Does anyone actually know what the Tauri are up to? Fumizuki asked.
The operations officer scratched his head. Well theyre bouncing up the coast of the island using the ring transporter to jump about a mile at a time. Im not sure why
Its not straining the power grid or anything?
Compared to rapid deployment of an entire three battalion force? No, not really. Might need to run a little maintenance on Number Four next time we can spare it, but were well within tolerances.
Well I hope they accomplish something, Fumizuki said. The Admiral looked pretty upset with them and if the Goauld really are going to lower the hammer on us then well need all the allies we can get.
.oOo.
Have you found anything yet? Jack asked as Sam ran the thirty or fortieth test. Quite apart from the annoyance of having spent most of a hour inside ring transports, he was beginning to pick up a wicked case of jet lag, one that didnt seem to affect any of the others. Of course, Daniel and Sam tended to keep fairly ludicrous hours anyway and Tealc did that whole meditation thing, but it seemed rather unfair that he was the only one suffering for the previous day and night having lasted something like thirty-six hours.
There are some traces, sir, she replied. Not enough to pinpoint the ship yet, but its safe to say that its around. Ill need some more readings to find it.
Cant you just, Jack waved his hand. Triangulate for it?
Sir, that only works if youre tracking something that radiates in all directions. Were tracing a signature thats carried by the wind and not very evenly.
Oh, Jack said and looked around. Where do we go next?
Sam studied the map, which was now augmented by numbers shed scribbled on with a red marker. Now we go inland of the strongest traces and see if there are any more particles. She lifted her radio. Leonidas, this is Captain Carter. We need to go about ten miles east now.
That might not be the best idea, Captain, protested the ring transporters operator. Thats going to put you right between the Angrezi and the Jaffa.
Oh? Jack asked, perking up. Hows that going?
Uh, Im a technican, Colonel, so I dont really know but most of the Jaffa are pulling back towards the Stargate. The speed the Angrezi are going, I dont think that theyll make it there.
Sam shook her head. How close can you put us without putting us in front of the Angrezi?
Not very close, the man said apologetically.
She frowned. Well it shouldnt take very long to get the readings, she said at last. Just put us down there and be ready to pick us up in a hurry please.
Uh, Carter - Jack began before the rings descended around them.
.oOo.
The Jaffa didnt seem to be giving up, von Pinn noted as another blast from a staff weapon went above his head. Not that hed really expected them to, but now that the sun was up and they could see how few in number the Stargates defenders were they were pressing their advantage. Fortunately the Stargate itself was out of action, since a shot from one of the missiles fired by the Confederate fighter-bombers had knocked it over, leaving any Jaffa that emerged pressed against the ground and helpless targets. Eventually the heap of dead Jaffa had interrupted the wormhole and the guards had taken the time to heap stones within the hole to ensure it didnt re-open.
Still, even without more Jaffa pouring through from whichever world Heruur was using as a staging post, there were no small number of them outside the arc of hills and they were all desperate to reach and reactivate the gate. Without raising his head above the edge of the foxhole, von Pinn raised his carbine above his head and waited for the sighting image relayed from the targeting scope to his augmented vision goggles to stablise. He squeezed the trigger twice and a Jaffa who had risen to his feet to fire his staff weapon at the defences fell to the floor, the second bolt going wild above the dead mans head.
Behind the lieutenant, a turbanned Angrezi guardsman yanked a grenade from his vest and hurled it to one side of the little fortification that topped the hill, towards a file of Jaffa trying to work their way into the dead ground between two of the hills around the Stargate. The grenade exploded short of the Jaffa but it forced them to scatter for cover and infantry on the next hill picked off three of them with lethal zat shots.
This is getting a little too close, von Pinn muttered. The Jaffa have a pretty good idea of our positions. If they rush us, they can probably keep us suppressed while the first ranks get close.
Understood, came Ayodhyas voice through the radio. Ive called back most of our fighters to support us, so dont hesitate to call them in if you need them. Between us and the Angrezi, most of the Death Gliders are history.
