The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 125

The runabout landed on DSA-2. First Droid 401 got out, followed by Droid 420, while Droid 480 helped Ensign Thomas get into the environmental suit. The freezing cold of minus 165 degrees Celsius would kill the young Ensign instantly. Once all four of them outside, Droid 401 had already found the source of the planet quakes. There was a metal structure beneath the surface, but some serious digging had to be done to reach it. Ensign Thomas made a full report of the situation to Deep Space 2.

"DS2, this is Thomas. We have found a metal structure benath the surface. It is an unknown metal. It has the size of a circle. and there are some other elements close to this structure. It is not yet clear whther this is a building or just a bug artifact. We have to dig it out to make a better determination."

"Understood Ensign. We will send you some help."

Before Ensign Thomas could go back to the runabout at least two thousand engineering droids were transported to the surface, with heavy drilling an other equipment. As soon as they arrived they started to melt the ice and clear the site from any rocks or other hard materials. By the time Ensign Thomas was back in the runabout out of his environmental suit, most of the digging already had been done. The top of the circle shaped artifact could be seen. Again Ensign Thomas put on his environmental suit and got out to have a closer look. While the digging continued it was clear now that the artifact was some kind of ring, with the same kind of inscriptions as on the console found on the moon of DSA-2. That was clearly the connection as Thomas reported to Deep Space 2.

"This is Thomas. Can you see this? It is some kind of ring. We also found a device that is connected to this ring. The engineering droids have build at amazing speeds. They have build a complete building around the ring. I don't know why they are doing that. When I asked the answer was that they just had to do it. At this moment they are also building a complete control room and living quarters. It is incredible to see them in action. I cannot even see their movements. They are so fast. I estimate the building will be ready within a day at most. I will report every hour, or when something new comes up."

"Acknowledged Ensign."

Aboard Deep space 2 officers were already guessing what this ring device could be. A ring for a giant, a monument for any higher being, a large viewscreen for entertainment. Fact was that nobody really knew what it was. Until suddenly without any warning at all, Droid 1 entered the operations center. He looked at the main viewer and nodded.

"Very well," he said. "This could come in handy." his mechanical voice made a strange echo in operations. There was not one of the officers who was not looking at the droid at the door. It was the droid with the number one painted on his chest. Many of the Starfleet officers had never seen One as he was called by the other droids. But as they stared at him, Ensign Thomas had a new report.

"I am in the building now. We have full scale life support. I am sitting in the controlroom. The droids have put that console I found here on one of the free tables. Wait a minute. Hey you, don't touch that. Don't touch that I said."

"Ensign Thomas what is happening? Report."

"You will not believe this. On the device connected to this ring are the same symbols as on the console that we found. One of the droids has been pushing on those symbols. The inner ring started turning around until that particular symbol was on top. That symbol was locked. And another symbol and another. Eight symbols in total were locked. Apparently only eight could be locked as the ninth was not accepted...



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 126

Aboard Deep Space 2 Operations, Droid 1 turned around. As the officers watched him go out, Droid 1 stepped into the corridor. He had to make haste. Down on DSA-2 the ring had been found. Droid 1 knew what this ring was about. But he had to travel to the surface to help out with the initialisation of the device. He transported himself into the control room where ensign Thomas was again looking at the next attempt of Droid 401 to let the ring turn and do something else then turn. As Droid 1 materialized Droid 401 stopped his attempts and turned to Droid 1, waiting for the droid leader to speak.

"Is this the seventh attempt 401?"

Droid 1's question seemed already include the answer. Droid 401 nodded. Ensign Thomas had not counted the attempts, but he was sure that the next attempt would change something. He could only watch when three droids came in and placed a device in front of the ring. Thomas recognised the device as being some kind of probe the droids used on earlier occasions. Droid 1 waved his hand. The three droids went out of the room and stayed behind the blast doors, closing them manually. From behind the window Ensign Thomas had a great view on what was going to happen. But he wasn't sure what to expect.

"Do not be afraid Ensign Thomas. There is no danger."

In Deep Space 2 Operations the officers could follow what happened in the control room. Then they heard the voice of droid 401, just as Admiral Arthur walked in to check on the progress.

"Clear the gate room. This is gate command. Clear the gate room. This is a positive first test."

What was meant was not very clear, but as Droid 401 hit the symbols on the panel before him, the ring in what was called the gate room started spinning, locking that particular symbol. The second symbol followed and the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth. There was a short vibration in the entire complex, then it seemed like a large mass of water was coming out of the ring, but just before it dropped down, it seemed to be pulled back into the ring. The wave was gone, but in the center of the ring there seemed to be some kind of puddle of water. But the water did not fall out of the ring. Ensign Thomas had only questions. Droid 1, personally gave an explanation.

"Deep Space 2. This is DSA-2 Gate Command. What you see here is an artificial wormhole. A way of traveling created by an ancient species so they could travel from one planet to another and from one galaxy to another. Traveling to other galaxies requires 8 symbols, traveling to other planets requires 7 symbols. There are no other gates in this galaxy. But we opened a gateway to the Orion galaxy. The Orion galaxy is known for its peaceful inhabitants and many worlds are connected through a huge network of gates. We will now send a probe through the gate to see what is on the other side. Data from the probe will be relayed by DS2-A Gate Command to Deep Space 2. You can later decide whether you want to travel through the gate and visit the Orion Galaxy. Please have a little patience, before the data comes in."

Droid 1 gave the signal. The probe was launched ad started his way through the gate. Droid 1 explained to Ensign Thomas the principle of the gate was a lot like the transporters in use by the Federation. It was a way of traveling which was completely safe. The first data from the probe came in, showing a M-class planet. Flying at higher altitude the probe showed clear structures of towns and civilization. Then the probe landed on a mountain top giving a clear view of one of the larger cities in great detail. In Deep Space 2 operations Admiral Arthur watched the images as they came in.

"Droid 1, this is Admiral Arthur on Deep Space 2. I think we have found a way of traveling through space a lot faster and without any ships. I have the impression you know more about this way of travel."

"Yes Admiral. The symbols on the stargate..."

"What did you say Droid 1? Stargate?"

"Yes Admiral. The popular name for this kind of ring device is stargate. These stargates can be controled by a remote control panel. The symbols on the stargate and the pannel are coordinates. Every group of 7 coordinates leads to another planet, if it has a stargate. Every group of 8 symbols leads to another galaxy if, of course, the planet you address in that galaxy has a stargate. You have to understand that there are almost an infinite number of combinations with these symbols, so a lot of combinations do not lead to another stargate. The coordinates we used just now are known to us. We have several other addresses in the Orion Galaxy, even of uninhabited planets which you can colonize. I will explain to Ensign Thomas how to operate the stargate and how to make precautions not to get lost in the large network. If you plan to send an away team through the gate I suggest you always take a gate droid with you. The gate droids are numbered starting with the number 4. The stargate only works in one direction for objects. Radio communications can go two ways. We have installed a safety shield to stop unwanted visitors. You cannot be to careful. We are waiting for your orders now."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 127

On DSA-2 the gateroom became the center of operations. A second probe was sent through the stargate to the planet called Yppion in the Orion Galaxy. More data was coming in, but after 38 minutes the stargate closed. Ensign Thomas in command of the Stargate command center, had some questions about the clsing of the stargate after such a short time. Droid 1 explained.

"Ensign Thomas, the gate shuts down after 38 minutes. Those are the laws of physics. We could boost up that time if necessary, but that will cost a serious amount of energy. We let the probes do their work now and every hour we will make a connection to Yppion to monitor their progress by downloading all the data of the probes. It is the Federation policy not to interfere with other cultures as the Prime Directive states. So we cannot and will not march through the gate and introduce ourselves to the local inhabitants. Wait, there is more news. Please follow me. Our droids have cleared another part of this complex from the ice. I think you will find this very interesting."

Ensign Thomas jumped to his feet. Everything here was way out everything he had expected when he graduated from the academy. Thomas had learned to trust the droids. And for a good reason. Droid 1 stopped at the door where two other droids had waited for his arrival. The door opened. The droids let Thomas enter first. The young Ensign stepped in a large hall, at least five floors high. Every floor had some kind of small space ships parked. In total there were more than fifty of these space craft. The space craft looked like shuttles, but apparently were constructed to travel through the Stargate. This was the moment Droid 1 said good-bye.

"Ensign Thomas, I have to return to my regular duties. Droid 4 will be leading the Gate Droids. He will also explain some things about these craft."

Droid 1 nodded and was transported back aboard Deep Space 2 in orbit. Droid 4 stepped forward and with almost exactly the same mechanical voice he started to explain the abilities of these craft.

"Ensign Thomas, these are shuttlecraft especially designed to travel through the stargate. The have minimal weapons, little shields and are not capable to travel faster than light. These are not warp capable space craft, but they have a perfect cloaking system. Apparently the ancients did not need warp drive as they used these ships to travel far distances through the gate network. If you would like to try one of them, please say so. I must say though that these ships can only be operated by humans with a special genetic structure. It is a safety mechanisme that the ancients have build in almost all their equipment so no other species could use them. A wise precaution if you ask me. The droids can simulate this genetic ability, so I can send a pilot to you so you can try this ship."

Another new toy of these ancient species. They must have been highly advanced.

"Deep Space 2 this is Ensign Thomas. We have found a large number of space craft. I would like to ask permission to try one and dock with it in Deep Space 2 spacedock."

Deep Space 2 Operations gave the permission. A few moments later one of the craft lifted off from the surface and set course to Deep Space 2, leaving the planet DSA-2 behind. On their way Droid 4 explained to Ensign Thomas how the ship was operated. The ship responded to mental commands. But Thomas could not control the ship as he did not have the special genetic ability of the ancients. But as long as there was a level 4 droid in the neighbourhood, this ship could fly.

"Deep Space 2, this is Gateship 1 requesting permission to dock."

"Gateship 1 you have permision to dock on platform Alpha."

A few minutes later the small craft landed on the platform in Deep Space 2 spacedock. Ensign Thomas was welcomed by Admiral Arthur himself and Chief Engineer Louis who absolutely wanted to see this craft for himself. But ensign Thomas seemed to be in a hurry.

"Admiral sir. I ask persmission take this craft to one of the uninhabited planet, try it out and explore that planet with a small away team."

Arthur thought about this for a moment. He thought his officers would need more training time to get used to this new way of travel. Of course there was always a droid with the away team. Only the droids could fly these craft anyway. But there was another problem...

"Actually Ensign Thomas, I had in mind that certainly in the beginning of testing this new way of going to other planets, only marines would be send through this stargate..."

"Permission to join the marines sir."

"Well Ensign, as you were the first to discover this stargate complex on DSA-2 and you have the most experience in this field, although it is not much yet, I must say I would rather have you doing this than anyone else, so your request to join the marines is hereby granted. But you will have to do additional training. Do you agree?"

"Yes sir, certainly sir, no problem sir."

Ensign Thomas didn't seem to have any choice anyway. So everything extra he had to do, was to prepair him better and the only way to go through that stargate.

"Ok then. You better change uniform... There are no ensigns in the marine corps mister Thomas. So therefore you will go by the rank of Second Lieutenant. You will report to Colonel Jan Theys, before anything else. I expect you back here in one hour."

Lieutenant Thomas saluted and ran out of spacedock. Admiral Arthur took a good look at the ship. He invited Chief Engineer Louis for a ride. But the chief seemed to have an objection.

"With all due respect Admiral," he said smiling, "I am not a marine."

"I am not either Louis, but we are not going through the gate... yet. We always send in the marines first."

Both officers stepped in the small craft laughing. When the Admiral stepped in the lights went on. When he sat down in the pilot seat and moved his hands above the console in front of him, the console was activated. Droid 4 was only watching. He had not done anything. He took a small device and scanned the Admiral. Droid 4 was more than a bit surprised.
"Admiral Arthur. It seems you have the proper genetics like the Ancients to operate their technology. Let me explain how this craft works. You should be able to operate it within 20 minutes by yourself."

A moment later Gateship 1 left Deep Space 2 spacedock. The small ship accellerated and Admiral Arthur proved Droid 4 to be right. In less than 20 minutes he could use the gateship like he had never flew anything else... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 128

The gateship with aboard Droid 4, Chief Engineer Louis and Admiral Arthur, moved away from Deep Space 2 rather slowly. It was clear now that Admiral Arthur had the genetic ability to control Ancient technology. Flying the gateship was no problem for him. While Droid 4 gave some last instructions about the weapons, Arthur returned the gateship back to spacedock.

"Admiral, these weapons are very powerful. More powerful than Starfleet quantum torpedoes. But I am afraid to say these Ancient weapons cannot be integrated into Federation systems. If I may sir, I will search the Deep Space 2 crew for more crewmembers who have the same genetic ability to operate the technology of the Ancients."

"Very good idea Droid 4. I will see to it that the crew cooperates."

"Thank you Admiral. Please be careful with the landing. You are coming in rather fast."

Arthur concentrated on the landing in Deep Space 2 spacedock. He was indeed coming in to fast. Deep Space 2 Operations was not happy at all.

"Deep Space 2 Operations to Gateship 1. You are coming in to fast. Reduce speed. Reduce speed sir. Thank you sir. Gateship 1 you can land on platform 17."

"Acknowledged Deep Space 2 Operations, Platform 17."

Only a moment later the gateship landed on the designated platform. When the officers stepped out Colonel Jan Theys was waiting for them, together with Lieutenant Thomas, dressed in marine uniform. Both of them saluted. The Admiral nodded.

"Lieutenant Thomas, I think someone is waiting for you to go through that gate. But I want Droid 4 to stay in the gate control room. Droid 4 will assign 3 gate droids to your team. That is not open for discussion. Dismissed."

While Louis, Jan and Arthur returned to their regular duties, Droid 4 piloted the gateship back to the platform in the gate complex on the ice planet DSA-2. He assigned Droids 41, 402 and 403 to the Thomas' team. First they had to pack some gear. It was not the intention to be discovered on the planet Znobad. That was their target. The planet Znobad was uninhabited, but could be used as testing ground for the first mission. An hour later Deep Space 2 was contacted from the gate complex.

"Deep Space 2 Operations, this is the gate complex. The first mission to the uninhabited planet Znobad is ready to go. We wait for your orders."

"Gate complex, this is the Admiral. You have a go."

Droid 41 piloted the gateship down into the gateroom. He pushed the symbols on the control panel, the stargate started spinning and locked the same symbols, as requested. A moment later Gateship 1 moved into the puddle of the ring and disappeared. The wormhole was disconnected and the shield was activated.

On the other side of the wormhole Gateship 1 appeared and immediately cloaked. The invisibility of the gateship made that it was not detected. Not that it would matter on a not inhabited planet, but this was the way the procedures would be followed... by the numbers. But it was not for long that the rest was distrubed. Sensors detected more than a few ships in orbit of the planet. It was not clear whether these ships had people aboard to colonize the planet Znobad. But one thing was sure: There were two species, and they were at war. Ships of one species were attacking the other. Lieutenant Thomas was only a spectator. He could not interfere...
It was not clear who these species were and what they were doing at this planet. Droid 41 was able to intercept the communications between the fleets. The battle was about two species, the Yuin and the Seart. Apparently the Yuin wanted the planet Znobad for colonization, while the Seart wanted the planet for the resources. Now there were twelve Yuin battelships fighting 21 Seart cruisers. Apparently the Yuin had already sent ground troops to the surface, ready to set up defenses on the planet. But apparently the Seart had an advantage.

"Lieutenant Thomas. The gate is activated. We do not expect Deep Space 2 gate control to make a connection for 89 minutes. It has to be somebody else."

And again the Deep Space 2 team could only watch as the gate on Znobad started spinning. A few moments later, Seart troops came through the gate on foot, but with heavy weapons. The deployed the weapons and started to fire on the Yuin ground troops, taking them completely by surprise. The Yuin didn't have a chance and were whiped out. The Seart troops brought more and heavier weapons through the gate and used them to fire on the Yuin ships, with limited success. It took only one Yuin ship to decent and bombard the Seart troops. This was a moment that Droid 4 was getting worried.

"Lieutenant Thomas, if the Yuin destroy the gate, or block the gate, while they bombard the Seart troops, we cannot go back home."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 129

Droids 41, 402 and 403 were silent. Ensign Thomas looked through the window of the gateship. The Yuin who wanted the planet Znobad for colonization started heavy bombardements close to the stargate. The Seart troops on the surface, did not have much of a chance. But the gate was still open and the Seart send more troops through the gate. Apparently the Seart did not want to give up this planet easy. The resources they wanted were very important. But that didn't make it easier on the obervers in the cloaked gateship. The small ship was not big enough to intervene. If it would decloak, it would be detected and blown away. More and more ships of both the Yuin and the Seart arrived at the battle opening fire immediately. Ensign Thomas is confronted with the cruelty of war, but there is nothing he can do. While in orbit the battleships fire at eachother more and more Seart troops come through the gate with even more heavy weapons, small armored vehicles and missile systems. The new troops of the Yuin set down on the planet do not have a chance and again the ground battle is lost for the Yuin with heavy losses. With this second failure to occupy the planet Zbodan it is clear to the Yuin that they have to eliminate the stargate. That seems to be an absolute priority as the entire Yuin fleet starts a run down towards the planet directly to the stargate. Ensign Thomas in gateship has no choice than get out of the way. While the Seart ground troops fire everything they have, the Yuin fleet approaches at high speed firing. About 30 seconds later it is over. The Yuin lost only three ships, the Seart lost all their ground troops and the Stargate is lying flat in the waiste land that is a result of the heavy bombardement. As soon as the Stargate is unusable, the Yuin fleet return to space to continue the battle against the Seart. For Ensign Thomas there are only a few possibilities. Get out of there and return later or just wait for the battle to end. After that maybe there is a chance his team can put the Stargate up again for use.

But the waiting took to long.

At stargate complex on DSA-2 the next contacft dialing sequence to Znobad was put in, but the stargate would not connect. Droid 4 tried again, but without result. He had no choice than to contact Deep Space 2 Operations.

"Deep Space 2 Operations, this is Stargate Control. We are unable to contact the away team on Znobad. The problem is on their side. Either the stargate on Znobad is damaged or somebody else has opened a connection to Znobad. Both are unlikely as Znobad is not inhabited. I suggest we make a connection to the planet Cradens, which is close to Znobad. from Cradens to Znobad it is only two hours travel with a gateship. It is no use to get there by regular starships. Even the USS Strike will take 29 days to get there."

"Understood. Do what you have to to make contact."

Droid 4 did not hesitate a moment. He already had called a rescue team to one of the gateships. Only a moment later the gateship went through the gate to Cradens, to start its flight to Znobad. For the droids aboard it is a surprise when they arrive at Znobad where the Yuin and the Seart are fighting their battle. Ensign Thomas' gateship is nowhere to be seen...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 130

"Attention Gateship 1, this is Gateship 2, connection."

"Recall Gateship 2. This is Droid 41. Gateship 1 is ok. We have some trouble with these two species, the Yuin and the Seart who are fighting for this planet Znobad. Have you found a clear way to Cradens?"

"Droid 41, this is Droid 45. The way to Cradens is clear."

The two cloaked gateships manoeuvred between the fighting battleships. Once they were clear they set course to the planet Cradens where they could use the gate to get home. But that trip would take two hours. While they left the battle of Znobad, Droid 41 had calculated that large fleets like that in war would expand war. Maybe even the entire region was at risk for this war. Lieutenant Thomas had nothing else than his own thoughts. Droid 41 projected a starmap, to see how far this war could go. He ponted with his finger to nine systems, including Cradens, Znobad and the Seart and Yuin homeworlds. Only the Seart seem to have control over a stargate on their homeworld. The Yuin did not have a stargate nearby. Cradens was a Seart colony. The colony itself was to far from the stargate. The Seart probably didn't even know there was a stargate on Cradens. Nevertheless, it was important to use the stargate on Cradens to get back home, but without to much being noticed. But apparently in a few hours the war has spread. Cradens is under attack by Yuin battleships. Yuin groundtroops are already landing on the planet Cradens when the two gateships arrive at the planet Cradens. There is no Seart ship. The Seart colony is probably hoping for mercy. But the Yuin troops do not seem to care. As soon as they land they open fire on the colony. With the limited defenses the Seart colony has, the battle will be over in less than an hour. Although Lieutenant Thomas really wants to interfere, he knows that when he does, the gateships are no match for the Yuin battleships.

"Open the Cradens gate Lieutenant Thomas and send our ID code."

Thomas pushes the symbols on the gateship controlepanel. The gate starts spinning and before the Yuin or the Seart have seen anything, the two gateships have disappeared into the gate, after which the gate disconnects.

"Deep Space 2, this is Stargate Control. Both gateships have arrived safely. I repeat, both gateships have arrived safely."

"Acknowledged Stargate Control. That is good news. Can you ask Lieutenant Thomas to report in Deep Space 2 breefing room 4 for debriefing."

"Acknowledged Deep Space 2."

A few moments later a shuttle lands on platform 2 in Deep Space 2 spacedock. Lieutenant Thomas gets out and hurries to briefing room 4 where Admiral Arthur and Colonel Jan are already waiting.

"Have a seat Lieutenant. So tell me, as I understand it, you arrived in the middle of a war..."

"That is correct sir. I hope to study the sensor logs of the gateships. I have seen some usual tactics, but also some new things, I had never seen before."

"Excellent Lieutenant. I don't think one of these species are possible candidates for us to start diplomatic relations."

"I agree with that sir."

"That will be all gentlemen. Lieutenant, have Droid 4 prepare a next gate mission."

The two marines left the Admiral alone in the briefing room. Arthur looked out of the window. There were stars and only stars as far as he could see. Maybe it would be interesting to look for as much stargates as possible. Not only to make first contact but also to try to find out which species could be a threat. Maybe even get new and more advanced technology. Arthur heard a noise behind him and turned around. There was an old man standing there. He seemed to be unarmed.

"We didn't find this stargate. It changes everything."

"I can see that. You don't need to shut down our systems anymore to travel through time."

"Oh that. Yes indeed. We have new ways to travel through time. We got that technology from the Ancients. It runs very smooth. I am not going to tell you to much about it. It would spoil things. So this was the first day of a historic change."

"Spoil things. You said you did not have the stargate. Are you still able to follow our timeline?"

The old man smiled.

"We have received some technology from a species called... no I am not going to tell you. You will find out yourself. I am going to say hello to Froid 1 now, and then I will be off."

"Will I see you again?"

"Who knows. I'll be watching."

The old man smiled again and then transported away...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 131

Starfleet Marines accompanied by Gate Droids take every chance they can get to go through the Stargate on the planet DSA-2. The iceplanet didn't seem to offer anything, but with the discovery of the stargate under the ice a new way of travel is introduced. Who has built this network of stargates and these small gateships? For now it is only guessing, but it s asumed an ancient species built the stargates to travel long distances without the use of spaceships.

Up to now 5 teams have been assigned to explore new galaxies using the stargate. In the next few weeks more people on different planets are found. Apparently these are all humans. How did humans get on these planets in galaxies far away? More questions... Most of the populations visited are rather primitive. Only one population has developed spacetravel. The Prime Directive prevents most stargate teams to intervene. They can only observe. But then DS2 stargate command receives a visitor...

"Unsceduled visitor. Gateshield closed. ID received. Lieutenant Thomas."

Lieutenant Thomas, standing in the gate control room is more than a bit surprised. He was preparing his next mission which should be executed in a few minutes.

"That is impossible. I am standing right here."

Droid 4 looks at Lieutenant Thomas. Maybe to verify whether it is true or not. The thoughts of Droid 4 are not known. He seems to make a fast calculation. Then Droid 4 makes a decision.

"Open the shield. Security droids to the gateroom. Containment level 10."

Before Lieutenant Thomas can do anything the gate shield is deactivated, twenty security droids burst into the gateroom and a level 10 forcefield around the gateroom is activated.


At the same time Admiral Arthur is watching the main viewer on the space station Deep Space 2, in orbit of DSA-2. It was the Admiral himself who gave permission to open the gate and let the visitor through. Although at his side some of his senior officers might not have agreed. Now the Deep Space 2 offciers had to wait. It was silent in Deep Space 2 operations.

"Shall we go to yellow alert sir. I mean, just in case."

Admiral Arthur seemed to be thinking for a moment.

"No that won't be necessary. We will be perfectly safe here. Let Droid 4 handle it on the planet."


DSA-2, iceplanet, where twenty security droids are ready to receive anything that comes through the stargate into the gateroom. Slowly a young man comes through the gate. As he steps on the ramp, the stargate disengages. Droid 4 addresses the person who looks a lot like Lieutenant Thomas. Even the DNA test gives a perfect match.

"Identify yourself."

"I am Ensign Thomas. I know there is another one of me here. It is a long story, but you have to believe me." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 132

Droid 4, the securtity droids and especially Lieutenant Thomas were looking at the exact copy of Thomas who had introduced himself as Ensign Thomas. An explanation was expected and apparently Ensign Thomas had understood that he would not live long if he would not explain the situation.

"Please listen before you vaporize me. I am Ensign Thomas. I come from a mirror universe. We have been able to build a bridge between universes. Not all universes seem to be compatible, but this one seems to be. I must say where I come from, we don't have any robots, not like those anyway," Ensign Thomas was pointing at the security droids.

Lieutenant Thomas spoke from behind the security perimter.

"They are called droids and they will fire on my command. Can you prove that you are who you say you are?"

Ensign Thomas smiled. Then he shook his head.

"I cannot prove anything. So I can only hope you will believe me." Ensign Thomas pauzed. "You see. We are in trouble in our universe. The Federation is at the end of exsistance. Our galaxy is exploding."

Droid 4 interupted Ensign Thomas.

"The chances that a galaxy explodes is very close to zero. How can your galaxy explode?"

"There was a species called the Stiegls. They invaded our galaxy and there was a war. These Stiegls had a huge weapon they sent to the core of the galaxy. We could not stop it. Even the Borg could not stop it. The Stiegl weapon hit the target and a chain reaction started, resulting in one satr going supernova after the other. There is nothing we can do. The entire core of the galaxy was one big supernova and the shockwave destroys the entire galaxy. We tried to stop it destroy it, but nothing works. We did not ave enough ships to evacuate all those planets, and most of our ships are to slow to evade from the shockwave. We are living at the edge of our galaxy. Within a year the Shockwave has caught up with us. We have no alternative than to travel with the few ships we have to another galaxy. A few months ago we found an old facility. With this ring. We discoverd really fast that this was some kind of portal. But we could only make it work between our universe and an alternate universe. We could not reach any planets in our galaxy and none in another galaxy. We think this ring is a portal to another universe and we would like to use it to escape our doomsday shockwave. We had a connection with two alternate universes, but both refused to help us, because they didn't like to have a copy of them walking around in their universe. Anyway. I am asking that you allow us to enter your universe and save us from destruction or worse, like a long way travel to another galaxy which takes about three generations. Please help us."


Some officers in Deep Space 2 operations started to offer ideas, maybe an exchange of technolgy, help their counterparts in the alternate universe, but others didn't like the idea of having duplicates in the universe. The situation was much more complicated than it looked at first. The discussions started and continued until Admiral Arthur asked everyone to keep calm and be silent.

"Look, we don't even know whether this Ensign Thomas is indeed who he says he is. We have found a stargate to travel to other places in our universe. There is no indication that it is indeed possible to travel to another universe with a stargate. This could be the start of an invasion of an alien species we have not yet encountered. This species can be excellent making copies of other species, even on DNA level. I am not making any decision before we know who this Ensign Thomas is, where he is from and whether we can believe what he says or not. Our Lieutenant Thomas will not be able to help us with that. There is only one way to find out the truth...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 133

Ensign Thomas was locked up in comfortable room at DS2-A Stargate Command for the time being. Unknown to Ensign Thomas he was monitored. Every move he made was analysed. At first he just sat on the bed and he seemed very patient. At the same time Ensign Thomas was waiting for a decision from Deep Space 2, Droids 41, 42 and 43, started an investigation of the gate network, to see whether it was indeed possible to arrive or to travel to another universe. But in the first hour no way was found.


"I say again, I do not believe this could be possible," XO Jan Theys said with a loud voice. The senior marine was standing straight up with his fist in the air. "There is something smelly about this. Maybe we should have one of our Vulcan officers do a mind meld."

"There must be another way," said Chief Engineer Louis. "I don't see any technical dificulties with traveling to another universe or even to travel through time, as we have seen before on this station. The only thing is that our stargate apparently cannot do it, while the stargate on this Ensign Thomas side can only do that. That is the strangest thing I have ever seen, although anything is possible. We can even change the laws of physics... Wait a minute. If our stargate cannot make a connection to another universe, how is this Ensign Thomas going to return and tell his friends that it is all right to come over? If I was on the other side, I would presume the attempt had failed and I would give up on him."

"Exactly," Colonel Jan Theys almost shouted. "And he said he had visited other universes and they answered with a big NO. How did the other universes sent him back. We can't."

It was silent. Part of the senior staff didn't know anymore what to believe. There were no answers and all were looking at the Admiral, sitting in his chair at the head of the table. If someone had dropped his padd in briefing room 1, it would have sounded as thunder. It was silent for at least 20 seconds. Then Admiral Arthur sighted. But just when he was going to give the order to call two Vulcan officers to perform a mind meld with Ensign Thomas, he was contacted by Senior Gate Droid, Droid 4 in the DS2-A gate control room.

"Admiral, we are picking up a communication from Ensign Thomas. This is done on a frequency not known to the Federation or any other species in the Alpha Quadrant, but we can pick it up. The conversation was breif and was the confirmation that Ensign Thomas had arrived. Although the conversation was short, we have located the source as Ensign Thomas and the destination a planet in the galaxy designated as G-44. That is all I have to report at this time. We will be waiting for your orders. Droid 4 out."

Jan Theys was the first to jump to his feet. "I told you there is something smelly about this. I will be happy to check it out. Just say so."

The Admiral had a grin all over his face. "All you want is to test your new FTL drive. But you are right. We cannot use the Stargate to get there. We probably would fall into a trap, and we don't want any of us end up as hostages at the mercy of possible enemies. So Jan, take fast ride. And remember this is only a recon mission."

But Colonel Jan Theys was already at the door, slipping through. A few moments later he had assembled a battalion, transported aboard the USS Ajax, together with Lieutenant Thomas. It was Lieutenant Thomas idea. Maybe when they were discovered, he could pose himself as Ensign Thomas.

"Release docking clamps. Get us out of spacedock. When we are free to navigate, calculate the Tal-Seto jump point closest to the destination."

The USS Ajax left spacedock. The new FTL drive, able to fold space itself would be tested for the first time. The sound of general quarters was heard all around the ship. This was the moment of truth. 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 134

"The first jump is a success sir."

Colonel Jan Theys was looking at the main display.

"What is the status of the cloak Lieutenant Thomas?"

"Working perfect sir. ETA is 17 minutes. Shall I deploy a drone sir?"

"That is a negative Lieutenant. Any ships or any form of technology in the region we should know about?"

"Negative sir. One thing is certain. This galaxy is not exploding. There is nothing wrong with this galaxy. ETA 15 minutes sir. Longrange sensors have detected de destination of that communication. It is the third planet of this system. That is a M-class planet, high degree of civilization, 16 million people. And... they have a stargate sir."

The Colonel jumped to his feet.

"Now we are getting somewhere. Helm, get us in orbit of that planet undetected."



Aboard Deep Space 2, Admiral Arthur was in his office, reading the latest Starfleet Command reports. Usually he would get a headache after half an hour reading all kind of new information, but not this time. Arthur had gained a special interest in a particular report about copies of humanoids and cloning. When his chime went bezerk, he didn't even react. He stopped reading when a Medical droid and a security droid were standing in front of his office. Arthur looked up to the droids.

"Well you came in on your own. That is strange. I thought droids didn't do that. But now you are here, maybe you can explain why you have come."

"The DNA of the captured man from the other galaxy is rearanging itself. He doesn't look like Thomas anymore. Apparently this alien species can temporary alter their DNA."

The security droid continued."When we discovered this, security confronted him with the evidence. He has not said anything yet."

Admiral Arthur had to think. This new situation was expected. He sent the droids back to their duties with the order to inform him if anything new came up or when this alien had given any information. A moment later he contacted the USS Ajax to keep his First Officer up to date.



The USS Ajax was in orbit of G-44 scanning the planet and the population. This was not a mirror universe or alternate universe. That was sure. The stargate on G-44 did not have a shield of some kind, but heavy laser cannons and fifty heavily armed soldiers were guarding the stargate. Anything coming through the gate which was not welcome would probably be destroyed in a second. But there was no space ship. Apparently the people of G-44 used the gate for traveling through space.

When the information from Deep Space 2 came in about the alien impersonating Thomas, Colonel Jan could only grin. He had known this all the time.

"Colonel sir. Something is happening at the stargate on G-44. They have an incoming wormhole."

"Put it on the main viewer."

On the main viewer the stargate on G-44 appeared, with the cannons and the guards apparently preparing for the coming visitors. A few moments later a small group of five humanoids came out of the stargate. All five of them looked very surprised when they saw all those guards pointing their weapons at them. But there was no time to say anything. Every weapon fired on the five visitors. They were vaporized in a flash. The guards returned to their previous positions. Five seconds later it was like nothing had happened.

On the bridge of the Federation Starship USS Ajax it was silent. Lieutenant Thomas looked at his display.

"Colonel sir. I double checked the sensor logs. Those five coming out of the stargate sir... They were not armed sir... They didn't even have a knife, not even a stick... 

The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 135

"Admiral, this is Droid 4. Please look at the cell monitor. I think the transformation of the alien known as Ensign Thomas has been completed."

Arthur looked at his monitor. In the holding cell was an older humanoid. He was just sitting there, apparently waiting for someone to come in and ask him some more questions. But nothing happened. Arthur looked again. He had to make a decision about this person sooner or later. But that would be something for later.

"Droid 4. Just let him sit there for a while. He must know his plan has failed. If he really wants to speak, he will do that. I have the impression he is just waiting for his execution."

"Will he be executed sir?"

"Of course not Droid 4. Even now when he is no longer any use for us. The USS Ajax is in orbit of the planet G-44 where this man came from. I am waiting for a full report. I am sure it will give me more information than what our man in the brig will tell us."


"Report Lieutenant."

"Colonel sir, They have killed these unarmed people who came through their stargate and now they are cleaning up as this is just daily routine. These people are up to no good sir."

Colonel Jan could only agree. But they had to wait.

"Sir, I have analysed the G-44 defenses. The usual personal weapons, armoured vehicles, artillary and some excellent missile systems. They can hit us with those, even here in space. Lucky we are cloaked."

Colonel Jan was not impressed. He looked at the main viewer. He realised he needed more information. These people of G-44 could be enemies already. He read the last reports from Deep Space 2. It was already clear that this Ensign Thomas was somebody from G-44. But how this man could get a Personal Identification Code of Lieutenant Thomas was still a mistery. Colonel Jan sighted.

"Colonel, there is a starship approaching. It is heading directly to us... or G-44... It is a kind of freighter with limited weapons. They are no threat to us sir."

"Keep an eye on them Lieutenant. Go to yellow alert. I think they are here for the same reasons we are here."

Only an hour later the alien ship was in orbit of G-44.

"Attention government of this planet. I am General Gsloer of the battleship Hisnar of the Shokal People. You have tried to infiltrate our society without success. Did you really think you would get away with this..."

While General Gsloer continued to speak the officers on the bridge of the USS Ajax looked at eachother and smiled. It was Ensign Kleupel who spoke for all of them.

"If that is a battleship, how would they call a ship like ours."

"... and therefore you will be brought home with us to stand trial. We have already killed your imposter. If we do not hear from you in one cycle, we will be at war. Our level of sophistication is much higher than yours. This is your final and only warning."

The communication stopped. The first minute there was no answer from the planet G-44. But then the answers from G-44 was very clear.

"Colonel! 30 missiles have been launched from G-44. They are locked on to the Hisnar. They won't have a chance sir. They can't even escape. If we want to save these Shokal People we have to do something now sir. Three minutes, thirty seconds before impact."

"Red alert! Battlestations! Launch first squadron of drones and protect the Hisnar of the Shokal People. None of these missiles may pass. And open a channel to General Gsloer."

Nine battledrones were launched while the USS Ajax decloaked. While the drone commands appeared on the main viewer, Colonel Jan had a short conversation with General Gsloer.

"General Gsloer, I am Colonel Jan Theys of the United Federation of Planets, in command of the USS Ajax. We will protect you."

General Gsloer looked out of the front window. He saw the USS Ajax battledrones destroy the missiles which were meant to destroy his ship. He realised he had to thank this Colonel Jan Theys. On the USS Ajax bridge Colonel Jan looked at the results. All missiles were destroyed.

"Lieutenant, keep the drones in a standard defensive formation. open a channel to G-44. Give me anyone who wants to answer our call."

"Channel is open sir, but I don't think we wll recieve an answer. They have just launched 60 missiles. They are aimed at the Hisnar and at us sir."

"Destroy them Lieutenant Thomas. And then you will send some drones to those missile bases and blow them to pieces. I am getting tired of this game."

"Yes sir. Missiles are destroyed sir. Drones Alpha, Beta and India entering planet's atmosphere. firing at the missile launch bases. One is destroyed, three, seven, twelve. All missile bases at this side of the planet are destroyed sir. Moving to the other side. Attacking now, no significant defenses, all missile bases are destroyed sir. Maybe they are in a better mood to talk now sir... Sir they are dialing the stargate sir. I think they are preparing to escape. If we want to prevent that, we have to move fast sir. We can transport their stargate on board in cargo bay 2 sir. We have to do it now sir, before the seventh chevron is encoded and locked."

"Excellent idea Lieutenant. Go go go." 

The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 136

The Stargate of planet G-44 has materialized in the USS Ajax cargo bay 2. There is no escape now for the people on G-44. About a minute later Colonel Crow again has a short conversation with General Gsloer of the Shokal People in command of the battleship Hisnar.

"General Gsloer, we have destroyed all the missile bases on the planet. The planet is more or less defenceless. I would like to ask you to wait before you take any action. We have a few questions for the leaders of this planet."

"You have saved us Colonel Crow. Apparently we have underestimated this enemy. We will not take any hasty actions."

While Colonel Crow is still waiting for an answer from the planet G-44, General Gsloer tells why he has come to G-44. It is a similar story as Colonel Crow tells General Gsloer. Apparently the people of G-44 call themselves Zrosmo. They send someone through the stargate, an imposter, with a fancy story. In fact what the Zrosmo want is to steal planets or convince other species to come to G-44 so they can either kill them and steal everything or use them as slaves. People who cannot be used are killed immediately when they arrive through the stargate. Colonel Crow and his crew have seen that already. But now the Stargate of G-44 is in the USS Ajax cargo bay. It will not be used again for a while. But still there are some questions. How did the Zrosmo get Lieutenant Thomas' identification code? Then apparently someone on G-44 has seen the light.

"I am President Snorb of the Zrosmo. I address you there in space who stole are ring of relocation. You must return our ring immediately."

Colonel Crow lets General Gsloer answer the call.

"Dear mister president Snorb. First you send a spy to our planet, then, when we ask for an explanation, you attack us. And last but not least, when your offensive weapons are destroyed and your ring of relocation, or stargate as we say, is taken away from you, you are surprised and act like you are the victim. What do you think? Shouldn't you change your way of life first before anything else. An appology could be a could start. What do you say?"

