the answers to these questions, and many more sat within the observation deck of Athena. Of medium height and build, with chestnut colored hair and brown eyes, the man possessed an easy charm and a frightening intellect. A career diplomat, Simon Barnes had made negotiations of this magnitude his life's work. Having brokered international accords under the tutelage of Elizabeth Weir during her time with the United Nations had honed the new Under Secretary of State into a diplomatic figure often compared to the great Prussian statesman Otto Von Bismarck. Many within the Washington Beltway hoped that this titan of a man was up to the task of intergalactic negotiations.

Colonel Aaron Eckhart had fast become accustomed to special missions to the far corner of the universe. After his handling of the mission to Destiny, his selection to command this mission had been without thought. One worry about his appointment to this mission came not from the White House, but from the Joint Chiefs. As a 302 pilot, Eckhart had been present at the first battle of the super gate; an ultimately losing battle. It was hoped that resentments from that battle long ago would not cloud his judgment or conduct during this mission. Seeing the Under Secretary sitting in the observation lounge alone, the Colonel entered for a few moments of discussion with his new guest.

"Under Secretary Barnes, it's a pleasure to have you aboard Athena" began Eckhart.

"Thank you for having me Colonel. She's a very impressive ship. I was just enjoying the view. This is what you call hyperspace, if I recall from my briefing" asked Barnes.

"Yes Under Secretary, you are currently seeing hyperspace. We should arrive at the gate shortly" replied Eckhart.

"Please, call me Simon" added the diplomat.

"Totally off the record Simon, I have major reservations about this mission and it's ramifications" boldly stated Eckhart.

"I had the opportunity to review your file, and I understand your reservations" said Simon.

"These people waged a war of conquest and extermination on our galaxy. To make matters worse, they attempted to unleash a biological contagion on our own planet! My question to you is how seeking out their assistance can be thought of as a good idea" demanded Eckhart.

"Colonel, are you familiar with the term realpolitik? During the cold war our nation, which prides itself on personal freedoms and liberty, allied ourselves with some of the worst authoritarian dictators in a stand against communism. Granted, these dictators did nothing to promote these values we hold dear, and in many cases utterly suppressed them. With their assistance though, we contained communism through regional stability and that was of greater national interest than our own values. Realpolitik at work in life is far more common than you know" said Simon pragmatically.

"I'll defer to your judgment on this, and I hope you're correct in your outlook. I've got my hands full keeping yourself and this vessel safe" conceded the Colonel.

"Do you really think they would try something? Should I be worried" asked Simon.

"Mr. Barnes, the Athena was conceived and designed to combat anything she might encounter. We've fought Ori sh.i.p.s before with our smaller sh.i.p.s and won. Should it come down to a contest of strength I promise you they will rue the day" replied Eckhart confidently.

An announcement went out over the intercom system summoning Eckhart to the bridge. Bidding the Under Secretary goodbye, the Colonel moved towards the bridge. Looking around he noted the crew diligently making preparations for their entry into the super gate. Status of the myriad of systems aboard was checked and rechecked. Not knowing what they might be stepping into, offensive systems were powered and placed in standby as were the defensive shields. Energy from neutrino ion generators along with zpm's coursed through the power conduits of the vessel, bringing her to full readiness.

As the helmsman dialed the gate, the bridge crewed watched the super gate through the view screen. Bolts of energy crackled between the individual gate modules. As the worm hole formed, the massive unstable vortex of the event horizon shot outwards from the gate, before settling into a stable and shimmering surface. As sublight engines were brought online at low power, Athena entered the event horizon and was dematerialized. Milliseconds later the matter stream exited the Milky Way.

Across the universe the Athena rematerialized as she exited the distant super gate. Stepping forward into the Alterran Home Galaxy, her powerful sensors scanned ahead for any potential threat. Detecting nothing in proximity, Athena engaged her sublight engines to carry her away from the super gate. As the event horizon collapsed in the distance Athena began to gain speed.

"Helm, in the computer you will find telemetry data on this galaxy. Set course for Celestis and engage at maximum hyperspace" ordered Eckhart.

"Roger that sir" replied the helmsman.

"Sensors detect an inbound vessel! Boogie will exit hyperspace to our starboard" called out the sensor operator excitedly.

"Helm, belay the order for hyperspace. Sound general quarters. Weapons and shields remained powered but in standby" ordered the Colonel.

Around the Athena claxons rang out signaling the crew to take stations for general quarters. With a speed that spoke of the many hours of training, the crew reached their battle stations. Should anything happen, her crew stood ready.

Five thousand kilometers to starboard, the imposing hulk of an Ori mothership broke free from hyperspace. While impressive in her size, the mothership was smaller than Athena in length. Having never before seen a vessel like the one before them, the mothership advanced slowly while scanning.

"Incoming message Colonel" stated the communications officer.

"Put it on screen" ordered Eckhart

Displayed before the bridge crew on the holographic display screen, sat a Prior. Beginning without the normal fire and brimstone they were known for, the Prior began speaking. Lacking the bombast seen in the paste, Eckhart felt more inclined to listen without feelings of contempt.

"Attention unknown vessel, if you intend any of this galaxy harm precede no further. If you come in friendship know that you are most welcome" stated the Prior.

"Well that's different" said the helmsman.

"Communications officer, put me on screen for reply. Prior, I am Colonel Aaron Eckhart of the United States Air Force of Earth. We come in friendship. Aboard this vessel we carry a diplomat of our government who wishes to meet with your people's leadership on a matter of great urgency" replied the Colonel.

"Colonel Eckhart, welcome. Proceed to Celestis with our blessing" came the Prior's reply.

"OK helm, you heard the man. Celestis, maximum speed" ordered the Colonel.

Accelerating away into the ethereal plain of hyperspace, Athena's crew breathed a sigh of relief. The fears that they might have to fight their way in were unfounded. Though they were being welcomed to the planet of Celestis, Athena's commanding officer kept the crew prepared for any eventuality by remaining at a heightened state of readiness. Operating at maximum hyperspace speed, Athena's neutrino ion generators and zpm's put out incredible amounts of power, her speed surpassing even that of an O'Neill class. This reduced the total trip time to mere minutes.

Dropping out of hyperspace, Athena's sensors detected three mothership's in close proximity to the planet. Establishing orbit, messages were quickly exchanged with individuals within the City of Celestis on the planes below. Moments later instructions were provided for transport of the Under Secretary and his security team, a detachment of Marines.

Loaded aboard a jumper, Simon looked upon the surface of the world beneath him. As the jumper descended, towering snow covered peaks came into view. Much like the Alps on Earth, these mountains were a beautiful sight. Beyond the mountains, coming into view, were the water covered Plains of Celestis. These stunningly beautiful plains surrounded a rocky island that was home to an even more impressive sight; The City of Celestis. Rising from the island, the City of Celestis was composed of domes buildings, and spires that rose into the air. Constructed of a golden hued stone, the city was breathtaking.

Following the instructions that had been provided, the jumper set down in a stone courtyard. Ringing this courtyard were lush fruit trees. As the jumpers rear door opened, the sweet smell of flowers and fruit filled the craft. Stepping out into the temperate breeze, Simon noted the man waiting near the edge of the courtyard. Adjusting his tie, with security team in tow, the career diplomat started off towards the man.

"I bid you good tidings and welcome to the City of Celestis. I am Hertis" began the man.

"I thank you for receiving us unannounced Hertis. I am Under Secretary of State Simon Barnes" replied the diplomat.

"Without your people, we would still toil under the oppression of the Ori. You are most welcome here. The Administrator awaits, please follow me" replied Hertis.