Stellar Reich (AU Stargate TL)

[Patupi]

March 1999

On a space ship high above the Earth's surface, a chamber looks out across the blue, green and white panorama. The peace of the scene is broken by a high pitched whine and a rising flash of light that fades to reveal Jack O'Neill in full military regalia.

"...and in conclusion I'd like to say...." Jack says, then realized he isn't in the SGC any more. The view is captivating to say the least.

Glancing around he sees he is in a rather familiar looking room. The arching white barred ceiling reminds him vaguely of something. As he looks to the end of the hall there is another rising flash of light and an Asgard is suddenly there, sitting in a large metallic chair.

"Greetings Jack O'Neill." the Asgard says.

Jack blinks, then squints at the alien.

"Greetings." He manages. "Have we met?"

"I am Thor." The alien replies, not bothering to get up. "I apologize for taking you by surprise, but I have come on a matter of great importance."

Jack glances back at the large window behind him for a moment.

"We're in orbit around Earth, right?"

"Yes." Thor states simply.

Jack waves his hand, vaguely encompassing the planet below.

"You know we have satellites, telescopes. They can see things like spaceships."

"Our ships have never been detected in orbit around Earth before." Thor replies calmly.

Jack pauses, then nods to himself, accepting it.

"Oh... All right." Then he looks back up at Thor. "Sorry, you were saying something? A matter of great importance?"

Thor nods back.

"We received word about what transpired between your people and Hathor."

Jack smiled to himself and shrugged.

"She had it coming."

"As a result, the System Lords have turned their attention to you."

"Come on, she was gonna wipe the floor with the lot of them!"

Thor shook his head slightly.

"Her intentions are irrelevant. Earth has been noticed and proven it is a significant threat to the Goa'uld."

"Oh, so now we're a threat to them?"

"They have decided it is a concern to be dealt with now. The collected System Lords are capable of launching a fleet a hundred times as strong as the one you recently defeated at the hands of Apophis."

Jack looked suitably shocked.

"OK, now that could be a problem."

"The Asgard agree. I have come to offer our assistance."

Jack grins at Thor.

"Now see, that would be appreciated. I've seen your work…it's great."

"The vast majority of the Asgard fleet is currently unavailable."

With that Jack's smile fades away.

"Oh.... So what do you have in mind?"

"With your permission, the Asgard will attempt to negotiate with the Goa'uld System Lords to include Earth in the Protected Planets Treaty."

Looking from side to side for a moment Jack ponders.

"That's a good thing, right?"

"It would prevent this attack."

"Good." He adds tentatively. "Um, to be honest with you, I'd rather have a fleet of your ships here. A few of these babies and we could just…"

He peters out as Thor gives him a curious look.

"We could try the negotiating thing."

"I will contact the System Lords. You may return to your planet now."

Thor disappears in a flash of light, but O'Neill is left behind. He looks around, but nothing seems to be happening.

"Excuse me! I assume someone's going to show me the way back."

With a flash, finally the light begins to form around him.

"Thank you!"


April 1999

In the SGC briefing room a few days later the team prepare with what little information Thor gave them on the upcoming negotiations and who will be arriving. After covering the details on Cronos, Nirrti and Yu, using historical references to guess at the alien's personalities, they come to the last entry on the list.

"And this one..." Daniel stops and ponders. "We aren't really sure of. Neither myself of Teal'c recognize this System Lord. His name is Meyer, and other than a Germanic derivation we don't have anything to go on. No deities are referenced to him and Teal'c has never encountered any of his forces before. I think we can assume he was once dominant over the early Germanic regions, perhaps in Gothic phase."

"Goth Goa'uld." Jack said with snort. "Great. Black makeup maybe?"

Daniel stares Jack down and continues.

"But... other than that we can't say much about him. I'm sorry General."

Jack shook his head.

"Ya know, you'd have thought Thor would have given us more to go on than a list of names."

Sam leans over and chips in.

"He did give us some data on general practices on such negotiations."

Jack tips his head in recognition, but not much.

"Still rather know what each of their Kryptonites are." He muttered.

"Well." Daniel says, continuing. "Thor did add that it was odd that three members would be present. Usually it's an odd number for these kinds of meeting, either three or five Council members. Apparently Meyer insisted on joining the talks at the last moment."

Hammond looked somewhat nervous.

"Do we know why?"

"No, and that does make me nervous." Daniel said.

Sam shook her head and changed the subject.

"So we're going to let these Goa'uld just…walk in here?"

Hammond looked over at Sam.

"There are a number of aspects of this situation I'm not comfortable with, Major."

He turned to Daniel and nodded briefly.

"Thank you Doctor Jackson." He said, ending Daniel's presentation.

The lights in the briefing room come back on. Hammond turns to Teal'c.

"Teal'c, I would like you to act as liaison to the Goa'uld. Doctor Jackson…"

"General Hammond." Teal'c interrupts

"Is there a problem?"

"I mean no disrespect." Teal'c says with a fierce expression. "But I have given my allegiance to you, to the SGC and to the people of this world, freely. I will, however, not see to the petty needs of these Goa'ulds."

Daniel raises his hand and butts in.

"I'll…see to the petty needs of the Goa'uld, sir."

"Okay, Doctor Jackson. Teal'c, you will assist Major Castleman with base security. According to Thor, Treaty Laws will not permit weapons of any kind in this facility during negotiations…"

With jump Jack interrupts, obviously shocked.

"Whoa! Sir, that doesn't sound wise!"

With a scowl Hammon stared Jack down.

"We're largely trusting the Asgard based on your word, Colonel." He says, Jack biting his tongue as Hammond continues. "This is their rule. As a result, the base is completely sealed off from the surface. The Secretary of Defense will be staying to represent the President. Storage Room 12A on level 17 will be converted to a meeting room for security reasons. You've all received folders that include your individual assignments, preparation instruction as laid out by the Asgard. There's a lot of work to do people and not much time."

SG1 get up and prepare for the oncoming storm.

***

The stargate continues dialing as SGC personnel rush around and take positions, visibly lacking any firearms, as per Thor's instructions on total lack of weapons in the facility. SG-1 stands ready in the gateroom, Teal'c noticeably missing. Finally the final chevron locks and the gate activates.

After a few seconds, one at a time, four figures step through. Cronos, in his almost barbarian regalia comes in first, followed by Nirrti in a sparkling and rather 'sharp' looking silver dress. After this Yu enters, head to toe very much the Chinese emperor. Finally...

Daniel glances at Jack, Jack looking back, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Daniel closes his eyes and without looking digs a dollar bill from his wallet and hands it to Jack.

"Yes!" Jack whispers, while Daniel steps up to the Goa'uld, still eyeing the fourth member in his jet black suit, perfectly reminiscent of a WW2 SS uniform, complete with jackboots and silver lined peaked cap.

"Greetings." Daniel manages, talking to the group. "If you will follow me I will take you to your accommodation."

The five leave the gateroom, with Jack's smile fading as the reality of what the fourth member might represent sinks in. Hammond manages to get his attention with a look, but Jack just shrugs back.

"I have no clue sir."

***

Daniel and Cronus enter one of the VIP rooms, the furnishings decked out to resemble an ancient Greek setting.

"Here we are…the VIP room. That's an acronym—it means very important. I hope this is okay."

Cronos stares at the room, disgust written on his face. He picks idly at the grapes laid out in a bowl.

"Your idea of accommodation is pitiful."

"Well, it's the best we…"

Outside a shout comes, sounding like Yu.

"We will not stand for this!"

Cronus leaves the room, and Daniel follows quickly.

"What is this about?"

Teal'c, Nirrti, Meyer and Yu are standing in the corridor. Cronos stares Teal'c down, hatred evident in his expression.

"Sholva!"

"Onak holka shaka!" Teal'c replies, with equal venom.

"Treena arik croonaka shol’va!"

Daniel moves to stand between Teal'c and Cronus, trying to calm things. He turns to Teal'c

"What's going on?"

Nirrti interrupts before Teal'c can explain.

"Your crude surveillance devices were poorly hidden in our quarters."

Daniel glances back and forwards, slightly confused.

"Well that's because they weren't hidden. They're…"

Yu hands him a damaged surveillance camera. Daniel takes it, glancing up at Yu before continuing to Nirrti.

"…security cameras and they're for your own safety."

Teal'c finally manages to get a word in.

"As I was trying to explain."

Cronos almost spits as he hears this.

"I will not be spied on upon!"

Nirrti nods her head, agreeing emphatically.

"Nor will I."

"Well no offence was meant by it, it's merely a security precaution. I'll ask if we can remove the cameras from the rooms, but we'd definitely like to leave them in the halls."

Grudgingly Cronus nods in assent, and Nirrti and Yu also give their permission. Meyer looks on at this with an amused expression, but also nods ascent.

Cronos turns his gaze on Teal'c once more.

"Do not show your face to me again, shol'va."

"Kelmar tokeem."

The rest part, Daniel showing the rest to their rooms one by one. Finally he shows Meyer to his quarters, that have been styled in a theme to represent Gothic architecture in the time of the Romans. Albeit crudely on a military budget and short notice.

"Here we are... Meyer."

"Please, call me Felix." the man says, though with a severe expression. His voice is normal compared to the other Goa'uld.

Daniel looks around, not quite sure how to respond.

"OK... Felix. Are these quarters sufficient?"

'Felix' looks around the room with a neutral gaze.

"I have dealt with cramped conditions before. I will manage." He says simply.

There is something odd about the man's expression. As if he is itching to say something but is holding back. A sentiment Daniel shares. Anyway, Daniel needs to report to General Hammond and bows slightly, backing out.

"If you need anything this button will call for assistance." He says, then once Meyer has acknowledged he leaves.

Who is this guy?

***

Later on Daniel catches up with Teal'c in the corridor.

"Teal'c, that was... what was up back there with you and Cronos?"

"As First Prime of Apophis I often did battle with the Jaffa of Cronus."

"Well, you must have battled lots of rival Goa'ulds. I'm sorry Teal'c, that looked a little more personal to me."

Teal'c stops at the armored window, looking down at the Stargate. Daniel stands beside him, waiting for Teal'c's response.

"My father was once First Prime of Cronus. When I was but a child, Cronus commanded my father to attack a Goa'uld who was more powerful at the time. It was an impossible battle to win. When all was inevitably lost, Cronus killed my father as punishment and exiled my mother and I. We fled to Chulak. I vowed I would become the strongest Jaffa I could, so one day I could be named First Prime of Apophis, sworn enemy of Cronus."

Hammond enters the room and the two turn to face him.

"I trust our guests are settled."

Teal'c answered him.

"The Goa'uld demanded the security cameras be removed from their quarters."

"I assume you told them no." Hammond responded.

"Actually, sir," Daniel said, "I kind of told them it'd be okay. I told them we'd have to leave them in the halls, sort of a…compromise."

"If you think it's absolutely necessary."

Daniel nodded.

"Yes."

Hammond nodded to the two of them then returned to his office.

Daniel turns to Teal'c with a worried look on his face.

"Are you going to be okay?"

Teal'c simply answers.

"I will."

***

In the briefing room a hexagonal table has been set up, documents in blue folders placed at each side. Around the walls emblems brought by the Goa'uld have been put in alcoves to represent the various parties. The Eagle and Swastika is particularly unnerving. So far no-one has asked Meyer about his background, too eager to get the treaty signed, but many are wondering.

While Jack stands by the table, buttoning up his uniform Sam walks in and comes to stand by Jack.

"Just wanted to wish you luck, sir."

Jack smiles, as he finishes buttoning.

"Thank you Captain." He says, then winces. "Major."

"Nervous?"

"I wouldn't call it nervous…confused. I have no idea why I'm here."

Sam smiles at Jack's obvious embarrassment and puzzlement.

"Well the Asgard obviously have confidence in you, sir, as do the rest of us. I know I couldn't do it."

Looking up askance at Sam he retorts. "Why?"

"Well, I didn't want to say anything, because I wasn't sure until I saw his face, but I think Cronus is the one who sent the Ashrak to kill Jolinar. I just hate having them here."

"Major, I hate having them anywhere."

Just then Daniel enters the room, with Cronos, Yu, Nirrti and Meyer.

Jack winces, hoping they didn't hear what he'd just said.

"Oops."

Sam smiled and headed out, whispering to Jack as she passed.

"Good luck."

The Goa'uld begin to take their seats, but Meyer stops and addresses Jack.

"I am sorry that the Fuhrer could not be here himself for these talks. As head of the SS I have been tasked with representing the Reich. Will that be sufficient Colonel O'Neill?"

Jack glanced over at Daniel grabbing at straws. The obvious questions begging to be asked. Daniel just tipped his head towards Meyer emphatically.

"Uh, yeah.... of course. I'm sure you'll fit right in." Jack manages weakly. SS? Seriously? He turns to the assembled Goa'uld after they have sat. "Hello, come on in. Have a seat. Thank you Doctor Jackson. Hello…Yu. Well, I guess we're just…"

There is a flash of light at the remaining space at the table and Thor appears with his own chair. Jack glances at Thor and nods.

"And here he is. Gang's all here. You all know each other. Guess we can get started."

Daniel leaves, giving Jack a last thumbs up, before Thor addresses all at the table.

"The Asgard High Council wishes you all greetings and thanks for this opportunity to negotiate for peace."

Yu nods back to Thor.

"The Goa'uld System Lords are prepared to hear the Asgard proposal."

Nirrti grimaces and switches to Goa'uld as she speaks rapidly to Yu.

"Onak arik kree."

Cronos bites back a venomous comment to Nirrti.

"Koracca aseemu!"

With a dramatic slam of his fist on the table Yu responds to the two of them.

"Kornak kree! Keena arik Asgard!"

Meyer grimaces and glances between Nirrti and Cronos.

"Di'dak'dida! Kegalo arik."

Jack glanced across the table at the System Lords.

"I thought we were all going to speak the same language here."

Cronos glares at Jack, then shoves his chair back as he stands abruptly.

"Gonach!"

Nirrti gets up too and follows Cronos as he stomps out of the room. Yu and Meyer share an odd glance then follow without a word.

Jack watches this in amazement and when they are all gone turns to Thor.

"What? What did I say?"

"You insulted them."

"I insulted them?" Jack says, flabbergasted.

"By speaking out of turn. This was to be expected."

"What are you talking about? They were yelling at each other before I said a word."

"The System Lords have a fragile relationship with one another, as do we with them."

Jack raises an eyebrow as he stares at Thor.

"You mean they're always like that?"

Daniel pokes his head in around the door, pointing his thumb over his shoulder towards the retreating Goa'uld.

"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting. What just happened?"

Jack sighed.

"Apparently we said hello, insulted each other and broke for recess." He turns to Thor. "Can I ask you something? Why did you let the Goa'uld get that much power in the first place? I mean, if you've got the technology…"

"We are not proud of the fact that we have been forced to ignore the situation as long as we have. But you must understand, there are other concerns for the Asgard. We have an enemy in our home galaxy that is far worse than the Goa'uld."

Daniel looks aghast.

"Worse?"

"I cannot explain further. For now, we use what limited resources we can spare to enforce these treaties with the Goa'uld."

Daniel shakes his head.

"What happens if a rogue Goa'uld like Sokar, who's been banished by the System Lords, decides to come after us?"

"In order to maintain the treaty, the System Lords would attempt to prevent it. Our greatest advantage has been the feudal nature of the Goa'uld. Our greatest concern has been a single Goa'uld rising to dominant power. If Sokar were to overtake the System Lord collective, the Asgard may not have sufficient power to stop him."

Jack looks on in amazement at Thor.

"So basically, you guys are…bluffing the Goa'uld. Big time. So far they've been so busy badgering each other, they've bought it."

Thor stares at Jack for a second before responding.

"I must return to my ship now. It will take time before the System Lords will be willing to reconvene. You may contact me with this." He stands and walks over to Jack and hands him a translucent stone with sigils around the edge. "It will work as long as my ship is in orbit."

"How?"

"Hold it in your hand and speak."

Jack nods in acceptance.

"Thanks."

Speaking up Daniel interrupts.

"We appreciate what you're doing."

"These negotiations will not be easy. The Asgard will be required to make great sacrifices, as will you."

He sits down on his chair and vanishes in a flash of light leaving both of them wondering what is going to happen.

 

[Patupi]

April 1999

After some considerable time, and a couple of failed attempts at resumption, O'Neill takes his seat at the table where the others already sit.

Yu announces to all at the table, imperiously.

"We accept the apology of the human representative and agree to hear the Asgard proposal."

Thor nods towards Yu.

"In return for Earth's inclusion in the Protected Planets Treaty, Addendum 10815, the Asgard will allow Goa'uld access to the passage of Nilor."

With another nod of the head Yu replies.

"According to Treaty Law Section 326, no human planet will be allowed to advance technologically to a point where they may become a threat to the Goa'uld."

"You are correct." Thor responds.

Nirrti then steps in

"Definition of such threat shall rest solely in the hands of the Goa'uld System Lords."

Shocked, Jack gapes at the System Lords.

"What?!" They all turn to glare back at him for his outburst. With a slight wince he adds. "Sorry." He turns to Thor and continues, in a calmer tone. "May I ask a question?"

"The human representative is recognized."

"Thank you."

He faces the System Lords once again.

"Are you saying you're limiting our development?"

Cronos sneers at Jack slightly.

"The treaty recognizes that the human species exists for the purpose of serving the Goa'uld as hosts and slaves."

Unable to believe that Jack laughs in shock.

"Excuse me?"

Thor continues, without referencing Jack's comments.

"Do the System Lords accept the Asgard proposal?"

Cronos and Nirrti nod ascent, after a few seconds Meyers does also, followed by Yu.

"The Goa'uld System Lords…€ｦaccept the Asgard proposal." Yu says slowly. "We demand one additional concession. We order the immediate and unconditional forfeiture of the Tau'ri Stargate." Jack frowns resignedly at this. "Both of them." Yu adds emphatically, and Jack is suddenly very worried.

***

As the conference breaks up and the Goa'uld leave, Meyers stops at the door and glances at the Colonel. He squints for a moment, as if attempting to make up his mind. Then he turns and heads back over to Jack.

"Colonel. Such talks are always harsh in these matters, but I believe you need to understand that some things are not quite as they appear. Consider the offer carefully. You will not get a second chance, and it may be... more beneficial than you expect."

"Really?" Jack says quietly, face impassive for once.

"Yes. We will reconvene tomorrow. I will see you there. Heil Himmler!" Meyer says, giving the overly familiar salute, clicking his heels together, then turning and walking out the door.

Jack shakes his head and turns to Thor.

"OK, what's with the Space Nazis? I mean, really?"

Thor gets up from his chair and stands by the table.

"The Reich is a relatively new power in the region, one of only a handful that can match a System Lord in strength. I have only recently been made aware that they joined the council."

"Wait. Are you saying that guy isn't a Gould?" Jack says.

"Correct."

Jack looked at the door that Meyer just left from, then back to Thor.

"And these guys decided to join the snakeheads? Are they nuts?"

Thor paused, also glancing to where Meyer's left a few moments before.

"I am not privy to the reasons as to why the Reich has joined the council, but I do know they have no interest in the Goa'uld's wellbeing. What their plans are I am unsure."

Jack paused.

"They have flying saucers don't they?" Jack said, almost in passing.

Thor cocked his head to one side.

"I do not understand."

"Big flying disks? Honking great space guns? The whole nine yards?"

Thor nods.

"I believe they term their weapons 'Deathrays', but yes, you are correct."

Jack blinked.

"Deathrays?" he snorted. "Of course they do."

This was going to be an interesting debate.

***

In the briefing room, Hammond and Secretary of Defense Simms talk to SG1 about the System Lords proposal.


"Are we seriously going to give up gate travel?" Daniel said plaintively.

Hammond shrugged.

"Considering the alternative…€ｦ"

Mr Simms shook his head and passed his gaze across everyone on the table.

"I believe that ring out there is the single most important thing on this planet and I understand what losing the gate would mean." He focused his gaze on Jack. "But it is on your word that we trust these Asgard and peaceful solutions to this crisis must be considered."

Jack winced.

"True but…€ｦ"

Sam chose that moment to interject.

"The point is, sir, with all due respect, it's not nearly as simple as you put it."

Teal'c nodded.

"There are other threats to this world this treaty will not protect you from." he said, then looked at Jack.

"From what my buddy Thor tells me, an enemy far worse than the Goa'uld."

Simms again scanned his gaze across all of SG1.

"If any of you can tell me absolutely why we should not accept this proposal, I will forward your opinion to the President, and I assure you it will be given serious weight."

"There is something about the... Nazi that might..." Jack paused.

"Go on Colonel." Hammond said.

"Well, he seemed to indicate to me that we might benefit from this result. Didn't say how."

"How would we.... wait." Sam said, getting an idea suddenly. "They stipulated that we give up both gates didn't they? Not that we should give up gate travel? What if, and this is just a guess here, this 'Meyer' is willing to sell us a gate?"

"I suggest you find out Major." Hammond said pointedly. "Whatever his game is here we need to know if he is working with these System Lords or if he truly might be an ally."

Jack merely snorted.

"A Nazi an ally? Over my dead body."

Hammond fixed him with a cold stare.

"If the System Lords come here in force it may well be."

That gave Jack pause.

***

"Uh, Regimentleader?" Sam said, standing by Meyer's door.

"Please Fraulein. Call me Felix." he said, smiling faintly and putting down a book. "What did you want?"

Sam came in and closed the door, then faced Meyer again.

"We are wondering what your goals are here? From what we could tell, both you and Yu..." Sam managed not to smirk at that, "... were less than friendly with Cronos or Nirrti. Do you have an agenda here of your own?"

Meyer sat on the bed and smiled.

"Tell me, if I did would you expect me to admit such?"

Sam gave a sad smile.

"I guess not. But we were wondering. Do you have vessels capable shipping heavy loads between the stars?"

Meyer paused, a faint smile on his face.

"We do indeed Major. Before you go any further, I believe I know what you are considering. Let me say this. If Earth is willing we might be willing to ship certain... extremely large goods to you. We would of course require some recompense for our troubles, as well as keeping such dealings... discrete." He said, then his face hardened. "However you must understand the Reich is surrounded by Goa'uld on all sides. Even if we wished to join your apparent vendetta against them, such efforts would be suicidal for us... at this time."

"But you are on the council? Can't you avoid anything like that?"

Meyer laughed.

"Please Major, do you really believe the Goa'uld take us as equals? No, they merely allowed us to join after we defeated Horus."

Sam looked a little confused.

"Horus?"

Meyer sighed.

"The Goa'uld go under many different names Major. You may know him as Hor, Harendotes, Har-nedj-itef, or Heru'ur. What ever you call him matters little now. He is dead."

"And yet you join the council and we are under threat of annihilation after killing Hathor."

Meyer smiled.

"The difference is you are a threat, but not a serious one. We on the other hand can face them ship to ship, and have won many engagements with them. You have heard the old adage? Keep your friends close..."

"... But your enemies closer. Yes, I've heard it. Thank you... Felix." Sam turned to go, then stopped and looked back at him. "Out of curiosity, where did your civilization come from? We're you taken from Earth by a Goa'uld as slaves some time in the past?"

Meyer snorted.

"Hardly. We are the Fourth Reich, we have reigned for over fifty years on Teutonia and built an empire to assist other nations near by to resist the Goa'uld. We were never slaves Major."

"Fourth... so you came form Earth... recently."

"Oh yes. Let us just say we left just when things were 'getting interesting' as I believe you Americans say. Yes?"

Meyer's expression was rather predatorial, and yet there was still that look of something yet said, and it was obvious Meyer wanted to say more, but resisted. Sam almost said something else, but thought better of it, nodded and turned to leave.

This was getting complicated.

***

In the briefing room the Secretary of Defense was talking on the phone.

"Yes, I understand."

Simms put down the phone with a resigned sigh.
"We accept the terms."

"Are we going to go for Meyer's offer?" Jack asked.

"That hasn't been decided yet. However it's hard to trust someone when they haven't actually made a concrete offer."

"Yeah. It'd be nice if things were a little more out in the open." He turned to Daniel. "Daniel, you want to tell them we're ready?"

Daniel nods and gets up, heading out of the room and down the corridor. As he walks the alert lights begin to flash and a voice comes over the intercom.

"Security to Level 25. Medical team to Level 25. Emergency."

With a dawning look of realization Daniel rushes off to Level 25 and the dignitary's quarters. When he arrives in the area he finds a soldier waiting in the hall.

"In here, sir." the man says.

Nirrti, standing next to Yu in the corridor, turns with a scowl to Daniel as he passes.

"I demand to know the meaning of these sounds…€ｦ"

Daniel waves her off as he passes.

"Please just stay in your rooms for a moment."

He stops outside Cronus' room and sees Teal'c and Cronus lying unconscious on the floor. Teal’€冂 has a head wound which has bled heavily and it's obvious Cronos is also severely injured.

It seems things can get worse!

***

In the infirmary Teal'c lays in a bed, bandaged and unconscious. Doctor Fraiser is talking to Colonel O'Neill, with Hammond, Daniel and Sam in the background.

"His vitals are stable, but he took quite a blow to the head. There's some inter-cranial swelling."

"Junior taking care of it?"

Fraiser nods.

"Yes, his larval Goa'uld is assisting in the healing process. Hopefully, there isn't any permanent brain damage. But we won't know that until he wakes up."

Hammond speaks up.

"How long?"

"That's up to him." The doctor replies.

"Or perhaps I could assist?" Comes a voice from the outside.

Hammond heads out and finds Meyer, halted by the soldiers before he entered the infirmary.

"What do you want?" Hammond asked cautiously.

"Merely to be of assistance. I'm afraid all I have is a simple field medical kit, but it may be of some help to the Jaffa."

Hammond glances back into the room where SG1 gathers still around the bed.

"Very well." He says, and waves the Nazi into the room.

Meyer walks in and wears stares from SG1 as he approaches the bed. He pulls out a round cornered tin can with a red cross on the outside and opens it up. Inside are some of the normal, rolls of tape and a few (albeit odd looking) adhesive bandages, but there are also several tubes and rods in there that look like mechanical devices. He pulls out one of the longer rods and presses a stud on the end, making it hum faintly.

Sam frowns.

"Sonic screwdriver?" She says quietly, then notices odd looks from Jack and Daniel and just shrugs nervously.

Meyer raises an eyebrow at the comment, but merely answers directly.

"It's a Mk2 tissue regenerator. Not an advanced model, but should be able to reduce damage around the injury and reduce the inflammation." Meyer explains.

"Wait a minute." Fraiser interjected, reaching out to stop Meyer. "You can't just barge in and use unknown devices in my ward. What does that thing do?"

Meyer sighed.

"Fraulein, I am not a doctor. My understanding is merely that it aids the body in repairing itself, employing various means to instill energy into cells and to stimulate them to repair faster. I do not know the details. Can I please help this Jaffa?"

Fraiser paused, then nodded ascent reluctantly.

Meyer carefully removed the bandages and then pointed the device against the side of Teal'c's head and activated it. Several different colored dots appeared alongside a central white beam, some with broken circles around them. As Meyer traced the device around the broken circles changed, the lines lengthening or shortening around the dots they encompassed. Sam guessed it was some kind of indicator of the device's effectiveness or indication of the structure of the flesh beneath. As the white beam was traced over Teal'c's skin, at certain points Meyer pressed another stud, and the white beam glowed brightly for a second before returning to normal. He continued with this for about a minute, and by the end some of the bruising around his head, and even some of the visible cuts, had vanished.

"There, all I can do for now, but with his symbiote he should be fine soon." Meyer said.

After staring at the still sleeping Teal'c Jack spoke up.

"What about Cronus?"

Fraiser glanced at Meyer, then sighed and waved Meyer and Jack on to see the Goa'uld, while Sam left the room.