There is silence. While General Gsloer continues his conversation with Colonel Crow and tells him the Shokal People are peaceful. But this Zrosmo spy business was going to far.

"When I saw your ship in action I was more than happy that I was no enemy of yours. Look, I am not going to ask you to show or explain your technology. Maybe one day we will have our own technology which can do what yours can. We like to research ourselves, not like those Zrosmo.We try to better ourselves by study and science."

The conversation is interupted as there is a new call from G-44.

"This is President Snorb of the Zrosmo. What you have done is an act of war. If you do not return our ring of relocation, stargate as you say, you and your entire species will be destroyed. You have 60 counts."

The channel is closed. Colonel Crow reports the situation to Deep Space 2.


Admiral Arthur receives Colonel Jan's report just when he enters DS2-A gate command, where he meets Droid 4 and gives him the latest update. Arthur wants to talk to the Zrosmo spy in the holding cell. While Arthur stays behind a forcefield he looks at the older Zrosmo at the other side. Then he activates the screen in the holding cell and shows President Snorb of the Zrosmo.

"This is President Snorb of the Zrosmo. What you have done is an act of war. If you do not return our ring of relocation, stargate as you say, you and your entire species will be destroyed. You have 60 counts."

Admiral Arthur has to be fast now.

"You messed with the wrong species here mister. Tell me what the Zrosmo are trying to do here and on other planets. If you don't, I will have no choice than to whipe out your entire species before they kill us. I don't think you have the technology to do that, but I can't take any chances, do I? So the result will probably be the complete destruction of your species. If necessary I will hunt all Zrosmo on other planets and kill them myself. You have 10... counts... to speak. One... Two..."

The prisoner seems to be shocked. He starts talking very fast.

"Please, please, I will tell. Do not destroy us. We waited on a planet. I don't know its name. One of your groups came through the gate and we were able to make some genetic changes to me so I would look like one of yours. We received the signal that one was transmitting through the gate. We realised that this was a security code so we copied it and used it. That is how I came here. Quickly call President Snorb and ask for peace. He has no idea what is out here in the universe. He thinks the Zrosmo are the rulers of the universe. He has no idea. Please let my people live."

The Zrosmo prisoner has said it all in less than 10 seconds. It was like a waterfall of words...


Far away from Deep Space 2, Colonel Crow sits in the USS Ajax center seat. He is waiting for another call from President Snorb of the Zrosmo.

"Aren't those 60 counts over yet? Lieutenant Thomas, has time stopped?"

Colonel Crow has that particular grin on his face.

"I don't know sir," says Lieutenant Thomas. "Maybe Zrosmo counts are not the same as our counts sir. Maybe we should send an infantry taskforce sir. I was wondering how many planets have a Zrosmo spy. Maybe it is time to ask some more questions. I have a transporter lock on President Snorb. If you want to talk to him, I can bring him aboard..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 137

While the Zrosmo spy is waiting what will happen Colonel Crow asks Admiral Arthur permission to beam up President Snorb of the Zrosmo. Arthur agrees. He wants to confront the Zrosmo spy and President Snorb. Maybe that will lead to some more answers. President Snorb has been beamed to a holding cell aboard the USS Ajax. The Starfleet Marines keeping guard in the brig, don't even listen to Snorb's protests.

Droid 4 explains to Admiral Arthur they can use the stargate aboard the USS Ajax. They now have to coordinates and the gate address. Arthur immediately sees the possibilities, calls four marines to accompany him and the Zrosmo spy to the stargate. A few minutes later the small group enters the USS Ajax through the stargate aboard the ship. In the mean time the Gate Droids start working on a better encrypted system for the identification codes. The fact that spies were able to get their hands on such a code was disturbing.

Colonel Crow enters accompanied by General Gsloer of the Shokal People. Crow introduces General Gsloer to Admiral Arthur and the heavily guarded Zrosmo spy. While talking the small group enters the USS Ajax brig. They all meet President Snorb in the holding cell behind a forcefield. General Gsloer addresses President Snorb not angry but more disappointed and maybe even sad.

"I wonder President Snorb. Why have you and your people not cooperated with the people you have visited through the stargate. Most of those people whould have helped you if you had just asked. We would have done that. We trade with other worlds all the time. How many planets have you tried to conquer this way?"

But President Snorb does not feel like talking.

"You will be destroyed. You will be destroyed, I tell you. Release me at once!"

Colonel Crow scratches his nose. It is clear what he thinks. Then a man is pushed forward. It is the Zrosmo spy. President Snorb clearly recognizes the spy, although he tries to hide it. On the other side of the forcefield of the holding cell also stands Admiral Arthur. Colonel Crow introduces everyone to President Snorb.

"General Gsloer, I am as eager as you to find out what is going on here and what these Zrosmo want... Maybe this..."

Arthur cannot finish his sentence. President Snorb has stepped forward towards the forcefield of his holding cell.

"Kill that man Lieutenant Bor. Kill him! Kill him now! That is an order!"

But Soldier Bor shakes his head. He looks at the Admiral behind him. Then he turns around to President Snorb in the holding cell.

"Mister President, I have no weapons. They took them. Even if I had weapons, I would not be able to kill that man or anyone else. Their technology is far more superior than ours. The fact that we are both captured proves that you were wrong all that time. You were going to conquer the universe. Don't make me laugh. I told you so. What choice did I have. If I would not follow your orders you would have executed me or worse. If I would follow your orders it would not take long before I would be captured, and probably be executed by someone else. The only hope I had was to find an uninhabited planet and retire there..."

President Snorb's head starts to glow. He is furious.

"This is treason. I will have you hanged in the open public square. You hear that Bor. I will hang you myself, you traitor..."

Colonel Crow shuts up President Snorb by giving a signal to the marine guards, who step forward. President Snorb stops shouting. He is breathing heavily. General Gsloer has watched in amazement. Was this the president of a planet with a population of 300 million people? Gsloer could not believe it. Bor shakes his head again. He has nothing more to say to his president. He turns around to Admiral Arthur and General Gsloer.

"We have visited 17 planets so far using the ring of relo... stargate. I have visted 8 myself, but I didn't do anything on those planets. I just returned home to report there was only very primitive life. I left those people living there alone. Some pepole were very nice to me. Just before I came to your planet, I said good-bye to my family. I was not even hoping I would return. I have seen the weapons of your military. I have seen their equipment. We would not have a chance against that. I tried to warn President Snorb, but he wouldn't listen. Maybe it is good, you took the stargate away from us. I will give you a list of people who have come to our planet and who have been exploited. I would like to ask you to bring them back to their home planets."

President Snorb does not agree. He starts shouting again. It is clear without the stargate the Zrosmo cannot continue their criminal activities, but without the gate, they will be completely isolated...

While General Gsloer and Admiral Arthur try to find a solution, Lieutenant Bor contacts his superiors on G-44. He receives a list of all people who are not Zrosmo. All these people are transported aboard the USS Ajax in small groups and are sent home through the stargate aboard. This procedure takes several days. Almost 16 thousand people have to be sent home. But the good news is that the military of the Zrosmo have taken this event to take power on G-44. At first this seems a bad idea, but a few days later when the last of the people, kidnapped by the Zrosmo are stepping through the stargate aboard the USS Ajax, a new civilian government is installed on G-44. The military leaders step down again. The new Zrosmo governement asks Admiral Arthur to send the former president Snorb back to the planet. They will hold a trial in their court so a judge can decide what to do with Snorb. General Gsloer and Admiral Arthur agree and send Snorb back. Snorb is arrested immediately upon arrival. Lieutenant Bor is also send back. He will not be punished. Then after consulting with the government of the Shokal People and the governments of the planets which were victims of the Zrosmo criminal activities, it is decided that the Zrosmo get their stargate back. When in place, the first to step through is the ambassador of the Shokal People with a team of diplomats who will serve on G-44. Apparently sending the Zrosmo slaves back to their home planets has some serious effect. While the delegation of the Shokal People is still standing at the stargate, it opens again. A diplomatic delegation of the Friniu comes through the stargate...

Admiral Arthur Colonel Crow says good-bye to General Gsloer. Gsloer will stay a while longer to see if the Zrosmo government keeps its word. But when the third diplomatic delegation of the Kji arrives at G-44 through the stargate, Gsloer realises things will become all right. Gsloer stands before a window on the bridge of his battleship watching how fast the USS Ajax disappears. And he knows one thing. One day his people will also travel that fast in mighty ships to planets without stargate and trade, exchange culture and cooperate in science with all those worlds as well...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 138

It had been three weeks of easy missions. Especially the use of the stargate on planet DS2-A has been used to make first contact with several new species. Traveling through the stargate seems to gain more interest. It is an easy, comfortable way to travel great distances. It can be done with small teams and if necessary with small ships, specially designed to travel through the stargate. A new upgrade to some of these gateships will now be tested by Lieutenant Thomas and a small team. The first gateship which has a warpengine as well, will be tested today at 14.00.

"Deep Space 2, runabout Schelde, this is Lieutenant Thomas aboard of Gateship 1 Alpha, ready for the warpdrive test."

"Roger that Gateship 1 Alpha. Deep Space 2 gives you a go on the test. May I please remind you Lieutenant that the Admiral will follow this test abaord runabout Schelde."

"Thanks for the warning Deep Space 2. The Admiral will not have anything to worry about.

Admiral Arthur has just beamed aboard the runabout Schelde where he listens to the conversation. He shakes his head, walks slowly to the pilotseat, sits and pushes a button on the console.

"Are you ready Lieutenant?"

"Yes sir," is the only answer Thomas can come up with. He sits down next to droid 41. He sights. This is the moment of truth. He powers up the engines and after that the warpcore comes on line. The readings are within accepted parameters. Gateship 1 Alpha leaves spacedock, followed by the runabout where Arthur together with three engineering droids monitor every move of the first gateship with a warp drive.

While the ships move forward at impulse speed, the warpdrive is engaged. There are several tests to be executed. The Admiral would never agree to have one of the warp capable gateships go through the stargate if there was any doubt that the warpdrive would not function as it should.

"Going to warp one," explains Thomas. "Everything looks good at this end. No radiation. Cooling is working as it should. Increasing speed to warp 2. No problem. We will now conduct the first test which includes engaging the cloaking device. On my mark... Now."

At warp 2 the cloak is activated. Gateship 1 Alpha disappeares. Still the runabout follows. It receives data from Deep Space 2. Then out of nowhere, at least it seems that way, the voice of Lieutenant Thomas is heard with new information.

"Increasing speed to warp 5, maximum speed. All systems are operational within the specific parameters. I don't see any smoke yet Admiral. Do you detect anything out of the ordinary?"

"That is a big negative Lieutenant. You are doing good."

Several more tests are conducted with and without cloak. The warp engine of the gateship works at peak performance. When after 6 hours of testing the gateship returns in Deep Space 2 spacedock it lands on the platform next to that of runabout Schelde. Lieutenant Thomas addresses the Admiral immediately.

"Admiral what do you think? Is this gateship ready or not?"

"Yes Lieutenant, you have a positive go."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 139

Stardate unknown...

One of the Deep Space 2 gateships has landed on an unexplored planet designated as P-392. THere are some small communities, but the level of technology is pre-industrial. Following the prime directive the gateship is cloaked. Aboard are Lieutenant Thomas, Commander Marianne, droids 41 and 422. Especially the Commander is very interested in the history and the way of life of the people on P-392.
After a few days already more and more data has to be processed. It is clear that religian is an important factor in these peoples lives. There are lots of small monuments where people gather. And there is some new data about the biological side of these people. Even Droid 41 seems to be surprised when the analysis of the DNA of the people on P-392 has been completed.

"These people are humans. There is no doubt. Droid 41, tell me the computer made some kind of error. These people cannot be humans. We are thousands of lightyears away from Earth."

"Commander, with this stargate network it is not excluded that thousands of years ago humans could travel through this network."

But Commander Marianne does not agree. There is no logic in this. Although she is not a Vulcan, she needs scientific prove. How did these people get here on this planet. The chance that these people genetically evolved exactly as humans on Earth was very close to zero.

"But there is no stargate on Earth."

Droid 41 can access a huge database of possibilities in milliseconds.

"Commander, you have to remember humans may not originally live on Earth."

There is no answer. Lieutenant Thomas interupts.

"Commander there is something you must see. This is something that will throw you of your chair."

Everyone is now looking at Thomas' console and viewscreen. Into the woods on the planet surface there is a large pyramide. The gateship flies over the pyramide to have a closer look. It is indeed a Pyramide almost exactly the same as the pyramide of Amenemhat I in size at least.

"Like I said Commander," Droid 41 says. "Sometimes humans are..."

Lieutenant Thomas interups again.

"There is a spaceship approaching, unknown design. It is on a direct course to P-392.ETA is 19 hours, 34 minutes."

With the waiting for the unknown ship, the Federation crew searches for more pyramides on the planet, but does noet find one. And then finally the alien ship arrives. The populations of the small towns have gathered and are walking towards the pyramide. It is not to difficult for the Federation officers to figure out what is happening here. It is obvious that these people are to primitive to understand space travel, so whoever is coming in that spaceship, probably acts like a god. But it is not clear whether this is a good god or a bad one.

And then the ship arrives sets course to the pyramide and lands on top of the pyramide. At the bottom the pyramide opens and four men come out, armed with weapons which looks like staffs, gut after a scan it is recealed these weapons fire energy bursts. It is clear these four are soldiers. The people gathered in the wood in front of pyramide fall on their knees. It proves the presumption that the alien visitor was treated as a god.
Then a man smaller than the soldiers comes out. His head is covered by a mask. Slowly he steps forward towards the crowd, escorted by his soldiers. But once in the middle of the large mass of people, the people rise and suddenly they all have heavy sticks, large knives and even swords in their hands. The alien and his soldiers are attacked, hit frequently, but apparently the alien has a personal shield and is protected. But his soldiers are already on the ground.

"It is a revolution!" Thomas shouts.

From the alien ship more soldiers are running out while firing their weapons, but they are completely outnumbered and even with their advanced weapons they are in trouble faster than expected. The soldiers are losing the battle. Eventually only the alien, shielded and protected, is still standing. But the power of his technology does not last forever. After a few minutes when he is half way back to his ship, his shield fails and he is attacked without mercy...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 140

The alien attacked by the people of P-392 has lost his soldiers on the ground, but apparently he gets his shield working again. While he stumbles back to the pyramide and his ship, smaller fighter-like craft are launched from the main ship. Without delay they fire on the population, making severe casualties. But the mass does not stop hunting the alien. BUt the alien's shield holds and he can enter the Pyramide. But at least a dozen of brave rebels can enter as well before the door closes. The rest of the rebels are bombarded by the already six fightercraft. The rebels do not have a chance. Lieutenant Thomas wants to do something about it. There are several possibilities. The Federation could evacuate this planet and give these people a new home. The alien who plays god could be captured or killed. Or his ship could be destroyed...

"Lieutenant Thomas, may I remind you that the Prime Directive applies to this planet and that we cannot interfere," says Droid 41, looking at Commander Marianne who is the senior ranking officer. But Marianne can't stand the situation.

"If these people express the need for help, we are going to intervene. The god like alien will otherwise kill them all with his superior technology."

"They don't have the technology to send out a distress signal Commander," says Droid 41. "How can we prove they asked for our help?"

Thomas puts the audio sensors on audio. It is clear that the rebels are screaming very loudly. "That sounds like a cry for help," Thomas says.
Droid 41 does not object. Commander Marianne grants permission to intervene. The gateship decloakes and fires missile drones at all alien fighters. They are all destroyed with one blow.

The crowd below on the surface is cheering. Most of them have taken the weapons of the alien soldiers. and start firing at the ship on the Pyrammide. But the alien god creature starts up his engines and escapes the planet. Thomas cloaks the gateship again and tries to follow the alien ship, but the alien apparently opens some kind of conduit through space, jumps in and disappears. With permission of Commander Marianne, Thomas lands close to the rebel crowd. Only Thomas steps out and asks the crowd to talk to their leader. Soon an older man steps forward. Thomas introduces himself.

"Thank you my lord. I am Lorek. You have saved our people. But I am afraid it will not be for long. The system lord Mephet will return, probably through the Chapa'ai." Lorek points in the direction of the stargate and Thomas understands. "You must be powerful gods. You have beaten a Goa'uld. How can we thank you?"

Thomas still has questions.

"What is a Goa'uld and what do they want?"

Lorek is surprised.

"You do not know what a Goa'uld is? At first my people thought the Goa'uld were gods. They were very powerful. But after about 10 generations we found a wounded Jaffa." When Lorek sees that Thomas does not know what a Jaffa is, he continues. "Jaffa are soldiers of the Goa'uld. They gather people and take them onto the Goa'ulds ship. The people they take are never seen again. We think they are put to work as slaves or they receive a Goa'uld worm so they become Jaffa as well. Let me show you." Lorek shows one of the fallen Jaffa. Out of the Jaffa's belly hangs a worm like creature. It is dead. Lorek continues. "These are the Goa'uld infant creatures. When they are adult they will kill their host Jaffa and search for another host to come to full potential. The Goa'uld can live forever this way. They just have to find another host. We know this from ancient writings we have found in the Pyramide. It was forbidden by the Goa'uld to learn how to read and write, but some of us violated that law. The Goa'uld did not know. So they were not so allmighty as they should be as gods. Now we know the Goa'uld are not gods. They just have powerful machines and weapons. We all learned that from the writings we found in the pyramide. The same Goa'uld visits our people every five years or so. This time we were prepared. We were ready to fight until the last man, woman and child. But your help was very welcome. What will you do with us?"

Thomas thinks for a few seconds.

"Nothing. We will leave you in peace. The Federation where I come from believes all people have the right to live their lives as they think it is right."

"That is a noble thought," Lorek says. "But what if the Goa'uld returns with more Jaffa? Will yo protect us?"

"In principle we do not intervene with other people. That is one of our laws. But when we saw that your people were slaughtered, we could not just stand by and do nothing."

Lorek understands. Now he has to make other plans for the near future, knowing the Goa'uld will return with much more Jaffa. A second time his people will not survive another battle with the Jaffa. Thomas sees that Lorek is concerned.

"The only thing I can do is ask my superiors to relocate you to another place, far away from here and far away from the Goa'uld. That would be a place where nobody disturbs your people and where you can start a new live. But I cannot make any promisses."

"I understand," Lorek says a bit sad though, still with a little hope. "You have helped us a lot already. We cannot ask for more than you have already done."

Then suddenly the stargate is activated...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 141

The stargate opens. Instinctively Lieutenant Thomas hurries back to the gateship. When he jumps in he gets himself as fast as he can to the helm controls. He nearly sits when he hears the mechanical voice of Droid 41 behind him.

"...Six, seven... They keep coming Commander."

While Lieutenant Commander Marianne checks the hud, more Jaffa keep coming through the stargate. The faith of the people of P-392 seems to become a real nightmare. While the army of Jaffa keeps coming like an efficient machine, the small Federation away team lifts off. The gateship cloaks immediately. Below the gateship, the rebel population takes cover. The Jaffa have started their assault. But the rebels clearly show they will not surrender. With the weapons they have they return fires, even killing some Jaffa. But the Jaffa advance like they are in a trance. Apparently this Goa'uld has great power over the Jaffa. But the tactics of these Jaffa are not really very advanced. Walking towards the rebel trenches they keep firing, but they don't hit a lot. But although the Jaffa are falling one by one, there are so many of them, they are closing in on the rebel positions. The rebels don't have much experience in tactics. So much is clear. They all stay at their positions instead of retreating and regrouping. The Jaffa army, now about a few hundred men strong, is getting awfully close and the first rebels are killed. The stargate closes. There is no sign of the Goa'uld system lord Mephet. The rebels also get easier targets as the Jaffa get closer.

Suddenly the stargate again is activated. While the rebels fear there will be even more Jaffa soon, they get more fierce at the same time. They feel this is the moment they will all die fighting as they said they would. But there are no more Jaffa. The stargate closes again.

"Message sent Commander," Thomas says. He looks at the system clock. It is as he counts. "Almost there... Should be now..."

The away team has opened the stargate and contacted DS2 Gate Operations. It was a short message but Admiral Arthur has understood the situation immediately, used his authority and send some help for his away team. From DS2 Gate Command the stargate is activated. At the other side gateships burst out firing on the Jaffa army immediately. The explosions follow the Jaffa who seem to be in some kind of panic. But before they even realise it more than 20 gateships dive on them from the air. Some brave Jaffa succeed in firing on the gateships, but without result. The Jaffa who are not killed by the Federation troops, apparently kill themselves in the confusion. The battle lasts no more than 10 minutes. Then it is silent. The stargate is activated to block any more incoming Jaffa. The gateships land close to the rebels who are cheering clearly overjoyed.

After talks with Lorek it is decided that the population of P-392, only 1200 people will be evacuated to Federation territory. More gateships arrive. The evacuation starts and ends almost at the same time.

The following day Goa'uld system lord Mephet arrives on P-392 to celebrate his victory, but his disapointment cannot be more. When he finds the body of his first prime, he can only say his death is deserved. If he would still have been alive, Mephet would have killed him himself.

Far away from P-392 on Hudrana II a small population has landed to colonize th planet. It is going to be a hard life at first, but help is always closeby. Lorek says goodbye to Lieutenant Commander Marianne and Lieutenant Thomas who are the last to leave Hudrana II. But he still has a remark.

"We cannot thank you enough... We know the false god Mephet cannot reach us here, but he is still out there. He will probably gather more slaves from other planets. We cannot ask you to stop him, but if you ever cross his path again, please give him our regards."

For the first time Lorek has a grin on his face. The two Federation officers wave as Marianne hits her commbadge.

"USS Ajax, two to beam up."


A few weeks later when the USS Ajax docks in DS2 spacedock, DS2 XO Jan reports in the Admiral's office.

"They are settling in sir. I don't really like the idea of hanging a satelite above their comunity, but they asked for it themselves. It probably makes them feel safe. They have been through a lot for many generations."

"You know," Admiral Arthur says a bit sad. "if we want to clean up the universe from all those creatures like this Mephet, we have a lot of work to do. We have been on the edge of Federation principles. Maybe even broke a rule or two..."

The XO can only nodd. "I know," he says. Then he turns around and walks out. Arthur gets back to his terminal and has a look at the latest power uge of the mighty station Deep Space 2. Suddenly he switches the image. It is Droid 1 who appears on the screen.

"Admiral I have an estimation of the information you requested."

"Estimation," echoes the Admiral.

"I am afraid so. Our research has indicated that there are at least 21 so called Goa'uld system lords in Galaxy 23-B. It seems they fight among eachother to gain power and territory. Almost the entire galaxy 23-B is involved. Only a few planets are not. Those are planets without stargate. Do you want us to take action against these Goa'uld?"

"That is a negative Droid 1. One exception I will allow, but we are not the judges of the universe..." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 142

Personal Log Admiral Arthur: Classified
It is a kind of dilemma. The Federation has been founded to help and unite all kinds of species all over the universe, hoping we can learn from eachother and help eachother in times of need. On P-392 we have seen that it will not be an easy thing to maintain the prime directive. We have evacuated the entire population of the planet to a safe planet where they can live in peace without threat of a superior being, who is supported by technology. Nothing we cannot handle. I cannot believe that the entire galaxy 23-B is a victim of these Goa'uld fighting to gain supreme leadership and use the inferior species as cattle to reproduce and have them implanted with a symbiont... Computer erase the word symbiont and make that parasite. I have sent out the USS Ajax to investigate. There must be more develpped species in Galaxy 23-B. I am expecting and hoping that we will find them and if necessary we can support them or help them against these Goa'uld. I know this way we will take sides in an internal conflict, but only we have heard from the people of P-392 that there was once a very powerful ancient race that dominated all others in science and technology. It is these ancients we will be looking for. Therefore I have decided to build a base on an uninhabited planet. The USS Ajax has a stargate aboard which will be set up in this base. I expect the base to be ready within 3 weeks.

Interupt log entry.
"Yes Lieutenant, come in."

Lieutenant Thomas entered. He was still on Deep Space 2 and not aboard the USS Ajax. The expression on his face made it clear that he did not agree with that. The only good thing about this mission was that he could be the first to test the stargate to P-999 in Galaxy 23-B.

"Sir, you are not going to believe this. The Base on P-999 has been build and operational. We are ready to test the gate. First we will send equipment and supplies. Then, with your permission of course, I will go through with my team."

"Excellent Lieutenant. You may proceed."

"Thank you sir," was a fast reply of the young Lieutenant, who turned around in a hurry and got to the transporter room to beam down to Deep Space 2 Stargate Operations on the planet.

Admiral Arthur shook his head. Thomas reminded him of himself when he was a young and eager cadet...

"Computer resume log entry."

All is well, I can say. Maybe I will go to P-999 myself. I must confess that I don't like these Goa'uld. Maybe I have this feeling of injustice. But the prime directive holds me back, although I must say on more than a few occasions I didn't care much about it. That is probably the main reason Starfleet put me here in this remote space station. But more than once we stopped an invasion of enemy forces here. It seems to me that these Goa'uld are a possible enemy who can invade our space. We have to know more about this potential threat. If they indeed combine their armees and they come this way, we could be in trouble. Our technology is superior, but we would be outnumbered a thousand to one. The Goa'uld are a viloent race, so we have to be careful. Divide and conquer must be our motto...

End Log

The first gateship went through the stargate at 12.32, followed by sixteen others. On P-999 it seemed like a busy commercial center. Logistic droids showed their efficiency by putting everything where it belonged. The builders had just finished the dock for the gateships, but they were already planning the main dock for starships. The base was 6000 meters below the surface. It would take some time for a gateship to fly to the surface, but Lieutenant Thomas took that time to review the mission objectives. Planet P-533 would be visited from space. The stargate would not be used because the Admiral himself had ordered this. The use of the stargate could warn the people at the other side.
So gateship 17 jumped to warp on its way to P-533. It was only a week travel. During this week the sensor logs of the long range sensors were studied. Thomas' team was looking for anything out of the ordinary on or around the planet. Just one day before arrival the study of the sensor logs indicated that there was a Goa'uld ship on its way to P-533. This was disturbing news, but it was not certain the Goa'uld ship was still there.

"Switch to long range sensors. Let's see what we can see," ordered Lieutenant Thomas. As he looked at the display. "That is a Goa'uld ship, right?"

"That is right Lieutenant," was the only answer Droid 46 could give him. "We are cloaked Lieutenant. They cannot see us."

I am getting us closer to see what they are doing here...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 143

Gateship 17 cloaked in orbit of P-533, Galaxy 23-B. Crew: Lieutenant Thomas, Droids 41, 46, 47.

A Goa'uld ship is detected on its way to P-533. Strangely enough, the population on P-533 is very small and rather primitive. So there must be something special about this population, still living in huts. They seem to survive with the food they gain from farming. Why would the Goa'uld be interested in this planet?

The Goa'uld ship lands on one of the pyramids close to one of the tiny villages. Strangely enough the people who live there don't seem to care much about the spaceship landing in their neighbourhood. But as soon as a Goa'uld escorted by four Jaffa exit the spaceship a shield is activated around the village.

"Analysing the shield now Lieutenant..."

"This is interesting," whispers Thomas. "Aparently these people can protect themselves. Let's see what happens. What kind of shield is that?"

"Unknown technology Lieutenant. Even we cannot destroy it or drain it's power. Notice that the stargate on this planet is far from the small towns. It is not likely that these primitive people constructed shield generators. They must have had some help."

"You mean help from a more advanced species."

"That is correct Lieutenant."

"So this more advanced species must have technology even advanced for us. Wait a minute. What are those Jaffa doing?"

"They seem to set up a device to drain the power of the shield Lieutenant."

"That device doesn't seem to have any effect. But it shows that the Goa'uld are trying to steal this advanced technology. Hmmm. I think that before these people on P-533 will share any technology their trust has to be won. They have to be convinced that we are not evil. If we just tell them, they will probably not believe us. The question is, what can we do to convince them? What about destroying this Goa'uld and his ship?"

"Lieutenant, we do not have authorisation to destroy ships of any kind. We are observing only. Besides, the Goa'uld seem te fight among eachother, so these people on P-533 would probably see us as an other kind of Goa'uld."

"I know Droid 41. But there has to be something we can do."

After two hours of trying the Goa'uld gives up in anger. The Jaffa shut down the device and take it back to the ship. They are met by a man in colorful cloths coming out of the ship. The Goa'uld nodds to one of the Jaffa, who stops, takes his weapon and kills the man in the colorful outfit. The Jaffa continue to the ship, followed by the Goa'uld. A few minutes later the Goa'uld ship takes off and leaves the planet P-533.

"Lieutenant, they have opened a rift in space. They are gone."

"Thank you Droid 41. Well I think we have just seen what will happen to you if you fail the Goa'uld. You'll end up like that man."

"It seems the Goa'uld are even more cruel than we thought at first. We should be careful not to engage them without reason. Lieutenant, something is happening on the planet in the village. The shield is deactivated. A small group of people walks to the dead man..."

A small group of people walk towards the man lying on the ground. They pick him up and carry him towards a cemetery. Although the population of the village is around 25 people, the cemetary has more than 200 graves. The man is burried, a short ceremony is held after which the people of the village resume their activities as if nothing has happened. The children continue playing, the women are sawing cloths, the men work on their fields,... just another day on P-533.


Aboard Deep Space 2, the reports concerning P-533 are discussed. Especially the advanced technology is the subject of many questions.

"This must be the ancient technology we are looking for."

"Yes, but how do we get our hands on it? These Goa'ulds are not primitive you know. If they can't get through the shield of these people, how can we? These Goa'uld must have been doing research for decades, maybe even centuries.

"One thing is sure. Whoever has that ancient technology, controls the entire galaxy. We must prevent that the Goa'uld get this technology."

"They have an advantage. I understand these Goa'uld live for thousands of years. So they have a serious headstart."

"As I see it, we have the technology to get to Galaxy 23-B, but the Goa'uld do not have the technology to get to us. So what are we worrying about?"

"You don't know that. The Goa'uld have ships that travel through space we cannot track. Who knows how far they can travel in a short time? And they are violent as we have seen. They use stargates and in principle they can go anywhere in a matter of seconds as long a there is a stargate. These Goa'uld should be concidered a threat. They are parasites that..."

Admiral Arthur intervenes.

"That is enough Commander. We all know what these Goa'uld represent. We cannot eliminate them all. We don't have the resources to do that. For the moment they are not an immediate threat. We have completed the tactical analysis of these Goa'uld ships. With a few phaser shots we penetrate their shields and destroy them. Torpedoes will crush them. But we still have to be careful. We must gain more data on these Goa'uld."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 144

It is decided to leave the people of P-533 alone. Apparently they can protect themselves although it is certain they did not invent the shield technology. Lieutenant Thomas and his team receive the orders to continue to observe the Goa'uld if they find them and start a search for this powerful but probably ancient technology. Aboard Deep Space 2 more stargate teams are assembled. Exploring distant Galaxy 23-B is a must, but will take a lot of time. All stargate teams have permission to contact the local population if the prime directive is not violated.
The first few months dozens of planets are discovered, but the population usually is very primitive. No Goa'uld has been seen since the encounter with the one at P-533. Countless stars and planets are mapped. 29 stargate teams work almost around the clock. The gateships come and go through the stargates. Deep Space 2 gate command is getting more busy than the station in orbit of the planet. But rumors spread fast. Deep Space 2 operations is contacted by the Ferengi who smell profit by traveling the easy way. But the Ferengi are ignored.

"There are no business oportunities here," is the simple answer.

Reports are coming in from all over Galaxy B-23. Still there is no word from a highly developed civilization. But there are no traces of any Goa'uld either. New powerful technology is not discovered. The missions begin to look like boring mapping missions. Piece by piece Galaxy B-23 is mapped, 2 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent...

"Sir sir. You have to see this sir."

"What is it Ensign?"

"Fusion sir, nuclear fusion. There sir, on the planet in that small city. Next to the city is a small... I think it is an airfield sir. Maybe even a launchpad for space vehicles sir."

"Any traces of Goa'uld Ensign?"

"Negative sir. Nothing. There are nineteen satellites in orbit. Their sensors cannot penetrate our cloak. They cannot see us sir."

"What planet is this? Can we use the stargate to report this to Gate Command?"

"This is P-421. There is no stargate on this planet sir. We have to go back to P-419 to send a report..."


Aboard Deep Space 2...

"Commander. We have contact with gateship 17. Sir they have found a planet with a more advanced population. They have space travel, but there is no evidence of faster than light space travel. Gateship 17 is standing by for orders."

"Lieutenant. How can they have space travel when everyone else in that sector is still has to invent the steam engine."

"Commander, I think that these people could develop faster because there is no stargate. The Goa'uld do not know of their exsistance. It could be an explanation."

"That coulod well be. No threat and no slavery of a superior species. They propbaly don't even know about the Goa'uld. This is interesting. What about..."

"Sir, gateship 17 reports that the study of the sensor logs have been finished. They have found metal on P-421 used to build stargates. Deep Space 2 Stargate Command has done tests, but there is no connection with P-421. It is possible there is a stargate, but it is not working."

"Tell gateship 17 to stand by. I will report this to the Admiral."


Aboard gateship 17 the crew relaxes. They have to wait for further instructions. With the long range sensors P-421 is monitored. And it seems everything is coming together.

"Launche sir. We have a launche from P-421!"


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 145

Finally a planet with a more advanced civilization is found: P-421. There is no stargate on the planet or one that is not working. At this time the crew of gateship 17 is watching the launche of a fusion powered spaceship from the planet. The ship has no weapons aboard, but has a powerful shield generator.

"Sir, the lift off is a sucess sir. The spaceship will be in orbit in 30 seconds. Structural integrety is holding, there are 7 humanoids aboard, sitting in a small cockpit. There is a very large cargobay filled with supplies. Apparently they plan to take a long voyage."

"Interesting. We will log data while that ship proceeds. We will report to Deep Space 2 later."

"They are in orbit sir. According our sensors the spaceship is working as it... Wait... There is a power build up..."

"Is it going to blow up? Helm, get us to a safe distance!"

"Aye sir."

"Sir, the spaceship opens a rift in space sir. It is going through. It is gone sir. There have been on long range sensors for only a few seconds. Then they were gone."

"What was their speed when they accellerated?"

"Sensors indicate that the ship was traveling at an equivalent of warp 8 as soon as it entered the rift. The people on P-421 have the ability to travel faster than light sir."

"You know what that means Ensign. The prime directive does no longer apply. Contact Deep Space 2 and report. We will wait for further instructions."

A few hours pass. The spaceship has not yet returned. That was not expected. But there is news from Deep Space 2.

"Gateship 17 you have permission to contact the people of P-421. Proceed with caution."

Commander Loogen, in command of gateship 17 decloakes the ship and starts broadcasting messages on all frequencies.

"This is Commander Marianne Loogen representing the United Federation of Planets. Do you receive this message? Please respond."

It does not take long before there is an answer.

"This is Kluma Space Control. I am General Hoton. What are your intentions?"

"General Hoton. We are on a peaceful mission of exploration and meeting new species. We have seen the launche of your space ship. Therefore we are very much interested in meeting you."

"We have detected your ship. Please land on the landing platform marked with H. Please remain in your ship until we clear you. You have to understand we do not meet other species often. And our last encounter ended up in a violent way. So please follow the instructions."

Gateship 17 decents towards the planet. Thirty minutes later it lands on the designated platform where a welcome committee is waiting. There are also a large amount of armed soldiers. Commander Loogen is the only one who is allowed to leave the gateship. She meets General Hoton on the platform.

"Commander. I appologies for the impression we make as if we are a violent species, but like I explained, we don't take any chances."

"It is all right General. I fully understand."

"Do you often travel in space Commander. It seems that your ship is some kind of scout ship. No you don't have to reveal any militairy information."

At this point the General is interupted by one of his officers. The officer whispers something in the general's ear. The general noddes and smiles.

"My recon team has established you are not Goa'uld. You do not carry parasites. You must come from far away. And you do not travel by the gate system."

"Yes General. We do travel by the gates, but the one on your planet is not working. We can help you repair it if you want."

The General laughs loudly.

"A few hundred years ago the Goa'uld came through the gateway. The Goa'uld and his Jaffa wanted to conquer our world. We killed them all, but not without sacrifices... We disabled and burried the gate ourselves. So the Goa'uld cannot come here anymore. We are not a violent species, but we will fight to defend ourselves."

"General did you know that the Goa'uld have powerful spaceships? They can come here any time they like."

It is silent for a moment. General Hoton is clearly surprised.

"That information is new to me Commander. Are you sure? We have not seen any Goa'uld ships."

"Absolutely sure. We have seen those ships and even destroyed a few. I will give you some files on their lay out and specificaions..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 146

General Hoton is the supreme commander of the Kluma forces. He is very happy that he is informed by Commander Loogen that the Goa'uld have powerful spaceships which can bring death and destruction on the Kluma homeworld. The Kluma have started their exploration of the universe and they only have the ability to travel faster than light for 16 years. They have mapped 39 starsystems so far, but none of them contain intelligent life. Only 3 planets, Zordo, Lasva and Flutia are suitable for the Kluma to colonize, but for the moment there is no need for colonization. Although there are small outposts on those planets, it will probably stay that way. Scientific research has been done on the three planets, but the scientists have to be careful not to distrube the planets ecosystem. Their research is slow. Besides there are not many scientists willing to go to the outposts on Zordo, Lasva and Flutia as their is still so much research to be done on Kluma itself. In addition to that, it is a long way from home. Currently there are 124 civilian scientists and 39 military active in the three outposts. The ship that has just been launched, has supplies for the outposts and some new personnel. In total the Kluma have 29 ships of that same type. Almost every day of the month one of them is sent to one of the outposts. There is no other way to maintain contact. The outposts are to far away.

"General Hoton, we have communication systems which could be useful for the Kulam," Says Commander Loogen and she offers more help. "The technology of our subspace communication systems is for you to have as a gesture of our good will. You can build the communication devices yourself and maybe even adjust them to your needs. And as this is not about weapons or defense plans I have no problem with helping you with realising better communications between your homeworld and your outposts. Maybe we should send one of those with your next shipment to one of the outposts, so you can see whether they are an advantage for you or not..."

"That is a generous offer Commander. The next shipment leaves in a few hours to Zordo."

Excellent. I will have one of our transmitters ready by then.

A few hours later the Kluma spaceship is launched with a brand new subspace communicator aboard. Four hours later the ship arrives at Zordo where the outpost commander, Lieutenant Kasmada immediately makes use of the new toy he has received. There is a delay on communications of 17 minutes.

"This is Lieutenant Kasmada at the Zordo outpost to Kluma headquarters. Do you receive my communication?"

17 minutes later Lieutenant Kasmada receives the answer.

"This is incredible. Lieutenant Kasmada. This is General Hoton at Kluma Military Head Quarters. We are hearing you very well. I must say this test has been the most useful in many many years. This will speed up things in the outposts..."

Commander Loogen reports to Deep Space 2 and introduces General Hoton and President Mosta to Admiral Arthur. While the three are siiting in the presidential hall, it is President Mosta of the Kluma who is the most amazed that this Federation technology has such great results. But he also realises that if his scientists would have to develop subspace communications themselves, it would have taken them at least 50 years.

