Arkos
Sol Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Brimming with activity, Arkos shipyard was now operating at peak efficiency. Vessels damaged during the final battle against the Lucian Alliance sat at dock. Swarming across their exteriors were arachnid repair robots. Internally, technicians labored to restore full function to damaged systems. A docking level below the repair activity taking place on damaged Athena Class vessels, those vessels destroyed during the final battle sat at rest.
These fractured and broken hulks were treated with care. Teams of recovery specialists entered the assorted hull sections, to collect the human remains of service members who had given their lives. Once located, these remains were treated with the utmost care and respect. Once removed from their fallen ships, those who had given their lives were transferred to a vessel that would transport all remains to Earth. Draped over the coffins of each, were two flags; the flag of their nation, and the pale blue flag of Earth.
Data recorders were also collected from these now lifeless warships. Once that data was secured, it would be fed into the Arkos database, where it would be evaluated. This information would allow both Arkos and Earth to evaluate the performance of both ship and crew. Even in death, lessons can be learned. From there, the charred hulls and ruined systems would remain for a time. This material would be used as feedstock for the construction of replacement vessels. As in nature, death fosters rebirth and renewal.
On many levels, this construction was already underway. New vessels, at various stages of construction, could be seen in great numbers. Having proven itself in combat, the Ascension Class was growing in number. The next eight vessels of the Ascension Class could be seen taking shape. On the lowest ship construction level of Arkos, the newest Prometheus Class carrier was nearing completion. Several levels above the Ascension Class new construction, vessels of the Athena and Advanced Capabilities Daedalus Class were also in the early phases of construction.
High above, in the upper reached of Arkos, within ship construction and docking bays too small for even the Improved Daedalus Class, separate new construction was beginning. These new vessels, numbering twenty-three, were the first of a new class. While the Ascension and Athena Class were fearsome, not all situations called for such heavy combatants. Though incredibly powerful, and capable of striking fear in the heart of any they faced, these two classes suffered from low numbers. This lack of numbers meant that Earth's heavy combatants were reserved for situations requiring overwhelming firepower.
This realization was the driving force behind the Stiletto Class. Measuring ninety-eight feet in length, with a beam of forty-six feet wide, and only twenty feet in height; Stiletto was slight in size. What Stiletto lacked in size, she would more than make up for with capability, and numbers. Carrying a crew of ten, each Stiletto would be equipped with four reaction drive pods, for subluminal travel, as well as the very same hyperdrive used on the C-3 Beagle carrier based transport.
Sensor capability came in the form of a massively upgraded sensor suite, tracing its origins to the sensor package used aboard Puddle Jumpers. This sensor suite was also optimized to integrate with other allied vessels, to form a fully networked and complete tactical picture. Like the Jumper, to each Stiletto, a cloak would be equipped. Unlike each Jumper, Stiletto would also have a conformal defensive energy shield. In a rear sealed launch area, each Stiletto would carry a single Jumper. This Jumper would serve as a landing craft, and in an emergency, act as a lifeboat for the crew of ten.
Lacking the size of a heavy combatant, use of either the neutrino-ion generator or the Arcturus was impossible. Instead, a power cell system, which recharged while at dock was used. This power cell system answered power needs for sub-light operations, when not in combat. For combat needs, as well as power requirements for each Stiletto's hyperdrive, a single Zero Point Module would be used. Some might argue that use of the Zero Point Module provided a solution that far outweighed power needs, but use of the ZPM provided a power solution that was at hand though underutilized, and had proved to be incredibly stable over long periods of time.
Providing the offensive punch to the Stiletto Class were already proven weapon systems. Top and bottom, two anti-fighter energy weapons turrets would be affixed. From recesses in the hull, along the port and starboard side, a single medium power Asgard derived ion cannon would provide a heavier energy weapons punch. While these two energy weapons systems were capable, they lacked the ability to allow Stiletto to punch far above its weight. To allow for the ability to directly engage a much heavier combatant, each Stiletto would come equipped with magazine packaged anti-ship missiles, in two magazines of eight. Much like the PT boat of old, vessels of the Stiletto Class would be able to hold at threat front line warships far larger than they.