"Oh, he wasn't as lucky as Teal'c. Severe internal injuries and his host is dying."

"Shouldn't his snake be taking care of him?" Jack said, peering down at the odd sight of Cronos in a surgical gown.

"Based on what I've learned about Goa'uld physiology, the symbiote cannot heal injuries this severe on its own. We're doing everything we can, but I don't think he's going to make it. Could be hours, could be minutes."

"Perhaps I could try?" Meyer said, though not as confidently as before. "Our tools are not designed for Goa'uld physiology, and this may be more than I can achieve here, but I could at least try."

Fraiser paused, but less time than previously, before nodding and letting Meyer attempt it. Again he got out his 'wand' and began the process, though part way through he got out a small tube as well, a small green light illuminating the area the wand was going over and showing an odd series of patterns in the area on his skin. Sam wondered if it was some kind of sub-dermal scanner.

Eventually Meyer stopped.

"I'm sorry. I've healed a few of the surface veins, but some of the deep damage needs better tools, and a more skilled medic than I. The best I can do is prolong his life. It looks to me as if some damage was done to the symbiote as well, though not severe. With it's effort tied up in healing the host I don't think either will survive this."

Just then Sam came back into the infirmary.

"I have the security videotape. You'll want to see this."

***
A few minutes later the rest of SG-1 and General Hammond have gathered around a monitor.

On the video system in the infirmary they watch the events leading up to the attack on Cronus and Teal'c, captured on the security cameras. On the screen Teal'c is seen to enter Cronus' room.

Sam shakes her head.
"The SFs assigned to guard the hallway sounded the alarm. They say Teal'c passed them and told them he was going to see Cronus."

Daniel looks up at Sam after watching the video.
"Well Nirrti and Yu are demanding an explanation."


"Do we tell them?" Jack asks, looking at Sam.

"Well, based on the video tape evidence it looks like Teal'c is involved. Not that I believe he's responsible for this."

"Well, I don't believe for a minute that Teal'c would sacrifice our interest for a personal vendetta."

Jack squints at Daniel.

"What…€ｦpersonal vendetta?"

With a 'Whoops' expression Daniel manages to meet Jack's eyes.

"Well, apparently Teal'c and Cronus have some pretty heavy history."

Hammond raises an eyebrow.

"Such as?"

After a short hesitation Daniel spoke quietly.

"Cronus killed Teal'c's father."

"Oh for crying out loud! Why doesn't he tell us these things? Why didn't you tell us?" Jack demanded.

With an indignant look at Jack Daniel retorted. "He confided in me!"

Sam shook her head and looked up at Jack.

"I still don't think Teal'c would do this."

"Well neither do I. But the case against him just got a little more interesting, don't you think?"

Daniel looked around all the people there nervously.

"Well, we have to tell the other Goa'uld something."

Fraiser then nodded.

"Yes, and if we lie we could make things worse."

Hammond looked at Fraiser carefully.

"Doctor?"

"Sir, the point is maybe the Goa'ulds can do something for Cronus that I and mister Meyer can't."

Meyer nodded, but said nothing. With a sigh Hammond straightened up.

"Let's tell the Goa'uld what we know. Major, find out what really happened."

Sam nodded.

"Yes sir."

 

[Patupi]

April 1999

In the infirmary Nirrti and Yu are brought in to see Cronus, who is still unconscious. The look on their faces is one of pure hate. Nirrti also focuses a look of venom at Meyer, still in the room when they arrive. However most of her focus is on the SG1 members.

"You will pay for this!" Nirrti grinds out.

Jack shakes his head.

"We know it looks bad."

He turns to look at General Hammond who then speaks up.

"But we're not sure what actually transpired."

"Whoever is responsible for this atrocity must be brought before us." She says, her eyes lingering on Meyer for quite a few seconds.

Daniel glances nervously back and forth between the Goa'uld

"We're trying to figure out exactly what happened right now."

"All the people of your planet will suffer greatly as punishment for this crime." She says, Yu merely looking on with a distinct scowl.

Jack sighed and butted in before things got too out of hand.

"All right, just hang on a second before you go dooming everybody…€"

Daniel gave Meyer a glance, before licking his lips and asking the Nirrti and Yu the question.

"We brought you here because we want to know if there's anything either of you can do for him."

"He's dying." Fraiser said simply.

Yu glanced around the infirmary with a disdaining look.

"We can do nothing here in your primitive facilities."

"Okay," Daniel said, handing Nirrti a Goa'uld healing device, the one recovered from Cimmeria, "can you use one these?"

Nirrti looks oddly at Daniel, pausing, then puts the device on and begins to wave her hands over the body, a hum and orange glow encompassing Cronos' chest. After a handful of passes of the device she snorts and gives up.

"His injuries are too severe. The only way to save him is with a sarcophagus." She says as she hands the healing device to Sam.

At this Meyer squints at Nirrti, managing to keep his surprise from his face. Right now he keeps quiet.

"Okay, we don't have one of those." Jack says simply.

Yu nods his head with finality and glares at them.

"Then we will prepare to leave. Immediately."

As the Goa'uld leave Meyer stares at the healing device curiously.

"This changes everything." He says softly before leaving the room.

Most there assume he is talking about the injury of Cronos, not noticing his gaze on the healing device.

***

Meyer catches up with Yu in his quarters, of course done out in ancient Chinese regalia.

"Yu. A word?" Meyer says, closing the door behind him.

Yu waves absently at a seat.

"I scanned Cronos. His injuries are severe, but not in any way that a Pesh'ka would be unable to remedy. Nirrti is lying."

Yu glared at Meyer.

"What? She would not dare defy Myself and Cronos!"

"And who would discover this?" Meyer said, circling the room to standing by the bed. "All that would have happened would be he would be taken back and put in a sarcophagus. No-one would bother to check for the cause of the injury, or how severe it was. No, she would have got away with it. Perhaps we should let her?"

Yu's eyes glowed and he practically snarled.

"Oh don't give me that indignant look!" Meyer bit back caustically. "You wish Cronos gone every bit as I do. With him out of the way you would stand as accepted leader of the System Lords."

"In name only. No-one accepts a leader as such any longer. The days of a Supreme System Lord are gone. There will not be another Ra."

Meyer stared into the distance frowning.

"Perhaps not, but this situation is something that could be used to our advantage. These humans are a people we are interested in, but they are also a rallying call. It would force the System Lords to gather a force together to strike them down." He snorted. "Not that such a puny world would require a vast force, but the indignance over two Goa'uld deaths?" Meyer shook his head. "We could have a force of two hundred Hataks gathered easily. Certainly enough to bring to bear against Sokar if a little persuasion could be managed."

"They would not agree. For this instance? Against someone who has killed two System Lords? Yes. But few truly believe Sokar has returned. They will not join any crusade."

Meyer say, staring fixedly at the wall.

"Then we may be doomed. Our combined forces will probably be insufficient against his might if what you have guessed is true."

Yu grimaced.

"Sokar would not come out into the open unless he had a superior force. He will be superior to any System Lord, that is certain. We must return Cronos and heal him to maintain what little order remains on the System Lord council."

"Let us hope that after The Council's forces are gathered we can persuade them that he is a threat. It is the only chance we have."

Yu remained silent, and after a few seconds Meyer nodded formally and left.

He certainly did not want his birth world to be fried, but if it would save them from Sokar.....? Well, if not perhaps merely gathering so many System Lords in one spot could defeat them in turn? Spring some trap on them when they arrive here. If he could be sure of defeating Sokar afterwards...? there were too many variables in this situation. He needed the Fuhrer's advice!

***


Up on Thor's ship Jack faced it's commander once more.

"You must let them take Cronus." The diminutive Asgard said simply.

Jack shook his head.

"They'll attack us."

"If you hold them against their will, the rest of the System Lords will attack regardless."

"Look, Teal'c didn't do this."

Thor paused a moment, then looked off into space.

"I have been instructed by the Asgard High Council to leave Earth's orbit."

"And that's what, in line with your policy of limited benevolence?"

"I have explained our position. To borrow from a human euphemism, it is not a perfect galaxy."

"Yeah, well I'm sorry, I get a little testy when faced with the total annihilation of our little corner of it."

"We sympathize with your situation." Thor said.

"Right. And yet you'll still just sit by and watch them destroy us."

"We cannot interfere without beginning a much larger war that cannot be won at this time."

***

In the conference room Yu, Nirrti and Meyer were again present, staring down SG1 and Hammond. Yu looked fiercely at Hammond.

"We command that you release us!"

Nirrti was equally as adamant.

"We must leave now and take Cronus before his death is on your heads."

Meyer also seemed angry, glancing more at Jack than Hammond.

"The repercussions of you holding us here against our wishes will be dire!"

"I'm sorry, I can't let you go." General Hammond stated simply.

Nirrti glared back and practically spat at him.

"If we do not report back, your planet will suffer the full force of the System Lords' wrath."

"That's going to happen whether we let you go or not." Hammond retorted simply.

"You have violated every code mandated for these negotiations." Yu said fiercely. "The Asgard will not protect you!"

Jack sighed and stared at Yu.

"Actually you're wrong about something. There's one rule we haven't broken yet."

Half a dozen SGC Soldiers enter the room, armed with M16 rifles. The looks the three System Lords give the SGC personnel are dire, but they relent.

***

Secretary of Defense Simms looks across the briefing room table at the others.

"Do we have any idea of what sort of time frame surrounds this impending attack?" Hammond shakes his head. "The President is readying a statement to the United Nations. From what you're telling me Earth should begin preparing for this onslaught immediately."

Jack stared at the table.

"Boy did this get out of hand."

The phone rings and Hammond answers it.

"Hammond... Thank you."

He puts the phone down and looks to the others.

"Teal'c is conscious."

***

Teal'c is lying awake in a bed, sitting up and wearing few signs he was injured. He is talking to Jack about his experience.

"Cronus requested my presence."

"So you went alone."

"It is what he requested. When I arrived he denied making the request. Before I could leave we were attacked."

"By whom?" Sam asked him.

"An invisible force."

Jack looked back with an unbelieving face.

"Invisible force..."

Daniel glanced at Jack before turning to Teal'c.

"A Reetou?"

At mention of the phasing aliens they'd battled last year Hammond glances around at SG1.

"Could one have come through the gate with the Goa'ulds?"

Sam acknowledges the possibility.

"Sir, we could break out the transphase eradication rods and do a sweep of the base."

"I did not sense the presence of a Reetou." Teal'c added simply.

"I almost wish you had." Jack said sadly.

Sam shook her head.

"Teal'c, are you aware of any of the Goa'uld having some sort of stealth technology?"

"I am not."

"Hathor had the ability to appear and disappear." Daniel interjected cautiously.

"Okay, she's dead. Right?" Jack said pleadingly to Sam. "Please tell me she's dead."

"Yeah." Sam said, almost convincingly.

"I did not attack Cronus." Teal'c stated.

Daniel put a hand on Teal'c's shoulder comfortingly.

"Well, we believe you Teal'c, but I just don't think anyone else is going to."

"Certainly not those lying, scheming, no good for nothing, slimy, over-dressed style mongers…€ｦ" Jack says venomously, but Sam looks distantly as he says it, getting an idea.

"Sir, I'd like to try something."

She hurries out of the room.

Jack watches her go and looks indignant.

"I wasn't finished!"

***

Jack, Fraiser and Sam are in the infirmary. Sam is over Cronos with the healing device on her hand, attempting to use in on Cronos. So far it hasn't even lit up.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Fraiser asks

"I've made it work before just not on a living…€ｦthing."

She tries again but to no avail.

"Uh, I hate to go all…€ｦFreudian on you here." Jack says "The part of you that knows how to run those things…€ｦ"

"You think I don't want to cure Cronos because he ordered Jolinar's death. I just have the memories of Jolinar, she doesn't control me. I'm well aware of the stakes here."

"I'm just saying."

Sam tries again and this time manages to activate the device. She passes it over Cronus' body. Slowly the orange glow pervades Cronos's body, and then abruptly Cronos takes a breath in sharply.

"It worked!"

Cronus opens his eyes.

"You have healed me…€ｦhuman. I am sure you spared my life only to prevent your own destruction."

"Hey!" Jack said "We didn't do this to you. And we saved your snaky little butt because we want the treaty to happen."

"That is not possible now. Nirrti and Yu have undoubtedly blamed the Tauri for this attack on me."

"Good catch. Look, it's obvious to everybody that one of them did this to you. What if I can prove which one, what's that worth to you?"

"What do you ask in return?"

***

As SG1 and Hammond walk down the corridor to the conference room Sam is talking to the General.

"We can't prove anything, sir. All we know for sure is that Nirrti lied."

Jack shook his head.

"Cronos doesn't know that and Nirrti doesn't know what else we know."

Daniel snorted.

"Which is nothing."

"Right. But she doesn't know we know nothing."

Hammond stared at Jack.

"What are you suggesting?"

"I'm just saying maybe it's time we take a page out of the Asgard book on dealing with these…€ｦGoa'ulds."

"You're going to bluff." Daniel said.

"Sounds risky Colonel."

"Yes, sir." Jack said with a grin.

***

Nirrti, Meyer and Yu are sitting at the table, under armed guard in the conference room.

Jack stood at the head of the table and nodded to Nirrti.

"You lied to us about being able to heal Cronus with that hand device."

"I tried honestly and failed. I was willing to save Cronus by taking him to a sarcophagus."

"Maybe you were, maybe you weren't. But the fact is you are the only Goa'uld here who has the technology to become invisible."

Meyer's eyes went wide and he stared at Nirrti.

"Impossible!"

Nirrti jumped to her feet.

"That is a lie!"

Jack stared her down calmly.

"Who's lying? We called the Tok'ra."

Daniel continued.

"They say you've been experimenting with phase shifting in order to battle the Reetou."
Yu stands and turns on Nirrti, glaring at her.

"You did not share this technology with the System Lords?"

"They are lying!"

"You dare attack Cronos and defile our meeting with the Asgard?"

"It's not true!"

"You are the one who opposed this treaty. You have long coveted Cronos' territory."

Meyer shook his head.

"With his ground you would be the most powerful of the System Lords, perfect to deal with all your enemies."

Nirrti yells back at Yu.

"Go'tak!"

Snarling with rage, Yu grabs Nirrti and wrestles with her. In the middle of the fight she breaks the hold and abruptly disappears. Yu and Meyer look stunned, and the Guards at the door raise their weapons, but don't want to shoot the other people there. They can't see a target. Suddenly they are brushed aside, and one of their guns is taken by Nirrti.

"Look out!" Jack yells, and jumps at Yu, pushing him to the floor as Meyer jumps in the other direction, just as the invisible Nirrti opens fire with the M16, just missing Yu.

In the corridor alarms trill and breif flashes of Nirrti are seen as transphase eradication rods are swung around by soldiers bearing down on her. Finally Carter catches her full in the scanning beam of her rod and levels it to her face.

"Drop the weapon. You ever seen one of these things work? Cause there's nothing more I would like to do right now than demonstrate."

With a look of sullen resignation Nirrti slowly puts the weapon down and surrenders.

***

In the conference room Yu is fingering the sleeve of his robe, a bullet hole passing neatly through the cloth, showing how close he came to injury. He looks oddly at Jack, calm and collected. Sam then enters, bringing two guards and the captured Nirrti.

Jack nods at Yu

"Cronos said he'd support the Treaty and we wouldn't have to give up our Stargate. I was kind of hoping we could count on your vote."

Jack glances across at Meyer.

"What about you?"

Meyer pauses a moment, then nods, turning to glare daggers at Nirrti. How much is for show and how much is genuine is another matter.

***

In the corridor as Nirrti and Yu are being taken off to the gate behind Cronos, now back in his regal finery, Meyer holds back and nods to Sam. Curious she stops to talk to him and Hammond pauses with them.

"Major. Perhaps I misjudged you." Sam isn't sure he is talking about herself of her people. "However, my offer was genuine. Now it is moot, but perhaps there is another way we can help. May we have safe passage to this world in future? We would like to visit here again soon."

Sam raises an eyebrow, but Hammond is the one to step in.

"If you are willing to talk peacefully then I believe I can offer safe passage on behalf of the President. However, be aware the rest of the planet does not know anything about the Goa'uld or the stargate. Any sudden release of such information to the public would cause panic. We won't allow you cause such disruption to Earth."

Meyer raises an eyebrow himself at this.

"Really? You wish to sweep this under the carpet? I seriously doubt that can be maintained. Very well, we will be willing to accept those terms. For now. Which Nations are aware of these matters?"

Hammond and Sam share a glance.

"Just us." Sam says simply.

Meyer sighs.

"So conveniently we have to deal with America alone? I don't think the Fuhrer will be happy with that." He pauses. "However, for the initial meeting between our people we agree. Again, I seriously advise against this secrecy. The longer it goes on the heavier the backlash will be when it inevitably is uncovered." He waves behind him to the base. "All this has proven this to me. Despite your primitive technology you are a force to be reckoned with, if merely for your sheer gall and luck."

Meyer turned to Sam and clicked his heels together and gave a curt nod.

"Fairwell Major, General." He said, turning to Hammond. "I hope your planet fares well. I will add this. This treaty will help you with the System Lords, but not Sokar." He sees the look of recognition on their faces. "Ah, you've heard of him."

"We've run into him." Sam manages.

"Well, right now he is a serious threat to the whole galaxy. Most of the Goa'uld do not believe he has returned, but we are certain of it, as is Yu. This treaty will not stop him from attacking if he has a mind to, you may want to find... defenders, who can shield your world from more than the truth."

With that he turned and left to the gateroom, leaving Hammond and Sam staring at each other.

***

The Stargate activates with a 'splash' with Cronos, Yu and Meyer standing at the bottom of the Ramp, Nirrti held firmly between Yu and Cronos. They nod briefly at Jack behind them then head up the Gate ramp. Jack and Daniel, standing at the bottom of the ramp, watch them go calmly. Before he enters the gate, Cronus turns back to the Gate room.

"We will not attack your world. But…€ｦif you continue to use your Stargate, be warned—€蚤nyone who is caught by one of the System Lords will be shown no mercy. They will suffer greatly."

Jack looked on without any obvious concern.

"Well that certainly makes life more…€ｦinteresting."

The Goa'uld System Lords disappear through the gate, watched by Defense Secretary Simms. Daniel turned to Jack and grinned.

"Boy is she going to get it."

"My heart bleeds."

 

[Patupi]

April 1999

The revelation about Earth from Meyers after the Treaty negotiations hit Teutonia like a bombshell. At first only top military, SS and Party officials knew, but no-one felt comfortable holding back such information. This was their heritage after all, and they had been pushing the 'Great Return' for some time. It would look decidedly odd if it were merely cancelled to cover this up, and if it continued how could they stop anyone from learning of it and still show any of the results of the survey of the region as everyone expected?

Thus it was that on April 19th, ten days after Meyer's return, the Fuhrer came on national television and made the momentous announcement.

"People of Teutonia. Aryans. Friends. We have reached our homeland once more."

The Fuhrer went on to, sketchily, describe that only tentative contact had been made via the stargate, but that the United States of America was in charge of the gate that the Third Reich once held. So far relations were peaceful and the Fuhrer hoped for further contact. Given the large population boom it was a fairly small fraction of the population who could remember Earth and the old Third Reich, but many had grown up hearing tales of old Earth and listened intently as they heard that the Americans also were fighting the Goa'uld. The Fuhrer was careful not to aggrandize them, or to put them down. At present he was unsure what to do about relations with the old enemy, but did not want to tip the people's favor one way or the other right now.

Himmler stated that though Earth was fairly primitive relative to the Reich, they were at least reasonably developed and had a fighting spirit, killing at least two System Lords (though technically Hathor was not actively a System Lord in the council when she was killed) in their short time among the stars. The Fuhrer ended the broadcast here as he couldn't say much beyond this, since so far the SGC had not said much in their initial contact, or when radio conversation through an open gate was made later.

It seemed they had considerable prejudice against 'Nazis', but were willing to talk at least. So far, even after the initial hopeful meeting they were denying direct contact through the gate, stating security reasons. But at present, although the US was still willing to accept a Reich vessel, they now were also saying that they could no longer could accept such a craft to land without it being checked out in orbit first.

Himmler admittedly was surprised they had space capability, and guessed they were forcing this merely to show that they were not a pushover and had ships of their own. After some organization a meeting in high orbit (over 15,000km altitude seemed a little extreme to the Fuhrer, but he suspected it was to minimize the risk of detection by other nations on Earth) was arranged in three weeks. It was hoped the Great Return fleet, which had only just launched, would be able to find Earth among the handful of candidate yellow dwarfs in the zone before the deadline was up. It was a risk acceding to their timetable, but the Fuhrer did not wish to seem weak in these negotiations.

The launch of the Great Return fleet itself a week ago, shortly after Meyer had returned, had been a very public affair, seen off with great fanfare and several civilian ships surrounded the three transports, four destroyers and the battlecruiser as they jumped into hyperspace. With reduced number of stops to check the drives it was estimated that they should arrive in the region in two more weeks and the destroyers would spread out to begin the rapid scouting. Hopefully they would find Sol in time for the rendezvous.

Meanwhile meetings with the System Lords after the Treaty negotiations were... strained. They claimed to allow technology to be shared between all System Lords, but so far had not shared the cloaking device acquired from Nirrti with the Reich. Yu also said they had not shared it with him either, though he was aware Cronos, Baal and Bastet had access to it. How long it would take them to build something from her device was unknown, but Cronos repeatedly said that when they had cracked the technology it would be shared.

Himmler didn't believe it for a minute. He didn't want Gehlen to push the System Lords on the issue of tech sharing or they might force the Reich to share their own tech with the System Lords. So far they hadn't, perhaps merely assuming Reich tech was inferior to their own, though during such discussions Gehlen reported Baal giving him quite a few odd looks. He at least knew what Reich weapons were capable of, but also didn't push things so far, thankfully. Presumably he had his own agenda.

The Fuhrer pushed Reich development of their own stealth systems, and, in a somewhat desperate move, asked Yu to join him in this making a joint research project. Yu was almost as surprised as the Fuhrer's own people by the request, to say the least. He couldn't believe that the Reich felt they could duplicate this effort, though Himmler stated their development was not the same as the device Nirrti had used. Theirs relied on complex material that had to almost completely in case a target to defeat visual, high energy and microwave radiation, and used various field emitters to counter subspace and radio scanners. It could not be something that someone could wear as easily as Nirrti had, but would likely work. The claim that the Tauri had made that it was based on Reetu phasing was unlikely. Nirrti certainly seemed to fear normal weapons as well as Transphase eradicators while cloaked, and Yu was not aware of any research on this topic that had succeeded beyond those weapons themselves and their scanners. It was likely a bluff on the part of the Tauri, them only knowing that Nirrti possessed the device, not what it was, and had merely stated that the Tokra knew of Nirrti's research on Reetu to push her to demonstrate the tech. And it had worked.

Without Nirrti's device itself though they were still unsure. It was more likely 'merely' an invisibility device rather than a true phasing device, but it was still faintly possible the latter was the case. Thus Yu suggested another joint project to develop a more potent, ship based version of the transphasic eradication weapon. His previous efforts (admittedly limited due to him not feeling it important at the time) had failed to get a weapon that could have any serious range in combat, making it all but useless. Himmler did not really want to get into weapons development with Yu, as he may derive some of the Uberbeams capabilities, the one major advantage they had over the Goa'uld at present, but in the end decided the risk of one of the other System Lords getting a phasing ship that was immune to any weapon the Reich could field was too great and he agreed.

All this cooperation with Yu on scientific and engineering matters greatly disturbed a number of those in the military, party and in the SS. Curiously Meyer, although reserved, agreed with the Fuhrer. The danger was just too great and risky measures were necessary. Schmidt was uncertain, and would much rather hold off on any cooperation on such a scale until they knew that Yu had at least used the Enhanced version of the Bio-Repair Pod they had given him. So far Yu had not mentioned it, or the improved version he was supposed to be making and sharing with the Reich.

Two Goa'uld scientists arrived two days later and joined the projects on the 'cloaking armor' and the 'transphase cannon'. The very fact that Yu sent merely one Goa'uld to each project showed his arrogance in such matters, but in the latter project the scientist, one Ten'tow, was instrumental. The Reich had never seen transphasic eradication rods before and were unsure where to start on the project. In turn Ten'tow seemed impressed by some of the Reich's techniques, though still holding typical Goa'uld arrogance and claiming that their way was immeasurably better. The cloaking project however seemed a reverse of the situation. The Goa'uld was arrogant (as always), irritating, not terribly helpful and generally most of the work was being done by the Reich scientists and engineers.

If this did not improve soon they were going to contact Yu and demand a different Goa'uld be sent in his stead!

 

[Patupi]

May 1999

When contacted Yu claimed that the belligerent Goa'uld, Deone, was his expert on transphasic eradicators and he would be the one doing the research. Another might be able to work on the project, but would be much less effective. The Reich vented their grievances, but acquiesced and continued working with him through clenched teeth.

However, despite his annoying behavior, progress was made. Initial ideas to expand the phasic bolt to a large 'energy projectile', as Yu had attempted previously, were decided against. Work in previous years had not made any headway in this endeavor and it was felt a different approach was needed.

The second thought was to use a transphasic explosive warhead in a missile. Though such a device could be made, transphasic energy was best used in a coherent, focused manner and installing such a focused device as a warhead seemed to produce poor results in simulation. As some kind of close range drone weapon it might work, developing a rapid pulse fire which, over time, might be significant, but overall it was seen as a poor space-based weapon.

The Reich had been doing research on particle beams and suggested a meld of beam and phasic technology, but were unsure how such could be achieved. The Reich had been focusing on neutral particle beams with no charge that had more effective range characteristics than charged particle beams in the vacuum of space. However when the idea was put forth Deone suggested a charged particle beam with a weak magnetic envelope, similar to the containment used on plasma cannon bolts, to decrease range dissipation.

At first it was seen as difficult to marry the three technologies, particle beams, plasma EM fields and transphasic energy, into one weapon, but Deone was impressed when a Reich researcher managed to make a carried plasma field resonate and generate a transphasic pulse. It seemed the weapon would work, and would be fairly long ranged, possibly comparable to a deathray! However, as it focused on matter harmonic interaction it was likely to have poor effect on shields. The researchers did not mention to Deone that this would be a perfect match, even against non-phased ships, with their deathrays. One to knock shields down, the other to strike at the hull. It seemed this would produce results the Reich would like even if phased cloaks never became a reality.

Now that the design had been found they just needed to 'merely' develop the weapon and build it. Unfortunately this would likely take some considerable time.

Meanwhile the Great Return fleet had arrived in the Sol sector and begun it's survey. One transport dropped a gate they brought with them (despite the gate research project decrying the lost materials) on a planet in the area. A moderately hospitable, if not one with a breathable atmosphere. Further supplies could now be received from here while the survey continued. The transports were kept with the battlecruiser here while the destroyers surveyed stars in the vicinity. Surprisingly they found Sol fairly quickly, and five days before the planned rendezvous with the Tauri 'shuttle' the fleet (minus one transport and a destroyer to guard the gate world) jumped into the Reich's system of origin for the first time. The fleet stationed itself in a hovering 'non-orbit' close in to the darkside surface of the moon and began to listen in to the considerable radio chatter, while the battlecruiser, the Fuchs, waited the last few days for the rendezvous. Finally the time came and it closed on the small vessel sent to them.

It was an odd ship, a winged craft, larger than any aerodynamic craft the Reich had bothered with, and had a multi-purpose cargo bay in it's center section that seemed currently filled with two pods. One was a small habitation and sensor pod, and the other a fuel extension tank. It seemed the ship was rather basic, if technically adept in it's way. It must have some kind of parent launch vessel to reach orbit on it's own as there is no way it's engines had the efficiency for such a trip alone.