President Mosta invites the Federation to send over an ambassador and a small staff. He is convinced that a good relation with the Federation can benefit the Kluma and the Federation as well. Certainly because the Kluma have an extended culture in music, literature and art. The federation gladly accepts the offer. A few days later Federation Ambassador T'lau arrives at Kluma and is welcomed by President Mosta and his government...

Gateship 17 has had a successful mission...


Gateship 9 has less success. The crew encounters the Goa'uld attacking a planet and enslaving hundreds of local people in only an hour. There is nothing the crew can do, except watch the horor... A fter seeing what the Goa'uld do, few days later the Federation Council officially declares the Goa'uld as an enemy. The hunt is open.


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 147

Gateship 9 is in orbit of XP-559. The Goa'uld enslave hundreds of people. and as fast as they have come the Jaffa leave the planet through the stargate. Having seen the coordinates of the gate itself, it is known where the Goa'uld and his Jaffa come from. As this is no laughing matter a full company of security droids is dispatched to XP-559 where they will travel further to their destination, GT-508. The USS Strike picks up Gateship 9 and sets course to GT-508.


Meanwhile aboard Deep Space 2 new reports come in from different teams, saying that they have not yet found any Goa'uld or seen any Jaffa. A full scale investigation, under cover research and observation of 34 planets did not reveal any location of any Goa'uld or Jaffa armies. But at XP-559 problems seem to increase. The local population informs Lieutenant-Commander Nadine that the men taken by the Jaffa will become Jaffa and the women will become slaves of any other kind...


Aboard the USS Strike the company security droids is making ready. In command is Droid 60 also called the Colonel among the droids. Two Starfleet security officers also join the company: Lieutenant Laurel and Ensign Hardy. If a decision has to be made they are the ones to take it. The local population of XP-559 is amazed and impressed by the deployment of the droid company, but they also realise that it could be to late.
The address of GT-508 is punched in at the gate. Lieutenant Laurel waves his arm. The probe is launched. When the first images from the probe come in, it is clear that GT-508 is a Goa'uld stronghold. Lots of different people work as slaves on the fields or in the mines. Most of them will not make it if nobody interferes with the operation the Goa'uld has set up. While the first droids step through the gate, Lieutenant Laurel learns that the name of the Goa'uld is Seth. The mining facilities are to mine naquada, an ore which provides a powerful energy.

"675 and 687 take the left flank, 651 and 613 take right. We have to take the large building as fast as we can. Colonel, we need a sqaudron. There are six Goa'uld ships in orbit. We have to take them out before they realise we are here."

A moment later a full squadron of gateships attack the Goa'uld ships. With some excellent precision firing the ships are destroyed.

"688 move up. Your platoon has point. 622, there is heavy resistance at the bottom of the valley. I will send reinforcements. 653 and 672 help 622. We cannot afford to slow down. Don't forget to free the slaves. Come'on people get to work."

While the droids advance, the Jaffa retreat, not knowing what is happening. But they do not surrender when asked. They seem to be willing to fight until the last one of them. Most of them are already taken prisoner after they have been stunned. The droids only kill when absolutely necessary.

"They are retreating. Don't give them time to regroup. And find that Goa'uld Seth. I want to have a word with him so keep him alive. 639 you are to fast. Keep the line. Close the net. Don't let them get away."

The orders follow eachother very fast. Apparently the weapons the Jaffa use, are not really accurate. Only a few droids are hit, but they can be repaired and almost immediately continue in the battle. Only 20 minutes after the battle begun, the first droids are standing at the gate of Seth's fort. There are almost no Jaffa left. Only a few in the building apparently are protecting their Goa'uld lord. At the moment the gate is destroyed hundreds of droids bust into the building spreading and moving in to Seth's location from all directions. Seth cannot escape. He is caught three minutes later.

"Don't you know who I am? Worm. Bow before your god!"

"Hi Seth. I am Lieutenant Laurel and this is my fellow officer Ensign Hardy. I think you sill find some time in a penal colony to think about what you have done in your life."

"What a Lieutenant?! You are a lower ranking officer?! I demande..."

But Seth cannot finish his sentence. Droids take him away through the stargate. Ensign Hardy turns to Laurel.

"Low ranking officers sir?"

"No Hardy, we are senior staff. Come'on, I will buy you a drink when we arrive on the USS Strike. Let's clean this mess up. We need all technolgy we can find. There could be something valuable. 601, we need a clean sweep. A science team is standing by to investigate what we have found here.

Only ten minutes later the building is crowded by scientists laying their hands on anything they consider worth investigating.


A day later aboard Deep Space 2, a report comes in that one of the scientists has found technology which cannot be Goa'uld technology. It is a very ancient device of some kind. It is not certain what this device will do or can do. Apparently Seth was searching for an answer as well. It is clear Seth had not been able to activate the device.
When the issue is addressed during the interrgoation of the Goa'uld Seth there are no answers. Seth does not seem to know what the device is...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 148

Two days later...

"The devide is a round object with what we believe are six buttons. In the middle there is a red jewel like object. We don't know yet what the purpose is of that. The jewel lights up at irregular intervals. We don't know yet what that is. But there is no dangerous radiation of any kind. The fact that we cannot scan the inside of the device..."

"Professor, excuse my interuption, but can you tell us anything valuable about this device? This is the ninth device you show us, and you do not seem to have a clue what those devices do. It seems to me these devices could be a powerful weapon or just a light show. As the Goa'uld Seth has not revealed any information about these devices, I realise you have to start from scratch. But you have been working on this now for two days and I was hoping you could rell us a bit more about this alien technology. If this is a friendly alien species we are talking about, it should not be a problem. But if this is an enemy more powerful than anything we know, we are in serious... I think you know what I mean. It is my job to prevent any kind of trouble. Do you understand?. How many alien devices have you found which are not made by the Goa'uld?"

"Well sir, we found 47 items of which we are sure they are not Goa'uld."

"And about how many of those do you know what they are?"

"Well sir, we..."

"How many professor?"

"None sir."

"So we could have a depot filled with alien weapons, enough to destroy the entire galaxy, and we we would never know what hit us? That troubles me professor. That troubles me a lot. Can we destroy them if necessary?"

"We tried that with one of them sir. Not even quantum torpedoes will do the job. We haven't tried to send one of the devices into a star to see whether it is destroyed or not, but..."

"But you didn't trie it because the consequences were unknown and you might blow up a star right?"

"That is... that is about what we thought indeed. All devices have symbols or some kind of inscription."

"But you are still working on that too. I see. Professor how long will it take until there is a break through?"

"It is difficult to say. You see first we have to..."

"So you don't know. What do you need to get this done professor?"

"We need a fully equiped starbase sir, a few starships, lots of people... We have to search the starsystem for more clues and determine where this technology came from. It is not going to be an easy thing sir."

"You will not get all that. I will assign you a few gateships. That is all I will do."


In his office Admiral Arthur had a look at the latest reports. Some of the alien devices found fitted into eachother, but testing was done very carefully. Slowly even more and more secrets were discovered and puzzles were solved. Some of the items only had cuktural value. But one of them projected some kind of particle beam and hurt three technicians and a scientist. It could have been worse. Alien devices are not something you mess with. In the entire system there had not been found more devices. Apparently the ones that were found in Seth's fort Seth had collected over a few hundred years. It was not certain how old Seth really was. He didn't weem to know himself and he didn't seem to care. The Goa'uld and his host were studied carefully. Telepaths were trying to get through to the host, but the Goa'uld Seth himself did not let anyone communicate with his host. Apparently the Goa'uld used their host as a tool. The Goa'uld found all other life forms inferior and they should be slaves. The Goa'uld considered themselves as gods...

A week later there was only little progress. Three of the devices were identified as musical instruments, but most others didn't do anything. It seemed that they didn't have any power. And they were not compatible with the standard Federation power systems.

But then the totally unexpected happened.

"Sir sir. We finally have a complete translation of the symbols and inscriptions of the alien devices."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 149

"Say that again Lieutenant."

"Sir sir. We finally have a complete translation of the symbols and inscriptions of the alien devices."

"You mean that you finally can read the language..."

"Yes yes sir. The droids have... OK. It took most of the capacity of our main computer, but we now have a translation."

"Stellar Cartography is going to be happy. They haven't had any oportunity to conduct those surveys for days. So are there any alien objects you have found that are actual interesting enough to have a look at?"

"We have this big metal box. And we have tried to open it. In thirty minutes we are going to do the first attempt. That is why I am here sir. We want you there when it happens.

"OK, let's go then."

A few corridors and a few decks later the two officers step into cargobay 16B. At least a dozen scientists are standing around a large metal box completely covered with alien writings and symbols. The box is almost as large as a shuttlecraft, but there are no signs of an engine or a energy source. Scans do not reveal anything. A platoon of marines under command of Lieutenant Thomas is standing around the box weapons ready, accompanied by twenty security droids. Then the moment comes that lead scientist, professor Ultos starts what can be called a ceremony.

"This is a very important step for us. We have translated the complete text on this box. It is clear now what its purpose is. It is what we call a holodeck. The text is very clear about that, except we don't know what kind of programs this holodeck can produce, but we think it is a kind of game or sport. We will find out now. These are the activation buttons."

The professor pushes the large red, blue and green buttons. The buttons light up when they are pushed. From within the box a humming sound filles the entire cargobay. The box itself does not change. There is no door opening. The color doesn't change and there is no aura of some kind. But apparently Professor Ultos has expected this.

"And now I need a volonteer."

Everyone seems to look at eachother. It is not really clear what the volonteer has to do and what the danger is. Everyone is waiting for a further explantion from the professor.

"There is no danger, I asure you. The volonteer will not be harmed. Come'on. This is for science..."

Before the professor can finish, Lieutenant Thomas steps forward.

"I'll be your volonteer professor."

The Admiral gives his approval although it is clear he doesn't like the idea very much. The professor takes Lieutenant Thomas by the shoulders.

"You have to stand right here. Now don't move for a few seconds, while I enter the activation code."

Lieutenant Thomas stands at ease exactly on the spot the professor put him. Again professor Ultos pushes the large red, blue and green buttons but now in another sequence. When he pusehs the last button in the sequence everyone is looking at him. Nothing happens. But the professor is not disturbed.

"That was the fisrt sequence. Now comes the second and final sequence."

Lieutenant Thomas seems to be getting a bit inpatient. While the professor enters the last sequence tension is rising. as soon as the professor hits the last button some kind of aura surrounds Lieutenant Thomas. A moment later he has vanished. There is no trace of the Lieutenant. The professor seems very pleased.

"Ha. You see. It works."

But the Admiral is furious.

"Where is he? Is he in the box? Get him out... Now!"

"Well actually we are not yet that far in the procedure. We only did this with an apple."

The Admiral grabs the professor and pushes him violently against the alien box.

"You have five minutes to get my officer back. Is that clear?"


In Deep Space 2 Operations, a new report comes in from Gateship 17, Lieutenant Commander Peeters in Command. Gateship 17 is investigating planet LM-778 fifty thousand lightyears away from Deep Space 2.

"Deep Space 2, this is gateship 17. I was informed there was no intelligent life on LM-778. Apparently that data is not correct. We have a clear signal of one humanoid. Please advice what we should do."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 150

"This is one big disaster professor Ultos. I demanded that you would get my officer out of that box in five minutes. But nothing is happening. You are so lucky I have other things to attend to. But when I come back you better have him out of there or I will put you in there as well."

Without waiting for an answer, Admiral Arthur turned around and left the cargobay. Professor Ultos and his team started to study the box again while the platoon marines was watching them closely.

"Lieutenant what is this about a humanoid on LM-778?" was the first question the Admiral had when he entered Deep Space 2 operations.

"We have Lieutenant Commander Peeters aboard Gateship 17 for you sir. She is waiting for orders."

"Put her on the main viewer. Commander Peeters, report."

"Sir, there is one alien humanoid on planet LM-778. I don't believe it is an indigenous life form, but more likely it is an alien who crashed here or something. I suggest we try to contact this alien and go from there."

"Commander are you sure this is not a Goa'uld?"

"Scans indicate it is not a Goa'uld nor a Jaffa. We have taken our cloaked ship very close to him and he seems human, although I can't understand how this human could get here. There are no signs of any technology. He could be a criminal and this planet could be some kind of penal colony. The only way to find out is to ask him. But then again, he could tell us anything."

"Commander, try to make contact, but don't leave the ship. I repeat don't leave the ship."

"Understood sir. Our scanners do not detect any weapon, so it should be save. We will be cautious. I will keep this channel open."

A few moments later gateship 17 is in a position 20 meters from the alien, who apparently is a human male. Lieutenant-Commander Peeters orders to decloak the ship. She uses the external speakers to address the man. But as soon as she has spoken the first word, the man turns around waves his hands and some kind of energy bolt hits Gateship 17. The shock is large enough to knock out the droids and Lieutenant-Commander Peeters herself. The gateship falls on the ground. Before anyone on Deep space 2 realises what is going on, on the main viewer they see a man enter gateship 17, drag the droids and crew out before taking off from the planet.

"What is going on there? Lieutenant dispatch the USS Ajax to get our people back and open the hunt on that man who stole our gateship. This is not a good day. I am off to see a certain professor. If you have news, you will let me know immediately.

"Yes sir."

Just at the moment the Admiral walks into the cargobay, Lieutenant Thomas suddenly appears next to the box where he was before he disappeared. Professor Ultos is extremely curious.

"So tell us Lieutenant. Was it worth it? Tell us what you saw."

Lieutenant Thomas walks to the professor and puts his hand on the professor's shoulder.

"It is just an empty box professor. There are some buttons inside which I pushed to get out of the box again. I found the combination to get out rather fast don't you think. Because you didn't do anything to get me out, I had to do it myself. If you need somebody for your experiments in the future, I suggest you do it yourself."

Professor Ultos can only nod as his shoulder starts to hurt. Lieutenant Thomas lets him go and takes his position. The Admiral is pleased that he has his officer back, but orders the end of the experiment until professor Ultos and his team exactly know what this box does. Everyone leaves the cargobay, the lights go out...

That night Lieutenant Thomas walks into the cargo bay, but he does not put on the lights. He walks straight to the box, touches some of the symbols and disappears... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 151

Aboard USS Ajax the crew is following the stolen Gateship 17. Lieutenant-Commander Peeters and her team have been picked up, but the alien has a serious headstart. He has been able to use two stargates already. But the USS Ajax uses transwarp conduits and it is only a matter of time before the alien is caught.
37 hours later the lateral sensor grid of the mighty USS Ajax detects the alien in Gateship 17. The gateship doesn't look damaged at first, but when the USS Ajax comes closer sensors indicate that the hull of the gateship has lost some of the paint.

"Sir, we have him sir. There are no stargates in this region. He is ours within the hour."

"Excellent Lieutenant. Red alert. Now everyone remember this alien is armed and dangerous. Tactical, launch a full screen of battledrones."

"Full screen aye sir. Launching now... all drones in position sir. Intercept in 49 minutes. Although sir I must say a thought has crossed my mind. How can an alien control a gateship sir. I thought only people with a special gene could do that."

"I have been thinking about that too Lieutenant. But we will have to wait until we capture this alien. I surely hope he will answer our questions."

"Sir, the alien sets course to that small moon. Sir there is a population on that moon about 300 thousand. We can open a channel to the gateship sir."

"All right Lieutenant, open a channel."

"Channel open sir."

"This is..."

"I am sorry to interupt and I certainly don't want to sound rude, but there is little time. Let me explain. I am Zomar. I am a warlock. I am a bounty hunter. I am hunting Knaakh, you probably have heard about him. He is on that moon at this very moment. I have to do it now. You will get your ship back after I am done."


Aboard Deep Space 2 Professor Ultos and Doctor Lopez are still at work studying one of the ancient artifacts. Bit by bit he makes a small discovery, but nothing so important to wake up the Admiral. The artifacts are spread out all over the cargo bay floor. Some are as small as a ring, some are as big as a shuttlecraft. But if Professor Ultos is honest with himself, he has to admit that his team of scientists have not found much yet.

"Professor, I will call it a day. I will see you back tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night Doctor Lopez. I will finish here shortly as well."

Professor Ultos continues his analysis of a small boc covered by three jewels, red blue and green. He has not seen Lieutenant Thomas who has disappeared again, but one of the security droids did.

Internal sensor logs clearly show Lieutenant Thomas entering the cargo bay. He walks towards the large box, pushes some of the buttons and disappears.
Eight hours later Lieutenant Thomas reappears next to the box. But a few meters away Admiral Arthur is standing with his right hand on his weapon.

"So Lieutenant. What have you been up to?"



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 152

Colonel Jan Theys has to make a decision. The alien in gateship 17 has explained that he is Zomar, a bountyhunter apparently on his way to a small moon to capture or kill Knaakh.

"What is a warlock sir? And who is this Knaakh? Maybe we should warn Knaakh as well. Maybe that should even the odds."

"From what I know Lieutenant this warlock Zomar has captured a gateship that he should not be able to fly. I don't care about this Knaakh. That must be some kind of criminal."

"Sir, Gateship 17 is landing on the moon not far from the settlement. I have the impression this settlement has no high level of technology. This Zomar should have it easy..."

Zomar had landed. He checked the tundra as far as he could see. There were only a few mammoths between him and the village. He stepped out of the gateship and activated the cloak. Strange how this small group of humans had this ship. Zomar considered himself lucky to get the ship. If these humans had known who he was, they would probably have attacked him first or just left. Now they were in orbit with a powerful battleship. That ship was to powerful even for Zomar. He could not worry about that now. He had a mission to complete. He marched towards the village gates which were wide open. Together with a group of farmers he entered the village. Once inside he took his small mapto look for the inn. Most likely Knaakh would be there playing with the cards and if not someone whould know Knaakh's whereabouts. It was a busy day. Some kind of festival on the village central square drew the attention of the younger people. The older men and women were watching in amusement. Zomar had seen so many festivals, but they were all so different and in some he had indeed participated. He smiled and then concentrated on the issue he was here for. Knaakh apparently didn't expect any trouble. He was just standing in the doorway of the inn. Zomar took a small ancient device and spoke a few words. Then he moved fast. He waved his hands. Knaakh was hit. The hit had completely surprised him. Knaakh was shaking. He was about to fall down. He was still figuring out from where the attack had come. Realising what kind of attack it was, Knaakh realised he had no chance at all. Zomar was already standing in front of him. Some people closeby stepped aside. This seemed to be a duel and nobody would intervene. Knaakh didn't beg for his life. A moment later a portal opened. Zomar grabbed Knaakh and threw him through the portal. Everyone kept watching the festival activities as nothing had happened. Zomar again took his ancient device.

"Humans in the ship in orbit. Thank you for the use of your jumper... gateship... I have no further need for it. Maybe we will meet again and I can return a favor. I know you don't understand much of what happened here. You should explore this region of space. It is really worth it. There are some beautiful places to hunt and fish. Oh well. Until another day."

Before Colonel Theys could answer Zomar jumped through the portal which disappeared.

"What was that all about sir? I suggest to ask the people in that village what kind of technology this Zomar used. It is clear it has to do with the ancient technology."

"I wonder too Lieutenant. But I am afraid we are to late. But when we meet again I will remind him that he owes us one. Lieutenant Commander Peeters, I believe your gateship... wait a minute... he called that a jumper... So our friend Zomar has knowledge of ancient technology. Hmmm. Lieutenant Commander Peeters as soon as you and your team have gotten your gateship back, you will continue your mission of exploration."

"Aye sir."

"And Commander... Be prepared for anything. I mean it."

"Yes sir."

While Lieutenant Commander Peeters was transported down with her team, the USS Ajax made preparations to break orbit. When Colonel Jan saw the gateship sucessfully lift off he gave the order to leave the moon, back on the USS Ajax' previous course.


In the cargobay aboard Deep Space 2 Admiral Arthur was still waiting for an answer. Lieutenant Thomas had made use of a rather large device without permission. Now he was standing next to it.

"I am still waiting Lieutenant."

"Why don't you come inside with me. And everything will be clear."

Professor Ultos and some other scientists started protesting. This was ridiculous. The Admiral could not do that. He should wait before all data of the device had been analysed. But the Admiral seemed already have made up his mind.

"All right Lieutenant. Show me how it works..."

The Admiral approached. Lieutenant Thomas touched some of the symbols on the box. He did it slow enough for the Admiral to remember the sequence, but hidden for the scientists. A moment later both officers had disappeared... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 153

Gateship 17 proceded at slow speed. The ship had to be searched for marks left by the warlock Zomar. Maybe Zomar had left a clue of his whereabouts or at least some information about who he was, what his goals were or where he came from. Apparently he had the special gene. He could use ancient technology, so he had to be a descended from the ancients. Lieutenant Commander Peeters was not ready to believe Zomar was actually an ancient. That could not be. The Ancients were extinct thousands of years ago in this galaxy. This made way for the Goa'uld to take over power. The Ancients apparently were spread out through the universe. Even Lieutenant Thomas and the Admiral himself had the special gene. But apparently all the droids could manipulate ancient technology up to a certain point. It were the droids who activated the stargate. They were skilled pilots of the gateships.

"Commander, we are approaching a planet we have catalogued as JK-006. all the other planets in this system don't contain any life. JK-006 has some larger cities and a number of smaller vilages. The level of technology is low. There is no serious industry, traveling is done by riding big animals, wagons and small ships. There is no air traffic, except for a few animals, but they are to small to carry a person. The Goa'uld would have an easy prey here."

"Are there any traces of Goa'uld activity here?"

"We have not found anything yet, but I would recommend caution Commander."

"You are right. After the last encounter with an alien, we lost our ship. So we stay cloaked and continue scanning. Lieutenant what is this, here on the viewer. It looks like a mine."

"Indeed Commander. It is a mine. I will scan with a higher resolution so we can see what they are mining. One minute Commander. The results are coming in... Compmander it is a mineral our scientists call naquadah. From naquadah lots of energy can be created. Our scientists believe it is a next step in the evolution of energy production after the splitting of the atom. It can be used to power space ships to go faster than light..."

The Lieutenant looked up to Lieutenant Commander Peeters. Both officers apparently had the same thoughts. Naquadah could only be used by a civilization which had developped space travel. Lieutenant Commander Peeters made an easy conclusion.

"Lieutenant, if you ask me, I think we are looking at a Goa'uld slave mine... Contact Deep Space 2 and report our findings."

"Aye aye sir."



Aboard Deep Space 2 Lieutenant Commander Peeters' report was received with mixed feelings. With the Admiral disappeared with Lieutenant Thomas in this ancient box, with XO Jan on a mission, Chief Engineer Louis was in command of the station. But he decided to wait for the Admiral's return. A few hours would not make any difference.

At the same time in the ancient box Lieutenant Thomas was introducing Admiral Arthur to the clearly holographic environment. Both were standing next to eachother in a large city. But there were no people.

"Lieutenant, did you explore this city already? Did you find any clue of where we are?"

"I did some exploration sir. I found some interesting things. Please follow me and I will show you."

The Admiral followed the Lieutenant into a large room with a balcony. In the room there were all kinds of consoles. When the two passed the consoles were activated.

"It must be our genetic inheritance sir. But please follow me up the balcony and see for yourself."

A few moments later the two were standing on the balcony, looking down. There was a large room with a stargate. Behind them there was a console which had the same buttons as the gateships to activate the stargate.

"Have you tried to activate the stargate during your previus visits Lieutenant?"

"No sir. It would be a simmulation anyway as this is a holographic environment. I have tried to look only and not touch anything."

Without hesitation the Admiral punched in the code of DS2-A Stargate Command. The stargate was activated.

At DS2-A Stargate Command the alert sounded almost a second later.

Unsceduled activation of the Stargate. All personnel code 4, code 4. Stations stations.
A standard communication was send through the gate to the other side.

At the other side Lieutenant Thomas and Admiral Arthur received the message.

"This is DS2-A Stargate Command. We have a shield activated. Do not enter the gate. We have a shield activated. Do not enter the gate. Please identify yourself. Please identify yourself."

Thomas as well as Arthur were extremely surprised. How could this be? But they decided to answer the message and they activated their home decoders. At DS2-A Stargate Command the duty officer was even more surprised. But he didn't hesitate.

"Lower the shield. They could be in trouble. Hurry man hurry."

A moment later Lieutenant Thomas and Admiral Arthur stepped through the gate into the DS2-A Stargate Command control room, where a heavily armed platoon of security droids were satnding, ready to fire their deadly load. Lieutenant Thomas turned to the Admiral.

"What did just happen sir?"

"You know Lieutenant. I think that that mysterious box is not a holographic simmulation, but a way for transport over large distances. You have a lot of work to do Lieutenant. You will assemble a team and go back to that city. Explore this city, make first contact if possible and report your findings."

"Yes sir, thank you sir. I will get right on it sir. You can count on me sir. Absolutely sir." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 154

"This is deep Space 2 Operations. This is Captain Wim, Go ahead gateship 17."

"Captain, we have found a civilisation on JK-006 and they have a naquadah mine. We assume this has to do with the Goa'uld. I must ask for orders and if possible reinforcements."

"Commander Peeters, did you detect any Goa'uld activity on the planet or in the star system?"

"That is a negative DS2. It is possible they have been here recently, but there is no indication they will come here again very soon. We are not sure how long ago they have visited this planet. We have found a stargate on the planet as well in one of the old structures."

"Hmmm. You can't stay there forever. So you have to look for more information. See if you can get close enough to listen to what these people say and what their interests are. Do not leave the ship, whatever happens. Do not engage any Goa'uld. Is that clear Commander?"

"Aye sir, perfectly clear sir."

That Lieutenant Commander Peeters had lost a ship would not be forgotten. although it was not really her fault, it was probably noted in her file and if a possible promotion would come up, there could be a delay in that. But that was not the most important thing right now. The two droids aboard gateship 17 had already moved the cloaked ship about twenty meters above one of the bigger cities. By listening to the people of the city with enhanced audio sensors conversations in the streets and in the homes were clearly understood. Lieutenant Commander Peeters was not in favour of these kind of observation, but at this time there was little choice. In a few hours, it was known that the Goa'uld had not visited JK-006 in a few years. But they were not to be expected for another few years as the quota of naquadah had not been reached yet. Most of the other talk was about the growing up of children, who was sick and who got married...

A few days passed, but there was nothing new to report from JK-006. apparently these people on JK-006 found it to be very normal the Goa'uld were there to exploit them and take groups of people with them to become Jaffa or worse. that was strange, but these people had lived like this for maybe thousands of years. Lieutenant Commander Peeters felt she had to do something, but she had no idea what...



But also in Deep Space 2 Operations the officers were discussing the situation on JK-006 as well, but none of them had an idea that would help these people. Besides, they had other things to worry about. Lieutenant Thomas had assembled an away team and was now exploring the discovered city. During the night it was clear that this city was rather far away in a different galaxy. This transporter technology was amazing. But stil there were no people in the city, not even an animal. The cith was completely deserted and aparently already for a few centuries. But there was stil power. Thwo of the three main power cells were still completely full and still working. Scientists aboard Deep Space 2 had calculated that a city like this with a full population could survive easily on two power cells for a few centuries, without extended use of the stargate or using the city shield. the city itself was located on a deserted planet, which could only be discribed as a larse waiste land. No animals, no trees or plants, just a piece of rock. It was almost logical the population of ancients living in this city had left. after a few days a larger team had arrived. Scientists had been trying to determine the exact coordinates of the planet and the first tests with the stargate were successful. Now the city was reachable not only with the transportation box, but also by stargate. Larger equipment was carried through the stargate and exploration of the city had begun on a larger scale. A day later the transporter box had been completely analysed with the help of the scientists who had found lots of information about the box in the city library.

"So how does it work professor Ultos?"

"It is simple. It is just a subspace transporter. We estimate its reach to be about a hundred million lightyears."

"A hundred million lightyears?"

"Yeah, could be a little more. But it is configured on a certain location. We have not figured out yet whether we can change the destination. but like I said. We are working on it."

"Finally some good news professor. Keep up the good work."

Professor Ultos scratched his cheak and realized he had a light beard. Then he realised he had not slept in almost 48 hours. That would not go unnoticed. But these were the times of discovery and he didn't want to miss anything... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 155

Gateship 17, Lieutenant Commander Peeters in command, in orbit of the planet JK-006 has nothing to report for a week. Knowing it could still be years before the Goa'uld return to this planet, it seems little use to wait much longer. Just as the Commander decides to contact Deep Space 2 to send a message Gateship 17 will be leaving JK-006, some kind of subspace rift opens up close to the planet. A pyramid shaped ship appears out of the rift moving in a direct line towards planet JK-006.

"Surprise surprise... Commander, speaking of a good timing... or a bad one in this case."

"I will contact the Ajax. We need some help here."

"They better be fast. The Goa'uld is already in orbit and preparing the decent for a landing. That will only take about 10 minutes."

"Commander, USS Ajax confirms they can only be here in 3 hours. There is no way they are going to get here faster. Until then we are on our own Commander."

"Droid 411, would it be possible to destroy that ship with the weapons we have?"

"Yes we can Commander. If the Goa'uld does not return fire we may even survive a battle. But I advice to wait and investigate what the Goa'uld want. Maybe they will just leave. Maybe this is just a scout ship. There could be a large fleet just waiting or already on a course here. We do not have enough data."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters thinks while the Goa'uld ship lands on one of the pyramids close to one of the villages and the naquadah mine. The Goa'uld ship opens the hangar doors and two small ships are launched. These ships are clearly some kind of fighters. They fly over the village and the mine. The population assembles in front of the mine as if this is a weekly visit of the Goa'uld.
The hangar doors open again and a group of Jaffa steps out of the ship. Another group follows carrying a chair on which a Goa'uld is carried. Aboard Gateship 17 everyone understands that this is an official visit of a Goa'uld.

"There he is. Let' see what his plans are..."



The newly discovered city seems to be larger than expected. Admiral Arthur visits the city and inspects what has been found so far. Reports are coming in from all over the city.

"We have found an amazing lab sir. Yes yes, I have told them not to touch anything. And we..."

"Sir you should see this view from up here sir. It is absolutely breath taking. Now for the..."

"How many gateships you say? At least a hundred? So the people who lived here did not use them to leave or evacuate. That must..."

"Where did they go. I don't understand. This must have been a city with lots and lots of people. All this technology. Strange how we didn't find one person or the remains..."

The admiral continues his tour. To see it all the away team will need at least a year or so, but the Admiral cannot miss more people than he has already send. Every hour new discoveries are reported. Strange ancient devices, a theatre, science labs,...

"Sir you better come to level 6 sir."

"Calm down Lieutenant. I am on my way. This better be good. I have to come down 8 levels and because nobody has found any turbolifts yet, I have to do this on foot. Why don't you tell me what it is Lieutenant?"

"Sir, I think you should see this for yourself."

A few minutes later the Admiral enters a larger room. He sees Lieutenant Thomas together with Professor Ultos and two medical droids. When he comes closer the Lieutenant waves and points to four glass containers. In each container there is a person. Professor Ultos explains, but it is clear he has not yet slept enough.

"Sir, we think these are some kind of stasis units. The people in these units are alive sir. But they will not be for long. They are dying sir. And there is nothing we can do. They are dying of old age. I don't know how old they are, but if we open their units they will not survive. In their units they could live for 3 years or a bit longer. We think their brain is hooked into one of the computers, but we are not sure. It is possible they know a lot more about this city, but we first have to find out more about these stasis units themselves before we do something."

"OK professor. I will see to it that this gets priority above everything else."

"Thank you admiral."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 156

Gateship 17, Lieutenant Commander Peeters in command, in orbit of the planet JK-006 has a clear view on the Goa'uld who is carried by the Jaffa to greet his slaves of the naquadah mine. The people on the planet seemed to have worked hard. They bring lots of crates filled with naquadah. But when the las crate is brought aboard the Goa'uld ship, the Goa'uld is not pleased at all. It is obvious the amount of naquadah is not enough or at least the Goa'uld was demanding more. The Jaffa arm their weapons clearly waiting for the order to fire on the defenceless people who are on their knees begging the Goa'uld to forgive them. The name of the Goa'uld is Netekhar. At this point Lieutenant Commander Peeters looks at her crew. They all know what is on her mind.

"With all the naquadah aboard the Goa'uld vessel, we can destroy it with one missile. That will cause a chain reaction."

"Yes Lieutenant, but the blast will destroy the entire village and the people as well."

"We can pull it into space and blow it up there. We do have a tractor beam."

"Commander. The Jaffa have killed some of the villagers. The rest of them are send back into the mine with Jaffa guards. These people are terrified Commander."

"ETA of the Ajax?"

"At least two hours."

"Commander there is something else. The Goa'uld is a threat for these people, but he will not kill them all. He needs them to work for him. When the Ajax arrives, we can deal with the Goa'uld. These people have been slaves for thousands of years. A few more hours will not matter. Besides, if we were not here, they would not receive help from anybody anyway."

A second rift opens and a second Goa'uld ship appears. The Goa'uld, Nethekhar, on the planet is alerted by one of his Jaffa. All Jaffa retreat to Nethekhars ship. The ship closes and lifts off leaving the surprised population of JK-006.



Far away from JK-006 a large city is being explored by several Deep Space 2 away teams. Absolute priority are the people who are found in stasis units. These people are so old that even in stasis they will pass away of old age in a few years. But there is hope. Professor Ultos and his team have found a way to communicate with these people.

"Admiral, we have made a breakthrough. You should come sir."

A few minutes later the Admiral arrives. He listens to the explanation of Professor Ultos who tells him his team has found a way to access the main computer by having someone enter one of the empty stasis chambers.

"Another volonteer? All right, we know who to call," the Admiral smiles and checks his padd. His smile changes in a grin while he taps his combadge. "Lieutenant Thomas, I have a job for you."

Lieutenant Thomas who just started his dinner, sights.

"Is that as in now immediately sir?"

But Admiral Arthur knows more than it seems sometimes.

"You can finish your dinner Lieutenant. But right after that I expect you to be in the stasis room."

"Thank you sir."

Thomas continues to eat. At the other side of the table sits Lieutenant Commander Marianne. She looks at the young Lieutenant apparently with worried expression on her face.

"You know Lieutenant, knowing the Admiral, I am not so sure I would like to change places with you."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 157

As the Goa'uld, Nethekhar, lifts off from the planet JK-006, he is watched by the crew of Gateship 17, Lieutenant Commander Peeters in command, in orbit of the planet JK-006. But the second Goa'uld ship approaches fast. One of the security droids aboard Gateship 17 reports.

"Commander, I think the new arrived Goa'uld will attack Nethekhar. I suggest we sit and wait. I will monitor their communications. Maybe we can learn something."

"Excellent. Put it on audio."

The two Goa'uld do not seem to be friends. Especially Nethekhar is very hostile.

"You know Rodenrah, you are the last one I would expect to see here. This is my territory. You have no business here. I will give you a moment to turn back where you came from."

"You underestimate me Nethekhar. I will attack you in a few moments and you will see who's planet this is. If you value your life, get out of my way."

Rodenrah looks behind him to his first prime. The Jaffa only nods as a sign they are ready to attack. But Nethekhar will not allow Rodenrah to get his hands on a profitable mining planet. His ship is the first to open fire. Rodenrah returns fire and both ships shields are weaker. Nethekhar tries to manoeuvre his ship closer, but Rodenrah takes distance while continuing to fire.

Aboard Gateship 17 the crew speculates on a possible winner of the battle.

"It is difficult to say Commander. Both ships are equal in defence and offence capabilities. Everything will depend on tactics. Whoever wins will probably not matter for the people of JK-006. They will continue to be slaves for the winner."

"We could of course take advantage of the winner, having a damaged ship and destroy it. That way these people never have to be slaves again."

"Until another Go'uld turns up."

Nethekhar and Rodenrah are still in battle. Apparently Nethekhar has had a bit of luck and Rodenrah has done one stupid move. Only that has made it Nethekhar somewhat easier. After twenty seven minutes the battle is over. Nethekhar has won, but at a high cost. His shields are gone and his ship barely sustaines hull integrety.

Lieutenant Commander Peeters now has the chance to end it...


Professor Ultos is standing next to the stasis units. Some of them are occupied, but some are not. Ultos points to one of the empty units.

"Lieutenant Thomas, I cannot give you any clues of what to expect. But we will monitor your life signs and if you are in trouble, we will bring you back immediately. So don't worry about a thing."

"Yeah yeah, I know how this works. See you around then Professor."

Without hesitation Thomas lies down in the stasis unit. He has a last look at the Admiral and the professor and then closes his eyes.

"I am ready when you are Professor."

Professor Ultos looks at the Admiral.

"Don't look at me. You heard the lieutenant. He is ready."

Professor Ultos takes his padd and pushes some buttons. Lieutenant Thomas seems to fall asleep. The professor confirms it.

"He is in the system now. His lifesigns are good and stable."

Thomas wakes up in a large room. He is on the floor...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 158

The battle between the Goa'uld, Nethekhar and Rodenrah over the planet JK-006 is over with Nethekhar as winner, but his ship is severly damaged. The crew of Gateship 17 now has the choice to destroy Nethekhar's ship. Lieutenant Commander Peeters asks for new orders.

"Ensign, contact the USS Ajax and ask for orders."

"Aye sir. Channel is open. We have a delay of one and a half second."

"Put it on viewer."

On the viewer appeares the face of Colonel Jan, in command of the USS Ajax.

"Yes Commander, what is the problem?"

Commander Peeters explains the situation with the damaged ship of the Goa'uld Nethekhar close to planet JK-006. If we want to do something, we better do it fast before the ship of the Goa'uld, Nethekhar has been fully repaired.

"It is an easy target sir. I suggest we blow it up. to free the people of JK-006 from their slavery."

"Commander, we are not yet at war with the Goa'uld, at least not on a galaxy scale. But we do not and cannot agree with how the Goa'uld rule this galaxy as gods. This has to stop. Remember, Commander always to defend the weak. You have permission to fire at will."

"Understood sir. Lieutenant Commander Peeters out."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters waves her hand and points towards the Nethekhar's ship.

"Fire."

A moment later Nethekhar's ship is completely destroyed. But when the planet JK-006 is scanned, there is some disturbing news.

"Commander, sensors detect a Goa'uld creature on the planet. It is very healthy and apparently living in a host."



Aboard Deep Space 2 Professor Ultos is monitoring the life signs of Lieutenant Thomas who has entered the stasis unit. Nothing has changed yet. Apparently nothing is wrong yet.

The youmg Lieutenant has disovered he is in the system. Slowly he gets up. He looks around still ready for anything. But nothing happens. The room he is in is not locked. Careful he steps through the door into the corridor. There is nobody there. Thomas has no choice than to proceed. Suddenly there is a warning sound.

"Intruder alert. Intruder alert. Corridor 16 Beta. Teams 23 and 24 intervention. Move it people."

A few moments later Lieutenant Thomas is on the run with three security guards in pursuit.

Outside at the stasis units Professor Ultos sees the increase of heart beat. He has his doubts on what is going on. But he has to do something. But while he hesitates, Admiral Arthur enters the room. He immediately sees the worried face of the professor.

"I don't want any problems Professor Ultos. I have the impression I was not clear enough. looking at your face alone already makes me angry. So I want a short and clear report on what is going on."