Military planners across Earth hungered for the capability this new class would provide. In coming weeks Stiletto, Anlace, Bayonet, Blade, Dirk, Poniard, Skean, Stylet, Switchblade, Bolo, Dagger, Lancet, Scalpel, Scythe, Sickle, Fairbairn, Cudgel, Blackjack, Shillelagh, Truncheon, Mace, Razor, and Epee would be complete. This first production run would allow for usage evaluations, to better understand how this new ship class could and would be fought. Following that, in individual detachments, the vessels of this newest class would deploy into multiple galaxies, to stand guard over colony worlds, while also patrolling nearby space.
Elsewhere in Arkos, other more strategically important construction was also taking place. In sealed construction bays, critical systems needed for the next massive Fleet Station were nearing completion. Systems already complete, were packaged, loaded aboard one of several vessels, and awaiting shipment. Unlike Fleet Stations standing in Pegasus and the Milky Way, this new Fleet Station was destined for a new locale altogether. In fighter production bays, UCAV's, F-302's, and F-400 Harpy Eagles were also being built in great number.
In docking bays outside of these production bays, six Athena Class vessels, along with eight Arkos built and Replicator piloted Aurora Class vessels sat. For the Replicators, their ship contribution to the effort to come revolved around the Aurora Class, as their homegrown designs were currently under construction. These vessels had already been checked, and then rechecked, to ensure all systems were operating perfectly. Aboard these vessels, copious amounts of supplies were being loaded. Alongside these powerful warships belonging to two civilizations were four Replicator constructed cargo vessels; each loaded with further supplies and material. Known as Task Force Drake, and named after the first man to circumnavigate Earth; Task Force Drake would soon take a step not into the unknown, but the semi-known, to a distant corner of the universe. This effort was one of two such efforts. The second, for now centered around USS Hermes, would focus on a galaxy within the Local Group, known as the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Onboard Hermes, Colonel Cameron Mitchell sat in his command chair on his vessel's bridge. He had waited for this mission; a mission postponed multiple times. Finally, his time to venture into a new and unexplored galaxy was at hand. His mission, was to follow the path of star gates laid out in the galaxy beyond Pegasus, which Destiny had followed in the early days of her journey. As a ship captain, this was the type of mission Mitchell had craved since taking command.
"Take us out." Mitchell ordered, barely able to suppress an excited grin.
In response, Hermes slowly backed away from her docking station. Normally, departure from Arkos involved coordination with departure control, but not today. Hermes was the only departure scheduled, allowing for a faster pace than normal. Sub-light engines, at steerage way power settings, propelled Hermes away from her docking point, and towards the energy shield separating the interior of Arkos from space. Across the station, an announcement rang out.
"Hermes departing."
Aware of this vessel's mission, all aboard Arkos turned their gaze to the Athena Class vessel. Each who watched the departing vessel wished to be a member of the mission Hermes was undertaking. As the great vessel passed through the energy barrier, each silently wished Colonel Mitchell and his crew good luck, before returning their attention to other tasks.
Free from the bonds of Arkos, Hermes accelerated. Moments later, at a distance of one hundred thousand kilometers from Arkos Station, a hyperspace window opened. Passing through that dimensional window, Hermes vanished, as she raced away, towards a new galaxy. What would she and her crew find there? Only time would tell.
Depository Planet
Eight Hundred Light Years From Hybrid Home World
Ida Galaxy
The depository planet, as it was known, was a world isolated from the Ida galaxy at large. Once equipped with a gate, which was subsequently removed, this world was home to a civilization transported from the Milky Way galaxy. This civilization was known throughout the Milky Way as Jaffa, but more pointedly, members of the Separatist Jaffa movement. On this world, lacking in any technology, the Separatist Jaffa lived a primitive existence.
Since their arrival on this world, the Separatist Jaffa had existed as hunter gatherers. Breaking down into seven tribes, these Jaffa had for a time waged primitive battles for control of rich hunting grounds. Their only exposure to technology was the occasional sighting of a Vanir or Hybrid vessel, as they soured through the skies above. None of the Jaffa exiled to this world was under the illusion that they would ever be more than prisoners, locked within a prison with no walls.