Luckily the 'shuttle' does fit (just) in the entranceway to the fighter bay. It's maneuvering systems seem slow, but accurate, and it certainly isn't a military craft. With the bay's gravity slowly coming on it's wheels touch down and the bay is pressurized. It's an historic moment and two senior party members (both high ranking staff under the Fuhrer in the government back home, the only two that could be spared for such a long range journey), the battlecruiser's captain and SS adjutant and a Wehrmacht commander of the ship's marines, meet the representatives. Surprisingly the members of SG1 are present along with a senator Kinsey and a couple of staff. Kinsey in particular does not look too well, zero gravity not agreeing with him apparently. At least now they are on the battlecruiser the artificial gravity seems to ease his stomach.

In total the shuttle has brought twelve people aboard, five of which are the flight crew. From surreptitious scans it seems the ship's normal complement is seven crew, extended for this mission by the habitation pod. It also seems to have relatively short ranged lifesupport, perhaps a week at best with the current crew present (possibly the craft would manage two weeks with it's base crew alone), so they wouldn't have been able to wait long in orbit if the Reich had been a little late.

After being shown to staterooms and taking a rest for the night, they convene for a meeting in the tactical chamber, which has been re-purposed as a conference room for the moment. Captain Wagner and SS commander Theiss are none too impressed with Kinsey, his posturing and self aggrandizing reminding them more of a Goa'uld than a human, but they continue the negotiations. Before allowing a landing the pompous senator demands a thorough examination of the vessel by his staff, no doubt to attempt to find out what they can about the defensive and offensive weapons the ship carries. When informed that this battlecruiser is not intended to land, but that a destroyer will be used (ring transporters allowing connection to the transports when needed) he seems a little annoyed at the lost chance of examining this larger, more impressive ship, but agrees. The Reich however do not agree. If the Tauri are to inspect the landing ship thoroughly (which is a 3rd gen destroyer, not a top of the line craft thank goodness) then his people must be allowed to thoroughly examine the SGC and it's facilities.

Kinsey almost goes through the roof at this, stating it is completely ridiculous infringement of security protocols. O'Neill however seems more amused by the whole proceedings and interjects with a calm "Sure. Su casa mi casa." much to Kinsey's annoyance, and starting a muted argument between the two. Captain Wagner suspects O'Neill is so giving simply as he doesn't believe there is much to see that the Reich don't already have. Whether he is correct in this assumption is unclear.

It's obvious from the glances and heated voices shared around the room that Kinsey is not popular among his own people either, but they've seemingly been ordered to cooperate and the harsh words soon die down. Wagner can appreciate loyal troops, though he doubts they'd have similar loyalty if given an order by Kinsey.

After some further talks, with much of the conversation monopolized by Kinsey, an arrangement is met. Both sides will allow such tours of the other's facilities, but with strict limits. 'Off limits' areas are not to be examined or scanned at all. Frankly the Reich would have pushed for that anyway if Kinsey hadn't, though they make a show of tiredly accepting the concept. Even a slightly older design of destroyer is not something they wish the SGC to peruse at will in detail. They would have preferred to use the old Zyphr class 1st gen destroyers for this mission, but none of those have the stealth upgrades that these destoyers and the single battlecruiser have.

The tours are rather enlightening. Both of them. The Reich make sure all security systems are activated, and specialists in human nature are monitoring the features of all of the representatives from Earth, finding out what they are surprised at and what they find unimpressive. Hopefully this will give an idea of what their technology is like, no matter what they allow the Reich to view later. A few of Kinsey's staff (and Kinsey himself unfortunately), along with Major Samantha Carter and Dr Daniel Jackson peruse various levels of the destroyer. Major Carter seems very interested in shields and propulsion, and Doctor Jackson in the crew quarters and the crew themselves. Kinsey of course wants to see the weapons, and is annoyed when told those areas are off limits. Captain Wagner had considered making the shielding areas off limits too, but the systems are mostly contained within the massive housings and very little observable would show the visitors anything they could use. The propulsion system is partially visible from the outside anyway, and the couter-rotating disks are fairly obvious when active. Attempting to hide that side of it is fairly pointless. The interior gridwork of Naquadah rings perhaps less so, but since they are such a major part of the ship it's hard to do a tour without showing some of them. The Reich hardly believe these primitives could duplicate the design without many years of effort anyway.

Kinsey attempts rather crude flattery and other psychological efforts to ingratiate himself with the crew. Wagner is rather disgusted by the whole thing, but instructs his crew not to rise to the man. Simply nod and ignore him. He attempts to do the same.

The opposing tour, down in the SGC, will have to wait a little while. However Wagner offers the SG team to ride with him in a small Reich transport instead of their shuttle. They promise to abide by any flight instructions the humans dictate, but no ground personnel will be allowed on board the transport while it is down there. They fail to mention that their ring transports will maintain contact between the transport and the fleet up here.

***

"So, enjoying the view?"

The robot O'Neill turned to see the General... what was his name? Oh right. Gruben... something... no... Grunwald.

"It's sure impressive, I'll give you that."

The well built man in the jet black uniform (that thankfully did not have the SS insignia emblazoned on it and looked far more functional) stood next to him.

"Yes. Teutonia viewed from orbit will always fill my heart with joy. Seeing our world in all it's glory never fails to stir the soul."

Jack stared at him for a few moments in silence.

"You know, you guys aren't how I pictured you."

Grunwald snorted.

" 'Us guys?' Yes, I believe I've read your prejudice against us."

"Hey I'm not prejudiced!" Jack started, but Grunwald merely stared at him, raising an eyebrow quizzically. "Well... you know... not to anyone that doesn't deserve it." He ended awkwardly. "OK. Maybe a little. But you gotta admit, the record isn't in your favor."

Grunwald sighed.

"Really? So liberating multiple worlds, peacably I might add, not through invasion, fighting the Goa'uld for decades, assisting the Asgard with their Protected Planets treaty, rescuing an entire people at considerable expense when their world was threatened by Camulus, all this means nothing?"

"Um.... I meant the whole Evil Axis, threaten to conquer the world, Jewish extermination thing actually."

Grunwald fixed him with a stare.

"I see. World War Two I believe you term it? You believe we should be held responsible for what Hitler did, in a separate regime from ourselves, over forty years ago? So, perhaps we should seek reparations for crimes your people performed during the war?"

"Hey, we weren't guilty of war crimes! And besides, all that was sorted out ages ago!" Grunwald simply raised an eyebrow. "... and you think that absolves you?"

"Are you still at war with Germany?"

"Well..." Jack thinks for a minute, "...there was that incident with BMW a few years back." he said, then became more serious. "OK, no. Not so much. But don't think that lets you off the hook! You are the same government as those Jackboot wearing thugs!"

"Really? And you know this how?" Grunwald said, then stepped forwards to the glass wall. "We have grown, changed, and evolved our government over the years. I seriously doubt if you saw our capital without knowing ahead of time who we were that you would have the same attitude."

"Well, the Swastikas would be a bit of a giveaway."

Grunwald chuckled.

"Perhaps. Anyway, this is beside the point. Have you made a decision?"

Jack sighed, looking pensively at the man before him.

"We can't join you." He said softly. "Don't think we don't appreciate the guesture, and seeing this," Jack gestured at the view outside, taking in the view of the orbital docks as a cruiser slowly pulled away from the slips after being upgraded, "certainly makes it tempting, but we can't. We might not be the original SG1, but we can't side with you against our home."

"Who said it would be against your home?" Grunwald said, irritated. "Look, the other reason I am here today is to inform you that we recently contacted Earth, both via gate, and yesterday with ships in orbit. We are beginning negotiations with the American government, though things are progressing slowly. Do you know Senator Kinsey?"

Jack frowned.

"Nope, never met the man."

"Be thankful. From what I hear he is hindering the meeting somewhat. Your counterparts are present and they feel equally at odds with him. From the reports I'm reading I assume they are under orders to behave or the other Colonel O'Neill would have knocked the man out already."

"That bad huh?" Jack shrugged. "Well, me and politicians don't often get along." He paused, watching Grunwald for a few seconds as he stared out at the planet below. "So. What now? You lock us up and take us apart piece by piece to see what makes us tick?"

Grunwald laughed.

"Well, some of the less reputable members of the SS did suggest holding you to examine, though even they were merely talking about intensive scans, but no. That isn't on the cards. You will be free to go Colonel."

Jack blinked.

"Just like that?"

"Just like that." Grunwald agreed simply. "We respect you Colonel, and we have the limited scans that you agreed to. Honestly I would rather have access to this mind uploading technique you have. This, combined with our more advanced computers would be very useful. However I respect your will in this. I do however ask that you do not inform the original SGC about our contact. They have been.... highly secretive themselves, especially about us contacting the rest of Earth, and we are not happy about this. We feel if the contact between us and your team was known it would hinder negotiations. Given your reaction they would automatically assume we had taken you apart to see what makes you tick, yes?"

Jack smiled.

"I can see that might be an issue. Well don't worry. We don't have regular contact with Earth." Jack said, not mentioning the minor fact that Earth wasn't even aware they were out using the gate again!

"Thank you. We promise not to track your gate transit to your origin, though I admit we have the capability." Jack raised an eyebrow at this. "However we will give you a gate address. If you need to contact us dial it and you can communicate directly. I wouldn't travel through the gate. We have defenses that would... well, you would not survive the transit."

Jack chuckled.

"Yeah. Trust me. Know all about that! We have our own gate defense system. Same deal." Grunwald nods in acknowledgement. "OK, thanks."

"Might I suggest the possibility of trade between us in the future? I'm certain we can assist you in some way, and it's obvious you have some areas of expertise we lack."

Jack paused, eyeing the General.

"Well, we'll see. You understand we don't want to share the gate address of our current base of operations, right? So it's a case of 'Don't call us, we'll call you.' Though not in a bad way."

"Understood Colonel, and yes, I understand. I will add that your originals have recently had another success. Have you heard of Hathor?"

"Oh yes. We've... met." Jack said with an annoyed look.

"Well, you needn't worry on that score any longer. They have killed her a few months ago apparently. I heard that you... they, we're responsible for killing Ra as well?" Jack nods. "Well done, though perhaps not the most ideal of outcomes. He was holding the System Lords back, stopping them from becoming too powerful individually. There are already signs that some have used previously forbidden technology to stake their claim in the galaxy. The repurcussions of this will likely be felt for a long time. I hope it ends well."

"Me too General. Me too." Jack said, staring out at the planet below, standing beside the surprisingly likable Nazi.

Not a thought Jack ever thought he would be having! Nice Nazis? Wierd!

 

[Patupi]

May 1999

The stealth/invisibility project with Ten'tow seemed to be going well. Already the basic Stealth systems had been integrated with several anti-sensor systems Yu possessed (though they hardly thought it would be all of Yu's capabilities, just as the Reich was not letting on about it's Meson scanner) and had a very competent stealth system already. The invisibility side of it was a little more involved. Ten'tow was impressed with the grid aligned, integrated, light distortion field, but it's limitation of only working on individual fixed frequencies seemed difficult to overcome. The energy of the grid-like EM distorting hull was tied to the frequency of the light that was distorted. Changing it merely changed to a different type of light that it was invisible to. There were some ideas that Ten'tow had suggested, but she felt it would be worthwhile to attempt a 'mere' stealth craft first. The stealth side of the equipment was only partly involved in hull material, but mostly tied into the larger stealth field emitters placed around the vehicle. These emitters could be mounted fairly easily, and the hull coating could be put on top of standard ablative coating. Thus ordinary ships could be upgraded to stealth status with only medium work in a shipyard. The invisibility side would be far more involved (when they perfected it) and would need a highly specialized hull built to accommodate it.

Work was begun on three 4th gen destroyers and two 1st gen destroyers (to prove it could work with something that crude, and because they had bigger missile bays), upgrading them to ships actually better than the current Zyklon B model in stealth ability. They should be ready early the next month.

In addition to this work, a new design was being developed that they hoped would carry the full cloak system when developed. That model was somewhat different in design. It used nine gravdrives, rather than a gravrider system, the pods arranged in rings of three each. Normally only three operating at a given time, while the other six rested. For brief spurts of an hour at a time the craft could match a destroyer in acceleration, though normally it was far slower. Since it didn't rely on the large counter rotating disks of the grav rider system the ship could be a different shape... and a long cylindrical form was chosen. It was labelled a 'Corvette' as it was half as long as a destroyer at only forty meters, but it was far less capable, being so thin. However, the entire ship had only three weapon systems. Two light deathray cannon turrets on either side, but also an Uberbeam cannon, the smallest yet built, running the length of the ship. Power requirements for the weapon were beyond the ship's fusion plant could supply, so it could only be charged for one strike from batteries before requiring a two minute recharge. However it could fire from cloak (if the supposition about the yet to be developed cloak was correct) and even though it's position could be pinpointed while firing in theory shields should still function while in cloak... however it was uncertain yet how strong such shields could be before their energy signature would give away the ship's position. Current guesses were that the shield would not provide much protection.

The small size and odd shape were so that the ship should (just) fit through a stargate. It would be tight but doable, and a prototype being built on Leere was being fitted with a Reich built pedestal gate control system that should over-ride the local pedestal. The ability to deploy such a large craft through a gate was tantalizing. It should be more powerful than an Al'kesh, cloakable, with bursts of speeds that an Al'kesh wouldn't be able to match (though it's 'cruise' speed would be lower than an Al'kesh'). In addition to the grav drives the ship did include a small ion drive for maneuvering beyond any gravity fields, but this would not provide much acceleration.

The ship's frame rapidly grew on Leere as funding was diverted to the project, but currently the outer hull had to be left off as the cloak systems were integral to that hull, and they hadn't been developed yet!

Meanwhile over Earth, now that the deal had been made successfully with the Americans and the personnel had finished their tour of the destroyer RDT-002 (Reich Destroyer Tarn (Steath- or rather camouflage)) it seemed Kinsey was blustering, probably in an effort to stall the tour of the SGC in return. After some pointed arguments the corollary is organized and the Reich's transport vessel launches.

The transport is also disk shaped, using the grav-rider drive, but is only twenty three meters in diameter, holding nine people at maximum. With SG1 and Kinsey this leaves four Reich personnel... though of course the Tauri are (hopefully) unaware that the transport has a ring system and can call for help on very short notice.

Under cover of darkness and with the US shutting down certain civilian radars in the area, the transport comes in to land at a prepared spot near the SGC. Prefab towers are lifted, fabric covers drawn over the vehicle to cover it, and SG1, Kinsey and three Reich personnel (including SS Commander Theiss) are escorted into the base, while the transport's systems go into high security mode. In early morning when it's less obvious the ring system brings down eight troops to guard the ship.

Meanwhile the Reich is given a tour of the SGC, obviously without seeing certain areas. The two troops chosen to escort Theiss have been trained to not give much away with their expressions and mannerisms, so hopefully if they encounter anything shocking it won't be evident. One thing odd does show up immediately. Despite the human's not possessing crystal control systems they have a surprisingly advanced computer system in the base. It is difficult to tell from merely seeing computer screens but it looks like a very competent network, and in fact the networking itself seems odd. Almost as if there is no central control computer.

During the course of the tour the Reich learn that humans seem to have found innovative ways of connecting computer systems with a highly complex infrastructure, and in fact there are mentions of 'the net' which seems to be some kind of global version of this computer connection. Word is passed to the fleet to begin scanning for connections to this net, but so far this has proven tricky. A few direct satellite connections from television companies have been piggy-backed to gain access to some systems, but finding the encoding used is slow work. Their systems do however seem slow, if very complex. Perhaps it is only the software that is advanced, not the hardware?

While this is ongoing the trip around the base continues, and the Reich is openly impressed by the nature of a lot of the layout. Heavy bulkheads to seal the base off during incursions. Various lockouts evident from some kind of palm scan consoles (presumably some kind of identity scan system) and heavy use of wandering patrols throughout the base. The central power and computer areas are off limits, but they pass close to the barracks. Though they can't get a look in, it seems they have quite a few areas. Curiously the few marked layouts indicate the SGC favor many smaller squads, perhaps as few as six or even four men! Unusual to say the least.

Also there seems no arrangement for aircraft to fly through the gate at all. They carefully fail to comment on that, but wonder if the layout is set up for any vehicles at all. It's possible they have more setup arranged for stealth missions where such vehicles would be counter productive, but to have none? Very odd.

Before heading down to the planet Wagner told Theiss that he was willing to do a small trade, but not for any major technology, if anyone suggested it. Perhaps an exchange of older hand held weapons systems for anything that Theiss considered worthwhile. So far little has been seen that he considered so, though he is considering looking at a computer. While seemingly primitive the interface systems look interesting, especially these 'mouse' data input devices. Just the concept alone however would likely be enough for their own people, and might be better than the bulky touch screen systems they use at the moment. Using a gridwork of detection systems around a screen makes the screen much heavier than the obviously lighter weight CRTs the SGC use. Reich scientists have recently been experimenting with using crystal wafers to generate thin screen displays, but so far have not been successful, and it seems the humans have similar problems. One or two such displays are shown in certain places, but otherwise it is all primitive cathode ray tubes, not even the current Reich Ionic collimator displays.

At the end of the day very little is decided, though the tour itself is interesting. The Reich is left with mixed impressions of the Tauri. Some advances certainly, and an air of competence, but also some curious gaps in the defenses. When Kinsey does not ask for a trade Theiss thinks he will return home empty handed, but O'Neill does ask about such things. Specifically if they are willing to trade for 'Honking great space guns'.

This is tricky. The Reich do not want to hand over any details on Deathrays. Heatrays are a very old technology they might be willing to trade for, but is wary about it. Theiss asks to confer with his superiors.

There then follows a disaster when a panicked report from his ship says multiple Tauri troops are attacking the transport, having already breached the hull and are now Reich and Tauri troops are pinned down in one corridor.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING AT?" Theiss demands of General Hammond, and the SGC goes on alert as the destroyer in orbit that was going to land now comes into a lower orbit over the SGC.

SGC staff claim to have no knowledge of these events, and despite warnings that if it is not stopped now the Reich will retaliate things spiral out of control, the Tauri troops proving more effective than would be expected and breaking through into the center section of the transport before they can launch, and allowing only one group to ring down before they are too close to the ring chamber to risk bringing down more.

Theiss demands to leave now, and that all troops pull back from the transport immediately. Kinsey gets angry, saying this must be some sort of Reich plot, using that ship as a weapon against them. Theiss begins to suspect he knows all about the plan but what he expects to gain is hard to tell.

A crewman on the transport however sees a group of six troops break through the lines, crash through into a secondary room, and fumble with a Goa'uld looking armband. Luckily the ring transports here are Reich built and the rings to not respond to the Jaffa controller the Tauri troops have. Meanwhile, without orders, it seems SG1 has taken a jeep to the location and manages to break through the troops in the area, killing two and wounding four as they break into the ship. While Theiss manages to get Hammond to let him leave the base, much to Kinsey's chagrin, SG-1 pins down the Tauri troops and demands their surrender. The few Reich personnel still in position are surprised by the move, SG1 basically risking it's life for the Reich personnel present.

After a worrying stalemate the troops stand down and SG1 and other SG teams arriving, escort the troops off the ship.

Theiss, arriving outside the transport is infuriated.

"If I ever find you are behind this Kinsey I will personally eviscerate you with extreme prejudice!" he says with a calm expression. Then to the others. "I am grateful that you recovered those responsible for this attack on us. Will you turn them over to us for justice?"

There then follows a very heated argument about who gets to charge the captives. Theiss watches this rather carefully, and decides that the first impressions he had was right. The SGC personnel seemed to have nothing to do with this incident, but Kinsey and others in the American hierarchy did. This does not bode well for the organisation. If the US is this fractured in purpose how can the Reich deal with them, let alone other governments?

Theiss allows the majority of the enemy troops to be taken by the SGC, but demands two he picks (he thinks likely squad leaders) to be taken and tried as responsible for the incident on Reich soil. If Reich troops had committed atrocities on Tauri soil he would have expected no less in return.

Kinsey threatens an incident over such things, but Theiss merely looks at him curiously. O'Neill states it quite succinctly.

"OK, you're threatening the guy with two, huge flying saucers with deathrays poised overhead? ARE YOU NUTS?"

Reluctantly, Kinsey agrees and tempers calm. Hammond swears he knew nothing of the incident and Theiss believes him, but that only makes matters worse. If this can happen with the head of their off world facility not knowing?...

Obviously no trades will happen now, and the proposed landing is scrubbed. Possible requests to interact with other governments on an escorted basis (without revealing who the Reich were) are also scrubbed. The Reich will have to find other ways to contact Germany.

As they lift off in the transport from this fiasco of a mission they find that the Reich code breakers in the ships above have at least hacked the video encoding system used by the majority of the Tauri, and are somewhat amused to find a few TV stations showing views of a 'UFO' floating above the US. Thankfully it left orbit shortly after the amateur pictures were taken so no observatories have images of it, but it shows that the SGC may not be able to hold the secret for much longer.

Needless to say the fleet remains mostly hidden behind the moon while the battlecruiser and the destroyer stay in high orbit while the transport rendezvous with them. Hopefully the next meeting can be somewhat calmer, if the Reich want any further meetings with the Americans! No one is sure what the Fuhrer will order when he gets word of what happened here!

 

[Patupi]

May 1999

"This is bullshit!"

Hammond raised an eyebrow at O'Neill's outburst as they sat in the breifing room. Obviously Jack felt somewhat annoyed at the whole situation. George couldn't blame him.

"Colonel, we have our orders. The prisoners will be handed over to NID authority in two hours. Believe me, I've attempted to fight this, but it comes from the top. By all means do what you can to get anything out of them within that time, but they will be shipped out when the trucks arrive."

Jack glared at Hammond, then couldn't help but flick a gaze at Daniel.

"Don't go thinking a civilian can do what you can't Jack." the General said pointedly. "After that mess with the Reich we're under close scrutiny."

"Oh come on! We had nothing to do with that. Hell, we even stopped the double crossing, backstabbing team that did. And now we have to turn them over to the NID? Do we know why? After that whole Touchstone deal they don't exactly fill me with confidence in dealing with situations like this."

Hammond sighed.

"That was a rogue operation Jack. Checks and balances have been set up I have been assured." He held up a hand in anticipation of Jack's comments. "I know, I know. Who watches the watchers. Not our call."

Sam shook her head while Jack just fumed.

"But... this makes no sense sir." She said. "Is the President really OK with this? I mean, surely he must know these people must have some incriminating evidence against whoever organized this? And with the Reich keeping hold of two of them... "

"I think the President is having to deal with a lot of pressure from congress right now. Those that know about the Stargate program that is. Things are beginning to spiral out of control.."

"Sir? I have a..." Walter said, sticking his head around the door to interrupt, but was interrupted himself as someone else stepped by him in an Airforce Colonel uniform.

"Sorry for the intrustion General, but I'm afraid I have bad news."

Jack winced.

"Maybourne? Let me guess, you're here early to recover your people, right?"

Harry raised an eyebrow as he put his cap under his arm.

"I'm here for the prisoners Colonel, yes, but unfortunately that isn't my sole duty." He said, and solomnly handed a sealed envelope to General Hammond. "I'm sorry General, but this comes from on high. I wish it could be another way."

Jack frowned as Hammond opened and read the sealed orders, his expression getting darker as he read more.

"This is ridiculous!" He said, almost yelling. "Now of all times, just after we arranged a treaty with the Goa'uld and the Asgard? We need to be out there now!"

Daniel raised a hand hesitantly, glancing between Maybourne and Hammond.

"Wait, they're shutting us down again?"

Hammond took a deep breath.

"Not just shutting down, but the gate is to be shipped out immediately to a new facility. An NID facility!" He said, staring at Maybourne piercingly.

"I promise this was not my idea General. I'm just following orders." Harry managed weakly while looking decidedly nervous.

"Just like that? This is insane!" Jack said, just beating Sam to the punch by the look on her face. Teal'd sat smoldering to one side, his opinion on the matter plain to see by the heavily clenched jaw muscles.

Hammond fixed Maybourne with a stare and waved the orders.

"I will fight this Colonel."

"Feel free to use your red phone General, but my orders are to begin to set up for gate shipment immediately. Have the gate unconnected now. Please." He added with a concerned expression.

With that he turned and left the room, putting his cap back on.

"We can't take this sitting down can we sir?" Sam asked.

"He seemed very sure of himself, but I'll sure try." Hammond said, getting up and leaving himself. "Dismissed." He added before he left.

"We can't just do nothing." Daniel said.

Jack pondered, then look up at the ceiling, his eyes unfocused.

"Well... I can think of something. Risky, and it means trusting someone we barely met."

Daniel followed Jack's gaze upwards.

"No... Oh no. After all your talk about them?" He said caustically.

"Give me another choice Daniel."

Silence reigned for a few seconds and Jack merely nodded in response.

***

Up in high orbit the battlecruiser Fuchs and the accompanying destroyer were observing terrestrial channels.

"They don't exactly seem to be... cohesive, do they sir?" Theiss said to Wagner as they skimmed various channels regarding the state of the world.

Wagner didn't deign to comment, merely pointing to icons on the secondary display and having the Lieutenant on duty switch again. Theiss shook his head.

"How have they managed? I mean, killing Ra? Hathor? Surviving even three years against the Goa'uld? All on some tinpot little project, underfunded, understaffed, and founded by just one of those Nations?"

"Once we were not very large either, though I admit their efforts are a little extreme." Wagner finally said softly. "Have we had word from the Fuhrer yet as to our response to this... debacle is?"

Theiss shook his head. He was about to answer when one of the other crew spoke up.

"Captain? We have a modulated, low frequency, heatray audio broadcast incoming, unfiltered but beamed straight at us."

"On speaker." Wagner said bruskly.

The crewman did as asked and a communication came over the tannoy.

"...you immediately on a matter of extreme importance. Please respond. This is the Colonel Jack O'Neill of the Stargate Command, we need to talk to you immediately on a matter of extreme importance. Come on guys, pick up already! This is Colonel Jack..."

Wagner leaned over, took a headset and put it on, stabbing an over-ride button on the panel before him responding to the hail on an equally tight beam response.

"I read you Colonel. What do you want?" Wagner said simply.

"OK, well, nice to hear from you again. You'll apologize if I skip the meet and greet but we have a serious situation down here. Those guys that pulled a fast one on us and tried to snatch your shuttle? They've pulled a runaround through channels and I can't fight it here. The Stargate is being moved to a new location, I don't know where. If you can do something... preferably without shooting the place up... we'd appreciate it."

Wagner paused. Good god, this these people have ANY control over their own organizations?

"I understand Colonel. I appreciate your trust in coming to me with this. I promise I will do my best to not 'Shoot the place up'. Do not worry about it's location. We can find the Stargate. Wagner out." he said, not wanting to hear any more of this fiasco.

"What are we going to do sir?" Theiss said nervously. "I thought our orders were to not challenge the existing authority holding the gate until we had more information?"

"And we will not 'challenge' them commander. No. We will simply have a chat with them. Track the residual gate energy signature to it's new location and prep a transport and a flight of Jaeger-1120VTs as escort. Instruct the pilots to keep hold of their guns. I do not want them to fire unless fired upon. Is that understood?"

Theiss nodded, then strode out of the room towards the flight bay.

"Very well Colonel, we will see can do to pull you from the fire. This will not be a free deal." He muttered to himself.

***

The crane carried the gate from the crawler that had pulled it out of the Galaxy transport and begun the laborious process of swinging it vertical. Harry watched the proceedings nervously as the accessway was opened up beneath it.

"Sir?" A lieutenant said, saluting as he came up. "The base power systems are now back up and operational."