It is silent for a moment but the Admiral's face alone already puts the professor under pressure.

"It is the Lieutenant's heartbeat Admiral. It has increased seriously. Apparently he is doing a physical effort of some kind. But he doesn't seem to be in danger. Look he seems to be recovering."

At that moment Lieutenant Thomas is caught by the three security guards. Thomas has decided not to resist. He is taken to what looks like some kind of prison..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 159

After the destruction of Nethekhar's ship a Goa'uld creature is discovered on the planet JK-006. At first it is thought that it is Nethekhar who could have been able to transport to the planet just before his ship was destroyed, but the sensro logs show the Goa' uld on the planet has different dimensions.

"We have to go to the planet to be sure who this Goa'uld is commander. There is no other way to be sure. The away team we send, has to be as small as possible, maybe even one person. It is just to get closer and scan the Goa'ul, maybe even capture it. I suggest we send one security droid."

"Good idea Lieutenant."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters assigns one of the security droids for this mission. His orders are clear and specific.

"You will track the Goa'uld, and find out who it is and what his plans are. You will use violence if necessary, capture the Goa'uld if possible and bring him back here, so we can keep him in isolation."

The droid is transported within 100 meters from the Goa'uld. He makes the scan. Nothing out of the ordinary is detected. It is a Goa'uld. The droid knows no fear, no regrets, no pain... He steps straight forward in the direction of the Goa'uld. When the Goa'uld sees the droid he jumps to his feet and starts running. But the droid is much faster, catches up and it is more than strange the Goa'uld does not resist when he is caught.

"Who are you? What are you? Don't hurt me."

The droid identifies the behaviour of the Goa'uld as unusual to say the least. A Goa'uld usually acts like a god. This one does not. But the droid has its orders and executes those orders.

"You are a Goa'uld. You will come with me."

"I am not a Goa'uld. I am a Tok'ra."


Aboard Deep Space 2 Professor Ultos is monitoring the life signs of Lieutenant Thomas and sees the parameters are returning to normal. Admiral Arthur already stands next to him waiting for more explanation. The Admiral looks at Thomas in the stasis unit.

"I am waiting professor."

"Well everything has returned to normal. Probably the Lieutenant has to addapt to a new environment. Nothing serious, I am sure."

Lieutenant Thomas is walking between three security guards. Thomas knows these guards are in one of the stasis units. But he decides not to mention it. The walk is longer than expected and it takes almost ten minutes to arrive at the detention area, where the Sub-Commander is waiting for an explanation.

"Sir, we have caught the intruder in corridor 245 Alpha. We cannot explain where he came from."

"Lock him up in one of the cells. I will interogate him myself. The Commander is not pleased with this situation."

Thomas is locked up. A forcefield is activated. There is nowhere he can go. Thomas has not yet decided what he will tell and what he will not tell.

"I am Sub-Commander Hotep. For us this is a serious situation as you probably understand. So let's make this a fast one. Who are you and how did you get here? Just answer the questions."

At first Thomas says nothing. But Sub-Commander Hotep is not impressed...

"You will talk one way of another. Better do it now and it will safe us time."

But Lieutenant Thomas does not say a word. He sits down and waits."

Sub-Commander Hotep turns around and leaves. Thomas knows that within a few minites Professor Ultos will take him out of the stasis unit. He had one hour and that hour has almost passed. A few minutes later Thomas disappears and wakes up in the stasis unit, where he reports the situation to the Admiral.


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 160

On planet JK-006 one of the droids is able to catch a Goa'uld, but the captive denies he is Goa'uld. He says he is Tok'ra. The droid has no choice to ask Lieutenant Commander Peeters for new orders. The word Tok'ra is not in the droid's vocabulary. Lieutenant Commander Peeters, still aboard Gateship 17 wants this situation solved as fast as possible.

"Droid 4001, is it safe for me to beam down?"

"Yes Commander. I have secured the perimeter. I suggest you bring 4010 with you. This will increase security with 100 percent."

When Lieutenant Commander Peeters beams down to the planet surface she is accompanied by droid 4010, who immediately takes position close to the Tok'ra. Apparently the Tok'ra is not surprised to see someone transported to the planet. This is not unnoticed. Lieutenant Commander Peeters can only be direct and efficient in her questioning.

"I am Lieutenant Commander Peeters of the United Federation of PLanets. I want some fast answers here. So why don't you tell me who you are and how you got here."

"Why don't you tell me who you are? I have never heard of the United Alliance of Planets."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters tries to keep her patience...

"United Federation of Planets. We are at war with the Goa'uld. And you seem to be one. I can kill you on sight. And I will if you do not cooperate. Is that clear? So let's start again. Who, what and how?"

The Tok'ra sighs. He sits down on the grassy ground.

"I am Markon Lorean. I am the host of a Tok'ra symbiont. The Tok'ra symbiont lives in harmony with the host, not like the Goa'uld who take over the host. The Tok'ra in me is called Dron. I have been his host for 61 years. The Tok'ra are enemies of the Goa'uld and the most pleasure the Goa'uld would have is to see all the Tok'ra eliminated. You see the Goa'uld are enslave people and we try to stop them, but there are only few of us and many of them."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters waves her hand.

"So you are the good guys and the Goa'uld are the bad guys right? They will probably say you are very much away from the truth. You will have to do a lot to convince me that what you tell me is the truth."

"Originally the Goa'uld were not bad at all, but by using technology like the sarcophagus they became bad. The only thing that is still left on their minds is to live forever and rule the galaxy. The host of the Tok'ra do this of their own free will. After a normal life the host will pass away and the Tok'ra inside him will also die unless he finds someone who wants to be his host. Tok'ra rather die than take a host by force like the Goa'uld..."


Aboard Deep Space 2 a connection with the stasis units in the discovered city has been established. Lieutenant Thomas explains to the Admiral and Professor Ultos that these stasis units are connected to a virtual world, which looks like the city. But apparently the people there have lived so long in their virtual world, they do not realise anymore it is a virtual world and not a real one. Thomas reports the encounter with secrurity troops and Sub-Commander Hotep, who was not friendly at all.

"Admiral, we need a plan to inform these people and especially their leaders what their situation is. If they built a city like this, they must have technology to leave this virtual world."

But Professor Ultos doesn't think that will be possible.

"These bodies we have found... we are not able to save them if these people go back to their bodies. They will all die in a matter of hours. It is possible they have technology themselves to take care of that problem, but I do not see how. Besides, we have to talk to them about their situation and it is very unlikely they will believe us. Why should they?"

There is a moment of silence. The Admiral speaks first.

"What we will do is send in Lieutenant Thomas again but with a few security and engineering droids. The droids can investigate the situation and maybe they can find a sollution for the problem. These people seem to be extremely advanced. We should treat them with respect and we should do this as diplomatic as we can. Therefore, Professor Ultos you will accompay the team inside the virtual world."

Professor Ultos is shocked to hear that, but the Admiral continues.

"We need to have the people on this team who have the most experience with this technology. No Professor Ultos, that is my decision. Your assistants can monitor you when you are inside." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 161

On planet JK-006 Lieutenant Commander Peeters meets Markon Lorean who says he has been the host of a Tok'ra symbiont called Dron for 61 years.

"The host of the Tok'ra do this of their own free will. After a normal life the host will pass away and the Tok'ra inside him will also die unless he finds someone who wants to be his host. Tok'ra rather die than take a host by force like the Goa'uld..."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters decides to take the Tok'ra Markon Lorean with her aboard Gateship 17, but she assigns Droid 4010 to the Tok'ra as a security measure.
Markon Lorean seems to be a little surprised when he enters Gateship 17. He looks around, but it is not clear whether he is happy or sad. It is clear though he is nervous. then a deeper voice speaks. apparently the symbiont Dron is now the one who speaks.

"I am Dron. I am a Tok'ra. I have lived for more than 3000 years."

It seems Dron has caught the attention of everyone aboard Gateship 17. It is silent for a moment then Dron continues.

"I do not recognise all this technology, but only some. From what I know, this is Ancient technology. Most Ancient technology I have found, I could never get to work. How can you use this technology? You are not Ancient. How did you aquire this technology? Where did you find it? Apparently you must be an advanced species yourself. You have robots who..."

Droid 4010 interupts. Clearly he does not agree.

"We are droids, not robots. We have our own free will and our own conciousness."

Again it is silent. Lieutenant Commander Peeters smiles. Then she addresses the Tok'ra.

"I don't think you are in a position to ask questions. You will not get any answers anyway."

At that moment Gateship 17 is contacted by Deep Space 2 for the daily situation report.

"Gateship 17. This is Deep Space 2. Contact Log 18745 Alpha. Report."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters explains the situation and reports that her team has found a Tok'ra, who claims to be a enemy of the Goa'uld, but looks exactly the same.

"Gateship 17, we will send Gateships 6 to pickup this Tok'ra or whatever he is. He will be escorted to Deep Space 2. After the pickup you can resume regular duties."

Only 10 minutes later Gateship 6 arrives at planet JK-006. The Tok'ra is transported to Gateship 6 and taken to Deep Space 2...


Aboard Deep Space 2 a new team is assmebled to enter the virtual world through the stasis units. This time 6 security droids and Professor Ultos accompany Lieutenant Thomas inside.
As soon as they arrive in the virtual world the security droids take their position. Thomas and Professor Ultos take the lead into the corridor. It doesn't take long before the intruder alert is activated. the away team does not hide, but continue their walk. Two security teams arrive. They look surprised, but recover quickly. Just at the moment they raise their weapons, Professor Ultos shouts.

"Stop! We mean you no harm. Besides if we wanted to use violence we already had done that and you would be dead on the floor."

Lieutenant Thomas turns to Professor Ultos and whispers in the professor's ear.

"Good going professor, nice diplomaticy."

Professor Ultos raises his eyebrows.

"Now please take us to your leaders. We have to tell them some very important things."

"The only place you are going is to our jail."

"No no no you do not understand," shouts the professor, waving his arms. But before he can continue weapons fire sounds in the corridor. A moment later the security droids have cleared the corridor. The security guards of the virtual world are on the floor.

Lieutenant Thomas looks around.

"OK professor, that went well," says Thomas and he grins. Then he turns to the droids.

"Are you damaged?"

The answer is negative.


Deep Space 2 Operations calls for the Admiral when Gateship 6 docks with the Tok'ra aboard. The Tok'ra is escorted to the Deep Space 2 brig, where he is locked up. A few minutes later Admiral Arthur arrives at the detention block. He walks straight to the cell where the Tok'ra is stitting... waiting.

"I am Admiral Arthur. I am in command of this facility. I represent the United Federation of Planets. I am a very busy man. So don't waiste my time. I want prove that you are an enemy of the Goa'uld. And I want it now..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 162

Markon Lorean human host of the Tok'ra Dron is questioned by Admiral Arthur himself. But the Admiral wants answers fast. It is the Tok'ra symbiont Dron who explains.

"Queen Egeria is the mother of all Tok'ra. Around 2000 years ago Queen Egeria fought the Goa'uld Supreme System Lord Ra but was defeated. Later some minor Goa'uld joined the Tok'ra, but when Queen Egeria passed away, there was no longer a Tok'ra offspring. The Tok'ra are therefore less and less in numbers. The only way they can still fight the Goa'uld is by under cover actions by Tok'ra operatives, playing one Goa'uld against another. These days the Tok'ra live in secrecy under the ground in crystal tunnels."

Admiral Arthur looks at the security droids behind him.

"He has not lied yet sir. Everything he told you is true."

The Tok'ra looks at the droid.

"I have never heard of this technology. Where did you get that?"

But the admiral is not willing to waiste time.

"That is none of your business. Hmmm. So the Goa'uld have enemies too, but they are not strong enough to eleminate the Goa'uld. Hmmm. Well you did not break any of our laws, so I cannot keep you here. I will send you back where you were found. I appologize for any problems, but you have to understand that things seemed differently as they were."

The Admiral turns around and walks away, but the Tok'ra host Markon Lorean addresses him.

"Sir please. Do not send us back. We will not survive. The Goa'uld are hunting us. They are very powerful. The Tok'ra are almost..."

But the Admiral shakes his head.

"There is nothing I can do for the Tok'ra. We are technically in a state of war with the Goa'uld, but we cannot protect every enemy of the Goa'uld. We are totally outnumbered."

But Markon Lorean does not give up easy.

"At least come visit us in one of our colonies and speak to our leaders... please."

But the Admiral has walked out the detention block before Markon Lorean has finished his sentence.


Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos proceed through the coridors of the virtual city, closely followed by the securtiy droids. they have no idea where the command center or the town hall is, so they just take turns to the left and right hoping they will find some people who are willing to listen. The gamble works. After about ten minutes they bump into what looks like a group of civilians. Lieutenant Thomas adresses the group before Professor Ultos can.

"Ladies gentlemen. Don't be afraid. We are just visitors. We would like to speak to your leaders."

The group is a bit surprised. They do not recognize the clothing and certainly not the droids. Some of them are clearly afraid.

Professor Ultos pushes the Lieutanant out of the way.

"Is this your best diplomatic skill Lieutenant?"

Then he addresses the group who is slowly walking away.

"People please. We are representatives from the United Federation of Planets. We are travelers in space and by accident we have found your city. We are explorers."

Some of the group run away. others don't seem to understand what is going on. Two are stepping forward.

"Please follow us. We will take you to our commander."

The two lead the way. Professor Ultos and the team follow. After a few more corridors and two elevators, the group ends up in a large room, with in the middle a large table with nine people sitting at it. One of them stands up.

"Pmomar, what is the meaning of this? We are in a meeting."

But then the man sees the droids. He is not sure what to think. But Professor Ultos again shows some diplomcy.

"Sir, we are representatives from the United federation of Planets. We are travelers in space and by accident we have found your city. We are explorers. We would like to invite you to speak with us."

"I am Prime Commander Znarob. How did you get into our city?"

A moment later at least twelve security guards enter the conference room. Lieutenant Thomas whispers to Professor Ultos that he doesn't see how they will be able to convince these people they are in a virtual world and that their bodies are decaying in the room next door. But Prime Commander Znarob seems to have good hearing.

"What did you say? What is going on here? I want some answers..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 163

The story of the so called Tok'ra Markon Lorean human host of the Tok'ra Dron doesn't seem to convince anyone aboard Deep Space 2. Some think he is a Goa'uld in disguise, some think he is manipulated by the Goa'uld to believe what he says is true. Thefacts remain. There is a symbiont living in the host and the only way to find out what is really going on is asking one of the Vulcans to mind meld with this Tok'ra to see if he is really what he claims to be. As there are no further reports from the gateships exploring the universe, Admiral Arthur can now concentrate on Markon Lorean and his symbiont. But he doesn't want to show his hand to early. It takes the rest of the day to consult with two Vulcan officers to explore the possibilities of a mind meld with two conscious beings. Also the Vulcans have to agree to the mindmeld and all safety has to be taken care of. Two science droids will monitor the mindmeld and they will interupt as soon as they detect some kind of danger for the Vulcan officers.

At the end of the day the entire group enters the detention block and explain to Markon Lorean what is going to happen. Clearly Markon Lorean does not protest.

"If that can help to clarify who I am, please proceed."

The Vulcans start the mind meld...

"Your mind to our mind. Our mind to your mind..."

After about a minute one of the Vulcans addresses the Admiral.

"Sir, this symbiont is open to our mindmeld but he is three thousand, eight hundred and seventien years old. There is a lot of information here we need to examine. We need time."

"How much time do you need?"

"It is difficult to say sir. It is not clear to us yet how much information is relevant."

But the Admiral wants results.

"Can't you make an educated guess?"

"Vulcans do not... guess... sir."

But Admiral Arthur also has other things to worry about. The crew on Deep Space 2 has found a name for the new discovered city, which seems to be connected to some Ancient objects...

Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos have been brought to Prime Commander Znarob, who is willing to listen to them. Professor Ultos tries to explain that the world Prime Commander Znarob and his people live in, is a virtual world.

"Your bodies are outside and your minds are connected to some kind of computer system; We don't know how it works exactly and how long you have been here, but we can use it to enter your virtual world. And that we did because we are a... curious species. We hope we did not intrude and if we did, I apologize."

For a few seconds Prime Commander Znarob looks at the professor completely confused. Some of the younger officers start protesting and want these intruders locked up, claiming Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos can only be spies. But Prime Commander Znarob does not want to exclude any possibilities. He looks up and apparently he addresses the main computer. The name of this computer is Lordeon, named after the city itself.

"Lordeon, where am I? What is my exact location?"

A female voice answers.

"Prime Commander Znarob, you are in grid 1554 Alpha."

Prime Commander Znarob doesn't seem to understand.

"Lordeon, to my knowledge I am in central operations of the city. Grid 1554 Alpha is on the other side of the city in the bunker area."

"You are in grid 1554 Alpha. Prime Commander Znarob, shall I project an image of you at that location?"

"Yes, Lordeon, please do so."

A three dimensional projection in the middle of the room shows the stasis units with the bodies of the citizens of Lordeon. Next to the stais units are three Federation scientists monitoring the stasis displays. A few stasis units to the left contain the bodies of Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos.

"Lordeon, is that me? What is going on here? Lordeon, am I in a virtual world of some kind? I do not understand this. Is the entire population in this virtual world?"

"The entire population of Lordeon has been tranfered to the virtual room. The population was in danger of the solar flares."

"Solar flares?"

"On middate 15542 the star of our planet started to erupt. Only the stasis units could prevent your immediate death. By the time the radiation had faded away your bodies were no longer capable of self support. I had no choice than to let you contninue your lives in the virtual room. Transfering you back to your bodies would have killed all of you. I am still working on a sollution to get you back into your actual bodies, and I have made serious progress by testing cel regeneration. The process is almost complete. I have allowed the United Federation of Planets to come to Lordeon. The Federation has scientists who can help accelerate the process."

Prime Commander Znarob has listened in amazement. And suddenly he and his officers start to remember... The solar flares, the evacuation to the virtual room... Prime Commander Znarob whispers...

"Middate 15542... That is more than 3000 years ago...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 164

To investigate the identity of the Tok'ra Markon Lorean human host of the Tok'ra Dron, six Vulcan officers are doing a mindmeld with the host as well as the symbiont. But the symbiont Dron is three thousand, eight hundred and seventien years old, so it will take some time to reveal all important data.
The entire history of the symbiont Dron is looked at. Dron seems to be cooperating and has opened his mind for the Vulcans to access his memories. Dron is born out of a mother queen called Zomara, together with hundreds of others. The mother queen Zomara has passed away a few thousand years ago. But when she gave birth to her ofspring she automaticly gave part of her genetic codes to her children. That code is different than a Goa'uld genetic code. Apparently the Tok'ra do want good for the people, but there are not many of them left. The last two thousand years the Tok'ra have been hunted down by their enemies, the Goa'uld. The Tok'ra have been living in secrecy, hiding from the warmachine of the Goa'uld, who also battle among themselves. Some Tok'ra have infiltrated in the forces of the Goa'uld, pretending they are Goa'uld, but most of them have already been caught, tortured and killed. But the Tok'ra had some success as well. They liberated more than a few planets from the Goa'uld. The people of those planets have been relocated and live in peace now. When the Tok'ra symbiont is asked who the Tok'ra infiltrators are in the Goa'uld ranks, tension rises. At first Dron does not want to reveal that information, but after 30 minutes he realises he has no choice and surrenders. To the surprise of the security personnel in the Deep Space 2 detention block the list is rather short. Only 16 names are on the list. Dron himself is disappointed too.

"They are all that is left of us. And most of them do not even hold important positions in the Goa'uld ranks. The war with the Goa'uld has taken a huge amount of lives among the Tok'ra. We are now even more outnumbered than when this started. We always seem to be a few steps behind the Goa'uld. As we do, the Goa'uld also try to infiltrate our ranks and many Goa'uld spies have been killed, but not before they did a lot of damage. You know the Goa'uld and their Jaffa consider the Goa'uld as gods. That is how they surpress revolting people. They show their powers, which is only technology, but these simple people do not understand and are scared. We have managed to help some planets, give them medical support and show them that the Goa'uld are only false gods. But there are always people who benifit from the presence of the Goa'uld and betray their own people for profit. On many occasions the Goa'uld received information that the Tok'ra were on a planet to undermine the Goa'uld authority. Within a day an entire army of Jaffa has whiped out the entire population. The traitor usually is rewarded with a Goa'uld symbiont, as if that is a reward..."

The Vulcans who are mindmelting with the Tok'ra Dron, see that Dron is speaking the truth. They can even see the images of what Dron has gone through himself. On more than a few occasions he was caught and tortured by the Goa'uld, but everythime he was able to escape. In most of these cases it was just luck. Or he did find another willing host when his host passed away or was killed by Jaffa or a Goa'uld. Never did he control his host against the will of the host...

Prime Commander Znarob of the city Lordeon has no choice to accept that he and the entire population of the city of Lordeon lives in a virtual world. A few hours after Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos made their visit to this virtual world, the population of Lordeon has been informed about their situation. Being 3000 years in stasis made it for most people to forget that their entire life continued without their physical form.
But the problem still remains. The bodies in the stasis units are decaying. The stasis units were designed to keep a body for a few hundred years. Sientists at the time tought that would surely be enough. Now these same scientists had to come up with a sollution to revive the bodies without killing them.
Prime Commander Znarob is very happy the city of Lordeon had visitors. If the Deep Space 2 team had not found the city of Lordeon, the people of that city would have passed away without even knowing what had happened.

"I cannot believe that we forgot we are not in the real world. But we did and now we have to find a sollution to survive. I can only hope our scientists will come up with a sollution. As I understand it, we cannot return to our bodies anymore. We would die within a few days."

Of course Professor Ultos offers the help of the best Scientists the Deep Space 2 has to offer.

"If there is anything we can do, just say the word and we are standing by. We can enter and exit this virtual reality as we please. So if there is something that has to be done outside this environment, just let me know."

"That is very kind of you Professor. Let me introduce you to our lead scientist Doctor Solam. He knows more about this than anyone I know."

"Lets get to work then."

While Professor Ultos joins the Lordeon scientists, Lieutenant Thomas returns to the real world to report about the situation. Admiral Arthur is very pleased that there is progress on this matter. A communication channel is established between the virtual world and the real world. More and more scientists are send to the city of Lordeon. All speculations on the name of the city have now officially ended. While the research in the city of Lordeon is continuing, Admiral Arthur and his crew return to daily operations. Every hour one of the Federation scientists returns to the real world to get some kind of artifact to take it to the virtual world.
The first issue of the talks between Admiral Arthur and Prime Commander Znarob of the city of Lordeon is of course the presence of Starfleet officers in the city of Lordeon. After about ten minutes Arthur can convince Znarob that the Federation is a peacful organisation and that they are only explorers who want to help other people.

"So you see Prime Commander Znarob, please do not see us as intruders. We have been able to transport to the city of Lordeon more or less by accident. And as you also can see that our genetic code indicates that somehow we have the same forefathers..."

"Yes we have seen that. It is amazing. You would not have been able to access the city if you didn't have the correct genetic code anyway. It seems like our liberation from this virtual world was meant to be. This must have been our destination, and yours too. How small can the universe seem to be..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 165

Tok'ra Markon Lorean human host of the Tok'ra Dron is awake again. He has a little headache, but that is all he has after the Vulcan mindmeld. Markon Lorean is set free, but he has to stay on Deep Space 2 until a decent investigation has been conducted about the Goa'uld system lords and their intentions. While Lorean is assigned to a comfortable stateroom he is guided by a Federation diplomat, Ambassador Maddy Gunk. Maddy will explain to Lorean the history Federation, who is in the Federation, and what the goals are of the federation.
It is decided that the Tok'ra planets are to be left alone. Only when the hostilities of the Goa'uld end or the Goa'uld are no longer a threat to the Tok'ra, full diplomatic and trade relations between the Tok'ra and the Federation will be possible.

"Sir, at this time I think the Goa'uld are to powerful. If we want them out of the picture we need a huge fleet. Therefore I suggest we try to turn them against eachother so they will make it easier for us. We can do that using their paranoia and greed."

"And then we just have to clean up what is left of their militairy power."

"Indeed sir. I think it can work. The only thing is that we are not yet sure how we are going to do this. We are still working on that."

"We could use the populations in Goa'uld territories to spread rumors. We let one Goa'uld system lord believe another has entered his domain and is planning to take a part of it or maybe even all of it."

"We already sound like Romulans... Although I like this idea, I fear there is a danger to this kind of tactics. All of these plots may never refer to us or the Federation in general. The Romulans used these tactics often but were caught almost everytime and everything turned around against them. If the Goa'uld find out they have a mutual enemy, it is possible they will unite and then all is lost. We have to keep them divided. Also if we eliminate one, another takes over and nothing has changed. We need a plan to eliminate all or most of the Goa'uld system lords in one blow."

"Sir, maybe we could set up a meeting for whatever reason, gather the Goa'uld system lords and lock them up. We would surely need a very good reason to lure them to such a meeting. Maybe the idea of having a mutual enemy is not so bad. That will probably force them to join up and meet. But we have to know where and when they meet."

"We don't have to send anyone in sir. We can do this with technology. We have devices almost invisible to the eye which can relay data of any kind."

"All right. I want your full reports and simmulations within 48 hours. Then we will determine a course of action. Dismissed."

Professor Ultos and the Lordeon scientists have not yet found a sollution to get the people of the city of Lordeon to their physical bodies. Prime Commander Znarob has opened a database for the Federation scientists of the history of the city of Lordeon.

"It is not that I am not hopefull that our scientists can find a sollution, but just in case... It would be a shame if our history would be lost."

In a few days the federation scientists learn more about the artifacts they found than they would ever have been able to learn in a hundred years. Some of the artifacts are just simple tools or toys for the children. But others are very important medical devices or navigational equipment.

"So you had ships to travel in space as well?"

"Yes professor Ultos. We still have."

"Ah yes we have seen a hangar full of small ships. We have found similar small ships in a underground base on our base planet. We call them gateships, because they can go through the stargate."

"Yes I have understood that your space station is in orbit of a planet with a stargate. Well, we don't have a name really for those smaller ships. We are so used by using them. They just have a number. We have ofcourse a few bigger ships."

"Bigger ships?"

There is a bay in the lower city. There are two cruisers. Haven't you found them yet professor?"

"We have not been able to explore the lower parts of the city yet. That reminds me to ask Admiral Arthur for more personnel. When he hears about those ships, he might get more interested..."

Professor Ultos contacts Admiral Arthur and explains that there are two cruisers in the lower parts of the City of Lordeon. With this excellent news Arthur immediately dispatches a team to the lower parts of the city. When the members of the team open the large doors of the bay in the lower city they can only stare in amazement...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 166

Aboard Deep Space 2 the officers are planning a major strike against the Goa'uld. But the plans and simmulations do not end well. The Admiral dismisses one plan after another, until there is only one plan left.
Tok'ra Markon Lorean human host of the Tok'ra Dron enters the breefing room, but it is Dron who speaks.

"It will not be easy to eliminate the Goa'uld, all at once. We have tried for thousands of years. Although there were only few of us in comparison with the huge number of Goa'uld and their Jaffa. The Goa'uld are symbionts. Even if they or their hosts are dead, they have technology to revive themselves. The Goa'uld have battled among themselves for as long as I can remember. There always have been power shifts, new system lords..."

"But there has to be something we can do. These parasites are enslaving entire populations. We cannot relocate all of these people. We cannot whipe out all the Goa'uld in one blow. It is to dangerous to set them up to eliminate eachother. The only way to end the exsistance of the Goa'uld is to go in with a huge army and kill them all. That will make us war criminals and guilty of genocide."

It is silent for almost an entire minute. It seems there is no immediate sollution to the Goa'uld problem. But the Goa'uld have large territories and some planets are only visited once in five or even ten years. So although these people are slaves of the Goa'uld, they still have years to to develope. Their developement is stopped as soon as the Goa'uld arrive.

"What are you saying sir? They have to develope on their own and that we are just going to watch? That could take centuries and everytime one of those Goa'uld comes along, they can start all over again."

"Not exactly Lieutenant. We will organise revolts, insurrections on planets where the Goa'uld rule. As I see it there are more people on those planets than there are Jaffa on a visiting ship."

"Are we going to give them weapons and technology sir? That sounds not Federation like."

"No Lieutenant. We are not going to give them technology, but we are going to educate them, teach them and let them see the Goa'uld are not gods. They can decide themselves what kind of life they want. They should at least have that choice. Dron, you are a Tok'ra. Do you think this plan has a reasonable chance of success?"

"Yes Admiral. We have not tried it, but although we talk about thousands of planets, I think it is possible. We only need small teams on every planet..."

In the city of Lordeon there is a bay with two criusers. Prime Commander Znarob has shared this information, which pleases Professor Ultos and Admiral Arthur who returns from the meeting with his officers and Tok'ra Markon Lorean human host and the Tok'ra Dron. The admiral sends Lieutenant Thomas to the bay and lets him examine the Lordeon cruisers. The Lieutenant hurries to the lower bay and is amazed. The cruisers are bigger than Starfleet starships. He picks the cruiser with the name Shepherd. The team enters the ship through a hatch of the airlock. Thomas splits up his team in four smaller groups. The order is simple: find the command center, engineering and weapon bays.
It is Thomas team who first sets foot on the bridge. The bridge is also much larger than expected. There are at least twenty stations. But there is no command center seat. After half an hour the first reports from the other teams come in. In engineering nobody dares to touch anything. It looks extremely advanced. The weapons are completely unknown. It is strange to say the least that Prime Commander Znarob is willing to share this technology.
When he is asked why he is willing to share this technology, Prime Commander Znarob explains that because the humans are long lost relatives and have the same gene, he cannot risk that the history of his people will not continue. The situation his people are in right now, is not promissing to have a long and prosperous life. Although Prime Commander Znarob does not want to be pessimistic. And he doesn't have to be. Professor Ultos is ready with testing a new theory.

"Admiral Arthur, this is professor Ultos. We have accomplished a major breakthrough. Well actually all credit goes to the Lordeon scientists. We are going to get the first one of them out and back in his body..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 167

The Tok'ra Dron and his host Marklon Lorean can only agree that the plans to teach the populations of all the planets under Goa'uld control to stand up for themselves can indeed be done. It will take time though. The practical side of the plan is a totally different matter. All kinds of questions arise the more the plan is coming to life.

“Dron, About how many planets are we talking about? I cannot imagine these Goa'uld system lords can be everywhere at the same time. So we have lots of free accessable planets.”

“Indeed. I will provide you with a list Admiral. I will also provide you with a list of Goa'uld system lords and their qualities... so to speak. You have to take it into account though that a system lord can easily be replacerd by another Goa'uld. So eliminating one could be not enough.”

It is clear the war against the Goa'uld has just begun and the methodes the Federation will use are more like Romulan plots. But it is clear that all possible means to deal with the Goa'uld will be used. The danger that these Goa'ulds will try to do the same in Federation territory, is real. They have the technology...

“We are going to do a first test. We have gateships spread out over a huge region of space. They will track down any Goa'uld ship. When the Goa'uld make a move towards a planet and the population of that planet, we will show that population that the Goa'uld are not gods and that they can be eliminated with the freedom of that entire population. We are now waiting for the Goa'uld to act. The USS Ajax is standing by to... do the job...”

It is only a few hours later that Gateship 12 has a new report.

“Deep Sapce 2. We have one. It is on course to planet GX-754. There is a naquadah mine on that planet, and the population is clearly working as slaves. I think this is a good moment to bust them.”

Aboard USS Ajax Colonel Jan gives his orders.

“Engage cloak. Red alert. Battlestations. We are red for red. This is not a drill. Battlestations. Contact Deep Space 2 and report we will be at GX-754 in 3 minutes. Engage transwarp drive. Move it people. Move it.”

While the USS Ajax is on its way to GX-754, The Goa'uld ship enters orbit. The Goa'ulod aboard is the system lord Marsus. Marsus is a system lord but not a really important one. The first prime aboard the ship shouts his orders.

“Jaffa! Our god Marsus is waiting for his supplies. We will not let him wait much longer. If we meet any resistance, we will use all force necessary to whipe away that resistance. There will be no time for asking questions. Let's go.”

The people on GX-754 have indeed noticed that the Goa'uld ship is decending towards the pyramid close to their city. They assemble and prepare for the visit of what they still consider as a god. At the time the Goa'uld ship lands on the pyramid, the USS Ajax enters orbit activating a full unit of battledrones. Jan's orders are short.

“Let's stop these slavedriving parasites. Remember we have to catch the Goa'uld. Lieutenant move out. Good hunting.”

For Marsus' Jaffa visiting a planet is a routine job. First they assemble and move out with the cargo containers to transport the naquadah to their ship. The entire operation should take no more than three hours. Goa'uld Marsus is carried in a large chair by six Jaffa.

But not today...

“Sergeant Major! Fire at will!”

A huge amount of marines are transported to the surface. The Jaffa are surrounded in a matter of seconds. One USS Ajax battledrone leaves orbit, enters the atmosphere, fires and destroys the Goa'uld ship. Before Marsus and his Jaffa realise the problems they are in they are fired upon from all sides. It takes the Starfleet marines exactly four minutes to terminate the Jaffa actions and capture the Goa'uld Marsus.

The population of GX-754 falls to their knees. They are convinced a greater god has intervened in their lives. But as soon as the Lieutenant shows them that the Goa'uld are not gods and that they only use technology to dominate other people and use them as slaves, most of the men start discussing and shouting their anger. An hour later Marsus is transported to the USS Ajax. He will be brought to Deep Space 2 where he will have to confront the Tok'ra Dron. Almost at the same time diplomatic talks with the leaders on GX-754 and the Federation have started.


The city of Lordeon is celebrating. A way has been found by professor Ultos and the Lordeon scientists to get the people of Lordeon out of their virtual reality to their real life. But it has to be done very carefully and with planned steps. Every step takes time, but the Lordeon scientists have already calculated that everyone in Lordeon will have the chance to return to the real universe. One of the Lordeon scientists, Doctor Levery, is the first volonteer. His body has been injected by renewal cells and after an hour Levery's body is ready to survive the transfer. It is an exciting moment if professor Ultos starts the countdown.

“3-2-1...”

A moment later the image of Doctor Levery disappears in the Lordeon virtual environment. The next moment everyone seem to skip a heartbeat.

“It worked,” shouts professor Ultos. “Welcome to the real universe Doctor Levery.”

The body of doctor Levery gasps for air. Then he opens his eyes.

“Doctor Levery, can you hear me?”

Doctor Levery gasps for air again.

“Wow. That was... extraordinary... It worked. It worked. Thank you professor Ultos.”

“First things first Doctor Levery. For the next hour we are going to do some tests. We need to see whether you can move, eat, breath, you know.”

After a two hour tests, Doctor Levery is already walking around as he had never left his body. He is completely recovered already. Professor Ultos reports the good news to Admiral Arthur. A large group of people are now standing ready to return where they belong. After a week it is Prime Commander Znarob himself who makes the transfer as last of his people...

At the same time Lieutenant Thomas has completed his survey of the Cruiser Shepherd...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 168

The population of GX-754 has received a little help from the Federation and now realises that the Goa'uld are nothing more than parasites living in a host body, trying to rule the universe and submit entire populations in slavery. At first they are very angry, furious, but they know that the Goa'uld threat is gone now and it is time to build a society without Goa'uld influence. There are people who stand up and are approved to be the new leaders. The fear is gone, the laughter returns. And Admiral Arthur reads the latest reports about GX-754 with a smile on his face. But the end of this still has to come. The Goa'uld system lord Marsus is brought to the Deep Space 2 detention block to face the Tok'ra Dron and his host Marklon Lorean.

"Well Lieutenant, I would not want to miss this for... anything."

"As the Vulcans would say sir, this will be a fascinating experience. Who do you think will dominate this confrontation sir, the Goa'uld or the Tok'ra?"

"We are on the side of the Tok'ra, so he better win this. Here we are. Let's have a great time Lieutenant."

"I know I will sir."

The two officers entered the detention block where a few moments later four guards entered, escorting the Goa'uld system lord Marsus, stripped from all technology. Marus eyes glow when he sees the Tok'ra Dron. Dron looks up. He seems to feel the presence of the Goa'uld. And he seems to recognise him.

"Marsus. They got you. You cannot imagine how much that pleases me."

"Dron you treacherous dog. This is not over yet..."

Behind the desk the two officers look at eachother.

"Well Lieutenant, It seems the two of them know eachother. But I have the impression they are not long lost friends."

"Like I said sir... Fascinating. I wonder whether they will tell stories of their past encounters. That could really be interesting."

"Absolutely Lieutenant. But let's listen."

The two officers stop talking and continue to listen to the Goa'uld Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron.

"So Dron. I don't know how you escaped, but it will not happen again. Next time I will take care of you personally."

"Haha Marsus. In case you haven't noticed, you are in a detention cell. And these people do not believe that you are a god. On the contrary. They think you are a criminal."

"Wait and see Dron. After I have talked with these people they will see that it is you who is the criminal, or did you forget about all those terrorist attacks against me and my people."

"That was nothing Marsus in comparison with the genocide you did on Hatep VI. You whiped out an entire population of nine million people. And if I attacked you for that and killed a few of your Jaffa, we call that retalliation. Sadly enough we couldn't hit you."

"Oh Dron, that was because I discovered your little plot very quickly. You are such a pathetic strategist. Look at me Dron, I rule over nineteen systems. You and your pittiful band of Tok'ra are nothing."

"No Marsus, You only rule over eightteen systems... Oh I forgot. They caught you. You rule over nothing at the moment. It is you who has lost everything."

"My Jaffa are loyal. They will free me. Ha, and then I will have my revenge on these mortals as well. My revenge will not end before every single one of them has been enslaved."

Dron can only laugh aloud.

"In case you haven't noticed Marsus, these... mortals... have far more advanced technology than you or me. And if they deal the same way with criminals as you do, you will be dead in a few hours. Or do you think those officers over there are just sitting there for nothing."

"You don't scare me Dron. I am imortal and you know it. I cannot die. But I am patient. And my Jaffa will find me and liberate me from these worms."

The Lieutenant jumps top his feet but the other officer calms him down. The Lieutenant sits down again.

"Sir, that was even biologically not correct. In fact it is the Goa'uld who is the worm."

The other officer can only smile. But the Goa'uld Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are not done yet.

"Oh Marsus, don't you see? These people are in a Federation and they have declared war on the Goa'uld. Getting you was only a first step. They will not rest until all the Goa'uld are gone. The Goa'uld do not have a chance. These people you call worms have technology you can only dream of."

At this moment Marsus seems to understand what is happening. He turns to the two officers at the desk.

"You there. Call your superior. I want to make a deal."

The Lieutenant truns to his superior. The superior stands up.

"I am Admiral Arthur. I am in command here."


The people of the city of Lordeon finally have returned to the real universe. They have been in stasis units for a few thousand years. It is a miracle the crew of the Federation space station Deep Space 2 has found them. After some more calculations it is determined that the distance between Dppe Space 2 and the city of Lordeon is eighty thousand light years. Transport pods like the one Lieutenant Thomas used to transport to the city of Lordeon have limited reach but enough to get him to the city. The transport pods can only be used by the Lordeons or someone who has the correct genetical code. Some of the scientists, including Doctor Levery, take professor Ultos along for an expanded tour of the city, activating more and more systems on their way.