High above the forested landscape, beyond the upper reaches of the depository planet's atmosphere, a collection of four Vanir Biliskner Class vessels sat in orbit. Contained within the patter buffers of the Asgard transport beam systems equipped to each Biliskner, was the surviving remains of the Lucian Alliance. These survivors were ship crews that had wisely surrendered, and those from Possara lucky enough to have been caught in a Hybrid culling beam. The mission of the Vanir task force was simple; deliver the Lucian Alliance survivors to the depository world for permanent exile.
In total, slightly more than eleven thousand Lucian Alliance survivors would be transported to the world below. To afford a greater chance of long term survival, survivors were beamed to the world at many different locations. In each instance, the number of survivors per location was limited to five hundred individuals. It was hoped that this would allow survivors better access to wild game, while preventing territorial disputes with other survivors, as well as the Separatist Jaffa tribes.
Standing on the bridge, watching the Vanir bridge crew diligently performing their task, Todd remained silent for a time. Though he would never admit it, Todd envied the Vanir as far as vessel capabilities were concerned. Having also suffered a spilt from his people during the late days of the Earth's war against the Wraith, Todd identified with the Vanir. Todd's hope was for a long and fruitful relationship with his Pegasus allies, but was under no illusions that the Vanir were also watching over his own conduct in Ida. Altering his gaze to his pet standing beside him, Todd was amused by the clear discomfort on Kefflin's face.
"You look ill." Todd pointed out.
"I find the sight before me sickening." Kefflin replied with clear disgust, though not for Todd.
"Had you managed to defeat Earth, I doubt you would have shown the mercy your people are being shown." Todd countered.
"Mercy? You call the exile of my people to an uninhabited world, in another galaxy, mercy?" Kefflin questioned.
"This world is not uninhabited. Acquaintances of your people call this world home, and are very eager to greet them. I believe you know them as the Separatist Jaffa." Todd replied.
"This is where they were exiled to? Are they truly eager to greet my people?" Kefflin asked.
"Based on their uptick in spear and arrow production, I would say yes." Todd taunted.
"What will you do with me?" Kefflin asked, suddenly feeling very cold and vulnerable.
"I'm taking you somewhere special, where we won't be interrupted, so we can get to know each other better. You look like someone who loves a good game of chase. Where we are going, you will run, while I chase." Todd continued to taunt.
"What if I refuse to run?" Kefflin asked in defiance.
"Then I will introduce you to pain beyond your comprehension. After you heal, we will simply try again. I do find your defiance delicious though. In days past, you would have made a wonderful meal." Todd said with a malicious smile.
Hearing these words, all color drained from Kefflin's face. This was his new reality. For the third time in an hour, Kefflin again silently wished for death.
Hall of the Alliance of Five Great Races
New Heliopolis
Milky Way Galaxy
Since the attack on Earth, New Heliopolis had not hosted a meeting of the Alliance of Five Great Races. Now that peace had returned, that oversight was being rectified. Unlike scheduled meetings, this latest session was being called for by a member race; the Nox. This startled the other member races, simply because the Nox had never before asked for an emergency session. Clearly, the Nox urgently wished to discuss a matter of great importance.
Over a twenty minute period, delegates from four of the five races arrived through the New Heliopolis gate. From the Ancient's, Melia served as chief delegate. For the Asgard, Penegal represented the Asgard High Council. Dorin, as always, served as the Furling representative. Due to the last minute scheduling of this session, Colonel Paul Davis served as the Earth representative, filling in for former President Henry Hayes.
For ten minutes, the collection of four delegates exchanged pleasantries, while waiting for the Nox delegate to arrive. As the appointed time for this session drew near, still the Nox delegate had not yet arrived through the gate. This led to a unanimous decision by all, to shift their wait into the Hall. Upon entering the meeting chamber, all were surprised to see Lya of the Nox seated already. Instead of her normally serene expression, on Lya's face were traces of something else. Taking their seats, the session was called to order, while Dorin stared intently at Lya, trying to understand her change in demeanor.