Harry stared on as the gate was steadied and then slowly lowered into the gap. It would have been far easier to use a helicopter for this, but so far no US versions could carry the 64,000lbs of gate. The Russians had a couple that could, and there were a few US design variants of the Super Stallion that might be cut back make it possible, but it was stretching it a lot. He had doubts they could increase lift on the S-80E enough to cope. Acknowledging the Lieutenant finally with a nod he turned to him.

"This place should have been operational over a year ago, but... certain players," Kinsey, the damned idiot, "have made attempting to use the gate anywhere other than the SGC untenable."

"With all due respect sir, I don't see why we needed to move the gate. Security around Stargate Command has been fine so far, hasn't it?"

Harry stared at him, considering the various incidents that had occurred over the last two years. 'Skin of your teeth' doesn't begin to cover it.

"Lets just say we feel things will be better here Lieutenant."

He stared back at the hole as the gate slid out of sight, slowly being lowered to the new gateroom below. While he gazed on another airman ran up.

"Sir, we have seven contacts at sixty thousand feet and dropping rapidly, right overhead!" Harry glanced up and his eyes went wide as a flaring orange dot was visible up there. "Dropping VERY rapidly sir!" He said, waving Harry inside.

Maybourne merely pushed forward.

"If they wanted to attack they could have done so from orbit. Lets see what they want shall we?"

***

The transport touched down outside the base, in broad daylight and Harry winced as he wondered how many people had seen that. The other aircraft were obviously fighters, but hovering like Harriers around the craft. Four landed nearby, but the other two stayed airborne, circling the area slowly. Barely seconds after the main, disk shaped transport touched down the hatch opened and an SS man stepped out, followed by six guards in depressingly black full armor suits. The lead man was Theiss if his description in his SGC file did him any justice. Harry fixed his best diplomatic smile on and strode out.

"Welcome to Planetary Defense Headquarters commander. My name is Colonel Maybourne. To what do we owe this... unauthorized visit?"

"Security, Colonel." Theiss said simply.

Harry blinked as the man did not elaborate.

"Ah, well, it's nice of you to offer, but..." Theiss' gaze stopped Harry in mid-sentence. "OK, what specific security concerns troubled you?"

"I suggest we examine your new facility and we I can tell you." He said and started to walk towards the base entrance.

Airforce guards immediately raised their M-16s and snaps of raised MR-12s followed suit from the black armored troops. Theiss however raised a hand and the Nazi soldiers lowered their weapons.

"Colonel. I have just come from a briefing with my Captain. Wagner is not happy with the last incident we had here, and now this?" He said, waving a hand at the above ground portion of the base visible. "This does not instill him with confidence for our future dealings Colonel."

"I don't understand?" Harry said, honestly. "We are improving our defensive systems and should be able to..."

"Colonel. You indeed do not understand. Our concern is mainly the reason behind the move. We just finish dealing with a major incident, just after checking the gate and it's location, and the moment our tour is finished you move to a new location. You may understand why we are a little leery of that. It shows distinct lack of interest in any future dealings with ourselves if you care not one bit for our interests. What are you attempting to hide from us Colonel?"

Maybourne looked up at the impressive looking aircraft... ah, probably spacecraft, hovering up there, and gulped.

"I can see that you may have concerns, but rest assured that this has nothing to do with you commander. It is merely a coincidence."

Theiss stared at him for a few seconds, then visibly relaxed.

"Very well, I will accept that, as long as you reciprocate and allow us the same tour of the facility that you gave us at the SGC."

"I can't do that commander. Please, it's not up to me, this is a security issue!"

Theiss sighed and pinched his nose theatrically.

"So far I am not impressed with your security Colonel. I need to be absolutely sure you are secure from off world assault." He paused as Maybourne gave him another confused look. "Understand Colonel that your government has put us in a very difficult situation. We came here to contact our homeland, but once we arrived we found that the US government had already contacted Teutonia and arranged to be the only Nation we could talk to. You understand that that is not sitting well with us. Up till now we have been content to deal with you alone, but if these shenanigans continue we will be forced to ignore you and land in Germany directly."

That got Maybourne's attention!

"Please, you have to understand that wouldn't work. It would be a disaster!" He attempted.

"You have given us no reason to worry about your problems Colonel. Why should I care?"

"No, you don't understand. I'm not talking about just the repercussions to us, but to you." Theiss frowned. "Look, aside from the fact that we believe any release of information regarding the gate and the situation in the galaxy would cause mass panic, you landing in Berlin would be... Well. You are aware that the Swastika and the SS symbols are illegal in Germany?"

For a moment what he had just said made no sense to Theiss and he tried to comprehend what the man was saying. How can a symbol be...

"Explain." He said with ice in his voice, stiffening his shoulders with the aforementioned SS symbols emblazoned.

Harry gulped.

"Yes, of course. After World War Two Germany had a lot of problems dealing with the aftermath." Harry said, deciding to skip the whole 'East West' split thing for now. It would merely complicate matters. "With war attrocities and the attitude of the... SS, there was an anger felt by the whole country against the Nazi state and what it stood for." Despite the growing glare on Theiss' face Harry continued. "The whole issue with the Jews and the final solution was just the last nail in the coffin."

At this Theiss frowned.

"Ah yes, Hitler and his fascination with the Jews. What 'Final Solution' are you talking about?"

Harry glanced from Thiess to the black troopers and back again.

"The Third Reich decided the Jews were the source of all their problems and decided to... solve those problems. Permanently."

"Are you talking about those shipped off world?" Theiss said curiously. "I don't believe any of our current members knew anything of that, but it was hardly a 'final solution'. I can't imagine many were shipped and we do not have the gate code that they used unfortunately."

"You... wait, Jews were shipped through the stargate?" Harry paused. "That explains some of the disappearance. No, that wasn't what I meant. We have records of Concentration camps were Jews were exterminated by the millions, simply for the 'crime' of being Jewish."

"I see. Nasty situation, but given the idiot in charge back then hardly surprising. And this caused the backlash against the Nazis? Unfortunate. I take it they also do not allow a Nazi party if they've gone so far as to ban the Swastika."

"The Party...?" Harry said, then his eyes went wide. "You want to form a political party in Germany?" He seemed shocked by the idea.

"Of course. It is our homeland. I see we will have to do things slower. No matter. Since, as I said, we have agreed to deal purely through your country we need to ensure that our fatherland remains secure from attack. Our ships can maintain defense of the planet from orbit, but with a stargate on the ground it means an assault can come through that we cannot stop. We must be certain that you are capable of stopping such an assault. Hence our tour."

Maybourne looked around nervously.

"I understand completely, I do, but this doesn't alter the fact that you are not authorized to enter the facility. I can call my superiors, but with the trouble of late I hardly think you will be allowed entrance. We can perhaps deal with the matter more succinctly if we..."

"No. We will gain entrance to this base now and ensure it's security. If it is inadequate we will aid in improving it's defense." Maybourne's eyes opened once more at this. What? "If we are not allowed access then we will have to assume our agreement with the United States of America is null and void and we will have to seek contact with other Nations, specifically Germany to ensure it's survival in the case of a breach of your gate."

"I... Perhaps we can sort something out. You understand this is a top secret facility. We can't allow you full access." He said, wondering what kinds of 'aids' they were talking about.Soon Theiss and his guards were stomping down into the base and Harry was wondering how he was going to explain this to his boss.

***

"And here is the main barracks." Maybourne said proudly. "You understand I can't let you look inside."

"Oh, I understand completely." Theiss said dryly. "Besides it is hardly necessary. I can tell the limitations from here."

"What?"

Harry looked questioningly at Theis, the man's attitude beginning to annoy him.

"It is obvious you are completely unprepared for the situation here. The SGC at least had experience on their side, though frankly I wasn't that impressed with their facility either. Now you intend to use this disaster to defend the Earth? Are you insane?"

Through gritted teeth Maybourne forced his immediate retort back and attempted to calm down.

"With due respect 'commander' we have some experience with these matters, and just because our teams haven't gone off world does not mean we are unprepared."

"I see. How are you blocking your gate from unwanted intruders?" He said, starting back towards the already visited gateroom. Harry hurried to catch up again, waving the airmen down who had just been about to raise their weapons once more.

Back in the gateroom they stared at the new arrangement.

"About the only thing that is an improvement are the heavy turrets on the left and right walls." Theiss said. "And even those have completely inadequate armor. I'm fairly sure the SGC used mobile emplacements as they were aware their armor was inadequate to the job of blocking Ma'Tok weapon fire." He saw the slightly confused look on Maybourne's face. "Staff weapons Colonel. The name the Goa'uld give to staff weapons. The point is those weapons would not last long against a Jaffa assault, especially in the thousands."

"Well, as I was about to say, we do have a mechanism to avoid such incursions. An iris." He said, turning to the slitted, armored viewport to the observation control room.

"Iris, as in an iris valve?" Theiss said, then saw the Iris in question close over the gate, sealing it shut. "Interesting. I take it those leaves aren't even finish, but interlock once fully extended? Otherwise that would be useless."

"Oh yes. When interlocked they provide an almost mirror finish seal on the inside, held bare microns away from the event horizon of the wormhole. You see if..."

"I'm aware of basic Gate mechanics Colonel. Our shields do the same task. Though frankly we usually ensure the shields are overstrength just in case something does get through. How would you fare if a foe poured weapons fire through, the energy was not allowed to re-emerge other than as subatomic particles, how do you dissipate the heat and radiation from those particles when they impact the iris?"

"Yes, well, we have encountered that already. Or rather the SGC has. They were equally unable to stop the weapon that Sokar fired through the gate. In the end they had to acquiesce to Sokar's demands and hand Apophis over to him to stop the attack."

Theiss managed to hold his shock back as he heard this. Sokar had Apophis? He fielded such a weapon? Up till now it was merely an idea that the Reich had considered. Most Goa'uld gate shields were just strong enough to defend against normal assaults. They would likley fall to such a concentrated, prolonged attack as well. Reich shields less so perhaps. They did go overboard on those.

"I see. And you have a solution?"

"Well, we are considering a full, liquid nitrogen cooling system, circulating around the iris exterior. That should be enough to..." He was stopped as Theiss waved away Harry's comments.

"Inadequate. A shield system would be far more effective. I need to speak to your President immediately, partly about installing a Reich shield on this gate."

Maybourne managed, barely, to resist grinning from ear to ear.

"O... of course. Come with me and I'll get you a phone connection to the president."

***

Maybourne smiles as Theiss talked calmly on the red phone. Shields, honest to god shields! To hell with leaving them on the gate, the iris would do for that. As soon as these guys left they'd be stripping those things down to find out how they worked. Hopefully they could get them back together and re-installed before the Reich returned. If not, they probably could be fobbed off with some 'incompatibility issues' forcing them to dismount them to get them working correctly. Something could be done at least.

"Yes Mr President. I agree, the defenses here are completely inadequate." Harry winced at that, but at least... "Once the gate is re-installed back at the SGC we will mount the shield generators personally."

What?

Harry stared, wondering what he'd missed in the conversation. How could the president do this? He'd been told it had all been arranged, iron clad, no possible way around it. The SGC were out, the PDHQ were in! As soon as Theiss made his final remarks and put the phone down Harry stepped up.

"Commander, I understand you think our defense is an issue, but surely you can work with us to improve defenses here? This facility is..."

"Housing our enemies Colonel." He said, voice like ice. "I was told the prisoners from the attempt on our ship would be dealt with by the government directly. Instead we see them shipped onto trucks which came here. Please, tell me you can take me to them, locked in a cell, this instant?"

Maybourne's mouth was suddenly very dry.

"No? Didn't think so. Now, if you wish you can attempt that little fiasco once more. Trust me the Jaeger fighter floating up above are more than capable of leveling this facility completely if you decide to fight your president on this. However he HAS handed down an edict. Return the gate to the SGC. Move the prisoners to the appropriate authority NOW, and we will consider the issue solved. Defy us and very few of your people will be alive in a minute from now. My troops will likely survive. I might now. Then again... " He made a very feral smile. "Please, attempt it. I would enjoy the practice."

Maybourne sighed. It had happened again. And this time O'Neill wasn't even here!

"No, we won't go against a presidential order. Lieutenant, begin preparations to remove the gate."

This was not a happy day.

***

Up on the surface when Theiss was escorted back Maybourned groaned as a familiar smiling face showed itself.

"Hey, Maybourne. Fancy meeting you here? Ya know, it's odd. I get this call out of the blue, from the president no less, to escort the stargate back. You know anything about this?"

Harry gritted his teeth once more and ignored O'Neill and the rest of SG-1 as they organized the trucks to reload the gate onto the Galaxy transport plane.

"If you wish a more direct transfer our transport is capable of carrying the gate back to the SGC Colonel?" Theiss said to O'Neill.

"Thanks, really appreciate it, but I think we've got it." Jack said with another grin.

"You take care Harry. Hey, nice place you've got here? How long've you had this place ready?"

Harry didn't have an answer.

***

Back at the SGC Theiss looked over the mounting of the large cylindrical chambers holding the field coils for the shield generators as well as the smaller units mounted to four 'corners' of the gate. All the units were sealed and had alarms in case of tampering, but more than that they were rather old models, something equivalent to a thirty year old design. If the SGC did double cross them and opened them up to examine them they wouldn't gain much.

"There, I believe that fulfills our end of the arrangement O'Neill." Theiss said, and turned back to the group, Hammond at the head of the table. "Now, about our payment for saving your organisation."

"Hey, you got a good deal out of this already. We were the only ones dealing fairly with you!" O'Neill said indignantly.

"True, but this is a lot for us to put out for you Colonel. You expect us to do it for free?" He shook his head. "No. However we are open to whatever you believe is valuable enough to offer in exchange. We are hardly greedy Colonel."

General Hammond sighed.

"Commander. You understand we are not able to simply hand over United States advanced technology just like that." Theiss had to hold his tongue at 'advanced' "But anything we have here that you may need I think we can agree on."

Daniel was staring fixedly through the whole deal.

"Adresses."

"Daniel?" Sam said questioningly.

He turned to her, his gaze coming back inside the room at last.

"Adresses. Um, gate codes you call them. Dialing sequences. The Cartouch on Abydos was a secret of Ra, held for millenia, added to as he acquired information from his subject System Lords. I doubt any individual System Lord has that kind of address book now he's gone." He turned to Theiss "Would that be enough to return the favor?"

Theiss paused. That was... interesting.

"How many gate codes?"

"Thousands, many thousands." O'Neill said, in his best intellectual voice.

Theiss pondered.

"And these are codes that are mostly ones known only to Ra?"

SG1 glanced at each other.

"Well, we've run into the Gould a lot on our trips, so I'd say others of the snakes know a fair few of them. But I doubt any one snakehead knows many."

Theiss winced at 'Gould', but given the Colonel's irreverence it was forgivable. He pondered. There were two ways to take this, and given the conditions down here he was lothe to take the more giving option... however, this was Earth, and if he was honest with himself...

"To be frank, if what you say is true, that is worth far more than we have currently given you. I am willing to consider further trades for this database of gate codes. However do not consider this as forgiving what occurred here. Even if we consider you personally in the SGC to be honorable, it is obvious that as a people your Nation is not. I strongly suggest you get your government in order quickly."

O'Neill laughed.

"Of course. We just over throw the American government and... what? Put a totalitarian regime in place?"

"I was more thinking a Meritocracy, but at this point almost anything would be an improvement." Theiss growled, obviously thinking about those that had assaulted his ship rather than the people here at the table.

"Meritocracy?" O'Neill managed, Sam surprised he got the word right. "So... on Merit?"

"Basically sir. It means those that get into power are vetted to ensure they have the means as well as the right to rule."

"Indeed." Theiss said, getting an eyebrow raise from Teal'c.

"Wait, are you saying the Reich government is a Meritocracy?" Sam said incredulously.

"We are not quite there yet, but it is what we are striving for. The Fuhrer put plans in place specifically for that when he stipulated the limitation on a Fuhrer's term in office, as well as the procedure to replace him. We use a device called a character scanner that can directly determine a persons loyalty to the state as well as his competency a the task. Not all in government are made to use the character scanner prior to taking office, but all the major personnel are by now."

"That's... fair." Daniel said, not quite believing what he was saying. Jack caught his gaze and shrugged. Daniel just shrugged back, both not quite grasping this, though for different reasons.

"Well, I should return to my ship. I think others will be here to arrange such a deal. If it is in any way relating to any Reich technology I suspect my superior, Colonel General Meyers, will want to reprise his role as ambassador, especially when the... details concerneing how the SS handled themselves at the end of the war come to light. I feel certain he will want to assuage any fears you have in our esteemed organization."

Daniel put his head in his hands at 'esteemed organization' when referring to the SS, while Jack merely tried (unsuccessfully) to avoid choking.

"Very well, if you have no further questions I will bid you adieu." He said, clicking his heels together and nodding at General Hammond. He then had to go and spoil it with . "Heil Himmler!" with the obvious salute.

Jack just bit his lip.

 

[Patupi]

May 1999

When the Fuhrer learns via subspace relay through the nearby gate (delays, but extreme in message transfer. It would be nicer if subspace communications could function from Earth to Teutonia, but that would require relay stations with current Reich tech) what has transpired on Earth he is most definitely 'Not Amused'. What the Americans attempted to do is one thing, but to learn that they are holding the Reich back from contact with any other Earth Nation? Then, reading further through the report, he learns of the deal that Theiss has proposed. While approved after the fact by Wagner, the Captain's notes indicate he is not too happy with the way Theiss offered more than was necessary for this 'Cartouche'. The Fuhrer, more aware of the integral nature of the Stargate in the Goa'uld's power plays, is more interested in the set of gate codes, but still, offering more in trade than the SGC was asking for? In an effort to minimize this he asks what technology they have still in warehouses that is a) hopelessly out of date, b) still functional, and c) might be of some conceivable use to the Americans.

The stock of nearly 2000 Jaeger-950 that were smothballed after the Raubvogel went into mass production turns up as one solution. They were for a while used as system defense craft, as they had to have their wings manually folded (no motors in the wings for automatic folding), locked, shipped through a gate on transports, then the wings unfolded and locked once more and checked for flight worthiness. Even the following model, the 1050, could fly through the gate on it's own with it's stub wings, relying on the hydrogen fueled jets for hovering at low speeds.

It is guessed that modern American computers should be capable of equiping the Jaegers with flight systems and scanners, so it is proposed that not only weapons but all crystronics are also removed. At first that is considered all that is necessary, but the engines rely on Superconductive Naquadah storage batteries to give the plasma drive the engergy it needs to function. It's possible that the Americans have a battery capable of storing such large amounts of energy, but given their other technology it's not considered likely. In the end the Naquadah batteries are left in. The technology in making such batteries is fairly crude, relying more on the nature of Naquadah so it is hardly a state secret.

If the SGC can equip them with computers, scanners and weapons they should be a significant advantage for them, while not being much lost for the Reich. A consideration of also shipping a quantity of Naquadah instead of a large shipment of fighters as partial payment is considered. Earth appears bereft of Naquadah or Trinium deposits from what they can tell. Given that science up to the point Teutonia was founded had never heard of either that was guessed, but not proven. It could have been that the elements were merely incredibly rare, or were mostly buried deep underground. However scans from orbit and rough scans of the asteroid belt, have shown none of either material as yet. It's likely there is none in the solar system.

Thus trading for the material might be a boost, again without giving away extra technology.

The planet that the gate was put down on, while rather hostile in atmosphere, is useful by it's position, so a small base modelled on Leere is fabricated to act as a base of operations in the area. If the deal goes ahead the fighters can be shipped here and stored till a transport can ferry them to Earth.

Right now orders to be cautious in dealing with the Reich are made, and someone he trusts more than Theiss is sent through the gate and heads to Earth in a small FTL transport.

While he is enroute Himmler looks into matters closer to home.

The search for Sokar is not going well. One destroyer was lost last month, while it did recon from it's three other craft in the scout group. No trace of the ship was discovered, but nothign else was found in the region either. It might be that Sokar is responsible, but it could equally be some other threat. Yu has also lost ships, two complete groups of Al'kesh have disappeared, though after a week one returned and it was found it was some form of natural phenomena that disabled their drives over a world. Something given off by the star in that system. It was only coincidence that one of the Al'kesh's flight path did not intersect the planet when it occurred, though it took them a while of orbiting before the ship's drives came back on line. Being so specific this can't be what befell the other lost flight, so it is still unknown what occurred there.

Despite almost three quarters of the System Lord Council saying they will join the Reich's crusade against Sokar, few have given any ships to the cause. Camulus surprisinly has recently deployed three Hataks and a group of Al'kesh to the search, working with Yu's forces on the coreward region, but the others are still hemming and hawing, presumably hoping the Reich deal with the problem without them having to lift a finger.

During Council meetings, now often with the Fuhrer present (when he can get away from the duties of governance), it is obvious that Yu is getting more and more impatient. Privately Himmler has discussed the revalation that the Tauri were responsible for Ra's demise, and that Sokar was responsible for Apophis' disappearance. The former Yu reluctantly reveals he knew already. It seems to be a rather well known 'secret' that the Tauri caused his death by some accident or other, he had just been remiss in informing the Reich. Yu however had not heard any concrete evidience that Sokar was behind Apophis' vanishing act. He had suspected, and had of course told the council to attempt to get them to join forces, but without proof... Himmler promises to contact the Tauri and attempt to get some proof of Sokar's involvement with Apophis' capture.

Other than this the council meeting is unsually quiet, and afterwards Yu is worried. Normally there is squabbling and petty disagreements over territory and hosts, but there is little bickering at all. He suspects that they are dealing outside of the council session, locking both Yu and the Reich out of such contact. Himmler attempts to inquire, surrepticiously, with Camulus on this matter. He seems to be the most receptive of the System Lords at present, if a minor lord. But he merely warns against talking with the others on this subject and suggests Himmler drop the subject.

This is unnerving, and suggests far more cooperation than is normal between System Lords. Both he and Yu begin to talk to other System Lords hoping to use their usual divisiveness to get one to talk. Towards the end of the meeting, in one of numerous breaks, one such contacts does bear fruit. Queltah, a relatively minor Goa'uld in the service of Baal seems disgusted with her lord and master. She indicates he is organizing some major grouping of the System Lords, who, while still distrusting him, feel he may have a hope of defending against Sokar. The key word however is 'defend'. He does not plan on launching an attack, but instead to destroy Sokar when he attacks the System Lords. No further information is known by Queltah, but she does say, that if her obligations to Baal could be quoshed she would gladly serve Himmler.

Himmler manages to keep a straight face at that. A Goa'uld serving the Reich? He doubts Queltah is aware of all that would involve! Normal Goa'uld practices would not be allowed under any such arrangement, and he doubts she would be any happier under Himmler than she would under Baal!

The meeting closes with the Council again not making any concrete agreements on ships to assault Sokar, but at least they know why now. What is Baal planning, and how does he plan on defending the System Lords against Sokar?

 

[Patupi]

June 1999

Further meetings between the SGC and the Reich are arranged, with the Reich still insisting on them coming from orbit rather than through the gate. In part this is to reinforce the perception of strength the Reich has. They have death dealing ships in orbit and continually remind the Tauri of this. Also though it is to maintain control of the situation. If they travel by gate they are dependent on the good graces of the SGC to return home.

Thus on the 3rd of June a small, wing shaped craft swoops in and hovers for a landing at the airstrip near the SGC. The ship was chosen as it's winged form more resembles Tauri equipment, reducing the risk of breaking America's precious secret. Three people debark and are taken by truck to the SGC facility to begin negotiations.

"Good day Major Carter. It is good to see you again."

Sam smiled somewhat nervously at the beaming greeting from Colonel General Meyers. This was going to be an interesting meeting.

Meyers, A Wehrmacht Colonel named Ziegler, and Commodore Admiral Vogt from the 'Raumflotte' (which apparently was the name for their space fleet) shook hands with SG-1, General Hammond and Secretary Simms before sitting at the table. Meyer's SS uniform was a bit jarring to see here, but otherwise the meeting looked fairly ordinary. So why was Sam so nervous? Possibly the prospect of trading for advanced technology had something to do with it.

"Good afternoon Damen and Herren." Meyers said, nodding to Sam. "I am honored to return to Earth once more. Thankfully under better circumstances than last time!"

A small smile circled the group at that at least.

"Yeah, trust us. Invisible bad guys and end of the world scenarios aren't every day for us." Jack said, then caught a questioning look from Daniel. "Well... not every day."

Meyers smiled.

"Indeed. I've been talking to Yu about your exploits quite a lot."

Jack blinked.

"I don't remember that conversion?"

"What?" Meyer said, frowning.

Jack glanced around, confused for a moment.

"Well, I think I'd remember an SS Colonel asking..."

"Colonel General." Meyers added with a smile.

"... Colonel General, asking me about top secret SG-1 mission profiles. Not something I'd forget."

Daniel groaned.

"No... no Jack. 'Yu', not 'you'."

"What?"

"Ah, I see." Meyers said with a shake of his head. "A curious quirk of English. I was referring to meetings between myself and the System Lord Yu-haug Shang Ti. It seems your ventures through the gate have been a poorly kept secret among the System Lords, which no-one bothered to tell us till recently." He shrugged, then chuckled. "Yu and You. Very humorous."

"Er, well, not that funny." Jack said, then turned to Sam "Is it?"

Sam just shook her head. This was embarrassing!

"Anyway," General Hammond interjected, "perhaps we had better get on with the more important matters?"

"Of course General. I apologize." Meyers said with a curt nod. "The Reich are thankful for the continued cooperation of the SGC, and the offer of the Abydos Cartouche is tantalizing. I have been given authorization from the Fuhrer himself to make arrangements for payment for this database of gate codes."

"That destroyer up there sure wouldn't go amiss!" Jack butted in with a wide grin.

"I am glad you appreciate our technology, but I'm afraid that may be a little bit much to exchange at first Colonel. Would you trade one of your destroyers to a third world nation in exchange for trade route information?"

Daniel managed to beat Jack to the indignant punch this time.

"Wait, are you comparing us to a third world nation?"

Meyers sighed.

"Honestly? Yes. Realistically at present you are. I admit I see a lot of potential for development, but you currently have virtually no space infrastructure. Despite the... innovative design of your shuttles, you have great difficulty getting off the ground. True, you have a large industry, but stuck at the bottom of a gravity well it does little good."

"Except we have been kicking Gould butt through the gate for years." Jack said indignantly.

"And have risked a retaliation that could have wiped your planet from existence. I understand you have already been attacked once by Apophis, correct?" Jack nodded cautiously. "So you are aware of what they can do. We utilize a mixture of defensive systems, active fleets, planetary fighter squadrons and a comprehensive sensor net to avoid such things. It has taken a while to build up such an infrastructure. You, as yet, do not possess such an infrastructure. It's that simple."

"All the more reason to help us out." Daniel said carefully. "We could be a strong ally if you help us to grow."

Meyers sighed.

"In essence you are correct, and we are willing to help, but you have to understand that your attitude towards us to date does not instill us with boundless confidence. The SGC we trust. The rest of your government?..."

"I know we've had... problems," Daniel started, but was interrupted by Meyers

" 'Problems' doesn't cover it Doctor Jackson. We have been snubbed, attacked, insulted and been told that we cannot even TALK to our homeland that we have been separated from for over forty years! Would you ignore such issues if the tables were reversed?"

Jack and Daniel shared an almost apologetic glance.

"Well, I admit they're BIG problems." Daniel said.

"For now we are willing to trade fairly for the Cartouche and to keep relations going. I believe the onus is on you to improve our opinion of your Nation." Meyers said, then pulled out a folder from a briefcase. Smiling at Sam he slid it across to her. "I believe this might prove to be interesting Major."