"As you can see Professor Ultos, this is our flightpad. I can see your Lieutenant Thomas has already discovered our ships. Aha. I understand he is on the Shepherd."

A few moments later Lieutenant Thomas joins the small group. Doctor Levery presents a tour of the ship. By every new corridor, new station, new room, Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos are more and more amazed...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 169

Thye confrontation between Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron was more than a bit amusing for the Starfleet officers who were watching the aggresive discusion. But system lord Marsus has suddenly realised that he is not in a position to demand anything.

"So you are in charge here. I want to make a deal. Do you have the authority to make deals."

"I don't think I like your tone of voice very much Goa'uld. Maybe there might be a chance for you if you lose some of that arrogance..."

While the Admiral was waiting for an answer, the Tok'ra Dron warns him for the treacherous Goa'uld.

"Never trust a Goa'uld Admiral. They will tell you anything to get into your head and then strike you from behind."

But this is nothing new for the Admiral. His officers and he have had seen enough of the Goa'uld to know what their main objective is all about.

"Yes yes yes... Dron. But you can also say whatever you like. So..."

Marsus interupts.

"As long as you keep that in mind... I mean..."

The expression on the Admiral's face is enough to make Goa'uld system lord Marsus stop talking.

"The least I can say is that Dron here didn't ask to make a deal mister Marsus. So let's here it. What kind of deal did you have in mind?"

Goa'uld system lord Marsus seems to have some doubt.

"You must understand I cannot talk about those things with this Tok'ra shol'va around. It is none of his business what I want to talk about."

The Tok'ra Dron does not say anything. Although he was called a traiter by Marsus he sits down on the small bench and waits as if he doesn't care. Admiral Arthur seems a little bit amused by the two enemies in his holding cells. But which of them is the good guy and which is the bad guy. Maybe they are both bad. For a moment the Admiral has the thought that both are good, but he shakes his head to lose that thought.

"If you want a deal mister Marsus, you will have to talk about it here. Whether the Tok'ra Dron can hear all about it, is of no concern to me. So lets here it. Remember I have things to do..."

But Goa'uld system lord Marsus hesitates. Apparently he is not as much interested in his own safety than having a Tok'ra standing close enough to hear all his secrets. He knows he has to give up something to gain something. It is most likely that his Jaffa are already organised to save him. Then marsus makes a decision.

"I have to think about it. I am not talking with... that creature present. I will have you called when I am ready to speak to you again."

Admiral Arthur turns to Marsus.

"OK with me. I surely hope you don't expect me to come if you call."

The Admiral and the Lieutenant turn towards the door and leave the detention block leaving the Goa'uld system lord Marsus totally shocked. The tok'ra Dron has a smile on his face...


The city of Lordeon is a completely different city with a full population. People seem to have gotten themselves a second chance after a few thousand years of living in an artificial holographic world. The city of Lordeon is full of live again. It is as iof the population has only been away for a day. Power is restored...

Aboard the ancient ship the Shepherd, Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas have ended their tour of the ship with an excellent guide Doctor Levery, who takes the two to the bridge. Upon arrivel most of the stations are already manned by Lordeon military. Doctor Levery waves his hand.

"Captain Tsonu. What a pleasant surprise. Taking the ship for a flight?"

"Aha Doctor Levery and our heroes who saved us. Well actually I couldn't wait to get up there. Want to join us?"

Captain Tsonu in command of the Shepherd doesn't have to ask that a second time. Ten minutes later the Shepherd lifts of from the city of Lordeon into space. It is just a test flight to see whether all systems still work after thousands of years. But the first hour all systems are working fine...

"Doctor Levery? do you have a second?"

"Captain Tsonu? What can I do for you."

"Please have a look at this viewer. Do you see what I see?"

Doctor Levery scratches his chin. Then he sights...

"Captain. We have to report this to Prime Commander Znarob..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 170

Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are left alone in their oposite cells. Both of them can see eachother. The Tok'ra cleazrly are at war with the Goa'uld. Marsus and Dron are a good example of that. Everytime they look at eachother their faces show their hate. Dron laughs aloud.

"So Marsus. Didn't go very well for you. I hear that these people are on the path of war against the Goa'uld. What do you think? WIll they be able to get them all?"

But Marsus already expected this. He also realises that they are being watched.

"Don't make me laugh Dron. And I am not the criminal here. Tell me how many people you have killed in all those years. Thousands? Millions perhaps? You are nothing more that a terrorist. Don't tell me that you are the good..."

Dron interupts, also presuming that the Federation officers are watching.

"Oh come on Marsus. The Goa'uld are enslaving entire planets and keeping the people away from technology and the Goa'uld are the cause that many people on many planets cannot evolve as they should. And if the Goa'uld don't linke what they see, or the naquadah production in the slave mines is a bit to low, the wrath of the Goa'uld is upon those slaves. The Tok'ra have never enslaved anyone and we only killed because we did not have a choice."

Marsus loses his temper. His eyes glow.

"You killed Giona. You killed her yourself. Was that a necessary kill as you described it? Giona was my mate and you kiolled her. She never has hurt anyone... never. She was a wonderful... Who is civilized now Dron. You are nothing more than a murderer..."

"Your mate Giona was planning to eliminate an entire population of thousands of people. I am happy that she was stopped before she could execute her plans. Even her own Jaffa turned against her, including her First Prime Holotes. Yes that is the one who tried to kill you a few days later. Sadly he didn't succeed. Don't you tell me Giona was wonderful..."

Marsus is clearly shocked by this information. He knows Dron to long to know he would not lie about this. And it was indeed Giona's First Prime Holotes who tried to kill him with the help of almost all Giona's Jaffa army.

"You have brainwashed Giona's Jaffa. We know Tok'ra do that. And then you set them up against me."

But the Tok'ra Dron shakes his head.

"Me? I brainwashed an entire Jaffa army? How would I have done that Marsus? All by myself? No Marsus. It was the Jaffa who let me come aboard Giona's ship. The oprising against Giona had already begun. And it was her own First Prime Holotes who killed her. I couldn't even stop him. I wanted Giona as a prisoner. I didn't want her dead at all. That is it Marsus. That is what happened. I was there."

Marsus suddenly recognizes the truth. He was able to capture a few of Giona's Jaffa and forced them to reveal the truth. Those Jaffa told exactly the same as Dron does now. But at the time Marsus could not believe it was true. He was convinced the Tok'ra had messed up the brains of Giona's Jaffa. But how would Dron be able to do that? If the Jaffa know there is a Tok'ra, they will kill him. They will not ask any questions. So Dron must have told the truth. But why would Giona plan such things especially when Marsus had forbidden it. Giona must have betrayed his trust. Marsus sits down on the bench. For centuries he had believed Giona had been loyal to him, but he was blinded. Marsus ideas about his mate Giona suddenly collapse. And this he had to hear from a Tok'ra who he cannot contradict. Marsus looks beaten. He looks up and raises his voice.

"Admiral, I surrender. You can do anyhting you please with me. I will wait as long as it is needed for you to come. It seems I have lots of time..."


Captain Tsonu in command of the Shepherd has a problem. Doctor Levery can only advise to report their findings to Prime Commander Znarob. Only a moment later Prime Commander Znarob appears on the main viewer.

"Captain Tsonu, after all these centuries you are back in space and the first thing you show me is that. It seems time has stood still for all of us. I suggest you take a good look also inside, but I think I don't have to remind you that the safety of your crew and ship is a priority. Keep me posted."

"We will sir. Tsonu out."

Lieutenant Thomas is also looking at the main viewer. On screen is something he has never seen before. It looks like a small space station, but there seem to be no people aboard. As the Ancient starship Shepherd slowly approaches the structure in space more data are coming in. At the point the sensors can penetrate the structure's hull, it is clear that there are indeed no people aboard. Then Captain Tsonu explains.

"Lieutenant Thompas, I think I should explain what this is. This space station or space stations like these are no longer in use from a century before I was born. Then our society had nother way to deal with prisoners. What you see is a prison. It must be thousands of years old and apparently it has not been touched for all those centuries. BUt when I was a child, stories were told about these prisons and that they were haunted. WHen I got older I dismissed these stories as stories to scare children. When I was a young lieutenant I had the chance to get aboard such a prison station. It gave me the kreeps. Although the cells were empty and there was no personnel aboard. I don't know why our government at the time gave up these prison stations. And I have never understood why nobody has taken the trouble to dismantel them and use at least parts of those prison stations for resources. The power units of those stations for example should be useful.I will send a team aboard the station..."

Doctor Levery starts an objection, but holds his breath. He says nothing further.

Captain Tsonu waves his hand as if he knows what Doctor Levery is worrying about.

"Don't worry Doctor. I will only send volonteers. Although it could be harder to find those than I expect."

It takes Captain Tsonu more than an hour to find four volonteers who will join him to go abaord the prison station. One of those four is Lieutenant Thomas, another is Professor Ultos...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 171

Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are still in the holding cells, located on the lower decks of the space station Deep Space 2. For an entire day the two have stopped accusing eachother. Marsus even is rather calm and quiet. Dron does not make any effort to talk to his enemy. It is clear the two have different views and will never forgive eachother for their violent killings of their friends and families.
Admiral Arthur sends in Lieutenant Commander Peeters to the holding cells to get more information from system lord Marsus. Peeters is instructed to doubt everything Marsus says, but to record what information he gives. When Lieutenant Commander Peeters enters the detention block she introduces herself to Marsus who doesn't seem to have much resistance.

"So they are sending a lower ranking officer now. Oh well. I don't care anymore. What do you want to know Lieutenant Commander Peeters of the United Federation Of Planets?"

"First of all I want to know all home planets or locations where we can find all Goa'uld system lords."

"All of them? I only know a large part of them, not all. And they could have moved since I last received information about them."

"If you don't know them all, give me as much as you can."

"Is this how you interrogate me? With a smaile and being friendly. I would never had so much success interrogating people if I had to do it like that."

"Have you ever tried a friendly approach mister Marsus? Sure we have other methodes. But then I need a few more officers. And as I see it, the admiral doesn't want to waiste a lot of time and manpower on you. So that will take some time to convince him. Shall we continue or do you need other methodes to convince you to cooperate?"

"No no. Let's get on to it..."

Marsus gives a list of Goa'uld system lords and their last known locations. Of course all these data have to be checked. Lieutenant Commander Peeters gets the assignment. She assembles her crew and a few hours later she leaves through the stargate aboard Gateship 9. the first Goa'uld system lord on her list is Atek. From the nearest stargate it still takes a few hours to get to his location. With Gateship 9 cloaked the team enters the territory of system lord Atek.

"Well we will see soon enough whether mister Marsus has spoken the truth."

A few hours later Deep Space 2 receives a report from Gateship 9.

"DS2, this is Lieutenant Commander Peeters. We have found lots of debris in space, close to the planet this Atek should be located. Our analysis of the debris shows that at least 16 goa'uld ships were involved in a battle. They were all destroyed. We traveled to the planet itself. But the planet had been attacked as well. Most of the buildings and structures have been destroyed. This battle could not have oocured more than three days ago. there is no sign of the attacker, but the weapon signatures are Goa'uld. Apparently these system lords don't like eachother very much. We will investigate further, but I whatever happened here, I think we just missed it. We are waiting for further orders. Peeters out."


Captain Tsonu in command of the Shepherd has decided to go to the prison ship himself, although his first officer Dranout has made a thousand objections.

"Look Dranout. We have known eachother for a very long time now. You know I would not bring myself into danger. This prison ship has been here for thousands of years. There is nobody alive on that ship. There is nothing to worry about."

And so Captain Tsonu Lieutenant Thomas, another is Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery, who already had a bad feeling about this mission, were walking to the transporter room.

"Captain, sensors indicate life support of the prion ship is still operational. The solar energy power generator is still operational. You shoudl be able to startup some of the minor systems. Please remember Captain, there is no way that ship is going to fly."

"Yes yes Dranout. I already know all that. I really appreciate your concerns. But there is nothing to worry about. How many times do I have to tell you? all right gentlemen. Let's go to the other side to see a piece of our history."

A few moments later the four materialize aboard the prison ship, which should be deserted. The first scans by Doctor Levery indicate there is indeed no sign of life.

"I told you doctor. Nobody is home."

"We can't be to carefull Captain."

The group moves through the first corridors. The lights are still on. But the ship seems a ghost ship. There is no sound at all.

"Let's get to the operational center. It is on the top deck. Please follow me."

Even the lift system still works. Also really strange is that the ship seems to be surprisingly clean. As if it has been cleaned only yesterday. The operational center doesn't look different. Even the floor is shining. Captain Tsonu activates a few systems. They seem to work as they should. Even Captain Tsonu is surprised.

"This ship seems new. As if it was put in service only yesterday. We even have more than enough power to fly. There should at least be a few systems which doesn't work anymore. But I cannot find any."

The four are looking at the displays. Suddenly the door behind them opens. Lieutenant Thomas truns around instinctively. His weapon is ready... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 172

When Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron in their holding cells receive word about what happened to system lord Atek, they are both very pleased. Apparently they suddenly have the same opinion.

"Atek was a lunatic. He will not be missed. I am very sure of that."

"Well Dron, I must confess I can only agree with that. Atek was an idiot, a disgrace, not worthy of being among us. It is good he is gone."

"Marsus, we may not have the same reasons for being happy about Atek's end, but I am pleased that you agree this is a good thing for all of us."

"Oh Dron, there are still more system lords on my list that I would destroy myself if I could. There are many among them who are much worse than Atek."

"Absolutely Marsus. It pleases me that you realise that. But what about you? Are you the one and only good system lord?"

The conversation stops. Marsus turns around. Dron smiles...

Lieutenant Commander Peeters aboard Gateship 9 has nothing more to report. Gateship 9 is following the tracks of Atek's attackers. But it could take some time before they catch up. Apparently the traces of the attacking Goa'uld lead to the territory of another system lord who goes by the name Kali. Kali is also on Marsus' list.

"Commander. We have visual."

"On viewer."

The entire team abaord Gateship 9 is watching the main viewer. They see what appears to be a space battle between Goa'uld ships. Some of those sips are also bombarding the planet surface.

"Commander, it appears Kali is under heavy attack. And Kali is not exactly winning. He is outnumbered by 12 to 1. There are several smaller ships launched from the planet. They don't seem to be involved in the battle."

"Kali is trying to escape..."

"I don't think he is going to make it. Look, those escape vehicles are blown out of the sky before they reach space. If you don't mind the expression Commander."

"What is our ETA to the battle?"

"3 hours and 16 minutes Commander. We are already at maximum speed. I estimate that this battle will be over in less than an hour."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters contacts Deep Space 2 for further orders.

"DS2 we have a choice here. Investigate everything we want to know about Kali as soon as this battle is over, or, and I recommend it, that we follow the attacker. It seems that that one is much more important. It seems to me Kali will not survive anyway."

Gateship 9 receives the order to follow the unknown Goa'uld attacker and to find out who this is and what his plans are. Like predicted, the battle is over after an hour. All Kali's ships are destroyed. There is nothing left of his city... But unseen and unknown to the attacker and to Gateship 9, a few small cloaked Goa'uld ships are launched from the other side of the planet...

Captain Tsonu in command of the Shepherd has left his first officer Dranaut in command of the shepherd to join Lieutenant Thomas, Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery on a mission to visit a prison ship which is still operational after a few thousand years. There are no life signs until in the operational center the door opens and a machine like creature steps in. lieutenant Thomas is ready to fire his weapon, but Captain Tsonu stops him.

"Lieutenant, this is a maintenance robot. It seems even this one is till working after such a long time. these robots can do maintenance on eachother. I apologize, but i totally forgot about them. there must be more of them aboard this prison ship. Don't worry about them. they are just doing their work."

The maintenance robot moves and starts cleaning a console. Professor Ultos is amazed.

"That robot is still working. Is there a possibility to communicate with them to find out what has happened to this prison ship?"

"I am afraid not professor. They are only programmed to do maintenance. They do not record anything. But it is possible they have replaced the data nodes on which the sensor logs are kept. These data nodes can contain lots of data, but as you can see here, only the last few hundred years have been kept. It is indeed possible that the older data nodes were stored somewhere."

Captain Tsonu pushes a few buttons on the console.

"I have already found them. Here they are. Storage room 12B."

A few minutes later the group enters storage room 12B. Captain Tsonu points to the large shelves where hundreds of data nodes are stored.

"I am afraid that it will take some time to review all this data. And we have to do it here. We cannot take them of the prison ship. If we take something of this ship, the security system will destroy us. Remember this is a prison ship. No object can be taken from this ship without authorisation. And these data banks only recognise the authorisation of the warden of the ship or his assistant. And those... are most likely not around anymore. Now I have to convince some of my crewmembers to come over and start this investigation."

Before Doctor Levery can object, Captain Tsonu already has already decided how to proceed.

"Yes Doctor Levery, be sure I will not order anyone to do this." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 173

Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are happy Atek is dead. Although they are still in the Deep Space 2 holding cells, this seems to be a positive event during their captivity.
Atek is destoryed by an unknown Goa'uld attacker. Gateship 9 has detected the attack, but was to late to do anything.
Next on this attacker's list is system lord Kali, who is attacked and destroyed. But unseen and unknown to the attacker and to Gateship 9, a few small cloaked Goa'uld ships are launched from the other side of the planet... Kali escaped....

"Commander, as ordered, we are following this Goa'uld attacker and we are gaining on his fleet. They are on a direct course to system M-487. There is one M-class planet in that system. I presume that is the next target. At our current speed, we will catch up with them before they reach that planet."

Aboard Deep Space 2 in the holding cells Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are speculating on who the mysterious Goa'uld attacker can be.

"You know Marsus, I think it is Sebbeth. He is the only one who can get that kind of fleet together."

"Dron, you have een out of circulation for some hundreds of years. Sebbeth only has a few planets left. He is nothing. The upcoming system lord is Krudoth. He has taken over the territories of Kirdith, Lordeth and Martath. I don't know who else could do this."

"Krudoth? Wasn't that the one who started to build a new shield configuration on his ships and therefore could defeat his enemies much easier?"

"It seems you are better informed that I thought Dron. May I remind you of your Tok'ra friends who were destroyed by Krudoth only fifty years ago."

Dron remembers well. He is silent for a moment. Then he sighs.

"You are still a bad person Marsus..."

Aboard gateship 9, the situation has changed. The Goa'uld attack fleet has reached M-487 and without delay the ships start opening fire. Gateship 9 is now close enough to actually do something, but Commander Peeters knows she will only bring herself, her crew and her ship in danger if she intervenes.
Marsus informs the Deep space 2 security officers that M-487 is the territory of Sebbeth.

"You see Dron. Sebbeth is history and has nothing left except dishonor."

The battle for M-487 does not take more than thirty minutes. Sebbeth and his ships are destroyed. Not like system lord Kali, Sebbeth cannot escape. He is killed trying to flee...
Almost right after the destruction of Sebbeth the attacker's fleet continues its voyage. One by one the ships jump to hyperspace. But just before the last of the Goa'uld ships makes the jump the star of the M-487 system produces a large solar flare. It seems the Goa'uld ship was waiting for that. It is not clear whether it is out of necessity or just scientific curiosity. But there is a problem for Gateship 9. The solar flare makes gateship 9 to decloak. The last Goa'uld ship seems to have detected Gateship 9. It turns and sets course to Gateship 9...

Captain Tsonu commanding officer of the ancient ship Shepherd is waiting with Lieutenant Thomas, Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery on the prison ship which is still operational after a few thousand years. Captain Tsonu has to convince a few of the Shepherd crewmembers to come over and investigate the huge amount of data they have found in the databanks of the prison ship. It is impossible to take something from the prison ship to the Shepherd. The security systems of the prison ship would not allow that.
After an hour six crewmembers from the Shepherd arrive aboard the prison ship. Three of them were more curious than scared, two of them could not let this mission pass out of scientific interest and one of them came to the prison ship to win a bet. Captain Tsonu is not very pleased.

"Is that all?"

But Doctor Levery tries to calm him down.

"What did you expect. This is a prison ship, thousands of years old in perfect state. I can imagine that there are a lot of rumors going around on the Shepherd about ghosts of prisoners..."

But Captain Tsonu doesn't let Doctor Levery finish.

"Ridiculous! There are no ghosts. Not here, not anywhere else. Hmmm. I guess these will have to do then."

Captain Tsonu gives his orders and assigns the newcomers to consoles. their mission is to try to find out what has happened on this ship, what happened to the guards, what happened to the prisoners. The search in the huge database of the prison ship begins...
The maintenance robot continues his cleaning duties...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 174

After the destruction of system lord Atek, Sebbeth and Kali, Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron who are in the Deep Space 2 holding cells, agree that this can only be the work of Krudoth, a ruthless system lord who in the last decades has gained a lot of power. Unknown to both and also the Deep Space 2 officers, Kali managed to escape...

Aboard Gateship 9 in pursuit of the large Goa'uld fleet one major problem has occured.

"Red alert. Battlestations. Disturbe their communications."

The last Goa'uld ship which had stayed a little longer at M-487 has detected Gateship 9 and is only a 30 seconds away from opening fire.

"Cloak?"

"Not operational for at least 3 minutes. there is no respons to our messages. They are powering up their weapons."

"At least their intentions are clear."

With only a few seconds left Commander Peeters in command of Gateship 9 has no alternatives.

"Fire."

Six drone missiles are fired from Gateship 9. Just before Gateship 9 is in the Goa'uld ship's firing range the drone missiles hit the Goa'uld ship, which explodes in a huge ball of fire.

"Direct hit Commander. Target is destroyed. No survivers."

"As soon as we get the cloak back, we continue our pursuit."

Aboard Deep Space 2 a report from Gateship 9 is received.

"Deep Space 2, we lost our cloak due to a solar flare. One remaining Goa'uld ship attacked us, so we did not have any choice then to destroy it."

"That is a bit unfortunate Commander. Now they probably know you are there. But your survivel and safety is more important. Be adviced you are in the danger zone now. Be extra careful."

"Yes sir. We will. Our cloak is back up. We will continue our pursuit. Gateship 9 out."

An hour later Gateship 9 has found the large Goa'uld fleet already. The fleet is on its way to a planet designated as L-449. Aboard Deep Space 2 down in the holding cells, Goa'uld system lord Marsus sighs.

"Guess that our friend Utekh is next on the list."

But Tok'ra Dron disagrees.

"Utekh is certainly not my friend. Speak for yourself if you wish."

"Oh Dron. I was only... Don't you know anything. Don't you know Goa'uld System lords do not have friends. One day they are partners in killing a mutual enemy and the next day they are trying to destroy eachother."

Marsus waves his hands. Dron smiles.

Admiral Arthur decides to send Gateship 5 to the territory of the Goa'uld system lord Krudoth the main suspect in this Goa'uld war campaign. And while system lord Utekh is destroyed by that mighty fleet, Gateship 5 discovers that the terrytory of system Lord Krudoth has been destroyed as well. There are only a few few survivors, who were not present at the time Krudoth was destroyed. They confirm their god Krudoth has been killed. The away team of Gateship 5 even are allowed to see Krudoth's body.

Aboard Deep Space 2 in the deep dark holding cells, Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron look at each other for three full seconds when they hear the news about the destruction of Krudoth. Marsus thinks for some time.

"You know Dron, with removing Krudoth of my suspect list, I have no clue at this time who can do this."

"Marsus, there is only one option for the Tauri to find out. They just have to capture one of the Jaffa of that fleet and look at his sign."

"How are they going to do that Dron? They will never even try. And they certainly will not tell us about it."

But Marsus is wrong about the determination of the humans he the Goa'uld call Tauri. Admiral Arthur has already given the order:

"Gateship 9. Get one Jaffa of that fleet, stun him and log his sign. Then send him back. He may never know what happened to him."

"Understood Admiral."

Then Gateship waits for an oportunity. Still in pursuit of the huge Goa'uld fleet a minor damaged ship is found. A small part of that particular Goa'uld ship is not shielded. A security droid is transported through the hole in the shield, stuns a Jaffa, logs his sign and is transported back to Gateship 9, which immediately moves to a far away position.

But the action of Gateship 9 is not undetected. Although the transporter beam was masked it was dtected aboard another Goa'uld ship of the fleet which opens fire on the position where Gateship 9 was a few seconds before...

Deep Space 2 receives a message from Gateship 9.

"Deep Space 2, we have it. I am sending the sign to you now. And now we are going to lay low for a while. It seems these Goa'uld are smarter than we thought."

But the Goa'uld do not seem to be in a hurry. The huge fleet already jumps to hyperspace to the next target. Gateship 9 is still in pursuit, but is observing from a farther distance.

Aboard Deep Space 2 One of the security officers present the sign to Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron. Both of them are clearly surprised.

"Who had thought of that Dron?"

"I surely didn't. But I know one thing Marsus. This is not good."

"I have to agree with you Dron. This is not good..."


Captain Tsonu commanding officer of the ancient ship Shepherd, Lieutenant Thomas, Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery, and six officers of the Shepherd are still investigating what has happened on the prison ship, which has been taken care of by maintenance robots for thousands of years. it is clear that despite the many rumors about ghosts on the prison ship, Captain Tsonu does not believe in ghosts. But not until Doctor Levery has found something in the database.

"Captain Tsonu, I think you should see this..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 175

The fleets and facilities of the Goa'uld system lords Krudoth, Atek, Sebbeth and Kali are destroyed. Only Kali was able to escape. Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron who are locked up in the Deep Space 2 holding cells, have been given the sign of the Jaffa of the attacking fleet. Both of them do not hide their amazement.

"You know Dron, suddenly these four walls feel very safe now. I don't think he will come here."

"I must warn all Tok'ra. This is the end Marsus. Doomsday... Anubis... Where did he suddenly come from?"

"I can only agree Dron. Although I must confess, I am not going to warn one of the Goa'uld, even if the Tauri let me."

"Marsus, if you think the Tauri will ever let you go, you are wrong. So if everyone of the Goa'uld is destroyed, and even if the Tauri will destroy Anubis, you will not be able to return to your former life and take all that is left."

"Oh Dron, do you really think the Tauri will be able to destroy Anubis. I understand he has about three hundred ships. I had a look around when the ship that brought me here entered their spacedock. These Tauri may have twenty or thirty at best."

"I am sure they will try everything to stop Anubis."

"What I also don't understand Dron is that Anubis is hunting the Goa'uld first and then go after the Tok'ra."

Dron starts to laugfh aloud.

"What is so funny Dron? The Tok'ra are definitively next on Anubis' list."

"Marsus, you have to remember all the Goa'uld have not been able to find and kill all the Tok'ra for thousands of years. What makes you think Anubis can. Although I think that the Tok'ra will not be able to defeat Anubis. Maybe that is why he does not attack them. They are no threat to him. That is if he would ever find them."

"You might be right Dron. The Tok'ra are famous for their hide and seek gaming. But they will live in fear, terror, for the rest of their lives with Anubis controling the universe."

"Even Anubis cannot be everywhere at the same time Marsus."

"That may be true Dron. But I know a lot of Goa'uld who would rather fight and be killed than live like the Tok'ra, hiding..."

"But they would be dead, and we are not. We are just waiting for better times."

"Better times? Anubis will sit and rule forever. Come on Dron, you must realise that."

"Marsus, you seem to have forgotten Anubis was defeated before..."

"Oh of course I remember. But it seems that now the Tok'ra are our only hope. That doesn't look to good to me Dron."

Deep Sapce 2 Operations receives a message from Gateship 9, in pursuit of Anubis' fleet.

"... I think this will go a little different. A large fleet, probably from more Goa'uld system lords has assembled and is on its way to intercept the this Anubis' fleet."

When Marsus and Dron hear about more Goa'uld system lords getting together to fight Anubis they both ask to be able to follow the battle. A few moments later the battle can be seen on a viewer in their holding cells.


Captain Tsonu commanding officer of the ancient ship Shepherd, Lieutenant Thomas, Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery, and six officers of the Shepherd are still investigating what has happened on the prison ship, which has been taken care of by maintenance robots for thousands of years.

"What is it Doctor Levery?"

Doctor Levery points at the display on his console. There is an energy reading caused by something unknown. Captain Tsonu looks at the reading for a few seconds.

"Let's keep this to ourselves doctor. I don't want to start any rumors again. First we will have to investigate what this is. Wait I have an idea."

Captain Tsonu calls Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos. He shows them the energy reading on the display. Then he whispers.

"Gentlemen, how would you like a real challenge? I would like you to investigate this anomaly."

For Professor Ultos it is already clear why Captain Tsonu has asked the two Federation personnel to do this. The professor himself is not scared at all.

"I understand Captain Tsonu. I will send Lieutenant Thomas to have a look. I will monitor his progress from this console with Doctor Levery."

Doctor Levery immediately agrees. As long as he doesn't have to go himself, he doesn't mind. The young Lieutenant Thomas is eager to go. After all he is a Starfleet Marine.

"I am already on my way."

The young officer takes some of his gear and starts his way through the corridors, guided by Professor Ultos.

"Turn left here and then second corridor to the right. That should be corridor 35."

"35. Check. Turning right."

"Now keep following this corridor until you see a... large terminal in the middel of the corridor. At that junction you go left. That should be corridor 42."

"I am at the console. 42. Check. Turning left. It is getting warmer here."

"You mean that temperature is rising?"

"Yes indeed professor. That is exactly what I say. I must be close."

"You are close Thomas. In this corridor there are staterooms and a small lab, labeled Lab 19. The anomaly is in that room. Don't go in yet."

"I am at the door. I will not go in. I am standing by. Hey what is that?"

One of the maintenance robots has entered the corridor and walks straight to the door of Lab 19. Thomas reacts fast. He puts his tricorder on the gropund. He jumps forward into the stateroom next to the lab. Just when the door is closed behind him the door of Lab 19 opens to let in the maintenance robot...

Professor Ultos is worried for just one short moment.

"Lieutenant, are you all right?"

"No problem here professor. I left my tricorder in the corridor. We should have some readings from the inside of Lab 19."

"That would be great Thomas. Stay in that stateroom for now. There is no telling when the door of the lab opens again to let out the maintenance robot."

"Roger that. Tell me when the maintenance robot leaves the lab. Then I will pick up my tricorder."

The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 176

The Goa'uld Anubis has already destroyed Krudoth, Atek, Sebbeth and Kali. Unknown to anyone, the last one could escape. Gateship 9 is in pursuit of Anubis' fleet. A new battle will be fought, but this time the 300 ships of Anubis have to face 400 ships of the Goa'uld system lords Galotep, Rodenak, Philitius and Frilinak.
Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron who are locked up in the Deep Space 2 holding cells have asked to follow the battle on a viewscreen. The request is granted...

Although Anubis is outnumbered he does not hesitate to attack. His oponents have had no other choice than combine their forces. They are confident that they will win this battle and blow Anubis back to oblivion.

An extreme violent battle begins with ships lost at both sides, but after only 30 minutes it becomes clear that Anubis' ships apparently use more advanced technology. While the ships of Anubis only sustain moderate damage, their oponents are destroyed almost to easy. After an hour there are not much ships left of the fleets of Philitius and Frilinak who are both killed themselves. Galotep and Rodenak are regrouping but only have 120 ships left, while Anubis still has 272 ships, which gives him a clear advantage.

In their holding cells Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron have followed the battle with much interest. but both of them shake their heads when the last charge is executed. 1 hour and 29 minutes after the start of the battle, it is all over...

"I told you Dron. There is nobody who can stop Anubis. He is far ahead of all."

"In case you diodn't notice Marsus, Anubis has lost ships. So if his oponent has enough ships..."

"You know how many ships that will take Dron? Thousands? There is no such fleet in the universe. Forget it Dron."

There is a new report from Gateship 9.

"Deep Space 2, this is Lieutenant Commander Peeters on the 9. It seems to us here that this Anubis must be in a hurry. He didn't even check on his ships for repairs. It is like he is on a time scedule. Maybe Goa'uld do things differently, but... Stand-by deep Space 2. Something is happening."

"What is happening Gateship 9? Report please."

"Stand-by deep Space 2. We are not in any danger, but something is not right here. Anubis has stopped in the middle of space. Maybe he finally will take time for repairs. There is another fleet coming. This is strange. Anubis ships do not activate shields. Anubis is a sitting duck... I don't... I see. Apparently this fleet is part of Anubis' fleet. The two fleets are here to rendez-vous. This makes Anubis' fleet 504 ships in total. That is why Anubis was in such a hurry. Timing seems to be essential to his plans. Anubis is on the move again. We will remain in pursuit. My guess is that Anubis doesn't want to give his enemies time to regroup or to get organized. That plan almost failed in the last battle. I think Anubis is not strong enough to take on all Goa'uld system lords at once. He is eliminating them one by one or a few at the time. We will keep you posted."

"Thank you Commander. Be careful."

"We will. Gateship 9 out."


Aboard the ancient prison ship, Captain Tsonu commanding officer of the ancient ship Shepherd, Professor Ultos and Doctor Levery are waiting for the door of Lab 19 to open. In the stateroom next to Lab 19, Lieutenant Thomas is waiting to get his tricorder back, which he left in the corridor to take readings from within Lab 19. Before entering Lab 19 it has to be clear what the anomaly in Lab 19 is.

After ten minutes, the maintenance robot is still working in Lab 19.

"Lieutenant Thomas come in."

"Thomas here professor."

"Ten minutes have passed. There is still no sign that the maintenance robot will come out soon. You will have to be a little patient."

"That is fine by me professor. I seem to be in the staterooms of one of the prison guards, apparently one of the officers. He has a terminal on his desk. Currently I am reading his personal logs. Until now I have not found anything important. The last entry is about daily routine. There is nothing in the logs about some kind of disaster or an atack or something worse."

On the bridge Captain Tsonu and Professor Ultos look at eachother. Even the others of the team have not found anything about the cause of what happened to the prison ship. there is no data about evacuation, virus, or anything else that would have the crew and the prisoners vanish. All personal logs indicate that whatever happened was fast and totally unexpected. Lieutenant Thomas has found something.

"Professor, Captain Tsonu, I have found a message from this officer to his wife, indicating the ship did not have prisoners aboard and was on route to a planet for maintenance."

Knowing what to look for, more messages like that are found.

"Captain, I have a message here from one of the prison guards to his mother, saying he is so happy to come home again. The message is dated about a week before his last entry."

Captain Tsonu makes a general announcement.

"Let us concentrate on finding out where this planet is where this ship had to go to. We have not found anything about that yet. There is nothing in the database. No flightplan, nothing. So that will be our first priority."

The search continues until Corporal Goni has found something remarkable.

"Captain, I have found something strange here."

"What is it corporal?"

"Sir, I have found a message from a crewman addressed to his mother, saying he will disembark in a few minutes and he asks his mother to wait for him at gate 3. He has to get his personal belongings first from the head desk, but then he will exit the desk through gate 3. he asks his mother to pick him up because he has no transportation home. His mother has answered that she is happy to welcome him home again and that she will be waiting at gate 3."

Professor Ultos also has found a message like that.

"Here is another one Captain. A shift leader addressing his wife asking to pick him up at gate 3. He will disembark in one hour. His wife has replied that she is already waiting for him at gate 3."

Slowly some of the mistery of the deserted prison ship is solved. Captain Tsonu still has some questions.

"So apparently the crew and guards have left the ship at a planet just in the normal way. There is nothing strange here. The only thing that remains is to find out how it is possible that this ship ends up here, without crew. and what planet are they all refering to."

Professor Ultos has a question.

"Captain Tsonu, would it be possible that someone has sent this ship somewhere on remote or automated, and that a malfunction would have it stop in the middle of nowhere?"

And then suddenly without warning the maintenance robot leaves Lab 19...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 177

The Goa'uld Anubis is assembling a fleet, capable of defeating all other Goa'uld, even if all of them unite against Anubis. But apparently Anubis is not yet ready. A third fleet joins up with Anubis. unknown to Anubis there is a cloaked gateship observing everything he does.

Aboard Gateship 9 Lieutenant Commander Peeters sends in a new report to Deep Space 2.

"Deep Space 2, There are more ships arriving at these coordinates. Apparently Anubis is not finished assembling his complete fleet. We haven't moved since we have arrived at these coordinates. We have scanned the area, but there is nothing special here. No stars, no planets. Our guess is that Anubis has sent out more fleets to get to more and different Goa'uld system lords. It could be a good tactic to gain time. Apparently he is now gathering all his forces. So it seems he is going to go after a major opponent, maybe evenly strong. i will report back if Anubis makes a move."

"Understood Gateship 9. Deep Space 2 out."

IN the Deep Space 2 holding cells Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are getting concerned. Especially Dron who fears that Anubis is after the Tok'ra as well.

"So Dron, who do you think is next on Anubis list? Or does he get such a big fleet together to launch an attack on the Tok'ra? What do you think Dron?"

"I think you are still a bad person Marsus. You are lucky you are not in the same cell with me. The Tok'ra are no threat to Anubis, so he wont get after us. Not yet anyway. he wont find us all anyway."

"You are absolutely right dron. Hiding is the best quality of the Tok'ra. But I presume you have heard the stories about Anubis. He has powers we can only imagine. He will find you all and destroy you all."

It is silent for a moment. It is as if Dron has been hit in the face. He covers his face with both hands. Then he sighs. It is as if he wants to say something, but it is Marsus who speaks first.

"I am sorry Dron. I really am. I should stop treating you like that. I guess it is in my nature after hunting Tok'ra for thousands of years. That time should be over by now. I have no Jaffa anymore, no planets to rule. I have played this game and I have lost. I am tired Dron..."

Marsus sits down on the bunk in his cell. Suddenly he looks older. Even Dron now has some compassion. But then Dron has a thought.

"Marsus, how much time has passed since you have used your sargophagus?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Didn't you know Marsus that a sargophagus damages the character?"

"That is ridiculous. The sarcophagus heals. What are you talking about?"

"It heals the body Marsus, it destroyes your character. Don't you see. If I would say those things to you a few years ago you would have been so mad you would have killed me wtihout even thinking about it. Now you are not even angry. So how long..."

"At least ten years, maybe even more. And you are right. I don't understand why I have lost that aggressive attitude. How long is it ago for you. I mean that you used your sargophagus?"

"I have never used a sargophagus Marsus. I had different hosts, but they all passed away from old age. The hosts of the Tok'ra are volonteers. If we don't find a willing host, we die."

"I knew that Dron. I laways found that a silly thought. Survival was the only rule for me and if that included to take another host I liked, I just did. Why do I have the feeling that that was wrong?"

"It is the sarcophagus Marsus. You are getting better so to speak."

"What is happening to me dron? And why is this happening now?"

"It could have to do with the technology they have in this facility. Maybe it accellerates the process. Before you know it, you will give control to your host."

"No Dron. I don't think that is ever going to happen. I don't think my host will be able to live with himself. I have done to much terrible... I am sure it must have been a horrifying experience for him. But i will keep the though in mind."


In another galaxy, aboard the prison ship Captain Tsonu, Doctor Levery and Professor Ultos are looking at the display. Lieutenant Thomas has just returned with the tricorder which made recordings of lab 19. Lab 19 reveals its mysteries. The moment when the door opens and the maintenance robot enters, it is clear that the consoles in lab 19 were active. A bit further away a shadow moves, but it is bot clear what it is exactly.

"It could be a person."