"This conclave is called to order. As the Nox have requested this special session, I yield the floor to Lya, representative of the Nox." Melia began.
"The Nox have watched Earth's war with concern. It is understood by my people that this war was thrust upon Earth, by an enemy intent on destruction. My people mourn the lives lost on Earth, but actions taken by Earth in response to the attack their world my people cannot condone." Lya began, with clear discomfort.
"If I may ask, for clarifications sake, what specifically can the Nox not condone?" Colonel Davis questioned.
"In response to the attack on Earth, your world's leaders willfully engaged in the wholesale destruction of entire worlds, and the populations of those worlds. This was not done for any other reason than calculated retribution. The Nox see these actions as emblematic of Earth's lack of maturity, and appear the actions of an unenlightened civilization. Your civilization's youth in no way forgives the callous nature of your actions. Earth's initial actions might, and I stress might, be explained away as a byproduct of the panic engulfing your world in the wake of the attack. What that does not explain is the destruction of yet another world, during the final battle in your war. In certain circles of Nox society, it is believed that Earth should be dismissed from the Alliance of Great Races until such time as you have matured." Lya explained calmly.
"Removal of the fifth race would be an unprecedented step." Melia interjected.
"Earth was attacked by a cowardly enemy. That they responded with such force is seen as logical to the Asgard. When my people were at war with the Replicators, we would have taken similar steps had we the means." Penegal argued.
"War is a cruel mistress. Earth did nothing to ask for the attack upon them. I find it ludicrous that the Nox would begrudge Earth their defensive response." Dorin added.
"I would ask, how would the Nox have responded to a similar attack on their home world?" Colonel Davis questioned.
"Only certain circles of Nox society believe Earth should be removed from this Alliance. I do not agree with those that feel this way. Still, it is my duty to share the opinions and feelings of all segments of Nox society. Logic does not make Earth's response acceptable, nor civilized. We do not begrudge Earth's sovereign right to self defense, but we do not find Earth's actions fitting the mold of self defense. Had the Nox home world been subjected to an attack like the one Earth suffered through, we would have focused our efforts on healing those who were injured, while reaching out to bridge the gap with any enemy through discussion." Lya responded.
"To debate actions taken during war with logic is a mistake, when war itself is illogical. As you are aware, the Ancient's are guilty of similar actions to those Earth has committed. Can it be said that the Ancient's are a young and unenlightened race?" Melia inquired.
"As someone familiar with Nox history, I find condemnation for actions taken during a war ridiculous. One need only look at Nox history to understand their paradigm shift to rabid pacifism. I won't turn this into a history lesson, but I will say I find Nox outrage hypocritical to a high degree." Dorin rebuked.
"It is well known that the Asgard make it a core value to engage with civilizations encountered throughout the galaxies we frequent. One danger that exists to any race that refrains from locking themselves away from the universe at large, is that they will be forced to respond to an aggressor.
"While I understand the Nox position on how they would respond to an attack on their home world, I ask how such an effort could succeed if the hypothetical enemy refused to engage in dialogue?" Colonel Davis inquired.
"A heated debate over this matter does nothing to further the interests of this alliance. We, the Nox, hope that in time, Earth will understand and regret their destructive choices. It is clear that sentiment is against Nox feelings on this matter. This expected development forces the Nox to rethink our position within the Alliance of Great Races. We will remain a part of this alliance, but from this point forward, we will not take an active role. This war serves as an example of why we isolated ourselves from the galaxy, and why we will do so again." Lya said with discomfort.
Before any of the other four delegates could respond, Lya rose from her seat. Walking with purpose, and with a regretful expression on her face, Lya took her leave of the Hall. Exchanging looks amongst themselves, the other four delegates sat in shock. This was an unexpected development, that all knew should have been seen coming.
"I will speak with the Nox personally. This misunderstanding will be sorted out." Melia promised.
"Colonel Davis, please understand that this in no way affects your relationship with the Asgard. We stand beside you." Penegal stated.