Sam opened the folder and saw schematics, datasheets and photographs of...

"Orbital interceptors?" She said, and looked up with a grin at Meyers. "These look those escorts fighters you brought with you before."

"Not quite. Those were the upgrade, the Jaeger 1120VT version with full vectored thrust propulsion." Meyers carefully neglected to say that even those were not the latest design the Reich fielded. "What we are proposing to trade is a cut down version of the 950 version with only an adjustable rear nozzle for exhaust deflection. It requires a runway for launch and landing, but otherwise is similar. We will not be handing over weapons or control equipment with the craft, but it will have it's base plasma rocket engine and Naquadah energy cells. We will also give you all the information you require to rapidly install your own control systems and sensors for the craft, as well as weapons integration information. It has two light cannon mounts in the nose, one underside mount for a heavy missile and four wing mounts for light missiles. We are suggesting thirty of these craft, and a stock of two tons of Naquadah be sufficient exchange for the Cartouche."

"Thirty?" Daniel said, wide eyed.

"Yes," Jack said, glaring at Daniel, "that hardly seems sufficient!"

Meyers smiled. Oh yes, he could deal with these people!

***

Much later Daniel and Jack walked down the corridor, still a little dazed at the rapid change in the SGC's fortunes.

"Forty five, honest to god, space fighters!" Jack said with a grin. "We'd better have a few stationed here!" He said. "I'm going to need some... practice."

Daniel rolled his eyes.

"Joy riding you mean?" Jack just shrugged. "Well, at least we also got five tons of Naquadah. That's more than we've acquired in the last two years!"

"Yeah, Carter sure looked happy at that. I'm sure we'll be seeing some fascinating gizmos soon! I wonder how long it'll be before they get those Delta -II boosters fitted out to lift these fighters to orbit?" He then caught a slightly odd look in Daniel's eye. "OK, what?"

Daniel for a moment thought to deny anything, then sighed.

"It's just... that whole thing with those thugs that attacked the Reich's ship. If those really were from our government, then... he has a point. I mean, the NID has already just decided to steal alien tech, not considering how that would affect the natives, but this? This almost put us on a war footing with someone who was more powerful than a System Lord! We like to think we're fighting for the good guys, but..."

"Yeah," Jack said, sighing. "and you know what's the most galling about all that?"

Daniel frowned.

"What?"

"We just got owned on the moral ground by a bunch of Nazis!"

Daniel smiled and shook his head.

"Space Nazis Jack. Get it right."

Jack just glared back at him as they headed off to their quarters.

 

[Patupi]

June 1999

The shipment of fighters and the Naquadah is sent through the gate to the outpost, then ferried via FTL Transport to Earth fairly promptly, and lands on June 12th at midnight at area 51. Since the fighters will, at first, be based there as they are studied and work on mounting US weapons and controls to the fighters gets going, and they will need some help from Reich techs for this, they reluctantly allow Reich personnel to arrive at the base. Of course since this is happening a new US Air force facility is started in the Rocky mountains to conduct research and development on items recovered by the stargate away from Reich tech's gaze.

Reich personnel also arrive at the SGC by their own light aircraft to deliver some of the Naquadah there as well as to receive the Cartouche data. While there they check on the shield pods (which thankfully haven't been tampered with by SGC staff) and begin to share non-sensitive data on the Galaxy and the various missions that both SES and SGC have done over the years. The Reich at first feel this is rather unfair, given that the SES has been in operation far longer. They (privately) change their tune when learning of the incredible variety of missions the SGC has performed. contact with the Nox, Tollen, Asgard, and Tok'ra alone is impressive for merely two years, but the odd missions are also fascinating. Black hole planets, invisible Reetu (definitely worrying to the Reich), and rapidly aging people on Argos, all are interesting, though the SGC does not share all their off world data. Notably not sharing info on Harlan's world with the SG1 robot duplicates (unfortunately not helpful, since the Reich are already aware of them), the second gate found in Antarctica, Machello, or the Ancient repository.

In return the Reich shares their maps of rough Goa'uld positions, and where the main Reich worlds and the borders of Reich space. They also share some of the SES reports on the missions they've done over the years, though not data from Raumflotte operations. Given the huge number of SES missions done over the decades they feel this is fair. Though all of these are uninhabited, those with primitive peoples on, or Goa'uld held worlds. Certain missions are of course omitted from the list. Anything that dealt with advanced Goa'uld technology mainly. They do however share the gate codes of a few worlds that have trace amounts of Naquadah on them with the SGC. The Reich has ample supply, and also is interested in seeing Tauri mining techniques. Some of the broadcast TV images on the subject, while annoyingly brief, show they may have some promise. Seeing such systems used in the field may help considerably. Combining such methods with the hoped for Mu Machine mining systems (if they ever get that safe enough) should give a huge influx of Naquadah, or other materials, to the Reich.

One point does crop up. Since the data on Sokar's attack on the SGC through the gate had been already mentioned previously, SG1 goes over that incident with the Reich. Most of it is as expected, but they were not aware that Apophis was handed back to Sokar! Which it is certain this will not be to one of Sokar's worlds, the gate on that world may contain data on where Apophis was then sent afterwards. With Reich understanding of gate technology they feel they should be able to extract the transit history from that gate and attempt to track where Apophis was sent.

During this week long talk another interesting event occurs.

***

"Excuse me." Meyers said to a passing soldier. "This alarm, am I correct in assuming it is to do with an incoming stargate connection?"

The soldier paused, but he'd been told to cooperate with the Nazis.

"Yes sir." and then headed off again to his duty station.

Meyers headed off to see who the SGC was seeing today. Perhaps he'd get to say hello to Thor once again?

When he arrived near the gate room however, despite guards blocking his way, he heard the distinctive voice of a Goa'uld! His immediate reaction was to retreat. The System Lords no doubt would learn the Reich was here, but not that they were friendly with the Tauri. He hoped to forestall them learning that for a while to come. However, in seconds it was apparent that whoever this Goa'uld was he was friendly with Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter, in fact...

" 'Dad'?" he said curiously, managing to stick his head around the corner of the open door, despite the soldier blocking his way.

Before him were two Goa'uld in rather bland costumes, both of which were talking to SG1 in a rather informal setting.

"Sam? Care to introduce the... " The balding one said, then stopped as he stared at Meyers' uniform. The man's voice was human, yet almost the same as the Goa'uld voice he'd heard moments ago. Also this person seemed to not be Tauri, yet he reacted to Meyer's SS uniform?

"Yeah, that was what I wanted to talk to you about Dad. Meet Colonel General Meyers of the Fourth Reich. Colonel General? Meet this is Selmak... and Jacob Carter, my father."

Meyers blinked, but managed a decent smile and offered his hand.

"I am honored to make your acquaintance sir and..." He turned to the other individual, at first thinking this other was 'Selmak'... but something about the way Major Carter had introduced them made him pause. "Ah... you are a Goa'uld yet not a Goa'uld?"

Jacob winced at that, then he bowed his head a moment, and the next time he spoke was with a Goa'uld 'accent'.

"Please. We are Tok'ra, not Goa'uld. Do not compare us."

"My apologies... Selmak." He said, and got a nod of acceptance that this was who he was speaking to. Fascinating! "I have not heard of your people. Would it be presumptuous to ask if you are... related to the Goa'uld in some way? I recognize the name Tok'ra from the mission reports the SGC has shared with us, but I have not gone through them all yet."

Yet again there was a shift, and then Jacob spoke.

"You're sharing top secret SGC reports with... these people?" He managed.

"It's not quite how it looks Dad, and they have been very helpful in the short time we've known them. They've already supplied us with some aerospace combat interceptors."

Jacob stared frankly at Meyers, who attempted to smile back calmly. Awkward under that gaze.

"I haven't heard any details on your group before, but there are rumors of someone called the Reich. We had assumed they were Goa'uld."

Meyers chuckled.

"I would be careful in such allegations. Many in the SS would consider that just as much an insult as you do."

Jacob gave a flash of understanding before becoming serious once more.

"SS.... as in Nazi SS? You're really the successor to Hitler's Nazi Germany?"

"Yes, we really are." Meyer said, then raise his hand, counting fingers down slowly. "No, we have no problems with those of Jewish persuasion. No, we are not interested in waging war on, or conquering anyone... other than the Goa'uld, and no... we do not eat babies, or are attempting to resurrect Hitler's corpse."

Jack raised his hand at this last.

"Hey, it was a valid point! I was just making sure." He said indignantly.

Jacob, apparently back if Meyers was judging his features correctly, smiled at this.

"OK. So things aren't what they appear. You are a Nazi though?" Meyers sighed, but nodded. "OK...."

"See?" Jack said smugly. "I was right. Space Nazis!"

"Sir, could you please stop staying that?" Sam said "It's starting to get repetitive."

"But..." He almost pouted. "They ARE Space Nazis!"

Daniel patted him condescendingly on the should.

"Yes Jack. You were right. That make you feel better?"

Jack squinted for a few seconds.

"Pretty much." He added, Daniel rolling his eyes.

Jacob just shook his head at the antics, then turned back to Meyer.

"Well, the Tok'ra are interested in anyone who is fighting the Goa'uld, but the latest reports show 'Reich' as being a System Lord. Have anything to add to that?"

"Unfortunately it is true. Himmler has taken a position on the System Lord Council to assuage f..."

"Wait, Himmler?" Jacob said incredulously, but Jack butted in immediately.

"No relation." Jack said, at least making Jacob relax a little. That bore further research Meyer felt. What was wrong with Himmler?

Meyer coughed, then continued.

"Yes, our Fuhrer hopes to assuage fears among the System Lords due to our fleet by becoming one of them. Obviously they still do not trust us, but it does put us in a unique position to attempt to get them to fight one another." Meyers sighed. "However right now we are not making use of that. In fact we are far more interested in attempted to locate and eliminate Sokar as a threat." At the mention of Sokar Meyers saw Jacob's eyes go wide. "Ah, you know of him? We've been attempting to locate him for some time."

Jacob glanced back at his un-introduced companion then back at Meyers. After another mental switch Selmak spoke.

"The Tok'ra have been aware of Sokar's growth for some time, and of his position." He glanced briefly at Sam, who nodded silent permission. "He has returned to his ancient homeworld of Delmak, assuming none of the System Lords would think he would dare do so. He is not entirely correct. We know at least three System Lords and minor Goa'uld who know of his location. Baal for one."

"Wait. Baal knows where Sokar is?" Meyer said hotly. "That lying scum! He's hoping Sokar will smash the rest of the System Lords isn't he?" He paused, considering how much to tell. "Are you aware that Baal is stealing stargates?"

"Wait, that was Baal?" Sam said incredulously.

"Yes. Reich operatives witnessed him stealing one from Bastet's territory, and have noticed several others since, though not definitively by Baal. He also seems to be inspecting the Pedestals...ah, DHDs, for something as well, though we aren't sure what, before he brings them aboard his ships."

"I have no clue what that is about," Selmak said, "but Baal maneuvering the other System Lords into a confrontation with Sokar? That does not bode well. At present we estimate he could easily destroy them unless they heavily draw from minor Goa'uld around the galaxy."

"That is unlikely, especially if Baal is goading them. He already is planning some kind of 'defense' of the System Lords, but is keeping ourselves and Yu out of the loop. Probably it is some kind of trap for them. Bleed both Sokar and the remaining System Lords." Meyers pauses. "In fact... it might be possible to use this to our advantage... perhaps deal with Sokar and Baal once and for all." Meyers turns to Jacob. "Can the Tok'ra contribute any ships to such a fleet?"

"Regretfully not." Selmak said. "We are few in number and cannot fight the Goa'uld directly, let alone someone with the power Sokar wields."

"Wait a minute!" Jack said, waving his arms. "You barely met and already you're planning some kind of offensive? Don't you think this a little... fast?"

Meyers turned to Colonel O'Neill with a sigh.

"We have been looking for a way to deal with Sokar for almost a year. He is a severe threat to the entire galaxy. If he succeeds and topples the System Lords, taking over the minor Goa'uld and any Lords that side with him, he'll have total sway in this galaxy, and he has shown even lower regard for human life than most Goa'uld. A single leader as apposed to the weak coalition of System Lords? Even under Ra there was dissent and confusion, backstabbing and internal conflict. Sokar preeminent would stop all that. The Goa'uld would be under one banner. The Reich certainly would not have a chance to beat that much of a force! One or two System Lords? Yes. All of them? No, never. Even ourselves and Yu combined couldn't hope to defeat them all, let alone combined with Sokar's fleet."

"OK, so you have some magnificent plan?" Jack asked with a laugh. "What? What would defeat Sokar and Baal?"

"Simple. Baal wishes to get the others involved. We simply need to know where Baal is planning to hole up away from the conflict, then bring that conflict to him." Meyer turns to Carter. "Sam, I gather you've encountered missing gates before? Where?"

Sam frowns, not noticing Jacob's frown at Meyer's use of her first name.

"We've heard of one recently vanishing, but we've only witnessed it once ourselves. On P2X-612..." She paused, her expression getting grimmer. "Actually, during that mission we think we found one of your worlds...when D.. Jacob rescued us we ended up on a planet where... well, we saw a giant Swastika cut into the planet."

Meyer frowned for a moment and then groaned.

"Ack. Thent! I apologize for that. Retaliation for an invasion, and... well, lets just say a gunnery officer in the Raumflotte got a little... carried away."

"Not done on purpose?" Jack said, seemingly put out.

"No. Sorry Colonel. Well, I suppose you could say the officer in question did it on purpose, but not on behalf of the Reich in general. Thankfully we never had to follow up on that threat and do that again. The peoples there are somewhat... primitive. Their noble houses battle one another frequently, and bluster even more frequently. We had some considerable trouble getting them to believe that we would retaliate to that extreme if they invaded."

"So... let me get this straight. A bunch of savages invaded a country of yours... and you bombed them from orbit?" Jack said, squinting at Meyers. "Not exactly the honorable thing to do?"

"Oh it most certainly was! Mainly as we had told them, in no uncertain terms, that if they attacked again we would do precisely that. To back down then would have shown weakness to them. We restricted it to one city, and then only the city center, government buildings etc."

"So you vaporized a bunch of civilians?" Sam said incredulously.

"Less than they did to us frankly, and it was mostly the government buildings in the center. Those that started the whole thing. They fomented dissent, formed rebellions in our country, had armies on the march... we were suppose to, what? Ask them nicely not to hurt anyone any more? This was the only way to ensure more people did not die needlessly."

"And to think, I thought you might be different. You're still a Nazi!" Sam said, her face showing disbelief, and a fair amount of betrayal, just as she stormed out of the gate room.

"OK, not that I disagree with her... but, what the heck?" Jack said as he watched Sam leave in a huff.

Jacob sighed.

"Uh, best talk of that later Jack." Jacob said, then turned to Meyers. "You have a lot to answer for, but if you prove you aren't another Goa'uld in sheep's clothing and we will help you with this effort with Baal."

Meyers couldn't believe it. One annoying incident with a Thendan city from ages ago sours this meeting? The idiots were the ones that attacked first! They'd ignored every diplomatic envoy the Reich had attempted. They were the ones that should be reviled, not the Reich!

He began to have serious misgivings about the priorities of both the SGC and these Tok'ra. Still, he would not allow it to stop efforts to thwart Baal or Sokar.

 

[Patupi]

June 1999

Jack stopped at the open door to Meyers' room and squinted. The man was looking over imagery of... ah, the holocaust. Wincing at the horrendous pictures of the horrors the Nazis put the Jews through Jack instead tried to focus on Meyers' reaction. The man seemed fixated on the images. If he was enjoying this then Jack would be damned if he would ever deal with the bastard again!

"Unbelievable!" Meyers' whispered in a rather haunted tone.

Or the guy might have a heart after all.

"Yeah. Not exactly fun night-time viewing." Jack said softly.

Meyers turned around, noticing Jack for the first time. Annoyed at being interrupted he turned away from the scene he had been watching. He still couldn't understand why Hitler had ordered this. He knew of the meeting in early 1941 about some final solution for the 'Jewish Problem', and even suspected that Hitler had used Planet 1 to some extent for that, but this? It was ridiculous! How had the man thought he could keep such things quiet? Anyone who saw these things would revile the Nazis... and now did. The Eurondans had been worse overall, but this was so much more... personal.

"What can I do for you Colonel?" Meyers said curtly. He was merely annoyed at being interrupted, though Jack took it as annoyance over what he was viewing in part.

"The Tok'ra are back and would like a word." Jack said, pointing a thumb over his shoulder. "I guess we can wait if you'd rather keep watching?"

Meyers' snorted.

"No thank you. I've had enough of Heinrich Himmler's idiocy for one night. Lead on Colonel." he said, standing and shutting the monitor off.

***

Meyers' strode into the briefing room and nodded to Jacob/Selmac and someone introduced as Lantesh/Martouf (It turned out that it was Lantesh that was the Goa'... sybiote, with Martouf as the host). Sitting down he rested his chin against his fists, elbows on the table, as he stared at them. Lantesh cleared his throat.

"Greetings Colonel General Meyers. The Tok'ra have agreed to cooperate with you in a venture against Sokar. We have here the current location of the Delmak system, and also information on that world along with it's moon." He said, pushing a crystal across the table.

Meyer raised an eyebrow and picked up the small data crystal. Standard Goa'uld design. He lifted his wristcomp up and had it scan the crystal, copying the data and then displaying a hologram of the Delmak/Ne'tu system, the moon looking positively volcanic in the image.

"Neat gizmo." Jack said. "We'll take twenty."

Meyer sighed and merely glanced at him for a moment before turning back to Lantesh.

"This will be very useful Lantesh. The Reich thanks the Tok'ra. Is there any specific information you require to aid your intelligence work against Sokar?"

Lantesh/Martouf looked oddly at Jacob for a moment.

"There are many thing we may need assistance with, but we had believed you wished to keep your dealings with the Tok'ra minimal. If the System Lords find out you have even had contact with us there would be dire consequences for the Reich."

Meyers smiled.

"I admit, our dealings with Yu might be soured, but I do not believe it would turn the entire Council against us. We could well be ejected from it, but that would not worry us greatly. True, we hope to use our Council status to break the System Lords apart and defeat them in the future, but a possible ally against them is of far more value. The Fuhrer has told me personally that we should foster relations with you above those of the Goa'uld. One possible exception would be Yu. He has helped us more than any other so far, including the Asgard, curiously. We do find it odd to find an almost trustworthy Goa'uld, and since we have an alliance with him we will hold to it. We would never turn against an ally like that."

Jacob shook his head, but it was Selmak who spoke.

"Yu may be less arrogant and aggressive than other System Lords, but he is still a Goa'uld and not to be trusted."

"I understand your viewpoint, but we have known him for quite a few years now and he has shown himself that, while he is as you say a Goa'uld with all that implies, he can be trusted if he gives his word. That he will not break."

"We have considerably more knowledge of the System Lords than you Colonel General, and we have records of him breaking his word many many times over the millenia. I ask you to step carefully with him."

"Acknowledged, but I ask you this. Those times he broke his word. Were they all against other Goa'uld whom he knew positively could also not be trusted?"

Selmak made a very small nod of reluctant agreement, then Jacob took over once more.

"Look, believe me, Yu can't be trusted. He's killed billions of people in his time, enslaved a vast area of space, and still works the slaves to death."

"I'll concede the first two, but the last is changing. For some time now we have been working with Yu to improve working conditions on his holdings, slowly expanding the efforts. It began with simple medical treatment for his workers, putting it to him as 'lengthening the life of workers'. However as things have gone on it has blossomed into better healthier conditions in the camps, allowing them to build a working relationship with their Jaffa supervisors, improving their tools to make the work less burdensome. True, at present he is disallowing any mechanization, despite our efforts to persuade him it would assist his productivity. He fears his slaves learning too much too fast. The lesson of revolt against Ra on Earth still resonates down the ages."

Jacob sighed.

"If you're that insistent... but just be careful. He IS a Goa'uld."

Meyers' managed to hold the retort 'So are you.' back thankfully. That would not have gone down well. Instead he spent the rest of the meeting discussing various intelligence aids and Goa'uld technology they had in short supply that could aid their intelligence efforts. It boiled down to things they had difficulty manufacturing. Either because of their scale, like small Goa'uld transports, or due to awkward construction techniques that required large facilities that couldn't be moved rapidly, like personal velocity limited shields and certain Goa'uld drugs.

The drugs could easily be arranged. The Reich had a few Goa'uld transports but still hadn't quite cracked the inertial drive systems, though their scientists said they were close. Personal shields were difficult. Reich velocity limited shields still weren't small enough to be equipped on a belt. Meyers suggested a joint research project, and as a result the Tok'ra would have as many as needed once the Reich could produce them. This was turned down. The Tok'ra were still leery of dealing too closely with an unknown like the Reich as yet. Instead two transports were agreed on, and shipments of drugs, once the Reich scientists had samples that Tok'ra gave and were able to mass produce them.

Meyers paused here. His orders were not to reveal advanced Reich technology unless it would give a distinct advantage. However Meyers judged it would do so here.

"There is one other point we would like to make. Sarcophagi." Meyers said simply. "The Reich have managed to duplicate the technology, although it requires more medical knowledge to operate than the Goa'uld version. Would you be interested in such equipment?"

Jack's eyes lit up at this, and it looked like he could barely hold in his excitement, but Jacob shook his head.

"I'm sorry. Not gonna happen. The Tok'ra don't use them. They tend to make you a bit nutzo. Meglomania. Delusions of Godhood etc."

Meyers nodded slowly.

"We know, that is why we designed our Bio Repair Pods to fix that problem."

Silence reigned at the table for a moment, Lantesh's moth hanging open in shock.

"Y... you... fixed it?" Jacob managed.

"Yes. Took a few years to iron out the chemical instabilities in the brain, but yes, we fixed it. It functions in much the same way as a sarcophagi, but needs a team of qualified medical technicians to operate and get the repair to go smoothly. Also it takes considerably longer, mostly due to safety issues. Our current model takes approximately five hours to heal serious life threatening injuries, twice that to restore a recently killed individual."

Jacob took a deep breath, then Selmac took over.

"How does it function on symbiotes?"

"Very well. We have only recently fine tuned it to heal aging in Symbiotes themselves, and it can restore age related damage far better than the original. Would that be of some help to you?"

Selmac and Lantesh looked stunned, but Selmac managed to continue.

"I believe it would. We... have had no queen for 2000 years, thus our numbers have been dwindling ever since. More recently age itself is starting to kill our numbers. If this truly works as you say it would be en enormous boon to the Tok'ra."

"Well, I believe we can work out some trade for a single unit and training to operate it. The Fuhrer is very interested in your crystal cavern technology. Would you be interested in an exchange?"

"Uh," Daniel said, raising his hand, managing to beat Jack to the punch, "just curious. Why didn't you mention this during our negotiations?"

Meyers sighed.

"Partly because it is very advanced Reich technology we do not share lightly, and partly because you have not exactly been even handed with us Doctor Jackson."

Jacob looked back and forth between Daniel and Meyers.

"Am I missing something here?" He said.

Sam spoke up reluctantly.

"We had an... incident Dad. Some rogue agency, possibly NID related, attempted to seize their transport, we think hoping to fly it up to capture the battlecruiser in orbit."

"Ah, yeah. I can see how you'd be a bit peeved at that." Jacob said.

"We are aware it was not instigated by the SGC, however some elements in the Earth government were involved and we are not too happy with the implications towards further dealings."

Jack butted in an overly indignant voice.

"Well, what would you consider to trade for one of them thingies?"

Meyers stared at him for a bit, Jack just looking nervously back.

"Fairly simple. Complete, free access to Germany and it's government. Including allowing us to land there without restriction, to discuss any matters with the German government, including the existence of the SGC. We will hold back from public landings if you still hold to your ridiculous efforts to keep the Stargate program secret from the public, but we insist on free access to the country."

Jack and General Hammond stared at each other.

"That... could be difficult." General Hammond said slowly.

"Yeah, we'll get back to you on that." Jack added unhelpfully.

Perhaps Meyers had finally found something worthwhile enough to persuade the SGC to bend their secrecy rules? One could only hope.

 

[Patupi]

July 1999

While the negotiations with the Tok'ra go on work in the Reich on stopping Sokar have continued. Two minor Goa'uld have joined with The Reich, Yu and Camulus in supplying ships for a strike on Sokar. When the news of Sokar's location comes through the Reich deliberate, but eventually decided to send a stealth ship to check it out. Unfortunately the new Stealth Corvette is not ready yet, even without the invisibility systems, but a newly built Stealth Destroyer is launched from Leere to check out the Delmak system. With the dual hyperdrive system it will take only a month to reach Delmak and the plan is to stay at extreme range and observe from afar to ensure Sokar does not know he is being watched. Passive systems will be used as well as the 'soft exit' hyper systems that allow minimal energy signature when leaving hyperspace. As long as they exit well outside the system and come in slow they should not be spotted.

Once data is returned from that mission they can tell Yu about Delmak without revealing they are talking to the Tok'ra. The Reich still are unsure how bad Yu's reaction to that revelation would be. They are hoping to get confirmation that he has used the improved Bio Repair Pod first at least before discussing that.

While the Stealth destroyer is en route two other projects that have been ongoing show some results.

The Gate Project still has been unable to assemble two of the slightly larger, home built gates into a working connection outside of the existing gate network. They have successfully built a replica of an existing gate from components and have it function reliably however, and were working on some lab tests on a small version, with a 0.5 meter opening for research purposes. When, on a purely scientific test, they attempted to get the prototype to access a full sized gate they were surprised when the system connected! Existing theory suggested that different sized gates could not connect, but apparently there is something in the subspace gate network that accounts for this and allows the connection to function. This opens up a considerable advantage. A small ship with one of these tiny gates could have a much reduced power plant and no main weapon. An Uberbeam could be fired from a planet, through the gate, and into the superstructure of the ship holding the minigate. On low power settings the beam would be tapped, drained, and provide power for the ship. On high power settings the beam would emerge from the vessel's front and allow a corvette sized ship to fire a full Uberbeam!

Such a craft would need some kind of power supply to keep it functioning when the minigate is inactive, and such a small plant would mean it wouldn't have the power to be hyperspace capable on it's own, but the rewards from such a plan would be enormous. A small corvette style ship (or perhaps a large fighter with the small size of the minigate!) could provide weapons fire on the scale of a battleship!

One slight problem is duration. Currently any gate connected to the gate network shuts down after 38 minutes, leaving a ship powered from a minigate untenable for long. Right now they could build such a ship, with oversized shield generators minimal on ship weapons, and a plasma drive engine that refuels via the minigate. Such a ship would out perform almost any vessel the Goa'uld have... until the minigate times out. This problem seems fixable. Theory had shown that simply pouring power into certain key systems in the subspace field coils in the gate lengthens the duration slightly. At first it seemed a linear progression, and a low one at that, meaning the power systems to stretch it beyond a few hours were more than the entire Reich produces in it's entire fleet AND on it's planet's power grids! However this has been disproved through testing. Already, two prototype Naquadah Fusion plants, the same output as a battleship's main reactor, have enabled the duration of a standard gate operation to be lengthened to 62 minutes. They are currently applying for a series of large scale conventional fusion plants to be built underground on Leere to push the expected duration beyond the exponential threshold and allow for infinite duration of gate operations. It is estimated this will require hundreds of Terawatts of power at least, meaning a huge number of power plants to be built, and a large infrastructure to supply the Dueterium fuel for the reactors.

One alternative to this scheme is to use the lighter weight Naquadah reactors. They are simpler, require no fuel beyond what is installed inside them when built, and require little to no maintenance. However the number required would make a huge dent in the Naquadah stocks the Reich currently have to actually build the things. The Fuhrer currently hasn't made up his mind which to try, or whether to try it at all. Mainly due to the second problem with the gate/ship system....