"Let's not come to a conclusion yet Lieutenant. This could just be a glitch of the tricorder. The door closes. It is not much but it is something. We know now there seems to be something in that lab. Let's watch further at the moment the door opens again when the robot comes out."

The log is examined further. The moment the door of lab 19 opens, the robot comes out. This time there is a clear view of what is inside the lab. There is a creature inside, but apparently some kind of energy entity. It is moving away from the door and stops at one of the consoles. Then the door closes.

"I am going in."

"Lieutenant, I don't think that is a very wise idea. We should monitor this lab further. We can transport sensors inside the lab and ahve a better look at this entity."

An hour later sensors are transported into lab 19. The sensors indicate the energy entity seems to be working at the consoles, but it is not clear what exactly is going on. Until Captain Tsonu makes a decision. He opens the ship wide communication channel.

"Entity in lab 19. I am Captain Tsonu, commanding officer of the ancient ship Shepherd. You are present on a ship under my jurisdiction. Please identify yourself and your intentions." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 178

While the Goa'uld Anubis is assembling his fleet, in the Deep Space 2 holding cells Goa'uld system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron have a discussion about the use of a sarcophagus. Tok'ra do not use the sarcophagus and live a peaceful life, helping others. Marsus has not used his sarcophagus for a long time. Knowing now that the use of the sarcophagus leads to degeneration of the character and results in bad not using the sarcoph and even horrible behavior, it is now also clear to Marsus he has been under the influence of the sarcophagus.

"Dron. I think I need help."

"Marsus, I think the process of not using the sarcophagus and being here in this facility, has accelerated your need for it, but it also has a strong influence on your hosts body. We have not been here for long and you look a few years older already. I will call this people who are holding us. Maybe they can help. If that is all right with you."

"I don't have much of a choice do I? I only..."

Goa'uld system lord Marsus falls on the floor. He seems to be in pain. Dron calls the guards for help, but he also turns to Marsus.

"Marsus, if this is a trick of any kind, I will kill you."

While Doctor Straetman enters the detention block with a medical team, Marsus can only say a few words.

"No trick... Dron..."

Doctor Straetman has examined Marsus and has come to a conclusion.

"There is a chemical compound delivered by the symbiont into the host's body. This heals the host. But the process is interupted randomly and host and symbiont cannot continue to live together."

Although Dron wants to point out that Marsus is not a symbiont but a dominating creature who treats his host as a slave, he hesitates.

"Doctor, if you remove the paras... symbiont, the host will die. Maybe you can synthesize this chemical and treat Marsus with it. It could save his life and the life of the host."

"I am afraid that will take to long. Producing and testing this chemical will take at least a few days. Marsus doesn't have that long. At least his host does not. We have to find another host."

Before Dron can object, Marsus opens his eyes.

"No other host... Let me die... please..."

But Doctor Straetman shakes her head.

"You will not die yet. It is like if your host's body is going through a transformation. It is not certain you will die. So keep your hopes up. I will give you something for the pain and help you relax a bit. I will have a medic ready here to monitor your condition, so if anything happens you will be helped imediately."

The hypospray calms Marsus down a bit. He falls asleep. Dron has watched Marsus the entire time. Doctor Straetman examines Dron aswell. But she cannot find anything wrong.

"Dron it seems you are in perfect health. You have to understand that we are monitoring everything you and Marsus are doing or speaking about."

"I understand. I would do the same."

"We have heard you talking about a sarcophagus. Can that help Marsus?"

"Yes and no. The sarcophagus heals the body, but ruins your character. You are in perfect health, but you become a sadistic god-like creature doing horrible things."

"This man is not going to live longer than a day. If you have any sollution, I want to know about it."

"I don't understand. Just a minute ago, you said he was not ging to die, and now you say he has no time left."

"I am a doctor Dron. Sometimes I say things to ease the patient. I estimate he has no more than 22 hours."

"Doctor, that man is a Goa'uld system lord. He has killed and destroyed more than anyone can ever imagine for thousands of years. If I was on a planet alone with him, let's say a year ago, I would see to it he was put out of his misery in a second. But I saw him change here. He seems to have become a different person. Maybe even worth saving. But besides another host there maybe only the sarcophagus left to heal him. But you will never find a sarcophagus in a day. I was wondering whether there could be something in this facility that could have accellerated the process he is going through. Maybe something in the air, an electromagnetic pulse of some kind or something on the planet below."

"That is of course a possibility. We have to find it and work fast. Will you help us?"


Captain Tsonu commander of the ship Shepherd has made a ship wide call to the entity in lab 19 on the prison ship. Sensors in lab 19 detect that the entity stops working. It seems to hesitate. Then it runs to the door. It goes right through the door without opening it, levitates itself through the ceiling and ends up on the bridge of the prison ship where Captain Tsonu and his team are waiting. One of Tsonu's officers turns to another.

"You see. I told you there were ghosts on this ship."

But Captain Tsonu has heard the remark.

"That is enough Lieutenant."

Then Captain Tsonu addresses the entity.

"We are peaceful. This is an old ship belonging to..."

The entity interupts.

"I know Captain Tsonu. I know. Don't worry. I will not hurt any of you. I know this will sound strange, but we know eachother. As I understand it, you have been in stasis for thousands of years."

The entity changes form. A moment later a man stands in front of Captain Tsonu, Doctor Levery and Professor Ultos.

"Dasa..."

It is all Captain Tsonu can say. But Lieutenant Thomas is not convinced.

"It could be a deception Captain."

The man turns to Lieutenant Thomas.

"I am Captain Dasa, commander of the ship Blower. I am ascended..."

Captain Tsonu apparently knows more about this.

"I knew our people were working on that, but aren't there rules you have to follow. Can you just contact non acended beings and interact with them?"

"I can interact with you, but I cannot intervene, help or even give information."

Doctor Levery also has heard about ascension.

"I have heard about that. Some of my friends ascended just before we left with the Shepherd. I decided to make a last tour before giving ascension another thought. I still don't know whether I should."

Captain Tsonu looks at Doctor Levery.

"I din't know you were into this ascension thing doctor. But now you mention it, I have read some reports and they look very promissing. The only thing that bothers me is that I can no longer make a difference. Observing only and once in a while talking to an old friend is not really my goal."

But Dasa shakes his head.

"Don't you ever think we don't break any rules. The punishment we will take gladly. As long as we do not exaggerate we will be fine. So you must be wondering what I am doing here. Let me explain. This ship contained prisoners and a crew, but due to some malfunctions, a solar flare and the decision of the council, the ship was evacuated. All right, it was me who helped a bit to have this ship operational until everyone got of safe. My punishment is that I cannot leave this ship. The others have decided that and I couldn't prevent the punishment. From this ship I follow the entire universe. It is longly sometimes, but I can manage. There is a lot to see out there, and I have not been forbidden to move this ship through space. So occasionally I meet some people, like now. But tell me Tsonu, you still have that flute?"

Apparently Captain Tsonu has already accepted the story of Dasa to be true.

"Yes yes Dasa I have indeed. I remember before we joined the military, we played a lot together. I am very happy for you having achieved ascension. I remember you wanted that so much. I didn't expect you to be locked up on a prison ship though."

"I didn't either Tsonu, but let me show you around on this ship. I made some things I want to show you. Let's call it a piece of history. While you were in stasis, lots has happened in the universe..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 179

With Goa'uld system lord Marsus in his holding cel probably no more than 22 hours to live, a Deep space 2 medical team starts the search for anomalies on Deep Space 2 and on the planet below.

"We are searching for anything like radiation or an electromagnetic pulse or a chemical that can have influence on a humanoid and a possible symbiont. Go go go. I want answers."

While the search has begun, now not only the host, but also the Goa'uld inside him, Marsus, seems to be affected. Life signs of Marsus himself are getting weaker. The Tok'ra dron has been given limited access to a science station to help with the search. Dron still does not understand why he is not affected as the fysiology of his host and himself are the same. After six hours nothing has been found what can have this kind of effect on a humanoid or any other creature. Admiral Arthur has been brought up to date every hour.

"I am sorry sir. All available personnel is now working on this. We have not yet completed the scan of the planet, but we should have enough data before..."

"Before what doctor? Before he dies? Keep searching."

"Aye sir."

The Admiral went over the data again, but was interupted.

"Admiral, we have contact with gateship 9. That Anubis guy has assembled an even more bigger fleet."

While the Admiral enters Deep Space 2 Operations, he points at the main viewer. On the viewer is the face of Lieutenant-Commander Peeters.

"Good morning sir. It seems Anubis has gathered more ships. At the look of it some of the other Goa'uld system lords have joined him. I think it is clear what Anubis is up to sir. And the other Goa'uld system lords have probably joined him to get something out of it. I guess they didn't have much choice. Nobody likes to be destroyed, especially after living for thousands of years."

"How many ships he has now?"

"Anubis now has 942 ships. He lost a lot of them in the last battles, but htose were ships from the Goa'uld system lords who joined him. He is clearly using them."

"What is there level of technology? Has it changed?"

"No change in that sir. Battle calculations indicate that a dozen Federation starships will... whipe them out sir."

"Keep monitoring them Commander. And keep us posted."

"Understood sir. Gateship 9 out."

At the moment the Admiral truns around to go back to his office, astrophysics reports.

"Admiral, I think we have got something to save the Goa'uld aboard the station. I think you should see this yourself. We are in astrometrics lab 4."

"On my way."

When the Admiral enters astrometrics lab 4, an astrophisics team and a medical team are looking at the large viewer against the wall.

"So what am I looking at Lieutenant?"

"We have found it while scanning the gateroom on the planet. Do you see the yellow waves?"

"Yes I do. What is it?"

"It is generated artificially by a generator. But the generator is very old, thousands of years and is not working anymore as it should."

"Shutt off then."

"No sir. We think this generator is constructed to keep the Goa'uld out. If this generator would work like it should, Marsus would already been dead after a few moments he arrived here. The generator has been installed for safety reasons."

"I see. Why isn't the Tok'ra Dron not affected?"

"We think it has to do with the Goa'uld sarcophagus. The sarcophagus leaves a residu signature. We found that residu in Marsus about ten minutes ago. As the Tok'ra does not have that residu, these yellow waves do not have any effect on him."

"Can we save Marsus?"

"There is only one way sir..."


An ancient ascended being called Dasa, has been punished by the other ascendents because he helped mortals on the prison ship to survive a disaster which should have killed them all. Dasa's punishment is that he can never leave the prison ship. The others have decided that and he couldn't prevent the punishment.

Captain Tsonu commander of the ship Shepherd has a lot of questions.

"Can you help us? Can you teach us? there is so much we can learn from you."

But Dasa is shaking his head.

"I am not allowed to do anything of that kind my friend. But as you can see I am not telling you anything, but the ships computer has a huge archive. I had blocked the archive from the moment the crew left the ship, but it is still there. You only have to look."

Dasa points to a console. Doctor Levery is the first to have a look with Professor Ultos. Both are almost speachless.

"Captain. This is an archive of thousands of years. all the years we have been in stasis. It is all here."

But Lieutenant Thomas is curious. He addresses the ancient ascended Dasa.

"Captain Dasa, isn't this a violation of the rules?"

"No. The rules are exact. I am not allowed to tell you anything. But so far I have not told you anything you have asked for."

Dasa smiles. After thousands of years he knows exactly what he may do, without breaking the rules of his punishment. He will not get into trouble...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 180

Anubis now has 942 ships. Followed by Gateship 9 the fleet sets a new course. Another Goa'uld system lord is on Anubis' hitlist. But upon arrival in the system, somethingdoesn't seem to be right. Even aboard Gateship 9 the crew has noticed something isn't as it supposed to be.It is as if Anubis made some kind of mistake.

"Commander, there seems to be something wrong. There is no evidence of any civilization of any kind in this entire system."

"So why did Anubis got his entire fleet here?"

"I guess we will have to wait. Maybe this is a rendez-vous point."

But the waiting doesn't take long. One of the ships fires some kind of missile to the fourth planet of the system. But after five minutes nothing has happened. Aboard Gateship 9 the crew is trying to find an explanation.

"Commander, either this was a poor shooting exercise or some kind of attack. my guess is that whoever lived here, has moved, probably out of fear of Anubis."

"that is a possibility Lieutenant, but there are no structures on any of the planets in this system. there is no evidence, an intelligent life form ever lived here."

"What about under the ground Commander. We haven't scanned below the surface yet."

"Scan the area first where the weapon of the goa'uld has struck. Maybe there is something."

"Aye Commander, scanning in progress. I am afraid there is nothing there. No signs but the ground itself. Wait... There is somthing in space betwen the Goa'uld ships. It is cloaked, but our tachyon scan ha made it vissible for us."

"What is it? Keep a safe distance Lieutenant. This entire system could be a trap and that could be a weapon of some kind."

Lieutenant Commander Peeters has just said it and the bomb decloaks in the middle Anubis' fleet. The explosion is huge. Instinctively the officer at the helm aboard gateship 9 sets the engines to full reverse. Just in time as the shockwave is in pursuit. gateship 9 is hit by the shockwave but has no damage. The cloak is holding.

"Wow, somebody is hitting back at Anubis. Commander if I see this right, anubis has lost almost half of his fleet."

"Anubis is certainly not going to like that. Report this to Deep Space 9. at least someone will have a smile on his face."

When Admiral Arthur hears the news about how one bomb has taken out half the fleet of Anubis, he has indeed a smile on his face. but the smile disappears again when he hears the doctor's report.

"Sir we are ready."

"OK doctor, you have a go."

"Understood. We are on our way".

The Deep Space 2 spacedock doors open. A moment later the USS Kvitoya is free and clear to navigate. The mighty starship jumps to warp. Aboard is a medical team caring for the Goa'uld system lord Marsus who only has a few hours to live. But the farther away the Kvitoya is from Deep Space 2, the better Marsus gets.
Aboard the USS Kvitoya is also the Tok'ra Dron. Dron actually seems to be pleased Marsus is getting better...


Dasa is an ascended Ancient. He is found aboard an Ancient prison ship. Although he is willing to help the Captain Tsonu, in command of the Shepherd, Dasa is not allowed to do so by a punishment given to him by the other ascended Ancients. But he is able to point out to the databanks of the Ancient prison ship where all history has been recorded.
Dasa was once a ships commander like Captain Tsonu. In fact the two have been friends for many years and even if that was thousands of years ago, the friendship has been renewed. So the moment that Captain Tsonu has to go back to his own ship, is a bit sad. The two friends who have not seen each other for so long, have to say good-bye.

"Sir, all the data has been transfered to the Shepherd's memory banks. We are ready to leave... Sir..."

Captain Tsonu is the last one to leave the Ancient prison ship. Captain Dasa and he will stay in contact.

"Helm, set course to the Ledery star system. Lets see what it looks like after a few thousand years."

"Yes captain. Course set."

"Open a hyperspace window. Let's go."

Later that day Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos meet. They talk about the experience on the prison ship, ascencion, the ancients and then they will have to do the dirty work... Writing a report... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 181

With the hard blow on Anubis fleet with only one explosive weapon, the war initiated by Anubis against the rest of the Goa'uld system lords, suddenly looks totally different. Aboard Gateship 9, the Federation officers who are monitoring Anubis and his fleet, can only speculate on what is going to be next.

"Commander, I don't think Anubis will give up because of one blow in his face."

"Maybe not Lieutenant. Please keep scanning for more of these devices. If there are any, we should stay clear of a possible blast. Scan the debris too. I am curious who made this device. If they only have a handful more of those, they could eliminate Anubis fleet rather easy."

"Commander, there are several shuttlecraft on course to Anubis' ship. It seems they have a meeting."

"That was to be expected. Oh I would like to have a sensor pack in that meeting room. On the other hand, I can guess with almost certainty what Anubis is going to say."

"And the others can only do as he demands..."

"I can see that you have studied well during your academy courses in military strategy Lieutenant. Well I guess we will have to wait for a while to see what happens next."

One shuttlecraft is launched from Anubis ship. Only a moment later Anubis' ship fires on the shuttlecraft. The shuttlecraft is completely destroyed. Aboard Gateship 9 the crew doesn't have to guess what just happened.

"Well that is what happens if you don't agree with Anubis. I scanned the area Commander. There are no survivors. Wait a minute. There are a dozen ships setting course to Anubis' ship. The other ships move out of the way. They do not defend Anubis. Commander, could this mean that Anubis has lost control? The attack begins Commander."

Twelve ships of the Goa'uld system lord Eldris have launched an attack on Anubis. It was the Goa'uld system lord Eldris who was in the shuttlecraft which was destroyed by Anubis. Eldris' Jaffa do not like that at all. Probably Eldris has given orders if something happens to him, his Jaffa should attack Anubis. Eldris' ships form an attack formation. Strangely enough the other Goa'uld system lords do not intervene. But the attack does not go as expected. Anubis ship is hit hard. But every hit Anubis' weapons make, destroys one of Eldris' ships. It doesn't take long before Eldris' ships are destroyed. Anubis' ship does not have a scratch. Aboard Gateship 9 some of the crew are amazed.

"That is why the others did not intervene. Anubis wanted to make a point. Lieutenant I want to know why Anubis' ship does not have any damage."

"I am already on it Commander."

"I will report this to Deep Space 2."

Aboard Deep Space 2 the new sensor logs on Anubis ship are studied. Admiral Arthur wants a full report asap. He also wants a report on the progress on Goa'uld system lord Marsus. Marsus can have valuable information on Anubis. The Tok'ra Dron is also informed about Anubis technology.

"I have seen the images Admiral. Anubis seems to have developed a new kind of shield technology. His shields seem to rotate frequencies, while the weapons of his attackers use the same frequency. The Tok'ra have tried to develope this kind of technology, but without success. The condition of Marsus is getting much better. Maybe he has more information, but your medical team here on the USS Kvitoya has informed me that it will take at least several hours before we can talk to him."



The first report from Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos has been received on Deep Space 2. Especially the part about ascension and the ascended Captain Dasa seems to be very interesting.

Captain Tsonu takes his ship, the Shepherd, further to what once were big Ancient cities. Still aboard are Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos. Especially the professor is extremely busy learning more about the Ancients.

"Lieutenant Thomas, isn't this amazing? All this knowledge... And we are going to be visiting the Ancient cities. First on the list is the Ledery system, which is only a week from here. Isn't that great? I have already been reading a lot about it. I hope it is still there."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 182

Aboard the USS Kvitoya the Tok'ra Dron receives permission to visit the Goa'uld Marsus. Although they cannot have physical contact, they can see eachother and talk to eachother.

"Marsus, have you seen the new shielding of Anubis ship? He was attacked by twelve and didn't have any trouble with that."

"I have seen it Dron. Eldris always was a fool. Never understood when to lay low and have patience. No surprises there. But Anubis' ship is a totally different matter. Rule by terror. He is very good doing just that. There were rumors about this new shielding, but I didn't expect that the technology would be developped this fast. I had some of my spies get the plans for me, but we couldn't get it to work. Yes yes Dron, I know, it was easier to get the plans and sacrifice some people than to do all the research myself. Apparently Anubis is more persistant. Maybe he promissed all his followers the same technology..."

"Do you really think he is going to give them that?"

"Not a chance. But what choice do the others have? Follow him and live or do not follow him and get destroyed or flee for thousands of years. Maybe his followers hope that one day they get a small reward or that Anubis will just go away and leave them alone."

"I see that you are feeling much better Marsus. And you are right. Maybe Anubis will get bored and leave, searching for new challenges. And then the system lords will try to retake what they have lost."

"I wont. I have nothing left. And I am tired of fighting, being alert all the time, being under pressure. I wonder though what Anubis will do once he has destroyed or conquered all. What will he do with the system lords? "

"He will probably give them a piece of the land and control them from above. He needs resources. I can see no other way."

"Apparently Anubis needs his followers more than they need him. Now I remember. We couldn't get that shielding activated because we did not have enough energy. We could not create the necessary energy to make it work. How does Anubis do that? If we find a way to shut down this energy source, he is as good as dead."

"Excellent idea Marsus. The question is, how are we going to do that? You can't just knock on his door and ask to be let in."

"Oh Dron, look around you. What do you see? Look at this technology. These Federation people are so much ahead of us. I have tried everything to shut down the forcefields holding me here. I failed all the way. There is no system lord who can keep me prisoner. I have escaped so many times, I cannot even count. I am very sure that if these people send only one of their ships, Anubis will be destroyed in no time. Besides, if they don't do that, somebody else will. Anubis needs a lot of resources to keep up the energy level of his ship."

A new report from Gateship 9 confirms what system lord Marsus explained earlier. Anubis is sending out ships to different planets...

"Deep Space 2, this is Gateship 9. Apparently System Lord Marsus is right. The ships sent out by Anubis are cargo ships, some of them rather big. We cannot follow them all sir, but I guess we don't need to. We will wait until their return. It will be easy to scan them. One thing is sure. If this is about getting necessary resources, this could be a weak spot in Anubis defences. At this time we can only estimate when Anubis' resources run out, but it is clear they will at some time if he doesn't get new resources. It is also not yet clear to us what kind of resources he needs. It must be something he can refine on board his ship. Scans do not indicate any facility of that kind. We will keep you posted."

"Thank you Gateship 9. We have dispatched the Ajax just in case. The Ajax will arrive shortly. Stay safe."

"We will sir. Gateship 9 out."



The Ancient ship Shepherd under command of Captain Tsonu is on its way to the Ledery system, where the crew, Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas hope to find another ancient city on one of the planets in the system.
When the ship enters the system there is still no answers to their attempts to communicate with the City of Ledery.

"Nothing yet Lieutenant. But we continue the search. In about 15 minutes we will arrive where the City of Ledery used to be."

"Captain Tsonu, We are in orbit sir. No signs of any kind of power. the city could have been abandoned for some reason. We must remember we have last been here a few thousand years ago. Maybe they just left."

"Is the stargate here still operational?"

"We are trying it now sir. We have power readings on the planet sir. It is the stargate sir. We are sending a probe through now. Breathable atmosphere, temperature acceptable, we are good to go sir."

"Excellent. Let's have a look then. Professor Ultos, Lieutenant Thomas, will you join us?"

Only a minute later the entire team of soldiers, scientists and guests step through the stargate to arrive on the fourth planet of the Lecery system. By the first looks of it the stargate is not in an ancient city... 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 183

It is clear now that even Anubis needs a lot of energy to keep his ship running. The first ships Anubis has sent out have returned. Sensors aboard Gateship 9 indicate the ships carry an ore that the ancient database defines as naquadah. Aboard the starship Kvitoya the Tok'ra Dron and system lord Marsus also know naquada.

"Naquadah Marsus. And he probably needs lots of it. Maybe he has found a way to enrich it. Would that be possible?"

"I have never given it much tought Dron. But it should be possible. But Anubis would need a huge installation on his ship to be able to do that. Such an installation will not fit on his ship."

"So what you are saying Marsus is that he can only enrich naquadah on a planet? That would have some serious disadvantages. A possible enemy could destroy such an installation with one attack."

"Dron, don't you think that he will have defenses around that planet like his ship? Attackers probably won't even get close. Unless..."

"Unless what Marsus?"

"At a certain moment Anubis has to bring his naquadah to his planet. So he has to return to that planet or he needs a support line."

"Returning will not be a good plan. It takes to much time. It gives the enemy the posibility to regroup. Enriching naquadah can probably give an advantage for a short time, but if Anubis depends on it, in the long run it will make him vulnarable.

"You are right Dron. He probably doesn't have the technology anyway. At least it is very unlikely."

Admiral Arthur wants to be sure. He orders the USS Ajax to look for heavy defended planets or a long supply line of ships. In command of the USS Ajax is Jan Theys. The marines aboard the USS Ajax are ready for anything. The two tactical officers control the TK72 Cromwell autonomous enhanced multimission strike craft or simply called drones. Aboard marines patrol the entire ship together with the advanced security droids...

"Sir, I think we got something. I am reading a huge power source on the third planet of this system. It has orbital platforms as defense. This could be a planet like Marsus and Dron described. We need to get closer to get a better scan sir."

"We will stay cloaked. Set a course and continue the scan."

"Yes sir."

Twenty minutes later the USS Ajax is close enough to detect the huge installation. There is some kind of spaceport close to the facility. There are hundreds of ships in the spaceport ready to receive their load.

"Sir, the only life forms detected are Jaffa sir. There are no other species on the planet. The air is so poluted that all life will eventually die. These Jaffa are dead men sir."

Abaord the USS Kvitoya system lord Marsus and the Tok'ra Dron are informed of the findings of the crew of the USS Ajax. Dorn is the first to speak.

"I was afraid of this. Enriching naquadah will destroy all life on the planet."

"Dron, I think that if I would be there, I would bomb the facility. But then again, that would destroy the entire planet."

"Really Marsus? That is a bit strange for a system lord. It seems that being away from your sarcophagus is making you a better person. I am beginning to think there is still hope for you Marsus."

"Whatever I think does not really matter. It is not up to us. If you are at war with someone like Anubis, destroying the facility and the planet seems the only logical way to hurt Anubis."

"I am sure the Tok'ra would do that without question. The only thing is... It is a suicide mission."

But it is not a suicide mission for the USS Ajax. There is already an attack plan. The ship moves to a safe distance.

"Decloak and fire."

One quantum torpedo is launched.



In the Ledery system a team of soldiers, scientists of the Ancient ship Shepherd accompanied by Professor Ultos, Lieutenant Thomas have arrived at the other side of the wormhole, created by the stargate system. they had hoped to have arrived in an ancient city, but instead they are in a large forrest. They are clearly not in the City of Ledery. Captain Tsonu is disapointed.

"Can anyone tell me where our city is?"

The Scientists are still deploying their equipment. The soldiers are securing the area. Lieutenant Thomas uses his tricorder. There are no life signs closeby. Professor Ultos helps the scientists to scan for minerals.

"Captain Tsonu. We have found something..." 


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 184

Aboard the starship Kvitoya the Tok'ra Dron and system lord Marsus are staring at the viewscreen that shows the torpedo launched from the USS Ajax, going directly to the planet. It takes 18 seconds to hit. In those 18 seconds the USS AJax moves further away from the planet. Then a huge explosion is seen on the viewscreen. Dron and Marsus hold their breath. The explosion seems to take forever...

The naquadah facility has been completely destroyed by the blast. None of the defensive systems on the planet or in orbit have tried to stop the attack. But on the planet a chain reaction starts, down to the planet's core. The planet itself has no chance. The explosion is huge. A level 12 shockwave starts its way into space. Everything that has been in orbit of the planet, is destroyed. The shockwave continues. The few Goa'uld ships, which still had to land are blown away. By the time the shockwave reaches the USS Ajax, it has lost most of its power.

"All hands brace for impact!"

THe Ajax is hit, moves around a little and then comes to a full stop. The shokwave has passed.

"Damage report!"

"Shields are holding sir. No damage to the hull. Sickbay reports nobody is hurt. All systems operate within normal parameters."

"Excellent. Good work all. Let's find some more planets like this one and blow them up. Helm, set course to the next system."

"We are on our way sir."

While the USS Ajax continues the search for planets where Anubis has facilities to enrich naquadah, aboard the starship Kvitoya the Tok'ra Dron and system lord Marsus have seen the simple attack of the Federation against an enemy of who they have always thought that he was invincible. Dron and Marsus are speachless. Marsus sighs.

"Have you seen that Dron? They only fired only once. That was it. It did not take more than one shot. Who are these people?"

"I told you they are very powerful. And they are at war with the Goa'uld. You know what that means, don't you. They only need one ship to destroy the entire fleet of Anubis, who terrorized us for so long. And they probably have thousands of ships standing ready."

"The Tok'ra will be pleased."

Marsus sits down. He is still staring at the viewscreen. THe viewscreen shows the daily life on the bridge of the USS Ajax. Marsus sighs again.

"Look at them Dron. It is just another day like all the others. It is as if they do this all the time. They are not afraid of us."

For a moment it seems that Marsus is going to fall from his bed. But then another voice speaks.

"He is gone. I am free."

"What are you talking about Marsus?"

"I am not Marsus. I am Imhotep. The beast in me is gone. He went away. He could not handle it anymore. He is still there. I can feel it, but I am free. I am free!"

a few moments later a medical team enters the brig. Aparently the host of system lord Marsus has taken over his own body. A fast mind meld confirms it...



In the Ledery system a team of soldiers, scientists of the Ancient ship Shepherd accompanied by Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas are searching for the Ancient city of Ledery. But upon arrival throug the stargate, there is no sign of any city. Captain Tsonu gets a little impatient. But some of the scientists are still setting up their equipment.

"Captain Tsonu. We have found something..."

The Captain of the Ancient ship Shepherd runs to the soldier who reported the findings. On the viewer of his sensor equipment a shape is forming. When Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos also arrive to see what the soldier has found, the shape on the viewer is almost complete, but it is already clear what it is.

"I think we found the city sir."

"Soldier, you made me very happy. Oh but wait. What is this?"

"Those are the coordinates of the location of the city sir."

"Is this correct?"

"Yes sir. There is no doubt."

"That is almost two hundred meters below the planet's surface."

"That is correct sir."

"That means we have a lot of work to do."

Captain Tsonu calls his ship. He needs a lot of engineers.

"There is a hole to be drilled. Move it move it. We haven't all day."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 185

The USS Ajax continues the search for planets where Anubis has facilities to enrich naquadah. These facilities are easily destroyed. On its way Lieutenant Commander Peeters and her gateship are picked up. Now the cloaked USS Ajax is in pursuit of Anubis fleet, waiting for another convoy to get more enriched naquadah for Anubis' ship. Destroying those facilities is a priority. Attacking Anubis fleet can lead to an escape of Anubis.

"We cannot risk that. We will never find him again. And a few hundred years later he will start all over. We will be long gone by then. We have to destroy him, his fleet and all his resources."

"Sir, our Deep Space 2 Engineers have developed a plan that could work. But the plan includes realigning our sensor arrays. That will take at least two full days. We are not sure whether we have two days. Still we have already started to realinement. It will not have any effect on our regular sensors. With the new sensors we should be able to follow Anubis. Then Anubis can run but he cannot hide."

"Sir another idea comes from Deep Space 2 Tactical. We can modify the frequency of our tractor beam and boost it so we can grab Anubis ship before he can escape through hyperspace. But any disturbance in the beam will set him free. I can imagine one of his other ships will come between us and Anubis to break the tractor beam. So the drones should at least disable the ships which are close enough to do so. that of course if we want Anubis alive."

"I am not certain whether we want to capture Anubis alive. What would we do with him. And besides, if Anubis is killed or captured probably a new Goa'uld system lord will take over and all of this that we try to end, will start all over. So my opinion is that we should send these Goa'uld a message that if they keep enslaving entire populations, they will be dealt with."

"Sir there is a message from Deep Space 2."

"On Screen."

"Ajax, this is Deep Space 2. Starfleet Command has new orders. Your priority is to destroy Anubis and his fleet, but you may only attack if you are certain that you can destroy Anubis. There is no time limit on these orders. It will be impossible to hunt down all the Goa'uld system lords because we do not know where they all are. But with the destruction of Anubis we hope to give all these people of this region a chance to develop, so they can make a stand against the Goa'uld in the future."

"Understood Deep Space 2. For a decisive attack we will probably be ready in two or three days."

"Very well Ajax. Keep us posted. Deep Space 2 out."

Meanwhile aboard the USS Kvitoya the host of Goa'uld system lord Marsus has control over his own body.

"I am not Marsus. I am Imhotep. I am free."

After a medical check up it becomes clear the symbiont Marsus is dorment. But the doctor is sure that if Marsus is removed, Imhotep will die.

"There is a way."

Everyone looks at the Tok'ra Dron. Dron continues.

"There is a technique to remove the Goa'uld from the host, without harming the host."



In the Ledery system where Captain Tsonu and his crew are searching for the city of Ledery the only way to reach the city is to drill holes of about two hundred meters. During the thousands of years the city of Ledery has been covered by sand and rocks. Captain Tsonu doesn't hesitate. He calls one of his officers to help him with the drill and without waiting he starts drilling. Even Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas have taken one of the smaller drills and are working their way through a layer of sand.
Although there are a lot of people working, the process is slow. When after about an hour there is a large crater, big enough to switch to phase two.

"Everyone back to a safe distance."

Captain Tsonu steps back at least one hundred meters from the crater with everone following him. Then Tsonu stops. He contacts his ship, the Shepherd. A moment later the ship fires a secondary weapon into the crater. All the sand and rocks are thrown into the air and a large cloud of dust arises above the crater. A moment later a wind blows all the dust away...

Slowly Captain Tsonu steps forward to the crater which has changed into a large deep hole. One man is lowerd down into the hole, hanging on a rope.

"It is a classic way, but the only way right now to get to the bottom of the hole. We should get a message soon whether our calculations have been correct."

A few moments the officer deep in the hole below contacts his captain.

"Captain I am here. I am on the roof of the city. I am at the access hatch. Shall I enter sir?"


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 186

Aboard the USS Kvitoya the tok'ra Dron has offered his help to the Starfleet medical team to free the host called Imhotep from the Goa'uld Marsus.

"We call it the extraction. Usually the process is combined with a rtitual during which the list of crimes of the Goa'uld is spoken aloud. The Goa'uld has a chance to speak as well and after that the Goa'uld is placed in the symbiote extractor. The Goa'uld dies. I must confess some of the hosts died as well. It is not sure Imhotep will survive. But at least he has a chance."

"Not good enough Dron."

Doctor Straetman is not convinced the Tok'ra way of extraction is a good idea. She contacts the Trills aboard Deep Space 2 who certainly will have a different approach.

Imhotep realises de Goa'uld Marsus in his body is only dorment. Although he enjoys his freedom, he knows it can be only for a short while. Taking responsibility, Imhotep starts telling the Security officers everything he knows about the Goa'uld. behind the forcefield of his cell, the Tok'ra Dron is more than curious. Dron can now learn more about the Goa'uld than the Tok'ra have ever known.

In the few days that pass the USS Ajax has destroyed three more facilities where Anubis wanted to enrich naquadah. The attacks are swift and efficient. Apparently all Anubis' facilities are destroyed. Anubis' fleet does not get more enriched naquadah, but no reinforcements either. the time has come to deal with Anubis himself.

"Red alert! Battlestations! Get ready to launch two full complements of battledrones. Take the..."

"Sir, we have movement in Anubis' fleet. Apparently some of the Goa'uld system lords take their chance. They are attacking Anubis. Their weapons have no effect sir. But our sensor readings indicate the supply of enriched naquadah aboard his ship is getting smaller by the second. He is powering up engines sir. He is trying to run."

"We cannot let that happen. Engage tractor beam. Launch battledrones move move move..."

The USS Ajax decloaks. The tractor beam locks on to Anubis' ship. As the USS Ajax tractor beam is stronger than Anubis' engines...

"We got him sir. He is going nowhere."

"Destroy Anubis' ship. Fire at will."

The battledrones move towards Anubis' ship and open fire. Totally surprised the other Goa'uld system lords stop firing and take defensive positions. Anubis' shield is holding until the last enriched naquadah is used. It only takes nine seconds. Then the first phaser beam penetrates the hull. A second later Anubis' ship is destroyed.

The other system lords have communicate with eachother and have come to the conclusion this USS Ajax is an intruder which has to be destroyed. They all launche an attack on the USS Ajax. But the TK72 Cromwell autonomous enhanced multimission strike craft or battledrones for short, have already changed course. A mechanical voice responds to the commands.

"Deploying... in formation... waypoint set... tracking target... target destroyed... The Close-In Combat Systems have not fired once. The entire Goa'uld fleet is blown to smithereens. Four battledrones are lost. One battledrone has sustained moderate damage. Two have minimal damage. Aboard the USS Ajax no one was hurt.


In the Ledery system Captain Tsonu and his crew have entered the city of Ledery, which has been burried under the surface for thousands of years. Now also Lieutenant Thomas and professor Ultos are getting into the city through the hatch.
"Lieutenant, imagine. We are probably the first humans who enter this city in thousands of years."

"I already am taking picturs Professor. This must be a real histroic moment for Captain Tsonu and his crew, and especially the scientists."

The lights come on. The city reveals itself as Captain Tsonu and his officers enter the gateroom. The gate itself is not powered up. Some of the officers startup consoles. Some scientists are already on their way to the labs. Soldiers take their position at the gate. It seems everyone knows what to do without Captain Tsonu giving any orders.
Lieutenant Thomas and professor Ultos look around, take holo pictures, can the area. Then one of the officers shouts.

"Captain! Captain Tsonu! We have power, but not enough to lift off."

Captain Tsonu nodds and contacts his ship to bring more power cells. It takes a few minutes for the team with the power cells to arrive, but they waiste no time. The powercells are installed and activated. then the entire city shivers, shakes a little... The stargate is activated. The ring starts to turn. The first chevron is encoded and locked... the second... Captain Tsonu looks worried.

"We are not doing this Captain. It is an incoming connection sir. Activating shield."

A shield is activated covering the entire stargate. Nobody will be able to come through the gate. The gate is still runnning its program. Chevron six is encoded and locked... Captain Tsonu nodds. More soldiers enter the gateroom. They point their weapons towards the gate...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 187

Aboard the USS Kvitoya the Trill have offered their help to the Starfleet medical team to free the host called Imhotep from the Goa'uld Marsus. The Tok"ra Dron is not allowed to watch.

Aboard Deep Space 2 the news of the destruction of Anubis and his entire Goa"uld fleet makes Admiral Arthur very happy. THeere are some officers who see him walking hrough the corridor with a grin on his face while he is singing. It is not sure whether Marsus is the last of the Goa'uld system lords, but at least most of them should be gone now. Even the Tok'ra Dron doesn't know.

"There probably are some still alive. They must have heard the news of Anubis' destruction by now. We will see soon enough. They probably will not lose any time."

Dron is allowed to contact the Tok'ra. But to do so, the stargate has to make a connection with a Tok'ra planet. At first D>ron hesitates. Making a connection includes revealing the location of a Tok'ra planet. But this United Federation of planets has destroyed Anubis and a large part of the system lords, so Dron decides to trust this Federation.
A small diplomatic group of diplomats are waiting at the stargate. And while the Goa'uld Marsus is seperated from his host Imhotep successfully, the USS Kvitoya returns to Deep Space 2. Marsus is kept in stasis. He is in good health and calm. Imhotep fully realises now he is free. But he doesn't really know what to do now. He has been Marsus' host for more than a thousand years.
Almost a day later the Tok'ra Dron is standing at the stargate. The huge ring is already turning. It only takes a few seconds to make the connection. After contacting the Tok'ra the diplomates step through the gate. Dron follows. There are no military present. When the group arrives at the other side, Dron is welcomed as are the Federation diplomates. The news of Anubis' destruction has already readhed the Tok'ra who are already planning to visit many planets once enslaved by the Goa'uld. Dron seems to be one of their heroes now because he helped the Federation to make sure Anubis was detroyed. The Federation diplomats make sure the Tok'ra understand the peaceful intentions of the Federation and offer their help to make sure the people who live in this part of the universe can evolve as they should.



In the City of Ledery soldiers are getting ready to receive the visitor who should not be able to get through the shield. Captain Tsonu, but also Lieutenant Thomas and professor Ultos are waiting as tension rises. Lieutenant Thomas whispers to Professor Ultos to stay behind him. The Professor doesn't hesitate. He moveshimself between Lieutenant Thomas and an unused console.