"What happens now?" Colonel Davis asked in frustration.
"I foresee an intense debate taking place across all spectrums of Nox society. In the end, the more sensible segments will ensure continued Nox participation in this alliance." Dorin answered.
"What about the segments that don't agree with that plan?" Davis asked.
"They will most probably ascend once more, and depart this region of the universe." Dorin replied.
"Ascend again?" Davis questioned.
Dakara
Free Jaffa Capital
Milky Way Galaxy
Forty-eight hours earlier, a subspace message from the Asgard was received by the Free Jaffa High Council. The contents of this message first shocked the Jaffa High Council, then brought celebration. Earth's swift destruction of the Lucian Alliance fleet was already known across Dakara. What was unknown, until the receipt of the Asgard message, was that Earth intended to gift surviving elements of the Lucian Alliance fleet to the Jaffa.
The most recent additions to the force structure of the Free Jaffa fleet were captured Lucian Alliance Ha'tak's. These Ha'tak's, upgraded with subspace capacitors, were far more powerful than those inherited from fallen System Lords. While Asgard and human technicians retrofitted Arkos constructed subspace capacitors in place of the less powerful Lucian Alliance version, further technicians assisted Jaffa efforts to install subspace capacitors fleet wide. This improvement vastly increased Jaffa combat power, but did nothing to address a lack of powerful fleet flagship. That glaring deficiency would soon be corrected.
During the twenty-four hour period following the Asgard message, Lucian Alliance Ha'tak's deemed salvageable were delivered to Dakara. Many of these were nearly intact, while others were burned out almost entirely. Thanks to Asgard technology, damage large and small could be easily repaired. With allied assistance, the Free Jaffa fleet would soon be one of the most powerful in the galaxy.
Militarily, fleet strength was not the only improvement being made. On camps surrounding the capital city, ground combat training was also taking place. This training, coming highly trained Legionaries from Alba Longa, was intense, informative, and unlike anything Jaffa had ever attempted. Introduced to the Jaffa on Shambhala, the Alba Longans and Jaffa friendship had quickly blossomed. In time, the Free Jaffa military would be transformed into a highly skilled professional military, trained to allow for joint operations.
Teal'c, having arrived hours earlier, had spent his morning touring these training camps with his son Rya'c. Though left unsaid, Teal'c found himself impressed by the changes he saw not just on Dakara, but in the eyes of Jaffa he encountered. This was the future he had envisioned for his people, and why he had taken the step of rebelling against false gods. In hushed tones, Teal'c confided in his son the pride he felt for the Jaffa as a people, and the pride he felt for his son's leadership.
In the space surrounding Dakara, a massive hyperspace window opened. From this rift in the fabric of space, two Asgard Hala Class vessels emerged, towing a third vessel. This third vessel, showing visible signs of severe damage and hull charing, was the former flagship of the Lucian Alliance.
Descending into the Dakaran atmosphere, the three vessels moved cautiously. Asgard science vessels, tasked with repair and upgrade of Ha'tak's on the planet's surface, beamed antigravity collars onto the flagship. While these antigravity collars would do little to assist the flagships controlled decent, they would be necessary for the weeks long repair effort to come. Before that repair effort could begin, engineers and intelligence specialists would first closely examine the flagship, to unlock any undiscovered secrets the vessel might hold.
From their vantage point, on a bluff overlooking a training camp, both Teal'c and his son looked upon the descending flagship. Watching closely, both stood in silence for a brief moment.
"Remember this day." Teal'c suggested.
"Do you know how our people will remember this day?" Rya'c asked.
"I do. This day will be remembered as the first day Jaffa stood as equals with other great powers." Teal'c mused.
"Our people need you. Return to your people father." Rya'c requested.
"My place is on Earth. Should our people need me, know that I will be there. That, I promise you." Teal'c swore solemnly.
Destiny
Across the universe
In the vast depths of open space, the ancient for of Destiny drifted. An hour earlier, Destiny had decelerated from faster than light travel. Long range sensors scanned the surrounding space, for any threat, or item of interest. The reason for Destiny's deceleration revolved not around Destiny's ongoing mission, so much as it revolved around the personnel involved in that mission.