When not engaged the system is easily cirmcuvented. All a Goa'uld has to do is dial out from a stargate in the system and the minigate cannot access the gate system to be dialed for power. Until they design their local gate network to tie their own gates together without the standard gate network this will always be a problem.

Work continues with this, but at least now they can assemble gates from spare parts, even if they can't build all of those parts yet.

On the biological front work with the Bio Repair Pod and Goa'uld symbiotes continues, even while waiting for Yu to give a report on his work on the pod given to him (a long overdue report at that, much to the annoyance of the scientists). During work on this about a year ago someone noticed an odd development. Tough the Bio Repair Pod and the Character Scanner have been banned by order of the Fuhrer from being developed to read minds in the traditional way, with a Goa'uld there is a simpler method.

Read it's genetic memory!

Over the last year the researchers have been working on this feverishly, and have just given a report to the Fuhrer. They can literally play back visual and verbal memories from a symbiote, dead or alive, and use this for the Reich! The implications are stunning. Although it will take some serious hunting to find memories of actual scientific or engineering work, in theory this could unlock all of the Goa'uld's technical achievements and technology!

Given though that it's far easier to read the recent memories than older ones, let alone ones from the symbiote's ancestors, and that they don't have any symbiotes samples that currently were scientists, this is difficult... except they have two such symbiotes in the base on Urwald. The two scientists that Yu loaned to work on the Cloak and Phase weapon projects! Unfortunately current Reich scanners can't read the genetic material accurately enough from a living Goa'uld in a host. He would have to either be extracted (and would complain most likely), or be put in a full Bio Repair Pod for examination. If they can persuade one of the two scientists to udergo the anti-aging Bio Repair technique it could unlock hoards of technology for the Reich!

***

Talks conclude with the Tok'ra, though the SGC still refuse to relent on the Germany issue at present. The cooperation to defeat Sokar goes well, though currently the exchange of a Bio Repair Pod for Crystal tunnel technology is not decided. However the Tok'ra do not seem averse to the possibility and seem far more cooperative than the US government.

 

[Patupi]

August 1999

Communication between Earth and Teutonia is somewhat slow, but with systems in place now its down to less than a day to relay through subspace and then via the gate to Teutonia. To say the protracted conversation between the Fuhrer and Meyers was tense would be an understatement. The Fuhrer is not too happy with the directions the talks are taking, and though he personally suggested the fighters as a ploy, despite the huge advantage it would give to the humans, it was mainly due to their obsolescence to the Reich. Using something that is of little use to the Reich in such deals? Obvious. Offering further trade for one of their most advanced technologies? Not the same. After some heated, long winded, discussion he agrees that dealing with the Tok'ra for the Bio Repair Pod might well be worth it. The reports from the SGC seem to suggest that this crystal technology has many uses. The deal suggested (but thankfully not accepted by the SGC yet) exchanging a Bio Repair Pod for access to Germany? This causes some very angry messages.

Some in the party (not the Fuhrer) see Meyer's point of view. He wants to maintain the fiction of the Treaty, given that the Reich is currently a System Lord and should abide by it, and thus treat the SGC as the defacto power on Earth. Curring favor with them should, in the long run, help the image of the Reich on Earth Meyers believes. The Fuhrer does not. He has seen video images and texts dealing with what the humans of Earth think of the Nazis over the last fifty years and he doubts anything will help. It would be best to simply side-step the SGC and contact Germany directly, surreptitiously of course, and attempt to sooth feathers themselves now about issues directly with the German government. The people of Teutonia want contact with Germany badly, though the Fuhrer is seriously considering not doing so at all! Germany actually has legal powers to ban use of the SS symbols or the Swastika, bans the Nazi party, the list goes on.

Meyers thinks that if they can curry favor with the SGC that things can gradually be turned around, though he too insists it is an initial step only. They cannot trust the American government itself and eventually should shift to focus on dealing with other, friendlier powers on Earth. With his early research, though the Nazis are reviled through most of the world, of the major powers around the United Kingdom, Japan and America might be the best to approach, both for their current technological level and their lack of fervor against the Nazis. He admits hie research is not extensive yet and he may be mistaken about their fervor, but he feels adamant that they should attempt to find some nation on Earth and bolster their defenses against the Goa'uld.

This could not be done immediately. The Treaty forbids 'uplifting' those under the PPT treaty technologically. One or two items traded (that Meyers believes they couldn't reverse engineer anyway) might slip under the radar. The Asgard have done similar in the past, though usually they are scrupulous in their adherence to the treaty. However assisting a local power to get a technological boost sufficient for them to hold off the Goa'uld would certainly break the treaty and they need to stay in the Council long enough to break the Council itself.

The Fuhrer is both not as fixed on the idea of staying in the council if they have to do something to break the treaty, but also sees little gain for them in boosting a local power on Earth and much to lose. True, population growth on Earth is fairly low, and with recent developments Reich population growth is high, but the current relative populations would fovor Earth significantly. As long as Earth did not gain significant industrial developments (mainly Mu machine technology) the Reich would likely stay ahead, and the divisiveness of the various nations of Earth would play against them, but if Earth should become more powerful than the Reich, with the obvious anti-Nazi feeling prevelant... the thought is terrifying!

Earth is their homeworld, and even the Fuhrer wants it to survive, despite his misgivings about how they would treat the Reich. How that should be done is another matter. Privately he would prefer to isolate Earth and simply place a fleet around it, protecting them without their assistance. Right now this cannot be done. If the Reich fired on any System Lord if they decided to break the treaty and attack Earth, the Reich would be stomped in fairly short order by the collected might of the System Lords. It's possible that the council's position could be swayed by focusing on whoever broke the treaty, but likely merely aiding a potential enemy against a Goa'uld would be enough to get several Lords to assault the Reich.

First they must divide the council and get the Lords at each others throats, then they can see to the defense of Earth. After dealing with Sokar of course.

Meyers reluctantly agrees that dealing with the Council comes before Earth, but still insists that using the SGC to help them contact Germany would be in the Reich's best interests in the long run. The debate continues, and thankfully the SGC does not seem in a hurry to agree to any deals. Meyers returns to the fleet on the dark side of the moon to let them consider the proposals while he and the Fuhrer continue their 'discussion'.

Meanwhile, after only a week of scanning, the genetic memory reader on the corpses of old symbiotes comes up with two memories of a minor Goa'uld repairing an Hatak, and this finally, after many many years of effort, gives a clue to crack inertial drive mechanics. It's still going to take some time to build a working model from this, but at least they have an idea of how the system functions. Apart from this the genetic memory reading provides little technical work yet... but a great intelligence boon. Gate addresses by the bucket load, location of worlds and zones of influence, who did what to whom, it's a lot to categorize and make use of, but a host of data technicians begin to file the data and make an access system to allow this collective memory to be used by the Reich. Already they are beginning to see reasons for some of the bitter rivalry in the System Lord Council, witnessing betrayals and protracted campaigns between the various Lords over the centuries. This will help enormously in future negotiations in the Council chambers.

And behind the scenes.

Specifically they have up till now been somewhat nervous that only Camulus has seen to be fervently for the agreement to seek out and attack Sokar. Now they learn why. It isn't some trick arranged by Baal, but a minor Goa'uld (whose 'son' they have a symbiote corpse of) witnessed a series of protracted battles between Camulus and Sokar, just before Sokar fought the System Lords millenia ago. He personally suffered greatly and there is a suggestion that he was captured and tortured by Sokar, then somehow managed to escape before Sokar could send him to Ne'tu. He has a great personal interest in seeing Sokar suffer.

The other few Goa'uld who are helping in the search and have promised ships may still be attempting a double cross, or even are working with Baal. The Reich is taking nothing for granted as yet. However they need the ships.

The stealth destroyer arrives at the Delmak system and takes over a week to slowly creep in system, staying at ten million km away from the Delmak/Ne'tu system to attempt to avoid any detection. It's more advanced stealth systems seem to work as it is not challenged and it begins to catalogue data from the planet and moon. After a week of study they find that the planet Delmak is an anomoly for a Goa'uld world.

It is heavily industrialized! Readings indicate vast buildings with considerable heavy manufacturing and processing equipment as well Sub Mu machine activity. Likely Sokar still maintains the 'magic' element to the construction, but however he does it the level of production far outstrips any Goa'uld, or even a possible alliance. It appears this was set up recently if the vegetation growth around the buildings is any sign, perhaps a few years ago at most, but about five percent of the buildings are much older. At best guess Sokar was testing this method for a long time, millenia perhaps, but made sure it would not be obvious if it were discovered. He would not want to give the other System Lords any ideas on this method. Then, when Ra vanished, he saw his chance, returned personally to Delmak and stepped up production. In those few short years he has produced a vast production facility for churning out technological items, most likely ships, and ships are a significant problem. At least seventy Hataks are seen in Orbit, and during the week they are scanning two are built and leave, suggesting he is stationing more ships elsewhere. How many he has is unknown.

At the end of the week the destroyer pulls out and slowly clears the system, getting over a thousand million km from Delmak before daring to engage the hyperdrive. Hopefully the soft launch systems, and the distance they are at, will stop Sokar from detecting the signiture, but they can't find out if it was detected once they leave. There was consideration given to leaving a probe behind to see if there was a reaction, but leaving any Reich technology there for Sokar to find would be asking for trouble. Best they just do their best to avoid detection and hope it worked.

It will be another month before they can report back physically, but once they are a twenty lightyears distant they change course slightly (just in case Sokar can track a nearby subspace signal's vector and guess it was leaving Delmak) and send their encrypted data home.

Now the Reich have proof for the System Lords that could rally them to attack Sokar. They also though have the problem with Baal and how much firepower is necessary to deal with Sokar. They have been bolstering their fleet, and even built a new oribtal ship yard at Teutonia eary in 1999, though it is a 'merely' capable of building one cruiser a year. That may be expanded later, but for now it should be enough.

As of January 1999 the Teutonia shipyards were half way through building the as yet unnamed next Battleship, and the new yard in orbit of Spelk was just starting it's first. Thus they Reich still only had five battleships. In other ships however they were well equipped.

The Reich fleet now consisted as follows.

4th gen ships:
5 Battleships
12 Cruisers (Two of these stationed semi-permanently at Heschel, after being constructed there)
4 Battlecruisers
4 Carriers
51 destroyers
8 stealth destroyers
1 stealth battlecruiser
4 overdrive destroyers (Now obsolete with introduction of dual hyperdrives which can overdrive continuously anyway. Will be upgraded to standard destroyers soon)

3rd gen ships:
2 Battlecruisers
10 Carriers
10 destroyers

2nd gen ships:
2 Cruisers
4 Light Carriers
24 destroyers

1st gen ships:
Ullr Cruiser
12 destroyers

It is certainly a formidable line up, but still not enough to go against a couple of hundred Hataks, which is what is estimated for Sokar's fleet. With Yu's backing and Camulus they may stand a chance, and certainly could destroy those ships seen at Delmak with little loss, but the rest? They will need more firepower.

A tentative plan, some of which is talked out with the Tok'ra, is to destroy those ships in orbit of Delmak as quickly as possible, then use the Tok'ra's information (if they can get accurate intel on Baal) to lead Sokar to Baal's forces and draw him into the engagement, possibly even using the hyperspace inhibiter system on him to ensure he will not escape.

To do this they must have something on Baal to put before the Council, to prove he was attempting to double cross them. If the Reich is caught attempting to wipe Baal out like this, even if it does help taking out Sokar, then likely the Council would turn on the Reich.

For now things are on hold, waiting for intelligence on Baal. Some from the Tok'ra operatives, some from a couple of Reich stealth ships which head to Baal's space to begin hunting for his hideout. They also begin to hunt through the Genetic Memory Database to see if they can find something to indicate whether there is anyone on the Council who might hate Baal enough to help with defeating him without betraying the Reich in the process.

Assuming any Goa'uld can ever be trusted that much.

 

[Patupi]

July 1999

While all this preparation for the oncoming assault on Sokar continues apace the Reich Stellar civilization is beginning to come together in closer ties. In the case of Heschel however this has required some serious prodding. The Center States on Heschel have been fractious for a long time, but less so over the years. However, a few have remained troublesome. Technically they all are subordinate to the Nazi planetary governor and are no longer true monarchs. Indeed any Kings, Queens or dictators in power must join the Party and swear loyalty to the Reich before they are allowed to be in power, however even with this a couple of incidents have occurred. Minor brush wars and on/off battles have happened between so called allies in the Center States, those responsible often having to be brought to bear by Reich troops. Even with those responsible executed for Treason, Dissent and Crimes against the Reich (and sheer idiocy in the opinion of most Nazi party members) the Reich feel there is still too much lattitude for the monarchs to do harm to their own planet.

Thus the Character scanner is brought in and now all reigning monarchs must have their loyalty to the Reich, rather than their own domain, checked before they are allowed to stay in power. If failed another local noble may take the reigns. The Reich aren't trying to take over directly (mainly as they know the locals will see this in a poor light, not that they don't want to take over), and it is hoped this will sway things. Due the stupidity of the actions taken, even from a strategy point of view, education is also beefed up in the noble houses, hoping to keep the leaders on a sane footing. It's no guarantee but it should lessen the mad Kings a bit. Outside of the Center States things are far better. The outer states are more spread out and have fewer borders and their populations are less densely packed. They are generally regarded as poorer, dumber cousins at court, but seem far saner from a Reich point of view. More developmental funding flows outwards to help them boost their power, and the Center States are suprised at how quickly their industrial bases grow, the Center States' traditional place as the heart of industry losing ground. For the planet as a whole this can only be a benifit, but it does increase tensions at court slightly.

All this does however mean that there is a lot of Nazi politics springing up in court as more and more hopeful nobles come to heel on the party line in hopes of supplanting a noble found wanting by the Characater Scanner. Many of these hopefuls find other duties in the party. As emissaries to increase trade between the various nations of Heschel. As industrial liasons between commercial and political organizations. But also as Ambassadors offworld. One of these, a Rister Hirayama, has been a rising star this last year in reich circles. After befriending Heisenberg during party conferences (A mixed blessing with Heisenberg's political views not being quite in line with the Party, yet curiously he was still close friends with Himmler. Their friendly arguments were legendary. And loud.) he drew the attention of the party and specifically the Fuhrer. When Meyers' began to become irritating and the Fuhrer decided he couldn't simply pull him out (he was head of the SS and it would look very odd for the Fuhrer not to trust someone such as this for such a duty!) he decided to give the somewhat hardlined Hirayama a position more in line with his experience. He was made Reich Ambassador to Earth and Meyers was told to work with him in all future dealings with the Tauri.

Meyers had mixed feelings about this, especially as he'd never met the man, but followed his Fuhrer's orders. In his dealings on Earth so far he had been doing what he thought best for the Reich, and was annoyed that the Fuhrer did not trust him enough to do it alone. However an order was an order, and since the Fuhrer had NOT ordered him to change his position, but merely argued with him, he saw this new Ambassador as a political move to just influence his dealings on Earth.

His arrival proved otherwise. Hirayama was very direct, forthright, and obviously did not like the Americans at all. At first Meyers thought this prejudice, but soon it became apparent from discussion between them that his hatred stemmed from the reports of the attempted seizure of the Reich transport. To him any government who would attempt such a thing while discussing peace at the same time deserved no respect at all. Meyers could see his point, but knew the realities of the situation were far more complex, especially with the Asgard, Goa'uld and the Treaty added to the picture.

***

The landing ship, by request, wasn't a flying saucer, but something more like a large aircraft. The Reich reluctantly agreed, somewhat tired of the American's insistance on secrecy. Once more landing near the SGC the emissaries were escorted to down into the base and into the breifing room. Meyers was surprised to see Senator Kinsey there instead of the Secretary of State.

"Welcome to the madhouse." Colonel O'Neill muttered, seeing Meyers' glance at the offending Senator.

On one side of the table was General Hammond, Senator Kinsey, Colonel O'Neill, and Selmak/Jacob. On the other was Colonel General Meyers, Ambassador Hirayama, and and engineer and a scientist. Samantha Carter seemed to be eyeing the scientist oddly. Hammond opened the proceedings congenially, as ever.

"The US government and the Tok'ra welcomes the representatives of the Reich. Though your call was somewhat breif on what this was about."

Meyers was about to talk, but Hirayama stepped in.

"Two matters General. Though there are other issues we wish to discuss. One of those other 'minor' issues is arranging meetings with the Tok'ra without having to come to Earth."

Kinsey raised his eyebrows at that.

"Are you disparraging our interests?" He said hotly. "You haven't even introduced yourself! How are we supposed to deal with people we know nothing about?"

Hirayama sighed.

"Mister Kinsey, I..."

"Senator. My title is Senator."

Hirayama stared icily at Kinsey, silently for several seconds.

"Very well, Senator Kinsey. My name is Hirayama, Ambassador for the Reich, originally Gauleiter for the Heschelian people, and after for a region in Teutonia that..."

"Gow what?" Kinsey interrupted.

Another icy stare bored into the unperturbed Senator.

"Gauleiter. It means local party Leader."

Senator Kinsey gaped, unable to supress his shock.

"A leader of the Nazi party? You, for Aryan supremeacy?"

A confused frown crossed Hirayama's face and Meyers' leans in to say quietly, but still loud enough to be heard by the others.

"He's referring to the Third Reich's concepts of one race of human being superior and dominant over all others by some inherant, god given right."

Hirayama snorts and speaks directly back to Kinsey.

"Ridiculous. I stand for the rights of the Aryan people no more. And from what I have read your own people are just as prejudiced, believing the American people are better than everyone else."

"We are." Kinsey said, before he could stop himself, then winced slightly. "It's not through some genetic superiority though. We have many races, creeds and colors in our country."

"Then you should understand us a little better." Hirayama said acidly. "And your insistance that you are superior with no basis to stand on is just patently ridiculous. The Asgard at least ARE superior, but they do not go bragging about it. The way you are talking you may as well be a Goa'uld."

Meyers' winced as Kinsey became redfaced. O'Neill interrupted, restraining a chuckle.

"Much as I enjoy seeing a Nazi take..." He pointedly stares at Kinsey then adjusts what he was going to say slightly, and obviously "... us, down a peg on the moral scale, aren't we here for slightly more important matters?"

Hirayama tore his fierce gaze away from Kinsey and sighed.

"You are correct Colonel. As I stated, there are two main reasons I am here. First is that since the American government has consistantly refused our requests we are ending the current offers to your government at this time."

Kinsey shot out of his seat.

"Now wait a minute! We haven't had time to go over things. You can't just write us off like that."

"With due respect Senator," Hirayama said, his sarcastic tone indicating he had little respect for the senator, "We have been talking for over a month and you have consistantly turned down any request we made to contact the German government. We find such close minded, self obsessed points of view completely opposed to our interests. We are here out of courtesy. We can perfectly well simply fly down there ourselves and introduce ourselves. Please. Give me a good reason why we should not do so?"

"You made your Treaty with us, the American people. You can't just go around behind our backs like that!"

"But you can go 'behind the backs' of every other nation on the planet? Your stargate project's secrecy is offensive. I can understand that you wish to keep the project behind closed doors and a military operation, but denying the world the knowledge that the Goa'uld are out there is horrific. What if the System Lords discover the Asgard's ruse and decide they will not enforce the treaty? What if they simply fly here and bomb Earth into rubble? You would let the people of the world die without ever knowing why?"

"If the people of the world knew the existance of aliens and, god forbid, the threat of annihilation we are under from the Goa'uld, panic would rule. Riots, civil unrest, revolutions. We would not survive."

Hirayama looked on sadly, shaking his head.

"You are so sure of this? We have faced the threat of destruction by the Goa'uld for many decades and for a good while we had no ships to fight them. True, I came into the Reich after such ships were in use, but my own people, the Heschelians, knew of legends of the 'ancient evil gods' for centuries, and when the Reich came and told us that these 'gods' were real we did not collapse in disorder. We did not riot in the streets and wail and moan. We joined the Reich, we improved ourselves, as well as proving ourselves to our new friends."

Meyers managed to restrain a grimmace at this overly rosy picture of Reich Heschelian relations. While there had been no 'wailing and moaning' over the Goa'uld threat, they hardly joined the Reich immediately in peace and love. He certainly didn't want to stop Hirayama on a roll though, especially as it was proving most annoying to Kinsey. That was always a plus in Meyers' book.

"Why, if we a mere 'primitive' people could cope could you not?" Hirayama finished. "Are your people so jaded they think you cannot help them? Or is it that they are so spoiled that anything beyond their experience frightens them?" Kinsey, red once more, was obviously about to interject but Hirayama changed the subject, slightly. "However, this is not what we are here to discus. The fact is that you are not dealing fairly with us. You have taken up the mantle of Earth's protectors and will not allow anyone else on Earth talk to any off world Embassies. So be it. Then we will not talk to you."

With out leaving a gap Hirayama turned to Jacob and began again.

"The second point we wish to discuss is technical. We are interested in..."

"WAIT ONE GOD DAMNED MINUTE!" Kinsey burst out. "You can't just ignore the United States of America like that!"

Hirayama turned, very slowly, to bring his gaze back to Kinsey.

"Why not? You have shown no respect for us. You obviously think our people are little better than something you would find on the bottom of your shoe. The only people to have shown us respect are the SGC and the Tok'ra, and the latter are not part of your government. We have been very gratious dealing with you, traded heavily in your favor, trading large numbers of advanced space fighters for a mere information database."

"As I understand it that 'mere database' is a file of gate addresses unheard of among the Goa'uld. The fact that we shared this with yo..."

"Is inconsequential. Yes. We are happy to trade for it, and I am sure it will be useful, but it will not matter in the long run. Our ships currently can manage 70 lightyears a day, and every year we improve on this." Jacob's eyebrow's rose at hearing that figure. "We started at less than one lightyear a day. Soon we will be able to travel anywhere in the Galaxy in short order. A list of planets helps, but since it has no information on what is at each gate code it is of little importance at the moment. We are fighting an enormous threat, both Sokar and the long term problems with the System Lords themselves. Do you seriously think we would mess around with such a backwater, primitive people as yourselves if we weren't feeling generous, given our shared history?"

"Primitive!" Kinsey gasped, but Hirayama merely shook his head and turned back to Jacob before Kinsey could start up again.

"As I was saying, we are interested in any data the Tok'ra have on gate construction."

Jacob blinked, then glanced around the table looking a little sheepish.

"Um, not sure we can help you there. You do know the Goa'uld didn't build the gates, right?"

"Well yes, but the Goa'uld have duplicate every technology they come across. Surely they can build gates?" Hirayama said incredulously. Meyers too was shocked at this. Could the Goa'uld not be able to build gates at all? They thought they used the gates around simply because they were already there and readily available.

"No... they've duplicated a lot, but not gates. Those things are very complicated... pieces..." Jacob stopped, staring at Hirayama, squinting a little. "Wait... you've done it haven't you? You've built a gate."

Hirayama scrunched his face up, irritated.

"I cannot discuss such matters without conferring with my superiors." He said, suddenly confused. He hadn't thought that the Reich working to build gates would be an issue. They didn't want to let the Goa'uld know they were working on it, even Yu, but they hadn't thought they were ahead of the Goa'uld in this!

"Ah, so you haven't... but you're close?" Jacob closed his eyes breifly and then Selmak took over. "The Tok'ra would be very interested in a joint project in this matter. The ability to set up gates on new worlds would help us immensely."

Meyers shook his head.

"Why would it matter to you? You could just take a gate and transport it to a new world? Surely that would do?"

"We cannot. We have no ships large enough to transport a gate to a new planet."

This shocked Meyers and Hirayama.

"Wait," Meyers said, "you fight the Goa'uld but don't have any ships? I know you said you didn't have many, but no capital ships at all? You've been fighting them for 2000 years. Surely you could have stolen a few in that time?"

"And we have. The Goa'uld however do not take kindly to powers that threaten them, as you have learned recently. Whenever we have attempted to field any larger fleet assets System Lords gathered together and attacked the Tok'ra ruthlessly. The only way we have survived as a people and maintain the fight is by using only light vessels and by making the Goa'uld think that most of our sabotage against them is caused by another Goa'uld. If they knew half of what we did to them was caused by us and not by one of their own they would make another major offensive against us. At present they consider us a minor threat and we wish to maintain that. Thus we have not attempted to seize larger vessels in over a thousand years. Because of this we cannot transport gates to other worlds and cannot set up a secret base that is outside of the known gate network."

"So you want to be able to dissassemble a gate, ship it via small ships to another world, then rebuild it?" Meyers said cautiously. "And you can't do that now?"

Selmak tipped his head staring at Meyers.

"No. But apparently you can."

Hirayama glared at Meyers for letting that slip. Frankly Meyers didn't think he had, but by Hirayama's expression Jacob could tell he'd hit the nail on the head.

"If that alone is all you can do we would be willing to trade much for it. Taking a gate apart is easy. Reassembling it and getting it to function afterwards is not."

Meyers pondered for a few seconds.

"Yes. We can build gates from existing components." The glare from Hirayama was enough to say that he thought that information should not be shared if it was that difficult for the Goa'uld. Meyers didn't care. "I will not say what our position is on complete gate construction, but we do have a project for that. I think, as my esteemed collegue stated, we need to have more private discussions. Do you have a gate code for a neutral planet we can meet on other than Earth for future meetings between just ourselves?"

Kinsey fumed and Hammond and O'Neill also seemed put out that they would snub the Americans so, but at least the latter two understood why. Meyers and Hirayama made it clear they were not going to stop dealing with Earth, but Hirayama insisted that the Americans must change their attitude. Isolationism such as they have was only hurting themselves. If the whole of Earth's resources were thrown into fighting the Goa'uld they would have a much better chance.

Meyers doubted that would ever happen. Earth's governments were so fractious it was unlikely they would cooperate even to save the planet! But it was possible he was wrong.

 

[Patupi]

July 1999

The talks on a neutral world with the Tok'ra are slow to say the least. It seems Selmak is one of the more cooperative members of that group. However it is almost the discussion outside the formal talks that helps more. More details about the Tok'ra's history are learned, though even there they are reluctant to say much. It is confirmed though that they have very limited numbers, and the Reich surmise that they have either low population growth or none. Perhaps they have no queen?

Again the topic of the Bio-Repair pod crops up and Hirayama pushes for more than just access to the crystal technology in return. After some heated debate the Tok'ra admit the Crystal tech can be varied to do far more than mere tunnels, which the Reich suspected from their own Mu machine work and efforts with crystronics. They had hoped to adapt the structure of the crystal to different hardness with research. Now it appears the Tok'ra already have done this. By the end of July still no decision on this has been made, but the fact that the Tok'ra are still talking about it says that they do want it badly. Hirayama insists for more. One thing they agree to is someone to assist them in their final work on duplicating the Inertial drive the Goa'uld use. They are nearly there anyway, and it couldn't hurt to have someone who knows the technology inside and out assist to improve the efficiency. However even with this on the table Hirayama pushes for more and Meyers can see the Tok'ra becoming annoyed.

He keeps private audio records (against guidelines for such meetings) and plans to share these with Himmler personally to prove that he, not Hirayama, has the Reich's best interests at heart.

August 1999

However in early August things change tack. The reports from the stealth destroyer are in and compiled, though the ship is still on it's way home, and the meeting with the Tok'ra turns to how to plan the trap for Baal and Sokar. The Tok'ra's knowledge of Baal's activities and personality certainly help, though they only have a rough idea of where Baal is holing up. It's in a small globular cluster just outside the galaxy that up till now did not have any gates and few Goa'uld ever visited, especially with Ra's technology suppressing edicts. This brings up a further point in how Baal got there from his territory so fast. The Reich suspect they know the answer, but act dumb to see what the Tok'ra say. It seems they know all too well that there are hyperdrive technologies faster than 'standard' Goa'uld drives, just like the Reich dual hyperdrive... but much faster than the Reich suspect. The one's the Tok'ra have access to can run to over a thousand light years a day! Meaning they could cross from one side of the galaxy to the other in three months! That is way beyond what the Reich had thought was possible, but Hirayama mentally puts one of those hyperdrives on the list to add to the trade talks later. If the Reich could figure out the difference and improve their own drives...