"Gate connection sir."

"Hold your fire everyone until something comes through that is hostile. If those are Wraith coming through, don't wait for my order and fire at will."

But nothing happens.

"It could be a glitch sir."

"We will not take any chances. How long?"

"Thirty seconds... now... sir. There is someone coming through sir."

A young man steps through the gate.

"The shield didn't stop him sir. Oh I see..."

The man does a few steps. Out of the floor a console rises. The man puts his hand on the console.

"We will let him identify himself first before we recall the troops."

A female voice speaks.

"Maintenance First Class Rore Kant identified. Welcome Rore Kant. You may proceed. A list of maintenance projects will be uploaded to your terminal."

The man takes a portable terminal out of his large bag. He has a quick look. He nodds. Than he looks up. Apparently he is looking for something. He addresses Captain Tsonu.

"Captain, I am Maintenance First Class Rore Kant. I have a lot of work to do. Could you be so kind to make sure I can get to all access points."

Apparently Captain Tsonu has no problem with the presence of Rore Kant.

"Of course mister Kant. Soldiers, you are dismissed. Return to your posts. Mister Kant, we have just arrived here. So we have not yet established any links. Do you need any assistance?"

One of the soldiers standing next to Lieutenant Thomas and professor Ultos explains what just happened.

"Every city has a maintenance officer. For the City of Ledery apparently this is Rore Kant. If possible other cities send a maintenance officer to the empty cities, just to keep things running. This gives hope for us that there are other cities as well and still populated. Most certainly there must be a council somewhere in one of those cities. It could also mean we will be transfered to one of the populated cities. The Captain seems to be ready to explain."

The voice of Captain Tsonu sounds through the entire city.

"Everyone listen up. This is Captain Tsonu. According the information I have received there are 34 populated cities. We are going to startup the City of Ledery."

There is a lot of cheering all over the city. But there is still a lot of work to do. With the presence of a maintenance officer the work will be coordinated.

Lieutenant Thomas turns to Professor Ultos.

"Captain Tsonu spoke about the Wraith. And it was clear he didn't like them very much. Do you know anything about these Wraith?"


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 188

There are some of those days nothing really happens on a huge space station. Visitors and traders come and go, daily routine is taking over. There are more junior officers in the lounge than at various stations. There is laughter, sports, a lot of overbooked holodecks and most important of all an Admiral in command who finally has had some sleep.

"Sir, I hate to disturb you with this, but the USS Hammerhead has found a new inhabited planet in Sector 28398. It is a pre-industrial world. There is no space travel yet. The planet is rather isolated, so we don't expect influence from outsiders. There is another report from the USS Ajax. After the battle with the Goa'uld they have upgraded the weaponsystems of the battledrones. They had some very successful tests. And the last report from gateship 9 says the dropping of the communications arrays is going according plan. They are even a bit ahead of scedule. Those are the most important reports of the last hour."

"Thank you Lieutenant. I hope we will get some excitement in the following days. We don't want to get bored, do we?"

"No sir. We have to stay sharp sir."

"Indeed Lieutenant."

The Lieutenant salutes and leaves the office. The Admiral turns his seat around and looks through the large window into space as if he expects a massive invasion of advanced aliens. But nothing happens. He knows he should not have this safe feeling. Anything can happen in space especially when you are so far out at the border of Federation space. Deep Space 2 is the first line of defence and has already proven itself many times to earn the title of Federation defence outpost. But all of that is not really important for Admiral Arthur to hope for some action. Next week is the Admirals meeting on Earth, and Admiral Arthur really wants to find an excuse for not having to go.

And he is lucky...

"Admiral to operations please."

Admiral Arthur jumps to his feet. He runs to the door and steps into Deep Space 2 Operations. It seems all personel is watching the huge viewscreen. On the viewscreen is an image of Deep Space 2. A Lieutenant who is still looking at the display on his console reports.

"It is real Commander. It is confirmed."

Lieutenant Commander Loogen nodds. She reports to the Admiral.

"Admiral. It appeared out of nowhere. It is an exact copy of Deep Space 2. It appeared on the other side of the planet. We have trying to scan it, but there doesn't seem any life signs aboard. The security droids are standing by to board that station. Power is at minimum. There are no traces of temperal displacements. If we want to know more, we have to get over there and have a look.

Before the Admiral can answer a young Ensign jumps out of his seat.

"Sir! Someone or something on that station is trying to communicate with us..."




In the city of Ledery, thanks to the help of Maintenance First Class Rore Kant, Captain Tsonu is able to initiate the startup procedure. Everywhere in the city lights are switched on, systems are getting on line and power output is increased. Sensors come on line. The region of space around the planet is scanned. WHile the procedure is running. Professor Ultos decides to ask Captain Tsonu about the Wraith. But Captain Tsonu has little time.

"I am sorry professor. We are in the middle of a procedure which needs my attention. When we ar done, I will tell you all about the Wraith."

Captain Tsonu turns to one of his officers.

"Have the Shepherd dock at pilon three as soon as they can."BR>
"I will take care of it Captain."

Then suddenly the entire city starts to tremble. The trembling gets worse. Professor Ultos asks Lieutenant Thomas what is happening.

"I thought you were the professor. Why do you ask me."

One of Captain Tsonu's officers interupts before Professor Ultos can say something.

"Gentlemen. We are starting up. I suggest you sit down."

The trembling increases rapidly. A voice says that all systems are operational.

Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos sit down just in time. The city shakes. Professor Ultos points out to Lieutenant Thomas that he finds this very unusual just to put on the lights and start up some systems. BUt the Lieutenant only hears the voice of an officer.

"Starting up procedures complete. We are up and running. All systems go."

Captain Tsonu gives his last order.

"Understood. All systems go. Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves. And in 3...2...1..."

Professor Ultos grabs the arm of Lieutenant Thomas. They feel the city move. It is going up. The professor looks through the windows and sees the dirt and ground fall of the city. A moment laterthe city is in the clear above the planet surface. Captain Tsonu signals one of his officers.

"Captain. Shepherd signals docking procedure complete. They are secured sir. We are ready to go."

"Excellent. Take us out of orbit and set corse to the city of Ganimea."

"Understood. Accelerating. Course is set sir. We are on our way."

Professor Ultos is stil holding the Lieutenant's arm. He can only whisper.

"We are flying. We are in space. This city is a giant ship. It is amazing."

"Yes professor. I have noticed."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 189

Apparently onboard the copy of the Deep Space 2 station someone is still alive. There is an attempt to communicate, but there are still no life signs.

"On screen."

On the main viewer a man in Starfleet uniform appears. At first he is not recognized, but when he starts to speak, everyone knows who it is. It is Deep Space 2 Chief Engineer Louis. Strange is that Chief Engineer Louis is standing next to Lieutenant Commander Loogen in Deep Space 2 Central Operations. He cannot be at two places at the same time. The Cief Engineer Louis on the main viewer looks older...

"Louis. What can we do for you?"

Admiral Arthur of course has a lot of questions, but before he expects a lot of answers he first has to determine whetherall of this is real.

"Admiral."

There is a pauze of a few seconds.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

"I already know what your questions are Admiral. I have done this before. So just to gain some time, I'll try to explain. Some time ago we were on aniversary day on Deep Space 2. The station looked exactly the same as when we left it. We..."

"You left Deep Space 2? Why?"

The Chief Engineer Louis on the main viewer looks confused for a moment.

"That is right you don't know that yet. I always forget. We left because the Federation expanded far beyond this planet and the DS2 had no purpose anymore and was in need of to much resources. We locked the door and got reassigned. Never mind that."

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

"While we were celebrating the aniversary, the station gave up. Power shut down, except for a few minor things. And then the station was somehow tranfered to the same location, but in another mirror universe. An alternate universe if you wish. It took us A year to figure out what had happened. We have been trying to get back to our own universe, but we failed. This is the 32nd jump we did so far. Most of the crew vanished in the process or was killed by the jump itself. There are not many of us left."

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

"We ended up in a few wars, very close to a supernova, and in a few universes the Federation did not even exist. We masked our life signs to let possible enemies think this station was deserted. We could use some help with the calculations of how we can get back to our own universe. We know how to jump, but it is more a good guess than a scientific method. For the few of us left, please help us."

Admiral Arthur thinks for a moment. All officers look at him and are waiting for his orders.





The city-starship of Ledery is traveling through space. Captain Tsonu is talking to Maintenance First Class Rore Kant. They are testing the flight abilities of the city. Professor Ultos doesn't know what to ask first, but he hasn't been able to get the attention of Captain Tsonu, who has his own priorities. Most of Tsonu's officers are at their stations so they are not free to answer any questions either.

"Lieutenant Thomas. What do you think about this technology?"

"Well professor. I think..."

Something must have happened. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant and Captain Tsonu start waving. The city comes to a full stop. There seem to be a few problems with the cooling of the engines. These are small problems, but they have to be taken care of before the flight continues. Lieutenant Thomas completes his sentence.

"I think things are not yet working as they should."

Professor Ultos looks a bit disapointed, but he stays optimistic.

"Nothing to worry about. They will get it done in no time. You'll see."

But the repairs, updates and upgrades take longer than expected. At this time the City of Ledery is floating in space in the middle of nowhere. Professor Ultos' questions have to wait. Lieutenant Thomas is already trying to help out as much as he can. He studies the systems while checking diagnostics. The systems on the Cuty of Ledery are very much different than Federation technology.
Professor Ultos also starts helping out. He is more familiar with the Ancient systems. His help is greatly appreciated, especially by Maintenance First Class Rore.

"Professor, you are doing a good job. Everyone of course does his best, but these people are soldiers and there are only a few engineers and scientists. We have already found out what went wrong, so the only thing we have to do now is replace some parts so to speak. Then we do some testing. We will be on our way within two hours."

The City of Ledery seems much older than the starship Shepherd, but the systemsare compatible. The Shepherd can deliver the necessary energy to keep some vital systems of the City of Ledery going, like life support and shields.

An hour later some of the engineers are singing. The work continues, but everyone gets ready to continue the flight. But the singing suddenly stops.

"Captain Tsonu. There is a rift opening in hyperspace. There is a ship coming through."

"What kind of ship Lieutenant?"

"Maybe you should seefor yourself sir. I'll put it on the viewer."

An image of a large ship appears on the viewer. There are two smaller ships like it escorting the large ship.

It is silent.

Captain Tsonu turns to Professor Ultos.

"Professor Ultos. You aksed about the Wraith? You are looking at them."



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 190

Aboard a copy of the Deep Space 2 station from alternate universe Chief Engineer Louis is still waiting for an answer. Admiral Arthur knows the consequences. He cannot allow two Deep Space 2 stations exist in this universe. But analysing the situation on the alternate station seems to be a necesity even if it is only to prevent any more future imperfect...

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

"Louis. I will come aboard your station."

All officers in Deep Space 2 Central Operations look at the Admiral in amazement. What did he just say? What if that alternate station jumps to another universe?

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

It is Droid 001 who breaks the silence.

"Admiral let me at least assign some droids to accompany you."

Droid 001 is the called the General of the droid company aboard Deep Space 2. He is the only one who dares to contradict the Admiral. What the Droid General said was not really a suggestions but a statement of precaution. If the Admiral decides to transport to the alternate Deep Space 2 the Droid General will send probably at least twenty droids as well.

Admiral Arthur is already on his way to the transporter room 3. The Droid General uses his link to assign a detachement. The droids are already standing at attention when the Admiral enters the transporter room.

"Admiral. I am Droid 090 assigned to you. My platoon is a mix of security, medical and engineering droids."

Admiral Arthur realizes he will not be able to leave the droids behind.

"Very well 090. Let's go. Transporter chief energize."

Only a few seconds later the group materializes on board the alternate Deep Space 2.

"Admiral. This stations is an exact copy of ours. But there are no droids aboard. I will have our medical drones take care of the injured."

"Excellent 090."

When the Alternate Chief Engineer Louis meets with the Admiral, he is a bit emotional.

"It has been some time sir..."

There is again a pauze for a few seconds.

"Are you the senior ranking officer Louis?"

"Aye sir. There is 61 of us left. 61 out of 914..."

There is no need for more explanations.

"Lets get you home Louis. We have the best engineers you can imagine. They can work without rest. They don't eat, don't have bad moods and are always ready to help out. In a way they are the best crewmembers a commander can hope for."

Somewhere on the lower decks of Deep Space 2 the Droid General seems to smile. Only for a moment...

Aboard the alternate Deep Space 2 station the engineer droids start their work. First they have to analyse the previous jumps. Then they calculate the next parameters. The alternate Louis looks at them without saying anything. The work of the droids only take a few minutes. Then they have a report.

"Admiral. We have made the necissary calcultaions. This station has suffered to much. We have to construct some enforcements. We need some help sir."

The Droid General has already dispatched construction droids. 600 droids report to Droid 090 and are put to work. Alternate Louis shakes his head.

"The best crew... I can imagine..."

"Although some of them may have a problem with authority, especially mine."

Admiral Arthur smiles. But he is not the only one who has some fun today. The Droid General nodds at his own Chief Engineer Droid 004. But Chief Engineer Droid 004 doesn't seem to understand...
While the droids repair the station, alternate Louis explains as much as he can.

"It started without warning. All power suddenly shut down. And next thing we knew we were in an alternate universe. The planet below was the same, but we were in the middle of a war between Deep Space 2 and a species called the Giloppen. Admiral Art... Our Admiral decided to participate in the fight. The other Deep Space 2 station was not doing good. We tried to hold on and help them, but we failed. Their station was destroyed. We figured out that our jumping to an alternate universe was caused by an unknwon energy wave. During the battles, we were able to recreate the wave that hit us. When the situation got worse with these Giloppen we had no choice. So we took a good guess and made our first jump. It took us a lot of jumps to get here. I suspect that one of these days your station will be hit by a similar energy wave. So I transfer all the data of our jumps to your Chief Engineer Louis. So if it ever happens, he may get you home a lot faster."

After three hours the construction droids return to their own station. The alternate station is now ready to return where it came from. The droids have installed a device so they can see whether the alternate Deep Space 2 station has indeed arrived where it belongs.
The count down begins. The last checks are done by the crew of the alternate Deep Space 2 station. Admiral Arthur and the droids return to their own station.
There is a short good-bye and good luck from both Deep Space 2 stations. Then the alternate Deep Space 2 station disappears. When Droid 090 reports the jump was successful, the entire Deep Space 2 crew start a small celebrations on all decks.

Everyone returns to his duties, but everyone still talks about te event. Even later when the senior staff meeting is held, there is only one thing to talk about. Chief Engineer Louis has studied the data from the alternate station. The droids have already installed equipment that should counter such an energy wave.

"We should be safe sir."

But then... Suddenly... Aboard Deep Space 2 the lights go out... Power is down over the entire station...





Aboard the Ledery, Professor Ultos looks at Lieutenant Thomas. The Ledery has detected three Wraith ships. But the Wraith can't see the cloaked Ledery. Captain Tsonu has to make a choice.

"Tactical analysis."

"Captain. We can take them, but then we reveal ourselves. The other Wraith will hunt us down. We cannot take them all sir. I suggest we just wait until they have left."

Maintenance First Class Rore Kant also suggests to wait.

"There are many Wraith active now. They travel a lot. They are searching for feeding grounds. And they cannot travel through hyperspace for long periods, so they probably made a short stop here. As soon as they see there is nothing here they will leave."




The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 191

Aboard Deep Space 2 all power has shut down without apparent reason, but most officers and crewmen aboard think that this has something to do with the visit of the other Deep Space 2 from the alternate universe.

"Report!"

"There is nothing to report sir. All power is down. Main computer is off line. Communications are off line. Sir look..."

Lieutenant Commander Loogen points to the droid standing next to her console. The droid does not move. It doesn't react on commands. It does not take long for everyone in central operations to realise that really all power is down.

A small hatch at the north side opens. Two young officers crawl out. They are helped to get on their feet. But they have distrubing news.

"Sir we have been sent by Chief Engineer Louis. There is nothing he can do. All power is off line. He is checking the main power generator, but even our tricorders don't work. All droids seem to be off line as well. I am sorry for the expression sir, but we are dead in the water so to speak."

Admiral Arthur realises that he has to get his crew together on certain locations on the station just for safety reasons. He orders his offciers to spread out the station and gather all personel with as much food and water as possible. As there are no communications possible, a courier system is worked out. It takes a few hours toget organised, but the crew is not in panic. That helps a lot. Even the civilians do not protest to the military treatment. They understand it is for the best. One of the spacedock officers enter central operations through the tube system.

"Sir we have some bad news. None of the ships in spacedock have any form of power. We have tried to launch one of the shuttles manually, but it was a no go."

"That is indeed bad news. Return to your posts and if there is anything to report, do so immediately."

"Aye sir."

The two leave and make room for two engineers with more bad news.

"Sir, we have not been able to determine what has gone wrong. But we hope that the base on the planet still has power. We have lost all contact with the base sir. So we presume they will start the security protocol."

Indeed on the planet in the stargate control room the officer of the watch has noticed that Deep Space 2 does not answer to his calls. Already to many attempts have failed to contact the station in orbit of the planet. There is no other option than to send a team up in space to check on the station.

"Gateship 2 ready for launch."

Aboard Gateship 2 is one engineer and Droid 431.

"Gateship 2, you are cleared to launch. Be careful out there."

"We will. Please monitor our progress."

"We will watch every step you make Gateship 2."

Gateship 2 lifts of from the platform and sets course to space. Sensors indicate there is no power at all on the Deep Space 2 station. It takes a while before Droid 431 asks his pilot to stop.

"We are now at ten thousand kilometers. I suggest we send a probe."

"Stargate command center, this is Gateship 2. We are sending a probe towards Deep Space 2"

"Understood. We will follow the sensor logs of the probe here."

The probe slowly travels towards the huge station. At exactly nine hundred kilometers the probe comes to a stop. Droid 431 checks his displays.

"We should send some more probes to these coordinates. It is possible Deep Space 2 is in some kind of static bubble."

Twelve probes are sent. With the data provided with the probes, Droid 431 is able to construct a three dimensional view of the station and the static bubble around it. Droid 431 sends his report to the planet. In the stargate control room the officers have a look at the data. One of these officers is Deep Space 2 XO Jan.

"it seems to me that this is not a natural phenomena. The bubble is almost perfect. This has to be an artificial construction..."





The Ancient city ship Ledery has an encounter with the Wraith. But as the ship is cloaked the Wraith cannot see it. After a short period the Wraith jump back into hyperspace.

"Captain Tsonu. They are gone sir."

"Excellent. We can continue with the repairs."

It doesn't take the crew much to make the Ledery ready to continue the flight. Captain Tsonu invites Lieutenant Thomasn and Profeesor Ultos to his office. Apparently he feels he needs some explaining to do. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant is just going out as the young Lieutenant and the professor arive.

"Come in, come in. Take a seat. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant has just brought me up to date. After thousands of years not a lot has changed. When we were put ourselves in stasis we were at war with the Wraith. We were losing. Some of our people ascended. But some, like us, did chose not to, or at least not yet. Those who did not ascend, went to another galaxy or made themsleves invisible... We are going to a starsystem of which we hope there has not been Wraith activity. The city of Ledery is not the only city still populated. there are six other ciries. I just received a complete list from Maintenance First Class Rore Kant. These cities are very wide spread. The one which is the nearest is Donorodon. But even at maximum speed we will need nine days to get there. We are on our way but at this time we can only reach one quarter of our maximum speed. yes professor please ask."

"Captain Somebody said something about the Wraith and feeding grounds. What is that all about?"

"The Wraith feed on humans..."



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 192

The Federation station Deep Space 2 is trapped in some kind of static bubble which reaches out for nine hundred kilomters around the station. Deep Space 2 engineers try everything they can, but they cannot get the power back on. Trcorders, portable power generators and even small equipment does not work. Totally in the dark officers are trying to find their way totheir designated safe areas.

About one thousand kilomters away from the station is Gateship 2, launched about two hours ago to inspect the station. The engineer and Droid 431 have mapped the static bubble.

On the planet below in the stargate control room, Brigadier General Jan Theys is watching the results. The only realistic plan the engineers on the planet can come up with is to build a bridge between Deep Space 2 and the perimeter of the static bubble. This bridge can be constructed from the outside of the bubble and then moved towards the station to an airlock. If all the droids on the planet help with the building, it will take three days to complete the bridge of nine hundred kilomters. The only worry is whether there will be enough raw material to buld the bridge.

"Sir we can use the stargate to go to PN-398. There is a deserted mining facility where we can get enough resources to buld the bridge."

"Do it. Take as much personnel as you need."

"On our way sir."

Two hours later the first ore is coming through the stargate from PN-398. The ore is used to construct panels which are then beamed out in space to the coordinates outside the static bubble closest to the nearest airlock. The bridge has to be perfectly sealed. In a few days people will have to be transported on a primitive train which will be pulled from outside the static bubble. The entire idea seems to be simple, but constructing a bridge of nine hundred kilometers takes a legion of six thousand droids to build. Two days later Deep Space 2 XO Jan asks for a new status report.

"Status of the bridge sir. At this time we just passed the seven hundred kilometers. The bridge has compartments of one hundred meters. In case something happens the compartments can be closed mechanically just by pulling a lever.If the work continues like this, we will be knocking on the door of Deep Space 2 in less than nineteen hours."

"That is good news. I wonder how things are on Deep Space 2. With no power at all..."

Aboard Deep Space 2 only a handful officers are trying to find a sollution in central operations. All other personnel are gathered in the safe locations. One of those safe locations is cargo bay 53. It is in cargo bay 53 where two officers are staring out of a window.

"What do you think? When will we be traveling among those stars again?"

"I don't know, but I am sure it won't take much longer. Have you noticed there are some of the stars we can't see anymore? It seems they have vanished."

"Yes I have seen it and it looks like all the stars are slowly disappearing in a straight line. It is most strange.

"Wait a minute. The stars are not disappearing. Something blocks our view. It seems to be a construction of some kind."

"Yes it is. You are right. Somebody is trying to get to the station. They are coming to save us."

More officers are getting to the windows. Some begin to cheer. Two officers are sent to central operations to report the findings."

After an hour Deep Space 2 central operations is up to date about the the construction. It is clear the construction is build in the direction of an airlock. Some officers are dispatched to the airlock.

Eighteen hours later the first train is pulled from the outside of the static bubble to Deep Space 2. The bridge is ready. The train takes nine hours to travel to the airlock of Deep Space 2. Although the train is only occupied by two officers, it can transport a hundred passengers. Outside the bubble the USS Ajax is waiting to transport the arrivals aboard. Nine hours later the two officers on the train knock on the door of the airlock. The airlock door opens. The greetings are... emotional.





The Ancient city ship Ledery is on its way to the city of Donorodon. After the encounter with the Wraith it is explained to Federation personnel Lieutenant Thomas and Proffesor Ultos that the Wraith are a species in war with the Ancients. The Wraith are hard to kill and feed on humans. Lieutenant Thomas wonders whether these Wraith can be a threat for the Federation...

Although Maintenance First Class Rore Kant has been able to restore communications, contact with the city of Donorodon is not working. Kant finds that strange as he has been in Donorodon three months ago for maintenance. At the time the city of Donorodon with more than twentyfour thousand inhabitants was very much alive.

"Captain Tsonu, I don't understand. Donorodon was fine when I left. I can't imagine something could have happened in such a sort period. Even if they are traveling, we should be able to open communications."

"Mister Kant, I know what you are thinking. We must hope for the best."

"I agree Captain Tsonu. We will be there in less than two days. Then we will see."

"Indeed Mister Kant. We will take precautions."

Captain Tsonu orders his first officer to prepare the Shepherd which is docked at the city. From that moment on the crew of the city ship Ledery prepares for battle. Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos don't get much information. But they don't have to. Two days later Ledery enters the Donorodon system.

"Report."

"You were right Captain. Donorodon is under attack. Two wraith hive ships, two destroyers. I can't count the darts sir. There are to many. Donorodon's shield is holding. These Wraith bombardements can continue for months. Donorodon is not yet in any danger. Communications are blocked by the Wraith. As Ledery is cloaked the Wraith cannot see us, but Donorodon cannot see us either. We could send a cloaked gateship to Donorodon to inform we are here. We can then coordinate our efforts to eliminate the Wraith."

"Excellent idea. Send a gateship. At least Donorodon will know they are not alone. But inform them also that once the Wraith are destroyed, there will be others. So they may be better of if they would leave. Although I cannot order them, tell them I advice to do so."

"Gateship is launching and will deliver your message Captain.


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 193

The Federation station Deep Space 2 is trapped in some kind of static bubble which reaches out for nine hundred kilomters around the station. All power in that bubble is off line. Chief Engineer Louis can only presume this is one of those things that could cause a shift to an alternate reality like what happened to the Deep Space 2 station that suddenly appeared out of nowhere a few days ago. That station was sent back to where it belongs, but there was a lot of help from the droids. Those droids are now also off line...

On the planet below thousands of droids have helped with building a tunnel from outside the bubble to Deep Space 2. There is a mechanical train using this tunnel. The first hundred people are already evacuated from the huge station. But it will take almost an entire week to get everyone off Deep Space 2 this way. And aside of that, Admiral Arthur wants to save Deep Space 2.

"No not whatever it takes Lieutenant."

The young officer sighs, and he continues to search for a sollution together with the more senior officers.

After a few days half of the Deep Space 2 personnel, including six civilians, have been transported by the train out of the bubble. From the platform they are transported to the planet to stay in the base. During this time activities of teams going through the stargate continue as sceduled. Deep Space 2 XO Jan has already had personal contact with the Admiral at the airlock of the station. The Admiral's orders were clear.

"Stay below. Continue the gate missions. And put the droids to work to find a way to safe the station."

"Understood sir."

After eight days the entire population of Deep Space 2 is evacuated. Admiral Arthur and Chief Engineer Louis are the last ones to leave the station. They are carrying the off line Droid 001, the Droid General. The Droid General is activated as soon as he is out of the bubble. And there is good news. There is a plan to safe the station.

"Sir, it is a rather simple idea. It is so simple we overlooked it. We will use the constructed tunnel to pull the station out of the static bubble."

"It is a big station Droid 001. Can you do that?"

"In space the mass of an object is irrelevant Admiral. The only thing is that we don't know how much time we have. So we should do it immediately."

The Admiral realises time is an issue indeed.

"I agree. Do it."

Nine gateships are attached to the platform of the tunnel. Only a few minutes later the huge station is pulled slowly, faster and faster.

"Connections are holding sir. Increasing speed. At this speed we should be able to get Deep Space 2 out of the bubble in less than an hour."

"Excellent. Keep me posted."

After exatly an hour the first parts of the Deep Space 2 station are out of the static bubble.

"Everything is going as planned sir. A few more minutes and we should have or station back."

There is a smile on Admiral Arthur's face. And that smile is getting bigger and bigger the more of the station is pulled out of the static bubble. Most systems are getting back on line. Droids already resume their duties as nothing has happened. It doesn't take long before Admiral Arthur wants to get back aboard. But then something happens.

"Sir sir! The bubble sir. It is collapsing. 94 percent of the station is now out of the static bubble sir. I have ordered to increase speed. 96 percent sir. We are almost there. The static bubble is still collapsing. 99 percent sir. The bubble is collapsed sir."

"Status of Deep Space 2. Report!"

The station is saved sir. Or at least most of it. We lost section 16, decks 11, 12 and 13. There were only some empty storage rooms sir, nothing important. But it is gone sir. Vanished. Imagine sir that we had not been able to move Deep Space 2 out of the static bubble sir..."

But the Admiral doesn't want to think about that. He has more worries now. Was this an attack on the station? Was this a natural event? What are the chances a static bubble stopping all kinds of power just happened to be around Deep Space 2?





The Ancient city ship Ledery has arrived at the city of Donorodon, which is under heavy attack by two wraith hive ships, two destroyers and lots of darts. The cloaked gateship sent by Captain Tsonu has arrived at Donorodon. It is Maintenance First Class Rore Kant who delivers the message. Kant is well known in Donorodon and he is welcomed with open arms. But as Kant looks around, he sees that life in Donorodon just continues as it always has been. But soon he is informed that the Wraith eventually will leave when they see it is hopeles to continue these attacks. The military of Donorodon are not even shooting back.

"We are peacefull Master Kant."

"With all due repect council member. But Ledery will attack and destroy the Wraith. When they do, there will be more. A feeding ground and this technology is all the Wraith want."

"The Wraith cannot use our technology. They are not genetically able to do so."

"Your stargate is blocked. Eventually they will break your shield and eat you all."

Kant doesn't impress the council member, who only smiles and walks away.

Captain Tsonu on Ledery has new orders.

"Decloak and start the attack."

Ten minutes later there is nothing left of the Wraith...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 194

With Deep Space 2 Station saved, there is still the issue of what, how, and why a static bubble could just appear and what are the chances this was a natural phenomena. The Admiral is not happy with the situation.

"I want answers. Examine every centimeter of space around the planet, starting with where this static bubble has trapped us. General Droid. Do you have any information already?"

"Yes Admiral. We have finished our calculations. To create such a bubble there is a need for a huge amount of energy."

"How much?"

The Droid General shows the Admiral his padd. The Admiral, usually very calm, is clearly surprised. He looks again. He seems speachless for a moment.

"General Droid. I don't think we can create this kind of energy, not even with all auxiliary power generators on Deep Space 2. In fact I think the Federation has no facility that can produce this amount of energy for such a long time."

"That is correct Admiral. These amounts of energy can only be found in the core of a star."

Admiral Arthur had already noticed the droids aboard Deep Space 2, were more than just robots. Sometimes Arthur had the impression the droids even had feelings. Now he was watching Droid 001, the Droid General. The Droid General was looking out of the window. It was clear he was looking at the star of the system.

"What do you think General?"

"I think our answer is there sir. I will send a team."

"Good thinking. Keep me posted."

"Aye sir."

As the General Droid left his office, Admiral Arthur already had new orders for his scientists.

"Commander Loogen, I want you to get a team together to examine all sensor logs from the station and from the planet concerning the activity of the system's star for the past 14 days, going back from the time the station was trapped in the static bubble."

"I am on it sir. Anything we have to look for in particular?"

"Anything out of the ordinary."

"Understood sir."

And so the investigation begins. A team is sent to the star and starts scanning for any possible anomaly. The sensor logs are examined. But it is a slow and frustrating job. The first days no anomalies are found. All theories of how the static buble around Deep Space 2 was created are rejected. And then there is a new distrubing report from Runabout Maas in a large orbit around the star.

"Deep Space 2. You are not going to believe this. We have been contacted from within the star. Apparently there is a ship in the core of the star sir. They only have communications, life support and their metaphisic shield is still holding. But they say they do not have propulsion. They ask for our help. That is not all sir. The person who contacted us identifies himself as Ensign Nora Nepal. We have an Ensign Nora Nepal aboard Deep Space 2 sir. She works in astrometrics."

"Runabout Maas, ask them how we can help them, but do not take any action yet."

"Understood. We will keep you posted."

In astrometrics lab 6 Ensign Nora Nepal is examining the sensor logs of the star. She is interupted.

"Ensign Nora Nepal. Please report to central operations immediately..."





The city of Donorodon has been freed of the Wraith threat. But aparently the council of Donorodon doesn't seem to realise that the Wraith will be back in greater force. After a full day Captain Tsonu decides to move on. The starship-city Ledery leaves the Donorodon system and prepares to jump to hyperspace. When Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas ask Captain Tsonu why the population of the city of Donorodon do not move away, Captain Tsonu only has one answer.

"Because they are arrogant."

Captain Tsonu turns to Maintenance First Class Rore Kant and asks him to accompany him on the next inspection of the ship, leaving the two men from the Federation. Professor Ultos shares his thoughts with Lieutenant Thomas.

"I guess it was their arrogance that made losing this war with these Wraith. Don't ever underestimate the enemy Lieutenant."

"Spoken as a true General Professor."

"I am just an old professor Lieutenant. None of these Ancients are going to listen to me. I only hope that we will not have to deal with these Wraith ourselves. Imagine these Wraith come to our Federation and eat everyone. This could be a serious threat in the future. If this threat becomes real, we will have to fight here to save the Federation. But then we will have to fight in their territory. Most important is to find out how many of these Wraith there are. What do you think Lieutenant?"

"Professor, I think you sound more and more like a General..."



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 195

Ensign Nora Nepal enters Deep Space 2 central operations. All officers present look at her. It makes her feel unconfortable.

"Ensign Nora Nepal reporting as ordered sir."

She looks around. She doesn't really know who called her and who she has to report to.

"Ensign Nora Nepal. We have a little problem. One of our runabouts in orbit of our star here, has received a call within the star. It is a ship. They have life support and their shield is holding, but they do not have propulsion. For the moment they seem to be safe."

The Admiral... The Admiral himself has called her. The thought flashes through Ensign Nora Nepal's head. Again... And again... But she stays calm.

"We could tow them out sir."

She is not sure whether she should have said something or not. Maybe she should have waited to say something. Was this a test? Could this be a test to see if she would get a promotion or not? Ensign Nora Nepal doesn't know.

"That is good thinking Ensign."

Admiral Arthur waits a second as if he is thinking. Then he continues.

"Towing them out is probably the next thing we are going to do, but it depends a little of what you think about it. You see..."

What? Nora Nepal searches her memory. Faster... No time... Why would an Ensign like her be involved with a larger problem? Will she have to decide what happens to that ship in the star? Why? She doesn't understand. But the Admiral continues seeing her confusion.

"Look Ensign. There is no way to say this the easy way so I will just throw it in your face. On that ship there is an officer called Ensign Nora Nepal. We have already checked her biosigns. She has the same DNA as you. In fact she is you. We think the ship has stranded in the star and due to some weird process about the same tiume a static bubble surrounded Deep Space 2. We don't know yet whether the ship in the star has something to do with that. We think that the events are related. A few minutes ago a message from the ship in the star said that the people aboard didn't understand why we had not towed them out yet. Which would indeed be an operation of about fifteen minutes. That is why I called you here. We think that ship in the star is a ship from an alternate universe, like the other Deep Space 2 station which appeared here a few weeks ago. We want you to talk to this Ensign Nora Nepal. Maybe you will get more out of her than we."

The communication officers report.

"Sir we have established a link between that ship and our station. The ship in the star is a Miranda class vessel by the name of USS Rise."

"Thank you Lieutenant. Patch them through on the main viewer. Ensign Nepal, the communication channel is all yours."

Ensign Nora Nepal is more than a bit nervous. When she sees her own face on the main viewer she has lost it for a short moment, but then she takes matters in her own hand.

"This is Ensign Nora Nepal aboard the space station Deep Space 2. Can you see me?"

The face on the main viewer shows a lot of signs of disbelieve and shocking amazement. But a second later this is over already.

"This is Ensign Nora Nepal aboard the USS Rise. I am the senior officer. Oh my... You are me, aren't you?"

"I am not you, but we presume you have arrived from an alternate universe. We had a same incident a few weeks ago. A copy of Deep Space 2 appeared."

"I see. We were conducting scans of our star. And suddenly we were in it. Most of the crew was gone. They were just gone. There is only fourteen people left. We really need help. We cannot stay in the star for ever."

The Droid General addresses the Admiral.

"It is probably better they stay where they are so we can send tham back where they belong, but we cannot get anyone on their ship to help. It is a dilemma..."

Then the Admiral takes a decision.

"Tow the USS Rise out of the star."





The city of Ledery is on its way to a new destination. Captain Tsonu has ordered a new course to the city of Gionathon. That was the newest city before Captain Tsonu and his crew got in stasis. While Professor Ultos starts revealing himself as a tactician, Captain Tsonu and Maintenance First Class Rore Kant make a tour of the city to see look at the most important problems.

"So what do you think of my plan Lieutenant?"

"It is a good plan Professor, but it all depends on the numbers of enemies. You need a backup plan."

"I do indeed."

But the Professor has a few weeks to make more plans...

During the weeks of travel, Lieutenant Thomas studies al there is to know about the Wraith. Apparently the Wraith have won the war with the Ancients. But the Ancients are not defeated. Most of them have been able to get themselves into safety, using the stargate system or a starship. Most of them went to other galaxies where there are new challenges. When Lieutenant Thomas asks Captain Tsonu about the destinations of the Ancients, the Captain has no answer.

"I really don't know. It has been thousands of years. But from what I have read, most of them went to other galaxies. At this time you have seen that there are indeed a few cities left in this galaxy. We have already found one and e hope to find more. If we don't find populations who want to join us, then we will continue travelling alone. We have been at war with the Wraith. Everyone on this ship knows that we have to leave this galaxy, but we also have the responsibility to inform others and try to convince it is no longer safe in this galaxy."

Then the report comes in that the Ledery has arrived in the star system of the City of Gionathon. But there is some disturbing news.

"Sir. There is no trace of the city sir..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 196

Ensign Nora Nepal aboard the USS Rise realises it is a possibility tyhat she, her crew and her ship were dragged to an alternate universe. Ensign Nora Nepal aboard space station Deep Space 2 is a bit confused by all this, but she knows that in the last month several events have caused phenomena concerning an alternate universe. The Admiral has ordered to tow the USS Rise out of the star. Runabout Ob is dispatched to do the job.

"USS Rise, this is runabout Ob. We are now docked. Please check whether the docking clambs are secured. We want to tow out your entire ship, not just a part of it."

"Understood. Checking clambs. Clambs are secured. Please feel free to get us out of the star."

"USS Rise, we will get you out. Please be adviced to report any kind of trouble. Increasing speed. Looking good."

"This is USS Rise. We have a perfect ride."

"No problems here either. USS Rise you will be out of the star in 4 minutes."

Exactly 4 minutes later the Runabout Ob and USS Rise leave the star and arrive in open space.

"This is runabout Ob to Deep Space 2. We have the USS Rise out of the star. They do not have propulsion yet. Where do I take them?"

"Ob, we have made some room in spacedock. Bay 56 is free. Approach Deep Space 2 spacedock in the standard flightpath. Spacedock will take it from there."

"Understood Deep Space 2. Approaching on the standard flightpath. Spacedock, you should have us in range of the tractor beams."

"That is correct Ob. You are in our range. Please undock with the USS Rise, so we can bring her in."

"USS Rise, this is Runabout Ob. We are disengaging the clambs. Deep Space 2 Spacedock will bring you home."

"Runabout Ob, this is USS Rise. We had a smooth ride. Thank you so much."

"You are most welcome USS Rise. Take care."

"USS Rise, this is Deep Space 2 spacedock. We are getting you in."

A few minutes later the USS Rise is in spacedock, where a group of medical and security officers is waiting. Admiral Arthur and Ensign Nora Nepal are waiting right behind them. Of the 206 crewmembers only 14 are on the USS Rise. The rest is simply vanished. When the 14 crewmembers on the USS Rise are brought to sickbay, the engineering droids are already all over the USS Rise to examine where the ship came from and how to get it back. But when some of the USS Rise crewmembers see the droids, they are confused and amazed. They explain that on their Deep Space 2 station there are no droids.They are clearly in another alternate universe...

THen there is the moment when the Deep Space 2 Ensign Nora Nepal meets with the USS Rise Ensign Nora Nepal. They are the only two who appear to be in both universes. No other USS Rise crewmember has a duplicate. There are a lot of questions.

"I am Admiral Arthur, in command of Deep Space 2. We have a lot of questions."