In the gate room, a young Air Force technician, ignoring the commotion around her, dialed the gate address for Earth. Without repair and upgrades performed during Destiny's return to the Milky Way, this connection would have been impossible, due to the extreme power requirements for such a long distance connection. After two years underway, a change was coming.
As the gate completed its dialing sequence, an unstable vortex burst forth from the gate, before settling into a stable event horizon. Due to the distances involved, radio communication with Star Gate Command through the wormhole was impossible. This personnel transfer was one scheduled beforehand, so communications during the transfer were deemed unnecessary.
Standing in the gate room, on the platform above the gate dialing terminal, were several members of Destiny's crew. These crew members were present, not because their duties required it, but to see off those who were departing. On the gate level, Destiny's commander, Colonel Ian Davidson oversaw the entire event. Beside the Colonel, were other important members of the crew, such as Doctor Nicholas Rush, and Eli Wallace.
"OK everyone, you are good to go." Colonel Davidson announced.
In response, the half dozen departing crew members shouldered their baggage, and began their slow walk towards the active star gate. While the departing members of Destiny's crew believed in the mission, and would remember fondly their time aboard, each was ready to return to a life on Earth. Several, turning towards those watching from the upper deck, waved heartfelt goodbyes, before stepping through the gate that would carry them across the universe. For those departing, leaving the mission before its completion was bittersweet.
Fifteen seconds after the final departing crew member stepped through the event horizon, the gate aboard Destiny powered down. Jets of pressurized air sprayed from the deck plating, to cool the superconductors built into the gate. Consulting the clipboard in his hand, Colonel Davidson reviewed the transfer sequence that should be inbound shortly. Feet from the Colonel, Eli and Rush watched closely.
"Have you heard anything about who we are expecting?" Eli asked.
"I haven't a clue Mr. Wallace." Rush admitted.
Cutting off the conversation, Destiny's systems announced an incoming wormhole. Per the schedule, this was the expected dial-in from Star Gate Command. After the wormhole connected, the wavering surface of the stable event horizon shimmered, casting reflections throughout the dimly lit compartment. Through the rippling surface of the event horizon, large levitating containers, sitting on antigravity transfer sleds, completed their long journey from Earth.
In these containers, were examples of the military combat exoskeleton system. Events on the planet where Destiny watched helplessly, as a race exterminated itself was the reason behind the exoskeletons arrival. Other containers were filled with weaponry, support gear, and other systems required for ground operations. Also included was the equipment required to set up an onboard firing range, so that weapons proficiency could be maintained, without the need to travel off world. In still other containers, items requested by crew members, for personal use, also arrived. Like those on Atlantis once upon a time, creature comforts were available to those willing to wait.
While members of Destiny's crew removed the newly arrived cargo from the gate room, for storage in other portions of the ship, all eyes turned back to the gate. From the gate, the first of members of replacement personnel stepped on board. For these replacements, this was not the first time they had arrived aboard Destiny. Unlike their first arrival, circumstances were considerably better now. Leading the way, were two familiar faces. Sight of these faces brought a smile to Eli Wallace's face. Keeping his distance, Eli watched closely as the two men made their way to Colonel Davidson.
"Gentlemen, welcome aboard." Davidson said warmly.
"Thank you sir." Captain Matthew Scott replied.
"Good to be back sir." Master Gunnery Sergeant Ronald Greer offered.
"The SGC asked me to inform you that Captain Vanessa James, and her security element should arrive at Minerva Base within the next ten days. Should we need backup, it will be available, and much closer than Earth." Scott stated.
"Your old quarters are open, if you want familiar territory. Captain, you will be taking the Operations Officer billet. Master Guns, you are my new head of security. Get settled in, and we'll get you briefed." Davidson explained.
Seeing the excited form of Eli nearby, both men quickly made their way over to him, and Rush. Handshakes were quickly exchanged, as were a few hugs. For these men, it was a homecoming of sorts, to a ship and crew they missed dearly. Greer, slapping the back of his hand on Eli's stomach, smiled broadly.