However for now this may prove tricky, as the Tok'ra don't have any of those drives. They could build a drive, but with their resources and equipment it would be difficult. Up till now they've merely stolen existing ships, and all the ships the Goa'uld had under Ra were limited to 25 light years a day. Yu of course knew this and hasn't told the Reich! Perhaps he assumed the new order in the council would uphold the old rulings, and true most of the Goa'uld seem to be held to this old speed. But the Tok'ra confirm that Baal is not, and presumably once it comes out that one of the System Lords has broken the rule the others will as well. At very least the Reich needs to capture one of the Hataks with these faster drives on it so they can use their old trick of trailing it through hyperspace and use it's wake.

Meanwhile, even as talks mention (in passing) further interest in the gate reassembly tech, the researchers back home make a breakthrough. Their work on both gates and rings has finally allowed them to sinc two reassembled (and slightly redesigned) gates together without connecting to the normal gate network. The gates have to be manually sinced together with complex equipment, and if they go out of sinc they cease to function at all, but they work. Tests prove however that the sincing is too sensitive at present to be mounted on a ship. Merely accelerating beyond a quarter of a gravity would throw them out of sinc. The researchers are working on it. There are other problems with this system, the major ones being that it takes almost ten minutes to open a connection, and it takes far higher power loads than a normal gate. However there appears no limit to gate duration of operation. The portal can stay open indefinitely as long as power is available! At present they are doing testing, and there is some interference from a nearby normal gate, meaning it has difficulty making a connection if a gate is within a hundred million kilometers, but even then it is possible. With refining this technology could be revolutionary!

Late in August however news comes to the Tok'ra in the overly long discussions. Their spies have succeeded in finding Baal's hide out. It's a series of twelve planets on the far edge of the globular cluster, and soon to be more. There are also rumors that they are looking for gates that have not been used in a while and possibly some other information. What ever it is is being detected by an intensive data scan of the internal database of the gate DHD before they steal it. Some have been left for no discernible reason so there must be something else they are looking for in a gate/DHD.

With all the pieces in place Himmler calls Yu and asks for a private meeting. At first he broaches the topic of hyperdrives, calmly stating that Yu has failed to discuss these faster drives with the Reich, even as the Reich has discussed it's dual drives with him. After finding Baal travelling at such huge speeds (Himmler of course does not mention where he got the info on Baal from) the Reich realized that this must be an older technology, something Ra banned. If so then Yu knew of this the whole time and neglected to mention it.

Surprisingly Yu does not explode in rage against the insinuation, as Himmler half expected. The austere Goa'uld pauses for a while, then sighs and agrees. He states that he was unaware that Baal was using the banned technology and hoped that it would remain out of use. As soon as the other System Lords become aware of this they will all begin using the drives once more (as the Reich guessed), making the border situation even more untenable. Himmler is cautious as this is not like Yu. He's far too amenable. Himmler mentally reviews the last few times he's talked to Yu over the last six months and realizes he's gradually been getting... mellow.

Himmler can't help but let his eyes widen in shock. Yu's used the Bio-Repair Pod! It's either that or some careful trick, and he doesn't think Yu is capable of holding in indignant rage if he wanted to, so the Pod is the only solution. He manages to cover his shock as surprise that, if the tech isn't available right now that the System Lords aren't already using it. Yu merely laughs.

"The System Lords are wary of each other, but more also very fixed in their ways." He says, Himmler noticing the third person when talking of the System Lords. "They will no doubt be building such craft, as I have done, but be slow to show their hand. They will hold off using such vessels till they can see an advantage for themselves."

After that little revelation Himmler lets it slide and moves to the main topic. They knew of Baal's advanced drive use because they have tracked him via triangulation from gate positions on the far side of the galaxy (barely believable, but Yu should at least acknowledge it is possible) and know where he is holed up. Not only that they have hard data on Sokar's position! At this Yu really perks up and the discussions get more intense. Himmler goes into the detailed plan they have, to lure Sokar into a trap near one of Baal's planets. This should ensure that not only Baal's forces join the fray, but any other System Lords that he's lured away.

Yu shakes his head at this last. Given where Baal is holed up he is not drawing the few System Lords there. Yu has recently learned where he is gathering them for 'their own defense' against Sokar. It is no where near that globular cluster! Of course, this is another trick of Baal's. Probably he plans to lure Sokar against them, have each other weaken themselves, then step in at the last... or just withdraw to his little portion of space and build his forces for a future confrontation.

Still, if they do lure Sokar to Baal's hideout (assuming they can find which of the twelves worlds is his main planet) they still need one thing. A ship with the fast hyperdrive. At present it would almost a year for a Reich ship to reach Baals hideout, but one of these advanced ships could manage it in three weeks. Before Yu can say no Himmler states they do not have to have a drive themselves (though they admit they would prefer that) but simply that Yu use a vessel to escort them there.

Yu pauses at this, the implied trust which could leave the Reich fleet stranded tens of thousands of lightyears away making him ponder. However he agrees to this and to backing the Reich up in Council so they can get as many of the System Lords to join them in the battle. Of course the System Lords, Yu, and the Reich will arrive after Sokar has had time to fight Baal a little bit. How to lure them there without letting on where they are going is another big issue. They don't want anyone to know they are luring Sokar to Baal, obviously. That must be decided soon if they can get this plan ironed out fast enough to deal with Sokar before he strikes. He must be building his forces for a purpose, and likely will use them soon.

 

[Patupi]

August 1999

While negotiations with Yu on what to do about Sokar happen a revelation occurs in the 'Guest' barracks on the base. Peliar, working with the ex-host of Horus and the new genetic memory reader on the corpse of Horus itself, manages to piece together the code. It's not a code at all, but just as suspected, the person using the 'lock' on Ra's moon must be a member of the Council of the System Lords. Something in the system scans the memory to see if he is on the council. Peliar suggests himself of course, but it won't be enough. He is assigned to the council, but not one of the Lords himself... so he comes up with an alternative.

His symbiote voluntarily leaves his current host and melds with Himmler for a short time so as to activate the gate.

To say this idea does not go down well is an understatement, and there are several in the SS who would very much like Peliar shot immediately for even suggesting it, but they suspect it is actually a genuine offer. True, Goa'uld arrogance could mean he would think he could get away with attempting some kind of take over of the Reich, but even he must realize that the Reich could detect whether he truly leaves Himmler or not after this affair. He can't really be thinking of that, can he?

Word however gets to the Fuhrer of the deal and, several days later, he actually suggests they go ahead with Peliar's plan. Uproar from pretty much the entire party happens, as well as the SS, and many people attempt to tell the Fuhrer what he can do. This does not sit well with him and merely makes him even more insistant on doing it. He talks with various doctors and scientists about ways to monitor the Symbiote, his own brain, and determine what is going on while Peliar is present. He puts Schmidt in temporary charge until Peliar is removed and attempts to put things in motion. However a fairly important issue crops up immediately. So far they have not managed to extract a symbiote and keep the symbiote alive during the procedure. They have focused purely on keeping the host alive. As soon as Peliar melds with Himmler he will know what Himmler knows, and will not be pleased!

So, things are delayed until they can test removing a symbiote and keep it alive. Murmurings in the Party headquarters are not happy with the plan Himmler has, and there are continual queries to the scientists as to whether being blended with have any permanent effects on the Fuhrer. So far the answers are 'no' so far, but they keep asking, altering the question slightly.

Meanwhile the arrangement to trap Sokar begins to take shape. While Himmler is busy Reinhard is back in the Council attempting to organize things. He does not tell them that Sokar has been found, but instead begins to make deals to get assistance later on and with Yu's help gets a more recognition in the Council to unite them against Sokar. Still only two System Lords join the coalition against him, and reluctantly, but others agree that they may join if the Reich can prove they know where he is and that they can defeat him.

Baal seems rather withdrawn, seemingly taking little interest in the debate, though Reinhard notices some bitter and angry stares between him and Bastet. Perhaps she has learned he took her gate? Perhaps the Reich should inform her? Reinhard notes to ask the Fuhrer this later.

After much debate the meeting between Meyers, Hirayama and the Tok'ra finally reaches conclusion. The agreement is for assistance with the inertial drive, crystal technology, and some samples of Tok'ra DNA from various sources (ostensibly for work in the Bio-Repair Pod, but in fact it is to read their Genetic Memory) in return for two Bio-Repair Pods and training how to operate them. The Tok'ra are somewhat reserved about the deal, but follow through immediately, as do the Reich. The two pods are sent disassembled to a world the Tok'ra specify with technicians to reassemble them and medical techs to operate the machines and teach others. Samples of the Crystal tunnel shards arrive and are handed over to the Reich as well as two Tok'ra scientists to work on the inertial drive project. With them they carry DNA of fifty Tok'ra.

The Reich scientists eagerly fall on the DNA and put it into the GMRs (Genetic Memory Readers) but are surprised that the most recent memories are from centuries ago. It seems they have been given DNA from Tok'ra who have been dead for a long time. Perhaps the Tok'ra guessed some of what the Reich wanted with the DNA, but it doesn't matter as the memories emerging come up with some fascinating insights. Two of them were Tok'ra scientists and one died as a result of working on some technology and they have accurate readings on what he did. The rest are mostly insurgents and their data is out of date, but at least prove useful to indicate how the Tok'ra does things. Surprisingly they seem to be everything they claim to be. Honest, honorable and attempting to overthrow the Goa'uld. They are still insufferably prideful, but that seems to be a Goa'uld trait.

From this they also get confirmation that the Tok'ra have no queen and even with the Bio-Repair Pods lengthening their lives will eventually die out. Work begins on a side project to clone cells from symbiotes and make a viable entity, but it is hard to 'make' a queen without data on a queen. It seems they will have to do some kind of mission to locate such a queen and capture her, or at least get her DNA to work with. From there they could adapt the techniques to clone a symbiote from the DNA the Tok'ra gave them, but adjust it so the resultant Goa'uld will be female. This would solve their problems, but the real question is what would the Tok'ra exchange for this new symbiote? And more importantly what would the Reich demand in return?

Fleets begin to be arranged in the Reich in preparation for the mission with Sokar, and Yu promises forty Hataks to the cause, a substantial number and Himmler wonders if this will weaken Yu's hold on his territory. Some minor Goa'uld (or even another System Lord) could sweep in and strike while the fleets are away. That can't be all of Yu's forces, but this will be a far more drawn out engagement than the joint effort against Horus. There the fleets were still fairly close to Yu's territory, here they will be thousands of lightyears away! Yu is taking a big risk with this and Himmler is reluctantly beginning to like the arrogant Chinese Eel. Three minor Goa'uld pledge a total of twelve Hataks to the cause, and Camulus pledges ten on his own. He can more afford to fend fleets, having a smaller territory and more easily guarded for short periods by more limited fleets. So far no other Goa'uld have given any firm contracts, but two other System Lords pledge at least some ships.

When Meyers returns from the talks with the Tok'ra he suggests that the Tauri join in the battle. True, they only have fighters, but it would give them valuable experience against the Goa'uld and show them the might of the Reich fleet in action. This is met by skepticism at first, the Fuhrer's dislike of how Meyers was handling the Tauri talks having leaked, but the thought does gain some ground. Having fighters from Earth coordinating with Reich craft in battle is a little taxing. They will likely have to use translators, which the Reich can supply of course, as the fighter pilots will likely speak neither German or Goa'uld, the two main languages spoken by the Raumflotte and Luftwaffe personnel (with a smattering of Heschellian and Spelk as well). Also some areas would have to be off limits and this might complicate military coordination. There is also the matter of espionage. Would they attempt to learn the secrets of the Reich's technology by this effort? Can the Americans be trusted?

Meyers says that if the forces come purely from the SGC he thinks that it would be manageable. Probably the other forces in the American government would attempt to infiltrate a few people in, but the SGC would never attempt such a thing on it's own and the vast majority of the pilots sent could be trusted. Plus they could simply use the character scanner on them to determine who can be trusted.

This is put on hold for the moment as they are still working out the details of the plan, but having the Tauri join is certainly possible. For now Meyers heads back to Earth to act as liaison once more with Hirayama. Mostly just to be on hand in case negotiations start up once more or the Fuhrer decides to push for contacting Germany (with or without permission).

 

[Patupi]

September 1999

More frequent council meetings, due to the threat of Sokar (more and more accepted as fact now as his 'scouts' have been seen attacking System Lords), enable Reinhard, with Peliar in early September again, to push harder and harder for the System Lords to join together for a coalition. Things do seem to be developing well, though there are currently three camps. Those that agree that Sokar is a threat and should be dealt with now, those that think this is all some kind of deception and want to side with Baal and simply hole up... just in case, and the third group is a partial 'don't know' and a partial 'hate Baal' group, mostly comprising of Bastet and her followers. Reinhard manages to sway a couple of minor Goa'uld to join in the attack, but has little response from the other two groups.

Then, on the tenth of September, something interesting happens. Bastet publicly denounces Baal for seizing her Stargate, for raiding her territory (and incidentally a few other Goa'uld who she really could care less about), and for hiding certain details about Sokar. Suddenly not only is the second camp switching to join Yu and the Reich, but many that had sided with Baal decide that it would be safer to join the majority. In a matter of a single day all the main System Lords side with Yu and the Reich (Cronos reluctantly) and most of the minor Goa'uld as well. Baal leaves the council in disgust, disparaging the lot of them as idiots.

Suddenly the assault on Sokar can actually begin! The Reich had not considered it possible this quickly, and with so high a percentage of the council on their side. Over six hundred Hataks are promised by the various Lords and minor Goa'uld, the System Lords themselves pushing to 'be in on the kill'. As soon as Reinhard gets confirmation that a Reich fleet can be readied on short notice he stands again before the council and drops the bombshell. The Reich knows where Sokar will be. They claim to have cracked communications of Sokar's forces and are tracking a major force right now heading to far galactic East. 'Primitive' Reich technology however cannot get there quickly enough. Yu can escort them there, but only with previously banned technology. Reinhard asks the council to release Yu from these old edicts of Ra and allow him to dust off an old ship with the advanced drive that can reach the rendezvous in time.

The Council is publicly shocked that the Reich even knows about the drive, and more so that it is to be used. They are used to the faster propulsion being blocked, as it has for thousands of years. Some on the council were not even aware of it, having been born after Ra's edict and the memory of the drive expunged on Ra's order from newborns (along with many other technologies). Given the dire portents of this and that Yu agrees with Reinhard (and, curiously, Bastet) they agree. Thus Yu gets to use the drive without any problems from the council, them having given permission first.

Now comes the tricky bit. For some time the Reich had been wondering how to get Sokar to head for Baal's planet. From Tok'ra intelligence they know that Sokar's forces can make 1300ltyrs/day so estimate the time taken for him to reach Baal's holdout. Between Himmler and Yu they have worked out a way to lure him there. Yu has captured several Alkesh and Jaffa from Baal over the centuries. He picks four of the most recent, then using a mix of Goa'uld mind distortion drugs and Reich medical 'adjustment' are able to make them believe absolutely that they are still working for Baal, that he has a massive fleet out there that is being built specifically to deal with Sokar.. then afterwards conquer the rest of the System Lords, and have them 'happen' across one of Sokar's patrols and be destroyed. One ship will suffer an accident and be disabled, and thus captured. Under torture Sokar will no doubt learn of what these Jaffa 'know' and then rush to Baal's territory.

One problem is timing. The Fleet will combine near Baal's hideout planets and attack, but they won't know when Sokar is coming. They want to get there after he and Baal get stuck into each other, preferably after Baal is mostly defeated, then attack. To do that they work with Yu to seed dozens of Reich and Yu built Hyper Pulse Scanner satellites near Baal's territory. That way they will get warning when he is near and can delay the Reich joining the fleet at the rendezvous to adjust when the fleet as a whole can go. They can pass off any tardiness of the Reich forces on 'Reich primitive technology' which the Goa'uld would certainly buy.

At first the Reich aim to just hit a Random planet in the system, maybe sending a task force ahead to lure more of Baal's forces there just before Sokar gets there, but just after the council meeting an emissary of the Tok'ra calls the Reich and instructs them that they have the planet used by Baal as his new Throneworld. When asked how well they know this, they are indignant. 'Two Tok'ra operatives gave their lives for this. Is that not enough?'

They have a target. They have a joint fleet. Then have a way to lure Sokar there. Now it just remains to be set in motion.

The Reich fleet is readied: 4 battleships, 7 cruisers, 3 battlecruisers, 1 carrier and 40 destroyers, all 4th gen. This comprises the bulk of the Reich fleet, and Yu promises another twenty Hataks. That is impressive. A total of sixty Hataks to add is high for a single System Lord, despite Yu's wide ranging territory.

Yu heads his fleet in something that looks like an oversized Cheops. Probably not much more capable than an Hatak, despite it's size if the energy readings are anything to go by, but it has the drive ready. The Reich suspect Yu has already retrofitted other normal Hataks with the fast drive already, but this makes it look like a spur of the moment deal, with Yu having to resurrect an old ship for the task. The Reich forces join with Yu's and head off, Yu in direct charge of his ships, Admiral Grunwald in charge of the Reich fleet. Since Baal has proven that he has been developing anti fighter tactics, and what is known is rather old information on what he has, it is decided to hold back the carrier a cruiser and four destroyers nearby as a 'last ditch' effort. Hopefully by the time they are needed Baal's forces will be destroyed. Otherwise this will be a more typical capitalship slugfest, which the battleships excel at.

There is some worry that the Reich is sending so many ships for this mission, as they will be away for so long, but the Reich's defenses are strong, the HP Scan sats on the border let the newer ships zip in quickly to intercept any interlopers, and they still have the older battlecruisers, cruisers and destroyers at home, along with quite a few carriers and loads of fighters. They should be fine until the fleet returns.

The plan is to let the Jaffa Al'kesh fall into Sokar's hands in about a week's time, part way through the Fleet's journey. With Sokar's faster ships he will easily catch up and they can organize the assault to catch both him and Baal unawares.

What could go wrong?

 

[Patupi]

September 1999

"So I take it you have no ships to contribute to this offensive?" Theiss inquired politely.

O'Neill glanced away from the scene across the city of Volksburg and blinked.

"Hmm? Oh, sorry. No space fleet." he said, before turning back to the view. What made it especially impressive was the sight of a spinning disk shaped vessel behind the buildings in the distance. A destroyer if he remembered right.

"A shame. It would have a great help Colonel. There are other things we should discuss. Perhaps over dinner?"

"Na, I never was keen on Bratwurst." Theiss blinked at this, but managed to keep any emotions from his face.

"Hmm, and perhaps irrelevant in your case?"

O'Neill turned and chuckled.

"Oh, we still eat, but just for fun. I don't suppose you can make a Big Mac by any chance?" Theiss shook his head. "Shame. So.... this Sokar. I take it he's a 'Really Bad Man'?"

"To put it mildly. Even aside from his inclinations, and capabilities, to take on the whole System Lord Council... well, you are aware of the Goa'uld's attempts to personify themselves as Earth gods? He chose Satan."

O'Neill blinked.

"Ah."

"Yes. Well suffice to say we are attempting to eliminate him and his armada from the picture. Is there any other way you can help Colonel? We would appreciate any aid against Sokar we can get."

"You're talking making Robot Uses, right?" O'Neill said tiredly. "Look, I appreciate all you've done for us, and we really appreciate the help in these power cells." He tapped his chest, where, hidden deep inside, a tiny Naquadah cell was housed with a tiny Swastika emblazoned on it. "We really don't want you messing with our heads or using our robotics techno-stuff."

Theiss shook his head.

"Neither interest us Colonel. As I've said before our robotics systems are as good, if not slightly better than yours, and we don't want access to your computerized minds. We are however interested in the mental upload technology."

"Yeah.... Look, to be honest, nice as you guys are, we just aren't comfortable..."

"...Giving technology to scum sucking Nazis?" Theiss finished with a smile.

O'Neill blinked.

"Um... not quite the words I was going to use. Though..."

"Yes. You may be interested to know we've contacted Earth and, well, your original is quite emphatic in some ways. Though actually we have had rather good contact with the SGC as a whole. Less well with the American government." Theiss shrugged. "The point is we can help with getting the SGC to accept you once more. You are SG-1, no matter what bodies you inhabit. I think, given a little nudging, they will accept you back."

"And I'm guessing you got that phrase from the other O'Neill?"

"Scum sucking Nazis? Yes, though I understand he said it in jest."

"Yeah, of course he did." O'Neill said, rolling his eyes. "Harlan really isn't keen on giving technology away, and I agree with him."

"Even after we have given you Naquadah reactors?"

"Not an issue. Sam insists she could have cracked that nut in six months, a year tops, given Harlan's base tech and her brains." O'Neill said, obviously loving showing off how bright she was.

"I have to admit, that is interesting. 'Cracking' Naquadah reactors in so short a time, even with a more developed technology to work from, is impressive. But still, you accepted our reactors and it allowed you to venture through the gate for longer periods of time before you shut down, yes? Perhaps we can assist in other ways. From various comments that your team has made I guess that your worlds technology is in need of repair?"

"We've told you guys that before. That's no secret. Don't worry. We can handle it."

"But wouldn't you rather have more concrete assistance? I can have a team of techs head through immediately. Given what we've seen of your technology I'm certain we could be of great help restoring your facility to it's former glory. We even have a few volunteers that wish to be 'improved' to help more permanently with Harlan."

O'Neill turned once more, staring out over the buildings. It was an impressive city, and he'd walked the streets, seen the people. Hardly stereotypical Nazi society. Plus they had saved his butt a while back.

"We'll think about it."

"That's all we ask Colonel. But please hurry. The fleet is mustering now. Any aid you can give to save the galaxy from Sokar is urgently needed."

"Isn't is always?" He said with a smile.

October 1999

"This is ridiculous!" Cronos snarled into the display, where Bastet's visage was framed, the view of her busy Pel'tak behind her, Jaffa tending to her ship's needs. "We are gathered here for a glorious battle, and then must wait for these... savages? I say we head on without them. We have waited long enough!"

"I have read reports of Sokar's might, great and powerful Cronos." Bastet said, heavy on the sarcasm. "Feel free to attempt to take him on by yourself. I would enjoy witnessing your fall."

"Gah! Impudent fool! The longer we wait here the longer... WHAT?" Cronos said to the very nervous Jaffa who was anxiously attempting to get his attention without interrupting his Lord's... conversation.

"Th...there is a hyperspace event my Lord. Lord Yu and the Reich have arrived." He stammered.

"There, not so bad a wait was it?" Bastet said with a grin. Cronos just knew that she'd already been aware of their arrival while he ranted. The hated woman!

Before he could retort the view clicked off as she cut the connection.

"Communication from Lord Yu to all of the ships my Lord." His First Prime said, carefully not making eye contact with his, rather angry, god.

"Show me."

The screen wavered and Yu's insufferable features showed themselves.

"We are ready. Sokar is before us and nothing can stop us from getting our revenge! The System Lords will not be denied!" He said simply, then signed off, not bothering to wait for a response.

Cronos seethed, but knew this day would make up for it. He only wished he could see Sokar's face personally as he killed him. Space battles were so... impersonal.

***

Grunwald looked upon the massed forces arrayed around him and shook his head. In the end, with each Goa'uld attempting to out do each other, they had amassed over eight hundred ships! From what he'd read that was more than had been assembled under Ra to fight Anubis millenia ago. And these guys were on his side? Well, their own side. Over half of them were sundry minor Goa'uld, merely attempting to get in on the glory of defeating Sokar. Whatever worked.

On his chair display screen Yu's face came up as communications were established.

"We are ready, and the... great Lords are ready as well." Yu said, showing his scorn for the various Assembled Goa'uld. "I have sent two Hataks with the modified drive to rendezvous with your reserve ships. If something occurs they should be able to return and warn the Reich of what happened here."

Grunwald raised an eyebrow.

"Very considerate of you. We appreciate it. Now, to the task at hand. Have you word from Teutonia? Sokar is on course?" Unfortunately Reich Subspace comms had difficulty over such huge ranges, even with large shipboard units. They had to rely on Yu for communicating.

"Yes. The secondary detection grid caught him once more. Not only is he on time as we knew from the first contact, but he is heading for Baal's new homeworld. The plan is set. He should be arriving about now."

Grunwald gave a feral grin.

"I hope Baal enjoys the company. Very well, lead the way Yu, we are ready for the attack. I would suggest arriving a little ways off so we can see how Baal and Sokar are faring against one another before leaping into the fray."

"Understood, and I concur. To a glorious victory!" Yu said, and after Grunwald nodded back he cut the connection.

Shortly afterwards the assembled fleet shot into hyperspace, the Reich vessels following Yu's craft, while the Assembled Lords used their own means. Thirty minutes later they emerged from hyperspace approximately ten million kilometers from the planet Baal was calling home.

"Well, that looks fun." Grunwald said, watching the tactical plot as energy readings spiked, clear indications of a pitched battle. "Report."

"Yu is directly in front of us sir, but the combined fleet of System Lords has emerged far closer to the fray. They are maneuvering to attack Sokar now."

Idiots! Wading in with no plan, typical Goa'uld!

"Form the fleet up lieutenant, wait... how many ships does Baal have?"

"I'm reading... wait... most of these are Sokar's forces sir. Registering as five hundred Hatak class ships, but the only ships we can identify as Baal's are thirty Cheops and two Hataks."

"That isn't right. We know Baal has more Hataks than that, and I wasn't aware he fielded any Cheops motherships. Contact Yu."

After a moment Yu's concerned face appeared on the screen.

"You have noticed it as well." He said.

Grunwald nodded.

"Were you aware that Baal was using Cheops?" Yu shook his head imperiously. "I thought not. And there are only two of his known Hataks here. This reeks of a trick. I think..."

"Sir! I'm reading odd energy readings, pervading the system. They're growing in strength, but I can't identify them. Wide band EM and subspace signals."

"It's a trap!" Grunwald said fiercely. "Yu, get out of here, now! Lieutenant, get our hyperdrives warmed up ASAP."

Yu gasped, then clicked off the comms as Grunwald's lieutenant nodded and got to work. On the tactical plot Grunwald saw Yu's ship and four others vanish into hyperspace... then no more.

"What's up with Yu's forces?"

"I'm getting comms chatter from them indicating their hyperdrives aren't working. Sir, that energy field, I think I've identified the source. It's the system's star! It's inhibiting hyperdrive systems!"

Grunwald blinked, seeing the energy field rising on the scanner, and suddenly went white.

"All ships come about and head out of the system at best possible speed and put all power to shields you can. Notify Yu's forces to do the same.... and array the lighter ships ahead of the larger ones, in line with the star."

"No... he couldn't?" the lieutenant said even as he followed his orders.

"Max speed. Get us out of here!"

Grunwald watched the display, seeing the collected forces of the Goa'uld System Lords oblivious to their plight as his ships tore away from the planet, Baal's and Sokar's forces battling on the day side of the planet. That positioning must have been on purpose.

Suddenly there was a flash on the rear viewers. The sun glared white for a second, then visibly grew.

"Brace for impact!"

On the screens Baal's ships, Sokar's, and the System Lords were washed by superheated plasma from the star which had exploded minutes before, probably the moment Yu, the System Lords and the Reich had entered the system. Scanners could tell little in that fiery corona, but it was doubtful any survived. Soon enough the shockwave would be upon them too.