"I understand Admiral."

There is a pauze. The USS Rise Ensign Nora Nepal is clearly filled with emotion.

"You don't know how happy I am to see you Admiral. Although I realise you are not really my Admiral so to speak. There is something you should know sir. Just before we disappeared into the star, we received a message from Deep Space 2, saying something was happening and they could not stop it. The message said the only safe place was in the star due to the gravitational forces of the star. I didn't understand. But only a few seconds later Deep Sapce 2... Exploded sir. I was not on the bridge sir, so I can only presume our Captain has set course into the star. All 14 of us were in the same section of the ship sir. Maybe that section was the only section covered by the star at the moment the event or phenomena occured. That is probably how we survived."





By the time the Starship-city of Ledery arrives at the starsystem of the City of Gionathon, Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos have made plans to defeat the wraith if they ever show up at their home. But even Captain Tsonu and Maintenance First Class Rore Kant are a bit surprised that there is no sign of the city of Gioathon. Especially Maintenance First Class Rore Kant can't believe it. He has been in the City of Gionathon two months ago.

"Are you sure Lieutenant? Are you sure there is no trace of the City of Gionathon? A few months ago it was still here. My visit was short as there were not a lot of malfunctions. The City of Gionathon worked as it should. Please check again and scan the entire system for traces. And while you are at it, check for signs of the Wraith as well. You never know."

"Yes sir. Scanning continues."

Lieutenant Thomas is looking out of one of the windows. He knows Ledery is cloaked, but still he feels unconfortable. A city doesn't just disappear. It reminds Lieutenant Thomas a bit of the latest reports from Deep Space 2. In the last two months several events have caused ships and even a copy of Deep Space 2 had appeared from an alternate universe. Professor Ultos apparently has the same thoughts.

"Lieutenant do you think it is possible the same disruptions in the space time continuum we have seen in the region of Deep Space 2 could have happenedd here?"

"I don't know professor. You are the scientist. But I wouldn't rule that theory out just yet. If this is the case indeed, maybe we even are the cause of it all."

"I surely hope not Lieutenant. I surely hope not..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 197

"What are we going to do with the remaining crewmembers of the USS Rise sir?"

"First we have to find out what exactly happened to the USS Rise. I hear our engineers have started the investigation with the help of several droids. I expect to have the first results by tomorrow. We have already had some experience with visitors from an alternate universe. But we have to know whether this is a natural phenomena or not. For the moment we will keep the remaining crewmembers of the USS Rise apart from our crew. We should get as much information from these people and the sensor logs of the USS Rise."

"Understood sir."

As time goes by, more data is gathered on what happened to the USS Rise. The Droids have connected their own computers to the main computer of the USS Rise. Their findings will be significant for the investigation. The question is not only how the USS Rise got there, but also how to get the ship back where it belongs.

"Sir I have nothing to add really. We were all working in the same section when red alert was initiated. We didn't know what was going on. After a few minutes no commands came from the bridge, and when we contacted the bridge there..."

"Take your time crewman. We know you have been under a great deal of stress the past few days. Just take all the time you need. I can come back later if you want."

"No no no. That won't be necessary. I also want to know what happened. But I don't know much. There was no kind of energy wave, we were not under fire. I am very sure about that. We have been in battle before and I know what it is like. Whatever happened to us, it was a kind of silent... thing..."

Most of the crewmembers of the USS Rise tell the same story, from their point of view of course. But the same thing always came back. There was a red alert, they were not under attack. Admiral Arthur hopes to get more information from the sensor logs. And just as he thinks about that again he gets a call from engineering.

"Admiral."

"Yes Louis. Any news?"

"Aye sir. But I think you better come down here and have a look for yourself. And I am not sure you are going to like this."

"I am on my way."

Admiral Arthur didn't walk but ran to the turbolift. He was not more nervous than usual, but he just had to hurry. It was just a feeling. The ride directly to main engineering took the turbolift almost a minute. While the Admiral stepped out, he greeted Chief Engineer Louis.

"Good evening Admiral. Please follow me."

"This better be good Louis. He almost ran all the way to the turbolift."

The Deep Space 2 Chief Engineer smiled.

"What you are going to see is extreme, but I am not sure you are going to like it. Here it is. Droid 642. Will you show the Admiral what we have found?"

Droid 642 turns around and pushes a few buttons on a console. On the viewer all kinds of reports are shown."

"What is all this Louis?"

"Admiral, these are the reports of the scans of the planet done by several ships, but mainly by the USS Rise."

"You mean the planet of which Deep Space 2 is in orbit?"

"Aye Admiral. It is the same planet, except for one thing. As you can see in this report. The USS Rise found life signs. The life signs are from a reptile like species, without technology at all. The discovery of these life forms doesn't seem significant. And no, there are no creatures like this on the planet below in our universe. We already checked that again, three times actually."

"We are talking about another universe here Louis. Anything is possible."

"That is right sir. I didn't think about it either. I am an engineer and not a biologists, but anyone can see that there is something wrong here. There is only one species. The planet is an ice planet. How do these reptiles survive? What do they eat? How did they get there?"

"Louis, that is very interesting but I don't see the relevance here."

"Oh but you will Admiral. Later reports show that several crewmembers were able to communicate with these reptiles telepathicly. These creatures were not hostile at all. They were very much aware of their planet and even the Galaxy. The used the planet for recreation. They would be picked up again after their vacation. Just when the decision was made to send a team to the planet to make first contact, something happened to the star of the system. The USS Rise was sent out to investigate strange solar flares. The investigation took about two full days. But there was nothing strange about the star during that time. Asuming it was an only once event, the USS Rise was called back. Just when the ship turned around, the message was received to save themselves by going into the star."

"So these reptile species on vacation have seen what has happened. If they have survived, they could give us a lot of information."

"That could be Admiral. The question is, how are we going to know that. We have no way to get there. And even if we could, it is to dangerous. It looks like a one way trip to me."

"Don't worry Louis. We are not going there."

Chief Engineer Louis then shows the sensor logs of the USS Rise.

"Look Admiral. This is the moment they receive the message. This is the red alert that is initiated and this is the ship, entering the star. As you can see only the section where the survivors were at work was in the star. The rest of the crew... Wait I will show you... Do you see? They seem to be transported of the ship. And this is their destination. A ship of unknonw origin. We asume this is a ship of the reptile species on the planet, but we are not sure. That ship jumps to warp just in time to avoid a disaster. You see these solar flares. One of them has hit the station. The second just passes the USS Rise. We have not seen such activity in our star yet sir. But everything that was hit by these solar flares was apparently destroyed."

Later that evening Admiral Arthur has a short review. The question still remained, how the USS Rise was sent to this universe. He shook his head. Maybe he would never know. And what to do with the remaining crew of the USS Rise. Should they be kept here, or should they have to try to send them back? Those were all good questions, but there was not yet an answer.

Admiral Arthur walked to the door of his quarters. and then...

The entire station shook, just a short fraction of a second... Then the lights went out...




The Starship-city of Ledery has arrived at theplanet where Captain Tsonu and his crew should find the City of Gionathon. But there is no trace of the City of Gionathon. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant is the first to start an extra sensor scan. But there is nothing. No trace, no signs of the wraith... nothing as if the City of Gionathon has never been there. Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas may have an idea.

"Captain Tsonu. To be short. Recently our station Deep Space 2 has been confronted my objects to be moved from an alternate universe to ours like a starship and even a space station. Could this be a phenomena like that?"

"No professor. We our sensors detect shifts in subspace, and ruptures in the space time continuum. That includes connections to alternate universes. We detect nothing at all here. I appreciate all the help we can get on this. So when..."

"Captain Tsonu! There is a ship approaching sir. I have already called Maintenance First Class Rore Kant for a possible identification."

Maintenance First Class Rore Kant enters and looks at the viewer. He knows this ship.

"Those are merchants sir. They come every six months or so to trade. I have seen them before. I guess they didn't know the City of Gionathon is gone..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 198


The entire station shook, just a short fraction of a second... Then the lights went out...
Time is standing still on Deep Space 2. Everything is frozen. Nothing moves. Only one system is activated. In Deep Space 2 sickbay the Emergency Medical Hologram comes online.

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency. Please state... There is nobody. Is this a joke?"

"Hello Doc."

Without turning around the EMH addresses the old man behind him.

"Not you again. Oh wait. This is about the almost destruction of Deep Space 2. Isn't it?"

"Almost Doc. But we had nothing to do with that. But we do want a faster sollution before it happens again.

"It will hapen again? When? We have to warn the Admiral. Oh yes... I forgot..."

"Doc, Doc, Doc. We only want to speed up things. So I will upload some files to this portable core memory. You will give them to me... I mean the admiral."

Aside of the EMH there is one other thing wich seems to have no trouble with time standing still and which can still move. Droid General 001 enters Deep Space 2 sickbay. He nods to the old man. He puts his finger on the portable core memory. The Droid General looks at the old man.

"I have them."

While the Droid General walks out of sickbay, the EMH launches a protest.

"Why is the Droid General not affected by the time stop? And what do you need me for if he is doing everything? Next time maybe..."

But the old man shuts him up.

"Doc, Doc, Doc. I don't bring you on line everytime I stop time here. In fact I only brought you online in 67 percent of my visits. But now I need you to do something for me. You have to go to the planet to these coordinates. You will understand when you arrive. The environment is only accessable for holograms. You habe to protect your mobil emitter with a level 3 forcefield. I have uploaded the coordinates into your memory. That is all really. Got to go now. When time resumes report to the Admiral."

The old man vanishes. A moment later the lights on the station are on. Everything continues as nothing has happened. A few minutes later the Droid General and the EMH walk into the admiral's office.




Maintenance First Class Rore Kant contacts the merchant ship, while Captain Tsonu reads the latest reports on the disappearance of the City of Gionathon. These reports are short. There is still nothing. Then Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas hear Kant talking to the merchants. Apparently he is already making deals.

But Professor Ultos also takes the oportunity to make contact with the merchants. He is able to make an exchange. Some of the artifacts he has received are exceptional and he starts his study immediately.

"Captain Tsonu. The merchants have no idea what happened to the City of Gionathon. They didn't even hear any rumours. They are very happy they could trade with us, especially the water and food supplies we could deliver. It is a long way to this system for them. It is not sure they will come back here."

"Thank you Mister kant. At least they didn't come for nothing. Merchants cannot afford to invest more then they get out of it."

"Indeed Captain. Therefore I put in a little extra for them."

"Good thinking Mister Kant. Whish them all the best and tell them we will be traveling. Maybe we will meet again."

"I have already told them that sir. They were at the City of Gradena three months ago. At that time the City of Gradena was still there. So maybe that is our best chance at this time. It only takes three weeks to get there."

"Excellent Mister Kant. We will do one more scan and if we don't find any trace of the City of Gionathon, we will set course to the City of Gradena."

The next scan did not reveal any new information. The City of Gionathon was declared gone, but still with the hope to find it elswhere...



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 199

Stardate 62445.2 Admiral Arthur Personal Log
I always have some mixed feelings when I am informed by our EMH or the Droid General that we had to endure a time lapse effect caused by future myself. I cannot even imagine what kind of implications these series of actions will have for the future for me, for the crew, for this station.

I went over the request of our EMH to travel alone to a deserted planet. I have decided to give the Doc a chance to be able to be a hero. I can't imagine he would be in any danger. The Doc left this morning at 8.00 with a runabout. He wil arrive at his destination in three days. I am very curious what he has to report.

I also went over the files the General Droid showed me. Those files are very extensive and I need at least another two days to review them. The files contain new specs for the station. It is a kind of technology to neutralize the events that causes shifting in the time space continuum. The droid engineers are already working on the realisation of the new technology. Our Chief Engineer Louis has to be stopped working around the clock, but he is so enthousiastic, I decided to let him enjoy his new toys. Actually I am constructing one of those toys for myself. It is almost finished. I am very happy with it and I am sure I will have a long use for it.

And then there is this other thing. In the alternate universe of the rescued USS Rise reptiles populated the planet below Deep Space 2. They use or used it as a vacation resort. And there is a good chance they rescued the rest of the crew of the USS Rise, maybe even the crew of the alternate Deep Space 2, which was destroyed in the alternate universe. We have to find these alien reptiles. They must be advanced. But we do not know where to look. I have sent out scouts and even the USS Ajax has joined the search bu this is worse than looking for a needle in a haystack.

Lieutenant Thomas is traveling with the Ancients in a distant galaxy. Apparently they do not have much luck there either. It seems the most part of the Ancient civilisation is scattered or very difficult to find. We are all hoping for better news.

End Log

A few days later a runabout enters orbit of a planet designated as Gstaper II. Sensors are active... Scanning... There is nothing there. Not even a peptide molecule. Why was the Doc send here? What is this kind of planet? Basicly Gstaper II is a big rock.

"Deep Space 2 this is the Doc. I have scanned the entire planet. There is nothing but rocks and sand. I now am ready to land on the planet."

"Understood Doc. Have fun."




The Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu is on its way to the City of Gradena. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant already had contact with the City of Gradena And Governor Temana is actually very happy to hear other Ancients are still traveling space.

But the trip to the City of Gradena will still take a few weeks. In that time professor Ultos is studying the new artifacts he bought from the merchants.

"Ah leiutenant Thomas. Come in. Look at this magnificent piece of equipment. It is made thousands of years ago probably by some kind of engineer."

"What is that Professor?"

"It is a clock, but not just a clock. It is a clock from a planet with 26 hours in a day. That of course it not so special, but this clock is also a calendar. Look. It also shows 42 days in a moon cycle and 2 moon cycles for a season."

"That is very interesting professor, but it is just a... gadget isn't it? I am sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I know how fond you are about alien stuff."

"No no no Lieutenant. This is not about this object. This is about the search to the planet where it came from. It is part of the history of that planet."

The two are interupted by a message coming in from Deep Space 2. Lieutenant Thomas leaves the professor and after a short walk he enters the office of Captain Tsonu who is in a meeting with his lead scientist Master Liun.

"Lieutenant, what can we do for you?"

"I received a message from Deep Space 2. They are looking for a species like reptiles that communicates telepathicly. They can withstand extreme cold like 100 degrees Celsius below zero. I know it is not much, but apparently this species has a key role in the exsistance of the planet where our base is located."

Captain Tsonu looks at Master Liun.

"I will have some people looking through the database, but I cannot make any promissies. A species with those abilities is rare, so if someone met them they surely should be in the database."

A few hours later Master Liun confirms that this reptile species is indeed in the database. But the discovery was 12 thousand years ago. The species was discovered during an exploration mission of an icy planet.


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 200

Gstaper II is a big rock; The Doc just lands his runabout, checks his mobile emitter, acticates a level 3 forcefield, walks out of the craft to set his holographic foot on the rocky surface. The tricorder does not make a sound. There is nothing...

"Deep Space 2, Do you read. Come in Deep Space 2."

"This is Deep Space 2 Doc. Are you in trouble?"

"No no. I am not. But there is nothing here. It could take me a few months to scan this entire planet on the surface. What do I do?"

"I don't know Doc. Wait, the Commander wants to say something."

"Doc this is Commander Loogen. I am afraid you have to do a full search of the planet. I cannot help you with any other recommendations than to look for old ruins or some kind of structures. There has to be something. Maybe even under the surface."

"Yes Commander. I understand. The air on this planet is poison for all life forms. There is nobody here. But there could have been many centuries ago. i will report in every two hours or when I find something."

"Very wel Doc. We will be waiting for your report. Deep Space 2 out."

And so begins a sector by sector scan of the planet Gstaper II. There is something strange about the planet. It does not move around the star. If it does, it is with extreme low speed. the Doc has still not figured out why only holograms can come to this planet. Humans can use environmental suits to protect themselves against this desolate planet.

"Deep Space 2, two hours have passed. I have nothing to report."

"Understood Doc. We all hope you find something soon."

"So do I. Doc out."

But apparently the tricoder scans are not unnoticed. After about twenty hours and ten reports the Doc receives a proximity alert from the runabout. Something is coming his way...




The Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu is still on its way to the City of Gradena. Lead scientist Master Liun has informed Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos that a reptile speces which can withstand extreme cold is indeed in the Ancient database. The species lives on a planet called Navar, thousands of lightyears away. Lieutenant Thomas contacts Deep Space 2 through the stargate.

"This is Deep Space 2. Go ahead Lieutenant."

"Good morning deep Space 2. We have news about the creatures you were looking for, the reptiles which can survive the extreme cold. These creatures have been discovered by the Ancients 12 thousand years ago on a planet called Navar. But we are not even close to this planet and there is no stargate there or closeby. I will send you the coordinates."

"We have received the coordinates. Hmmm. Even with transwarp velocity, this will take at least nine months from where you are now. We cannot send you a ship with transwarp capability through the stargate to you anyway. So we have to figure out a way to get there fast. Professor Ultos, maybe you have an idea?"

"I am afraid not Admiral. The only thing I can think of is to stuff a gateship full of resources and just go there with a few droids. Then the pilots must be imune against solitary madness."

"If we do not have a better idea within a week, we will execute your plan with two volonteers. We cannot lose to much time. We don't know when something from an alternate universe crosses our path again. So keep thinking and let me know when you found something."

"Admiral... Yes Admiral..."

"OK then. Deep Space 2 out."

A moment of silence. The connection is terminated. Professor Ultos turns to Lieutenant thomas.

"You know, sarcasme is not really my thing. I guess the Admiral took my plan as a real possibility. I wonder where he will find volonteers for such a mission. We must find another way. We simply must..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 201

While scanning the lifeless rock Gstaper II the Deep Space 2 EMH has not found anything than rock and sand. The atmosphere of the planet is not sutable for any life forms...

But that is not the main problem the Doc has at the moment. There is a large object approaching his Runabout. It is not entirely clear what it is, but it is not a ship. That is certain.

The Doc uses his program to interface with the Runabout's sensors. It doesn't take much time to figure out the approaching object is a piece of rock similar to the planet Gstaper II. In fact it has the same composition as the planet... It is a lifeless rock as well, except smaller. It looks like an asteroid. When the asteroid passes by the Runabout on the other side there is something that even amazes the EMH. He contacts Deep Space 2.

"Deep Space 2, This is the Doc at Gstaper II. I think I have found something here."

"Go ahead Doc. What have you found?"

"There is this asteroid passing by and there is a small structure build on it. I am going to investigate."

"At least now we know you have not been sent to these coordinates without purpose."

"Yes indeed. The asteroid is in orbit of the planet. It is more a moon than an asteroid, but it is much smaller."

"Can you land on the asteroid Doc?"

"Yes I can. I am already on my way, adjusting speed. That is it. I have landed about ten meters from the structure."

"Be careful Doc. You may be a hologram and we have a copy of you here, but you are also an artificial person. So take precautions."

"I may be artificial, but I am not stupid. I will get back to you after I had a look at the structure."

"OK Doc. Keep us posted."

"Understood. Doc out."

The Deep Space 2 EMH steps out of the Runabout while having his program adjust for the low gravety on the asteroid. Slowly he walks towards the structure. Strangely the structure is perfectly reserved. It takes the Doc almost five minutes to find the main entrance. Once inside power seems to be activated. The lights illuminate a large hall. There are several consoles in the hall. This hall seems to be a lab of some kind. Aside of the lab there are some smaller rooms, apparently staterooms. The main door closes. When the Doc turns around, there is a person standing a few meters away from him.

"Hello Doc. I see you finally made it. Don't worry. I am just a hologram, just like you. Come with me. We have a lot of work to do. You see, shifting to an alternate universe is not something new. but it can be controled. In this station on this little moon of Gstaper II some scientists were working on a bridge between alternate universes. That was about 20 thousand years ago. Gstaper II had a population of more than 200 million. But the experiment was a failure and everyone on the planet vanished. I presume they all ended up in an alternate universe. But that is only my theory."

"Wait a minute. You look familiar, but who are you and how do you know all this?"

"I am the holographic image of Colonel Thomas. You know me as a young Lieutenant, before... Oh I forgot. I cannot tell you anything about that. And how I know all this, is because it is all in the database. You can access that database over here at this console."

It doesn't take long for the Deep Space 2 EMH to get up to date...




The Ancient City Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu is still on its way to the City of Gradena. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant has already made contact with Gradena. Until now the other cities Captain Tsonu and his crew wanted to visit, were gone. Maybe they were destroyed by the Wraith or the city councils decided it was better to leave because of the Wraith threat.

Professor Ultos aboard Ledery has a few days to come up with a plan to visit a planet called Navar where the Ancients have seen the reptiles who Admiral Arthur wants to talk to. But the professor has not yet found a way to shorten the travel time needed to go to Navar. Still he is also sure these reptiles have to do with the shifting to alternate universes. And then it suddenly comes to him. He calls Lieutenant Thomas.

"Lieutenant. I have got it. We will take a gateship and use the stars for a slingshot. We jump from star to star. We can be at Navar in only one week if my calculations are correct."

"Isn't that dangerous professor? And with we, do you want to say you and me? Maybe the structural integrety of the ship we are going to use will not hold."

"The shields should compensate for that."

The stargate is used to bring over a special equiped gateship a few droids and two volonteer pilots from Deep Space 2 to the Ancient City Starship Ledery. Only a few days later the gateship is ready to start the extremely fast but dangerous voyage.

"This is Gateship 29. We are ready to leave."

"This is Ledery control. Gateship 29 you are clear to launche. Good luck."

"Thank you Ledery. We will be back before you know it."

Gateship 29 is launched and starts it's trip to the first star...



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 202

The Deep Space 2 EMH has gone through the database on in the artificial base in the asteroid in orbit of the planet Gstaper II. Aside of the Doc a holographic image of Colonel Thomas is helping out when there is a problem. But there are not many.

At some points the Doc feels a bit helpless as he receives information about the future, but his programming does not allow him to communicate about it. Some of the data of the future is erased from his own memory. Then he knows there was something there, but he doesn't know what it was. It is almost frustrating.

"Why do I receive information to be deleted afterwards?"

"That is an easy one Doc. The information you need is at... let's say level 12. To get to level 12 you have to pass all other levels below and you cannot do that unless you get the necessary information of those levels. As you do not need the information afterwards, it is erased from your memory. Knowledge of the future can be a tricky thing Doc. Better safe than sorry."

The Deep Space 2 EMH looks at the Colonel Thomas hologram.

"I understand that. But I don't like it."

"Don't worry about it to much Doc. You have to get the information you need out of this database. We don't want us to disappear into an alternate universe."

"I keep forgetting your faith is the same as ours. If I mess up now or our station Deep Space 2 is transfered to an alternate universe you, our future selves are gone as well. Why don't you come to the past and do it yourselves?"

"Indeed Doc. You got it right. And we want to keep things as they are. It will take much more time to repair than to prevent. And yes you now carry the burdon on your shoulders."

"I am not sure I like that."

The Deep Space 2 EMH has arrived at level 12 of the database. The information needed is at this level. He starts downloading the data. While the downloading continues, the Doc realises he does not understand anything he is downloading. Again he lookst at the hologram of Colonel Thomas.

"I don't understand any of this. How can this data help us?"

"Well doc, because the lower levels of the database have been erased out of your memory, you lack some data to understand this. But don't worry. The engineer droids aboard Deep Space 2 understand fully what they have to do with this information."

"All right. I see. But isn't it a big risk to just get me here and do this alone? What happens if there is a glitch, or if my program goes off line for whatever reason? What if I can't make it back to Deep Space 2, or if I am to late?"

"You will succeed Doc. And I can add that you are the only one who can succeed."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Come on Doc. You will just have to trust me. You have always trusted me. And I have always trusted you..."

It is silent for a moment. For a tenth of a second it seems the hologram of Colonel Thomas shows some emotion.

A few minutes later the Deep Space 2 EMH has downloaded all the data which is needed to prevent any transfers of this universe to an alternate universe. Of course if this information is not available in an alternate universe... The Doc doesn't want to think about those complex paradoxes. He contacts Deep Space 2.

"Deep Space 2, my mission was a success. I cannot send you the data as the signal degradation will prevent a successful data transfer. I will get back now."

"Great work Doc. We will open the door for you when you arrive. Deep Space 2 out."

But before he goes, the Doc still has a few questions for the hologram of Colonel Thomas.

"Will we be safe once the countermeasures have been taken?"

"You should be."

"Colonel Thomas, you are not a hologram aren't you? You are a holographic transmission from the future."

There is a moment of silence. Then Colonel Thomas smiles.

"I was sure you would figure that out Doc. But there is no other way to do this."

"I see. I can only thank you for your help then."

"No need for that Doc. First of all we are helping you so you can help us. And besides, that information will be erased as soon as you have left the asteroid."

"I see. So again we will be left in the dark."

"There is no other way Doc. You better go now."

The Deep Space 2 EMH turns around saying good-bye. He waves, Steps into the runabout and takes off, thinking he has met an interactive holographic image of a future version of Lieutenant Thomas. Aside of the Console the holographic image of Colonel Thomas waits until the Doc has taken off from the asteroid. He smiles and then he whispers.

"It was great to see you again my friend. Until the next time."

Then the transmission from the future ends. The console shuts down. It is silent...




While the Ancient City Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu is still on its way to the City of Gradena. Maintenance First Class Rore Kant has made some calculations on the arrival.

Gateship 29 has made its first slingshot around a star to gain speed. Navar now is six days away. Aboard Ledery Professor Ultos and Lieutenant Thomas can only wait. The mysterious reptile creatures who know something about traveling to other universes, should be living on Navar. But it is not certain. Many millenia have passed since the ancients have discovered these creatures.

A day before Gateship 29 arrives at Navar, Ancient City Starship Ledery arrives at the city of Gradena. But right in front of them The city of Gradena disappears.

"Report."

"It is gone captain. Sensors do not detect the city of Gradena. I don't understand. I don't understand..."


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 203

The Deep Space 2 EMH arrives at Deep Space 2 knowing he holds the key data to prevent Deep Space 2 jumping to an alternate universe. But he doesn't know what it is. It is the General Droid himself who downloads the data into the Deep Space 2 main memory storage. After the download is complete, the Doc still has some questions.

"General, how do you know what to do?"

"I just do what the data instructs me to do."

"What if this data is all wrong?"

"I can see that Doc. Even the engineering droids can see that. Look they have already come into action."

At least twenty engineering droids have started to build a large device. Just then Admiral Arthur comes in with Deep Space 2 Chief Engineer Louis. The Admiral adresses the General Droid and the EMH who is still standing in the large hall.

"Welcome back Doc. I hear you did a great job. General, report."

"Admiral. We have dowloaded the data and are now constructing the necessary defensive devices to prevent that we will jump to another or alternate universe. We are building the same constructions on the planet. The work should be done in nine hours, an hour of testing... I am sure that within ten hours we will be up and runnning."

"Excellent. Is the detector ready?"

"Yes indeed. We can now detect any rifts from alternate universe almost a day before they occur."

The EMH still has some concerns.

"But what about... the other universes. Will they have this technology as well? What will be do if there will be ten Deep Space 2 stations appearing in front of us?"

Admiral Arthur knows that all the data has been erased from the Doc's memory. And this is indeed a question of trust.

"We will deal with that if it happens Doc. Don't worry about it. We will be able to handle it and even offer help to the victims."

The Doc is not yet convinced.

"Yes Admiral, but do we already know who is causing these rifts between universes?"

Now the Admiral looks at the general.

"That is a negative Admiral. It was not in the data. So the Doc has a good point. We have to look into that. I think the Doc wants to battle the cause instead of the symptoms"

"Exactly General, thank you. But I am not going back to that horrible piece of rock to find out."

Everyone agrees.

"You don't have to do that Doc. If it was necessary we would have received that information with this data. So I presume it is a natural phenomena."

Not entirely reassured but without more options the EMH returns to Deep Space 2 sickbay to resume his duties. While the engineering droids and the engineers continue the work on both the station as well as the planet, the Admiral returns to Deep Space 2 Central Operations where he reads the latest reports on the Ancient City Starship Ledery and the search for other Ancient cities, but also the search for the mysterious reptile creatures who should be living on Navar and who know something about traveling to other universes.




Aboard the Ancient City Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu everyone is shocked to see that the city of Gradena has vanished. Even Maintenance First Class Rore Kant has no explanation. He has talked to people of the city of Gradena minutes before the city disappeared. There didn't seem to be a problem at all.

Captain Tsonu decides to stay and start an investigation. When Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos offer their help their assistance is much welcomed.

Shortly after Gateship 29 arrives at the planet called Navar. But even before the crew can perform scans of the planet, all power of the gateship drops to a minimum. The droids aboard imediately start a search for malfunctions.

"We have life support, no communications, no propulsion, no shields, no weapons..."

"We are in a stable orbit."

"If this is an attack we are totally defenceless."

Then there is a voice. It seems to come from everywhere.

"We are so sorry. One of our younglings thought he had found a nice new toy. No harm was intended. How can we help you?"



The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 204


Stardate 62469.4 Admiral Arthur Personal Log
It took almost half a day to construct the device that will be blocking Deep Space 2 moving to another alternate universe. Of course this device does not prevent other entities coming to our universe from their universe. I dare not think about the possible chaos all of this could bring to our universe. That is why it is absolutely necessary the cause of these shifts is found. In the data received from our EMH there is nothing about the cause of the shifts.
Although I must say we are hopeful. I just received a report from Gateship 29. Gateship 29 has arrived at the planet called Navar and made contact with inhabitants. It is our only lead to the reptilian creatures who live on the planet below and then only in one of the alternate universes. It is not certain these reptilian creatures will ever come to our planet.
The more I think about these alternate universes and all those possibilities, I am getting more and more crazy. I am so happy we have this device protecting our station and the planet.
I have read all kinds of reports of Starfleet crews and personnel and their experiences with alternate universes. It seems to be a miracle that we are still in the universe we should be in. This is really getting crazy. I have to stop thinking about it.
For the rest the station's crew is back to regular duties. All ships have received a device as well. Nothing can happen now.
I have also good news for my XO. He has been granted with the rank of Lieutenant-General. General Jan will continue his duties as commanding officer of the USS Ajax. The General is also working on the building of a supergate. Based on the stargate we are planning to build a gate through wich we can send entire fleets. The only problem is that we need a supergate to connect with. I guess this is still a plan and not yet something we can realise in the near future.
I also was happy to read a report of one of our archaeological surveys in sector 457895. Apparently there was a destroyed fleet of ships floating in space, but still some ships were not that badly damaged. We don't know what kind of battle or between who, but the findings are very interesting as the found ships are clearly from two sides. Our archaeologists have dated the ships and the debris at two hunderd thousand years ago. I will follow the reports about these findings with muhc interest.
And then there is the last report from the planet itself. One of the gate teams has visited a planet through the gate designated as MM-487. The planet seems to be paradise. There is only plant life. It is so peaceful I have decided to have a visit to this planet as well. It seems to be an option for our crew to spend some R&R.
End Log

An hour later Admiral Arthur is completely packed as a mule stepping through the gate to arrive on MM-487 where he is welcomed by Lieutenant-Commander Peeters.

"Good morning Admiral. Welcome to paradise."

The Admiral looks around.

"You might be right Commander. But we have to be absolutely sure. that is why I brought these."

"What are those Admiral?"

"It is a little... trick..."




On the other side of the universe there is some very good news.

"Sir! Sir! It is back sir. The city of Gradena is back sir."

Aboard the Ancient City Starship Ledery under command of Captain Tsonu, Maintenance First Class Rore Kant jumps up.

"I knew it. I knew it. The cities cannot just disappear like that."

Capatin Tsonu cannot be more than happy. He taps Kant on the shoulder. Some crewmembers of the Ledery fall into eachothers arms.

"Captain, we are contacted by Gradena."

"Let's hear it lieutenant."

The communication channel is open.

"City of Ledery, I am council member Nulos. So it is true. Captain Tsonu. You are most welcome. We have asked the other cities to relocate as we were not sure who you could be. You have been away for at least ten thousand years. I will ask the other cities to gather here at Gradena. It is time we brought our people back together. i apologize for the confusion, but with the Wraith in larger numbers and the Replicators who have build an entire planet and are no longer vulnerable to our programming. It is time for us to regroup."

Everyone in the command center of Ledery is looking at eachother in amazement. The ancients are known for their arrogant superior attitude and what Gradena council member Nulos has just said indicates a serious change in that attitude.

Lieutenant Thomas whispers to Professor Ultos that there might still be hope for the Ancients after all.

Not far away from Gradena, the Gateship 29 team has made contact with the Navarians. They are indeed the reptilians who like cold temperatures a lot. A few of them agree to travel to the DS2 ice planet. Navar has a stargate. Within the hour three Navarians arrive with Gateship 29 at the planet where it is even colder than the Navarian home planet. the navarians imediately feel at home. Temperatures below 100 degrees is paradise for them...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 205

Admiral Arthur is accompanied by Lieutenant-Commander Peeters for a short tour of the paradise planet MM-487.

"We set up a small headquarters here. Currently there are 26 people exploring this planet. They only have found beauty. Sir, do you think this is to good to be true? You don't trust this?"

"It is in my nature Commander. And it is my job to see that everyone is safe. So let's see what we can see..."

The Admiral takes a small box out of his backpack and puts it on the ground. A few buttons and lights are the only means on the box to make it do something. The Admiral pushes the red button. The red light is on. The Admiral looks around. Lieutenant-Commander Peeters looks at him.

"What is that sir?"

But the Admiral doesn't answer. He pushes the yellow button. The yellow light is on. The Admiral looks around again. He snifs.

"Sir?"

Apparently Lieutenant-Commander Peeters is getting more worried. She doesn't like it when something happens and she has no idea what it is. But then again, he is the Admiral. So it would be not appropriate to interfere in whatever he is doing. But still she is eager to get a little more information.


"Sir, may I speak frankly?"

"Always Commander."

"Sir, I am a little worried about what you are doing. I have never seen a device like that before."

The Admiral looks at Lieutenant-Commander Peeters, pushes the green button and looks around. The green light on the box is on. The Admiral takes his phaser. His hand is next to his body with the phaser. Lieutenant-Commander Peeters steps back two steps. She points at the box.

"Sir, that is some kind of weapon, isn't it? Something you took out of the archive with all that stuff from the ancients. Not even Professor Ultos knew what most of those things were for. Is this that device that could destroy something specific or destroy everything except something specific. I can't understand myself anymore. So the rumors are true? Sir? If this is the case sir. Wouldn't that be mass murder? Sir?"

Somebody shouts.

"Movement!"

Three security officers are waving and instructing people to leave the area.

"Back to the gate! Now!"

An blurry shadow moves slowly towards Admiral Arthur. The shadow changes into a humanoid creature.

"Please stop. Not do. Please stop. We are peaceful. We only observe. Please not kill us. Please."

Admiral Arthur pushes all three buttons on the box. The lights on the box go out. The Admiral nods. He adresses the creature.

"We don't like being watched. Who are you?"




On the other side of the universe Captain Tsonu on board the city starship Ledery orders Ledery to land next to the city starship Gradena.

Maintenance First Class Rore Kant is the first to enter Gradena and greet council member Nulos While they are talking Captain Tsonu joins them accomapnied by Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos.

Later there is a small reception. Other ancient city starships have arrived. A few days later it is time for Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos to go home. They say goodbye and whish everyone the best. A few moments later they step through the stargate on Ledery to arrive at Deep Space 2 Alpha Gate Command a minute later.

A few days later Gateship 29 also arrives at Deep Space 2 Alpha Gate Command, But they are not bringing a reptilian from Navar.

"Sir, The Navarans will arrive in a few weeks. They use subspace ships sir. Very fast if you ask me...


The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 206

On MM-487 Admiral Arthur has deactivated the small box he was holding. An unknown creature has appeared out of nowhere begging not to kill him. He is almost histerical. But he looks humanoid. When he seems calm again he introduces himself.

"Me am Lotar. Shadows we live in. Scientists we are. Observing we do. No harm is intended."

Admiral Arthur looks at Lotar. His face hasn't changed since he has arrived on MM-487.

"I am Admiral Arthur representing the United Federation of Planets. We are peaceful. We do not want to harm you, but we do not like to be spied upon or if there is a threat we will act accordingly."

Lieutenant-Commander Peeters sights almost not to be heard. She can only be happy that this encounter hasn't ended in a violent one. She reminds herself of Starfleet regulations, about visiting other planets, first contact and all basics of the prime directive. Lotar is the first to speak again.

"Pleased we are to meet you."

He waves and another creature appears out of nowhere. Lotar adresses the other.

"Hurok, please spread the word. No hostile intentions from this people. Get to work again."

Hurok takes a small device and says a few words into it. A few moments later a few other of Lotar's science group appear. They spread out over the area and apparently they are scanning the plant life.

"There are only five of us."

Lotar still seems to be a bit scared. But he must feel he has no choice then to be open.

"We are from the planet Gtsa. The trouble your universal translater first had with our language is now adjusted. We are studying the plants on the planet. When the ring gate activated we didn't know what to expect. We are not soldiers and we do not fight, so the only way to observe was to hide. We appologize for our actions and we do hope we can have nice relations in the future. If that is all right for you of course.

Admiral Arthur looks around.

"Lotar, it is a pleasure to meet you and this is the first contact we make with your species. I will go back home and inform our Federation Council of your presence here. I am sure they will send a delegation to meet with your people. I am sure we can all live and work peacefully together on this planet. Maybe some kind of cooperation is possible betwen our people."

"That would be fabulous. I will contact my government as well. This seems to become a fantastic day. Thank you so much."

"I have to return now Lotar. This one of my officers, Lieutenant-Commander Peeters. She oversees our activities on this planet."

Lieutenant-Commander Peeters steps forward. Lotar bows.

"Lieutenant-Commander Peeters is a long name..."

"Just call me Peeters."

Admiral Arthur waves and steps back through the gate. He has more important things to worry about. When he arrives at Deep Space 2 Alpha Gate Command, he immediately steps in a runabout to fly to the Deep Space 2 station in orbit of the ice planet DS2 Alpha. As the Navarans will arive shortly he only has very little time to prepare another diplomatic mission...




Lieutenant Thomas and Professor Ultos have returned to Deep Space 2. They will maintain contact with the Ancients on Ledery. Captain Tsonu and Maintenance First Class Rore Kant are of course invited to visit Deep Space 2 as well. Lieutenant Thomas has written a full report, which is being read by the Admiral when the Lieutenant enters the big office.

"Lieutenant Thomas reporting in sir."

"Lieutenant. Please take a seat. You had a real adventure didn't you. And you didn't have to do anything. No no no. There is nothing wrong with that. Observing is also a recon mission. I have informed the Federation Council of the possiple diplomatic relations with the Ancients. Nice work on the Navarans too. I have already complimented Professor Ultos as well. He couldn't wait to get back in his precious archive to study more of these artifacts. He has of course an unending source of information now he downoaded the Ancients database. It seems like a work of a life time. But you are not joining him Lieutenant. I have a more pressing matter you should look into. A first encounter on the planet HG-55 has made our survey team run like hell. But they are cut of from the gate. All of this happened five minutes ago. They say they are not in any danger, but we want to make sure they are not. So you take a team to HG-55 and have a look. It is not clear to me why the survey team had to run. So you will report about that first thing."

"Yes sir."

Lieutenant Thomas turns around, leaves the office, transports to Deep Space 2 Alpha Gate Command and meets up with his team. The briefing is short.