"Looking good! Somebody's been working out!" Greer exclaimed.
"Something like that." Eli replied dismissively.
"Good to see you Eli." Scott added.
"What brings you two back?" Eli asked.
"We missed this place, and needed a change in scenery." Scott offered.
While this conversation carried on, still others arrived through the gate. The remainder of arrivals were all faces familiar to the original Destiny expedition. Captain Tamara Johansen, Sergeant Darren Becker, Doctor Adam Brody, Doctor Lisa Park, Doctor Dale Volker, and finally Chloe Armstrong Scott all fell into view. Coming together, the members of the original Destiny expedition embraced warmly. Most of the tight knit family from that first expedition was now together again. While Greer explained to Ginn that the Lucian Alliance was no more, Scott pulled Rush to the side.
"I was asked by Colonel Young to pass a message to you. He told me to tell you that he thought over what you two spoke about, and his advice is to follow the rabbit hole, and see how deep it goes." Scott whispered conspiratorially.
Earth
Sol Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Throughout human history, humanity has remembered tragic events from the past. These events, many which deeply scarred the human psyche, often become moments of reflection. These moments of reflection, turned into celebrations of remembrance, often become gatherings with endless momentum. During these gatherings, filled with remembrance, healing takes place.
Since the massive loss of life on Earth, the gapping wound to Earth's human psyche had not been able to heal. Now that the war was over, and the enemy slain, the long period of healing could begin. To channel that grief into a healthy outlet, a longstanding ceremony was borrowed.
Every year, on the sixth day of July, the people of Hiroshima, Japan gather together. During this ceremonial gathering, residents of Hiroshima honor the spirits of those killed during the first combat use of an atomic weapon. In the nearly seventy years since that horrible event, this ceremony had grown in importance. Now, the entire world understood the pain once inflicted upon the people of Hiroshima, and sought to honor their strength, while also honoring the lives lost across the globe.
Across the globe, an hour after sundown, in cities and towns, the citizens of Earth gathered together as one. As a whole, they expressed their grief at the loss of so many lives. In ponds and steams; rivers and lakes; bays and oceans; rice paper and bamboo lanterns were lit, and left to float upon the waterways of Earth. For the Japanese, this was done out of the belief that these lanterns would help guide the souls of those lost to their final resting place. For the people of Earth as a whole, this was done to honor those lives lost.
To this lanterns floating upon still waters, paper lanterns known as Kongming lanterns were lit and added. Filled with the heat of a candle within, these Kongming lanterns rose into the skies above. On water and in the air, these lanterns of remembrance stood as silent reminder of an innocence lost, while also representing those lost rising above their tragic end. This took place not only on Earth, but on all colony worlds of Earth. On Shambhala and Arcadia, members of alien civilizations watched, honored to be present for such a moving ceremony, where those of Earth mourned their lost children.
A moment of silence took hold across the world. Over the sounds of silent sobs, bells chimed twelve times. Finally, Earth could lay to rest her rage, and begin the long process of healing and growth.
On the Nox home world, in the forest far from the Nox city floating over the landscape, Melia of the Ancient's showed these images to Lya of the Nox. Both watched this outpouring of grief and emotion in silence. When it was done, Melia turned bodily towards Lya.
"Earth is young and impetuous. Yes, they did exact horrible retribution against those who attacked them, but they did so out of grief fueled rage. Still, they are a noble people, who have risked their world to free the combined peoples of two galaxies. It is our duty to help them rise above their own failings. Through understanding, we can show them the way. Go to your people, tell them of what you've just seen, and ask them if any enlightened race was ever so different when young." Melia urged.
"I will help them understand." Lya promised.
Hyperspace
Milky Way Galaxy
Through hyperspace, a single Al'kesh traveled. Having laid the building blocks for his task, Worrel now traveled towards his end target. Entrusted with his task to avenge the Lucian Alliance, Worrel refused to fail. Earth owed a debt, and Worrel would gladly give his life to see that debt paid in full. They would pay, oh yes, they would pay dearly.