They were millions of kilometers further distant and travelling at high speed way from the star when the wave overtook them, and that saved Grunwald. Not so most of the fleet. Some of Yu's forces had followed the orders he'd given his own ships, but curiously it was easier for some of them to comply. His own ships were spread out in a wall of battle, evenly far apart from one another. Yu's were randomly grouped. That meant some were close enough to stack easily and the rearward ones protected the ones in front... not that it did the rear ships any good.

The glaring flash of plasma smashed through the fleets, ships blinking out in an instant as their shields were overloaded. Grunwald grunted as the bridge jerked and twisted, not something he'd experienced before as the compensators made all movements of the battleship seem slight. Red lights on his board showed his shields were down and he'd taken damage, but not critical... the rest of the fleet...

A few had managed to stack themselves, but most hadn't. It had been far too short a notice to coordinate successfully. Of the fleet eight of Yu's Hataks survived, all four battleships (though slightly crispy around the edges) two destroyers that had managed to shield themselves in front of a battleship, and two cruisers, one of which was severely damaged. The rest were wrecked, blasted into rubble by the star's explosion.

"Sir... *ungh* I'm reading a second shockwave inbound! ETA three minutes." his lieutenant managed, though the shock on his face was obvious. Grunwald suspected he was running on automatic right now.

"Contact Yu's ships. Our drives haven't warmed up yet. Find out if their hyperdrives are still interdicted. If so can we follow them into their hyperspace windows?"

Thankfully they weren't affected any more, and two minutes later the scattered remnants of the Reich fleet followed Yu's ships into hyperspace, their own drives managing to stabilize themselves hyperspace at least. They left a ruined system devoid of life, most planets in the inner system scoured of anything worthwhile, and no ships left visible.

Baal's trick had worked.

***

The bedraggled remnants of the fleet arrived at the rendezvous, the carrier, cruiser, 4 destroyers, two guarding Hataks, and Yu's five ships that got away were the only untouched ships. The damaged craft that arrived were not pleasant to look at, but at least they were intact. Already damage control teams were working on the battleship, and rings were being used sent repair teams to help the one, very badly damaged, cruiser. The other seemed to be handling it's repairs well. Somehow they had overloaded their shields, and though the generators had blown in the process, the ship had survived.

A hail came from Yu and Grunwald tiredly nodded to his lieutenant to answer.

"I owe you my life Grunwald." Yu said seriously. "This is not something I will forget!"

"This day is something none of us will forget Yu. Our fleets have been decimated, and though Sokar's fleet is defeated I'm sure Baal is having a field day back home."

Yu nodded solemnly.

"There will be a reckoning, but at least there is this. You need not fear the System Lords any more."

Grunwald had to chuckle at that.

"Yu... we ARE the System Lords now!"

That was a sobering thought.

Slowly the forces finished their hyperdrive repairs then headed for the month long journey home. Grunwald did not relish the thought of telling the Fuhrer what had transpired today!

 

[Patupi]

October 1999

The command center was a bustle of activity, mostly monitoring the orbital defenses of Teutonia, but also with (somewhat outdated now) updates on the Fourth Fleet's progress across the galaxy... though those updates were now by Yu due to the distance.

The double doors swung wide, four SS men calmly entered, guns in hand, but not threatening right now, and behind them Himmler strode in.

"How are our people doing Gardner?" He said to the commander of the facility.

Only slightly phased by the unplanned arrival of his ultimate superior Rear Admiral Gardner tapped a few keys on the display and the large wall screen (reminiscent of the large screens the Goa'uld favored on their warships, which the Reich eschewed in favor of smaller, personal screens for each officer) flashed up a large map of the galaxy with inset parameters on the bottom about the fleet.

"We have had word from Yu a short time ago that they have had confirmation of Sokar's fleet via the hyperpulse net. They should already be in system now engaging the enemy Mein Fuhrer."

Himmler blinked slightly at the missing salute when he entered. Forgivable under the circumstances. Tensions were high. He crossed his hands behind his back and stood against the display imperiously.

"Very well. Continue."

He watched the controls calmly, then frowned as a soft chime came on from several of the monitoring benches and red lights lit.

"Admiral?" He inquired quietly.

"Mein Fuhrer, we have multiple incoming ships heading through the Hyper Pulse net at high speed. Approximately 900 lightyears a day!"

Cursed Goa'uld technology! No matter how far they advanced there was always something they did better! Then Admiral gasped.

"Sir, they're heading here. ETA Teutonia in...two hours fifteen minutes."

Here? To the capital of the Reich? Were they insane? Wait, could Sokar have out foxed them all? Could he have moved his forces here instead of going to Baal? If one single Goa'uld could crack their defenses it would be him!

"Mobilize the home fleet, activate all defenses, and bring in the reserve ships, even the converted Hataks."

The older converted Hataks were not well liked by the Reich. They functioned well enough, and in some ways were rather efficient (and needed little maintenance) but were not as effective as cruisers in battle. Even with double shields added in they wouldn't last as long against an enemy fleet as one of their home built cruisers.

Still, all the ships they could muster. Which wasn't all of course. Some were on patrol, mostly older destroyers and a few battlecruisers, and some were stationed around other worlds. Two cruisers at distant Heschel mainly. Those had been built there and the journey had been considered too long to draw them home. Now with the new dual drives they could be, but so far hadn't to ensure that planet's defense.

Home fleet consisted of one battleship, six cruisers (two of those older models), eight carriers, mostly 3rd gen, and five destroyers. Also four Converted Hataks and two in their original condition, not to mention ten Al'kesh. Those bombers mostly were for research purposes and training SES personnel to use them in the field. Plans were made to steal them in future. They also had over 1300 Raubvogel fighters on the carriers, as well as 500 Raubvogels, 1000 Sturmvogel interceptors and 400 Jaeger heavy fighters in the planetary garrisons. This discounted the huge amount of orbital defense satellites and stations Teutonia had and the older reserve of 2000 antique Jaeger fighters. Whoever was showing up would get a very nasty surprise!

***

"Report." Himmler said calmly.

He'd been standing in almost the same spot for over two hours and his muscles were beginning to cramp. Refreshments had been brought of course, but he refused requests to bring him a chair and merely brooded, staring at the plot. Nothing really could be ascertained from the HP scans other than rough numbers, speed and destination. There seemed to be over thirty ships incoming, probably mothership class. And they were due any moment.

"Contact!" The lieutenant on duty said, interrupting Schmidt's (who had taken over from Gardner) response to the Fuhrer. "We have... forty seven ships. Hatak class. They're at ten million km from Teutonia sir. Holding position."

"We're receiving a hyper comm transmission sir." Another lieutenant reported. Schmidt glanced at the Fuhrer who nodded and stood straight for the vid pickups.

Baal's grinning features graced the screen moments later.

"Himmler. So nice to see you outside the council chambers. I would say 'good day' but I'm afraid it isn't very good for you."

"Baal." Himmler said coldly, hiding his surprise at Baal being here rather than on the other side of the galaxy. "I'm assuming this isn't a visit merely to tell me you're here. Having difficulty holding your empire together are we?"

Baal chuckled.

"Please, spare me the banter. We both know what is going on... or at least you think you know. You see your whole fleet out there was on a... wild goose chase do you call it? Heh, rather a nice turn of phrase really."

Himmler held his calm, barely, and responded, steel in his voice.

"Explain yourself. You must be aware that this small fleet of yours is no match for us here. Why are you here?" He asked again.

"Always so aggressive. It's not surprising the other System Lords didn't trust you." He said, then merely smiled for a few seconds. Himmler frowned. This was pointless. Baal was stalling... why? But in a few seconds the Goa'uld spoke once more. "You see I have merely brought some... protection, to ensure your mighty fleet didn't decide to accidentally destroy me as I arrived. I'm merely here to bring you a message."

While Himmler spoke to Baal, who was drawing this out too long as far as he could tell, Schmidt was frowning over a report.

"Why isn't the fleet at full readiness?" He demanded over a silent commlink.

"Field Marshall. All ships are go, except one Hatak. It's having technical problems."

"What kind of technical problems Captain?"

The officer gulped at the Field Marshall's stern tone.

"Computer issues sir. They had to reboot the system. Some kind of problem with the interface with the bridge systems and the Goa'uld computer cores."

Schmidt squinted. What was...? He brought up the monitoring systems and found that, despite the computer systems on the Hatak being unresponsive, it was engaging in a complete system tactical net interface, connected with the defense satellites and the other ships! Baal was hacking it! He started giving orders, thinking it was going to weaken the defense satellites to allow Baal to attack, while typing a message to go to the Fuhrer's subvocal implant to inform him.

"... and I hardly think it's too much to ask that you give me a bit of respect. Please. We're both fellow System Lords, are we not?"

Himmler slammed his fist down on the metal banister before him and glared at Baal.

"Enough. We are aware of your idiotic attempts at accessing our computer systems Baal. They will do you no good. I say again, one last time. WHY ARE YOU HERE?"

On the tactical screen the home fleet was now moving out to meet Baal's forces, ETA three minutes. The main screen showed Baal's face frowning finally, his grin lost.

"You cannot even be gracious to a fellow Lord? Very well. I came here to tell you that your fleet, Yu's fleet and all of the System Lords that followed them... are dead. Your core fleet is gutted, your worlds rely on a paltry satellite defense system that is completely inadequate against a serious fleet and I am formally demanding you surrender now."

Himmler laughed.

"Our home fleet is currently en-route and is totally capable of defeating you without any assistance from our defenses, thank you Baal. And you haven't explained how our fleets were supposedly destroyed. You don't have the firepower to accomplish that."

Ball smiled evilly on the screen and leaned back in his throne.

"I don't. But the star in the system you sent them to does. You see I had been struggling for over a year to gather most of the System Lords in one place to defeat them, Bastet always managing to draw some away from my 'defense plan'. But then it was obvious! You could do it for me. Rather than gather them all under my banner I merely allowed a leak of information to ensure all of them followed you and you would bring them all into one spot. I should add that the Tok'ra spy was most useful in giving you a good target where I could prepare the device. Your fleet. Yu's fleet. The combined forces of the System Lords. All of them have been destroyed by an exploding star. Very fitting don't you think?"

The Tok'ra information was a plant? Himmler managed somehow not to let it show on his face, but why was Baal still here? He must know these ships were not sufficient to take on his own forces? He checked the panels. No, the Meson scanners showed no cloaked vessels. Why was he still here? Then suddenly on the screen Baal turned to one side, listening or watching something, then smiled.

"Well, it's been fun, but I have to go. Have fun with the disorganized galaxy."

And his ships jumped to hyperspace with the fleet just coming into range.

"Admiral? What was that? I have a nasty suspicion that 'hacking' was doing more than disrupt our satellites."

Schmidt nodded wordlessly as he monitored several channels. After a few moments he turned back to the Himmler.

"Mein Fuhrer, I'm afraid it looks like the satellite connection was a ploy. Instead he was hacking the computer cores on the other ships of the fleet. Nothing high level, just low level monitoring data. He finally downloaded a dump of astrogation and flight paths from the ships just before he left."

"What was the last thing he downloaded?"

Another slight pause and then Schmidt went white.

"It was a report on the astrogation difficulties the stealth ships had in closing on Sokar's system. It's the location of Sokar's home planet he wanted! And now he has it!"

"And he'll get there long before any ships we sent can reach the planet."

Schmidt frowned.

"Well, there are one or two that might do it. They are experimental, and one isn't quite finished, but we have a few days, even at the speeds Baal's ships are going. I think we can get both working."

"What ships Field Marshall?"

"The two experimental Corvettes. The gate ships. One was being modified as a test bed to mount the mini-gates as well, our own versions that don't interfere with the the conventional gate system. I understand they've had some success ironing out the stability under acceleration issues. If they can get that working... we'll have a corvette sized ship with battleship class Uberbeam. I think that will give Baal pause."

"And send them to a nearby planet via conventional gate... yes. See to it Field Marshall. Baal must not reach Sokar's homeworld. If the corvettes can make a beachhead around the gate on Delmak we can send in fighters, troops and tanks. Perhaps we can take the planet first!"

The wealth of the industry Sokar had built over the centuries was a very tempting target, and Baal was heading straight there! The Reich must get there first!

 

[Patupi]

October 1999

"Mein Fuhrer... are you sure about this?" Schmidt asked nervously as he and Himmler stood in Teutonia's primary gate room control center.

"We do not have a choice Field Marshall. If our technicians cannot do it in time..."

"But we will have to share too many secrets. Surely there is another way?"

"I cannot think of one, and believe me I have tried. Even if we were to disassemble larger vessels and take them through the gate locally we could not reassemble them quickly enough to do any good. It has to be the corvettes."

"Seventh symbol is in. Wormhole is... stable." The technician said in a muted voice, attempting to not interrupt his superiors.

Himmler stared at the shimmering surface of the active gate for a moment, then picked up the microphone.

"Supreme Commander Thor, this is Fuhrer Himmler. There are grave matters we must discuss... immediately."

"Fuhrer, this is a surprise. I am afraid we are a little busy at the present time. How urgent is this?"

"The System Lords have been destroyed. Sokar has been defeated. Baal is near Sokar's homeworld. We need to stop him before he acquires Sokar's industrial power."

There was a significant pause on the communication. Himmler glanced at Schmidt and raised an eyebrow as the pause stretched.

"I will be there presently." Thor replied, and the wormhole cut out from the other end with a flash.

"Well, now we're committed." Schmidt said nervously.

"Don't worry my friend. We will prevail, and I trust Thor, as much as I can trust any of his people."

***

Less than twenty minutes later Thor was sitting in a briefing room with Himmler, Schmidt and several scientists and engineers.

"I understand your dilemma Fuhrer, and I sympathize." Thor said after the details of what had happened (as far as Himmler knew at present) were explained. "Unfortunately our... problem in our own galaxy has become somewhat pressing of late. We can spare no ships to aid in this endeavor at present. If this had occurred a week from now, perhaps."

"We guessed as much Thor, things have been quiet from you, and given your previous mentions of a Nemesis we assumed you had troubles of your own. No, we merely need a technician to help complete a vessel of ours. We can do it ourselves, but not in time."

Thor stared at Himmler, his expressionless (from a human point of view) face making the Fuhrer nervous, though he attempted not to show it.

"We do not usually render technical assistance." He stated cautiously, then paused, staring off to one side for a moment. "However, for some time now I have been attempting to persuade the council to seek your aid on a certain matter. They still do not trust you, unfortunately, but I believe you may be an answer to our troubles. Despite your technical inferiority you have grown rapidly in capability. It is possible you could find a solution that we could not. I have some expertise in technical matters. If I assist with this project of yours would you also assist us with ours?"

"Without your council's approval?" Himmler said neutrally, attempting to keep his expression calm.

"This relates to our Nemesis Fuhrer. I believe you may find a weakness in them that we have missed, or already possess a weapon system that may prove more effective than those we have tried already. At very least I would appreciate a new perspective on the problem."

The Fuhrer pondered. In return for having Asgard help with their project they must help with an enemy more powerful that the Goa'uld? To get involved in yet another war? Still, there was a chance for them to defeat the Goa'uld here, or at very least to demolish the majority of their power if they could stop Baal. He had to take it.

"If you tell us more about this 'Nemesis' of yours, then we can more of an informed decision on the matter." Himmler said carefully.

"Very well. A long time ago the Asgard made a terrible mistake while exploring a planet..."

***

Himmler sat back in his chair and pondered. These 'Replicators' seemed an horrendous threat. Able to adapt to new technology, improve it even beyond it's creators designs, and rapidly reproduce themselves with ready raw materials. At present he had no idea how to counter such a threat, but he would leave that up to the scientists and engineers.

"I think assisting you in this would not only be a fair exchange, but also a given. If you had told us of this threat before we could have assisted then. This is a threat to all peoples, not just your galaxy. If you can get here, and they have already absorbed your ships, then there is nothing stopping them coming here."

"Thank you, and I believe you are correct. You could have been of assistance some time ago. I hope the council sees things the same as I."

Himmler raised an eyebrow. Thor going against the council like this was not like him. He wondered if there was a more direct threat at present, perhaps these replicators had found their homeworld? Or were close to doing so? Thor continued, breaking Himmler's train of thought.

"However perhaps you could elucidate what assistance you require in return?"

Himmler glanced at Schmidt, somewhat less nervous about this part of things now, after hearing of something to be far more nervous about.

"We have two experimental vessels, small enough to fit through a stargate. One of these has been... modified to test some very cutting edge Reich science. You understand this is not something we would reveal to another nation under normal circumstances. I trust you will keep this information secure? Especially from these Replicators." Thor nodded solemnly. "Very well. We have installed a small stargate of our own design that..."

"You have built a stargate?" Thor interrupted.

"We still have some difficulty with some components and have to use existing components from old Stargates, but mostly, yes. This particular model is designed to be outside the gate network, using a tailored subspace connection."

"Why? The existing gate network allow far more efficient use of the gate system. Attempting to design a new system for the gates..." Thor paused. "You are attempting to avoid interference from other gates, yes?"

"Correct." The lead scientist on the project, a Professor Amsel said excitedly. "The gate will connect even if there is another active gate already in system. It doesn't use the existing coordinate system, the subspace connection web or any of the old layout. This also means the differentiating flux doesn't build, as it is solely a one to one connection, rather than attempting allow a multi-faceted connection network allowing access to..."

"I understand gate technology." Thor butted in and Amsel coughed as he realized he'd been slightly over enthused in his subject.

"Yes, well we are attempting to generate a 50cm portal for use on a remote vessel. The corvette has been chosen to test the system and so far has been doing well. However it is not ready for use. The gate has functioned well in trials in the lab but we are having difficulty in tying in the various systems to remote power it."

"You are attempting to power a vessel through the gate?" Amsel nods, grinning widely. "I do not understand. Such as system as you suggest, while possible, has enormous limitations. The connection cannot be established remotely, you would need a very fine tuned connection in real time to establish the link. This means that if the link fails at a remote location it cannot be re-established. A subspace communication would have too much delay to enable a re-connection to be reliable beyond a few lightyears... unless..."

"We are using a local gate." Himmler said calmly. "Sending the ship in, then engaging it's gate system while close to the existing gate using it's 'real time' connection to assist. Yes, it is problematic but with large external power we can maintain the small gate's activity indefinitely."

"But how is this one vessel able to fight off Baal's fleet? It is a small craft to fit through the Stargate, correct?"

Again Himmler's eyes met Schmidt's.

"It is not only power that will traverse through the gate. The ship will have very few on-board weapons. Instead the gate apperture will transmit a beam from a battleship class... Uberbeam."

Thor cocked his head, not having heard that word before.

"Only one or two Goa'uld, at least those still alive, know about our primary weapon. And if Baal is to be believed those are dead. The Uberbeam is a modified plasma beam, with a tailored 'rotating EM field' tied into it. I understand this allows tuning of the beam for better shield interaction, and better cohesion and longer range."

A glance at Amsel gave a nervous nod back to the Fuhrer, acknowledging his description as valid, for a non-scientist.

"That is... impressive. One of our primary weapons is a very similar style of beam. I am surprised you have been able to accomplish such a technical feat."

Himmler's expression faltered.

"Are you saying we accidentally re-created one of your weapons systems?"

"I'm sure it is a more primitive version, but yes." Thor replied "And you believe these 'Uberbeams' will give you enough of an advantage, despite the small size of the craft?"

"Only one is set up for the new gate system unfortunately. The other will rely on missiles as it's main weapon. The gate powered ship will also focus heavily on shields for a ship it's size, powering them from the gate. Both ships are based on a stealth system we have perfected for a while, but... are also working at present on increasing this to a full cloak." Himmler pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath. "We are working with Yu on perfecting a true cloak technology."

"You... are cooperating with a Goa'uld to develop new technology?" Thor says, his tone implying he cannot believe what he is hearing.

"Yu has been... changed. We 'fixed' his sarcophagus to aid in his healing as his age related condition was not being healed successfully by his older technology. In the process we put in a 'fix' for the biological changes to the mind that the sarcophagus naturally produces. Yu now no longer has those mental conditions. Already we have seen the difference in him. He is hardly a saint, but even before we helped him he was the most tolerant of the System Lords. I think he has already proven to be a trustworthy and honest ally."

Thor stares at Himmler for quite a few seconds.

"You have... fixed... the Goa'uld?"

"Hardly fixed. Their memory is still the same and having recollection of doing some the horrendous things they have done over the millenia is not going to help. But yes, in Yu's case, with his already more tolerant mental condition, I think we have helped him become a far better person."

"The Asgard would never condone doing such a thing to someone against their will."

Himmler smiles.

"He knows what has happened. Now, back to the technical assistance. The main issue is the gate. As I've said our engineers have already made the system work in a lab situation but have difficulty with it in the ship. It is interfering with other key systems... and has stability issues when under acceleration. If you can assist with that we would be most grateful. Also, if you can finish off the work we have done on cloaking...?"

"Which will be shared with Yu?" Thor said coldly. Himmler merely nodded, with a carefully blank expression. "At least you are honest about it. I will... consider this. I take it you will not be sharing the gate technology with him?" Himmler smiled and shook his head. "Good. The capability to construct stargates has only been achieved by a few races in the Milky way galaxy. If the Goa'uld learned how to do so it would..."

"...Shift the balance of power?" Himmler butted in. "Almost as much as... oh... killing off all the current System Lords?"

"You have a point." Thor conceded. "Allow me to review your current work and I will consider the matter of the cloaking technology."

"I should add that we already have a means to detect cloaked ships, by our technology or other means." Himmler said "That we developed first."

"Indeed. Perhaps you can assist with the Replicator threat. I hope so."

***

On Leere in a huge hanger in the main base, two cylindrical ships were being worked on by hundreds of engineers and one odd looking grey alien.

"Incredible!" Amsel said, watching Thor reassembling a housing after some extensive rework. "I had not considered that approach to harmonic tuning before. Quite fascinating."

"Yes. I believe your issues with inertial bias on the primary alignment coils in the gate should be solved. The craft should be able to accelerate at top speed without issue. I have to admit the concept of the craft is interesting. I may consider attempting something similar in our efforts against the replicators, however the thought of them acquiring the technology... does not bear thinking of. We must be cautious in our efforts to improve ourselves, lest we improve them too much."

"I do not envy you your battle Thor." Amsel said solemnly. "Such a complex, adaptive enemy is a nightmare. I hope we can assist somehow against the threat."

"As do I." Thor said, then stood up. "You may remount the assembly in the ship."

As it was being raised back up into the underside of the armored superstructure a tall man strode in, grinning.

"I never thought I would see the Asgard assisting in this manner." He said in the typical, resonant voice of a Goa'uld.

Thor turned and looked sharply at him.

"And you are?"

"Forgive me, my name is Peliar, humble servant to the Reich. And trust me, if I was otherwise I would be a smear on the wall by now. They do not take treachery lightly." He said, chuckling.

Thor seemed a little taken aback by Peliar's frankness, but nodded amicably.

"This technology is not allowed to be held by the Goa'uld. You should not be here."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think I will be sharing anything with other Goa'uld again, and I would hardly want to. The last few years has been a... revelation. To put it mildly." He shook his head. "No matter, I came to tell professor Amsel that his colleges have succeeded in their, somewhat hasty, efforts to get the cloak systems operational. It's not quite up to the quality we would hope, and probably won't fool sensors closer than ten thousand kilometers, but it will also have the effect of making these ships very hard to hit. That, strong shields, and an Uberbeam... the mind boggles. I think Baal will be in for a very nasty time of it. Oh, and on a minor note, we have made contact with Yu and the Fleet. Baal was accurate, but it seems both Yu and the Reich managed to escape the exploding star with some ships. Though the System Lords were destroyed a lot of Reich and Yu ships were lost however. This is a black day for the Reich, but soon I think Baal will realize he has made a serious error. He does not realize how tenacious these people are, and to rile them like this is a very bad idea."

"I am pleased that some vessels escaped, however more worrying is the fact that Baal was not lying when he said he caused a star to explode. If he is capable of doing this at will then he will remain a serious threat even if his fleet is destroyed!"

Peliar nodded with a frown, watching the armored plates being lifted back up, poles and bars sticking out for mounting the stealth and cloak plates on afterwards. Hopefully the whole assembly will be ready soon. They had a matter of days till Baal reached Sokar!

***

The two new experimental corvettes, with handpicked crews, launched on time, with very little testing unfortunately. They simply didn't have the time. The other, non-gate powered ship had another mini-gate loaded onto it, but this was designed normally to connect to the gate network. Screaming through the gate to a world less than ten light years from Delmak they hovered on grav systems while the one ship had it's gate activated. Aligned by communication through the main Stargate on that world the onboard mini-gate flashed into existence, and suddenly the Corvette CVX-001 (nicknamed Zerstorer, or Ravager, by it's crew) found it had power levels beyond that of a battleship. Shields almost equal to a cruiser in strength, the main Uberbeam and six light deathrays. Once everything was checked out the connection was cut (it couldn't be maintained in hyperspace) and the two ships leaped into hyperspace and headed for Delmak.

Once in the outskirts of the system was the riskiest time. They accessed the 'normal' minigate non-gate powered ship and attempted to dial the base on Leere. Thankfully the crew gave a sigh of relief when the gate connected. With that connection data transfer allowed the gate powered ship to get it's dedicated connection online and suddenly CVX-001 had it's systems at full power. CVX-002 kept it's more normal minigate online, giving a boost to power and shields and allowing it to refuel remotely. It unfortunately wasn't set up to use a remote uberbeam through the gate. That would have required extensive reworking of the hull. But for 38 minutes (perhaps a little more with some overpowering of the gate from Leere) this ship too would be impressive in capability for it's size.

The two ships streaked in-system, first on plasma drives while they were at long range, then switching to their grav drives which while lower acceleration (and with the inherent 1hr time limit on operation) were far stealthier, they started scanning Delmak... and were just beginning scans when a hyperspace footprint was detected... a big one. Forty five Hataks emerged into Delmak orbit and the sensors on the two little ships noticed one was giving off erratic energy signatures, something that a hyperdrive would give off if stressed too hard. It seemed Baal pushed his ships hard and arrived early, perhaps assuming the Reich would attempt to find a way to follow him.

"This is your new god Baal. Sokar is dead, killed by my hand. You now serve me! Bow before you god!" Came the depressing communication, aimed at the surface of Delmak.

"I am dead am I?" Came the response, and on their screens the Reich techs saw the pasty image of Sokar staring back at them, just as over a hundred and twenty Hataks microjumped into orbit. "You're pitiful attempts to defeat me merely have destroyed my enemies. Now, bow to me Baal, or perish."

On the screens they saw a large vessel move from the far side of Delmak, a familiar form of craft to anyone that had been in the campaign against Horus. It was another supership, like the one they were currently retrofitting. The design was slightly different, but very similar. Perhaps both were based on an older design? Of Ra's perhaps? Still under cloak the two corvettes watched, not daring to attack. Even with their advantages they doubted they could do much, and who would they attack? Baal? Sokar? Who was the biggest threat now?

Abruptly Sokar's vessels opened fire, just as the Reich sensors (and presumably Sokar's) detected hyperspace energy build ups on Baal's ships. Of his fleet only twenty nine got away. It was difficult to tell if one of them was Baal's flagship or not. The corvettes slowly crept out of the system, then headed home. The great effort of building these ships, struggling to get out here, was all in vain. Sokar had merely had his fleet gutted, not destroyed, just like the Reich. Even if all he had left was a hundred and twenty ships it was still impressive. With the Reich and Yu's forces damaged, and the last effort to gather Goa'uld to fight Sokar ending badly, they might have difficulty persuading anyone to join them again.

How were they going to beat him now?