Von Pinn grunted. Two Death Gliders had managed to punch through and hammer one of the forward redoubts apart before an X-Wing brought one down and chased the other southwards. Out of the twenty-eight men in the platoon that the redoubt had sheltered, only half a dozen had managed to make it back to the next position, the others left dead in the fort or run down by Jaffa overrunning the position. How are the losses?
Pretty heavy amongst the Angrezi, Ayodhya admitted. The Aspics arent bad craft but there hasnt been much call for air-to-air combat on Angrezi for a century and their inexperience cost them. He paused and von Pinn could almost see him shrug. Theyll learn.
The first step, huh, von Pinn agreed. Hed noticed the same lack of experience even among Shakuntalas soldiers. Elite troops such as the Palace Guard had been blooded, but only in counter-insurgency action of the kind that had cropped up in some areas of Angrezi. The sudden descent into warfare had cost no small number of them their lives as they learnt practical lessons the hard way. Hold up, sir. Somethings happening.
Out in front of von Pinns position a large figure had walked out of the Jaffas lines. Unlike the grey metals of his mens gear, he wore gold and he stalked out without any apparent fear of attack. This brashness was vindicated after a moment when a blaster shot from an Angrezi soldier hit the air in front of him, to no noticeable effect.
Sir, some fellows standing out in the open protected by a shield of some kind. Hes all clad in gold, looks like a leader.
He could hear Nekhrun mutter something in his distinctive voice. Must be Heru-ur, he replied. There arent many Goauld that ballsy. I knew that these were his forces but I must admit Im a little surprised hes leading them in person. Any idea what hes up to?
Angrezi! the man shouted. I am the god Heru-ur! I salute your courage! But you cannot prevail! Surrender and I shall spare your lives and those of your people.
Von Pinn rolled his eyes. Hes making a speech.
I am great and mighty, you suck, hand over Nekhrun?
All I ask is the surrender of my treacherous kinswoman, Nekhrun. Once she is in my grasp I shall depart and leave you to live your lives in peace, Heru-ur bellowed.
Uh, yeah, basically.
Is anyone paying attention?
A dozen or so blue blaster shots hit the shield around the Goauld, followed by two orange bolts of energy from the underbarrel cannon of Confederate infantry carbines. None of them accomplished anything but to make him look imposing as his cloak flapped dramatically in the wind of the explosions.
Not that I can tell, sir. Do you have any suggestions for how to get past his shield?
Ill be right there.
.oOo.
Heru-ur was still talking when Ayodhya entered the little redoubt. Does he ever shut up? von Pinn asked his superior as the Admiral crawled along the foxhole to join him.
Every now and then, Nekhrun grunted. Most Goauld are in love with their own voice.
You arent exactly dulcet voiced, sir.
Nekhrun chuckled. Goauld like loud and flashy, lieutenant. Id have thought youd have noticed that by now. Oh well, the longer he goes on, the closer the Angrezi get.
Why do you fight for Nekhrun? Heru-ur bellowed. Is she any different from me? Yes! For she lurks behind you while I fight at the head of my warriors!
On the other hand, that little snot needs a spanking, Nekhurn continued smoothly. Excuse me.
Sir! von Pinn hissed. The minute youre in the open -
Nekhrun stood up. Did I hear my name taken in vain, son of Ra?
Heru-ur glared up the slope. A male host? Have you changed your habits so far, Nekhrun? Or are you just running out of dupes to fight for you?
Nekhrun spat. I taught you how to fight, you little puppy. I dont think Ill have much trouble taking you to school again. How about it? I heard you offer before and I think its an insult to my fine men up here! You seem to think theyre afraid of you! But Ill make you a better offer. We fight. You and me.
I seem to have you just a little outnumbered, old one, Heru-ur called back. Why should I waste my time dealing with you personally? Why shouldnt I just have you gunned down personally?
Take your best shot! Nekhrun shouted, ignoring von Pinn, who had abandoned trying to gesture for his apparently crazed commander to get down and was now prudently scrambling away. Ill even stand still to help your Jaffa hit me, such lousy shots that they are!
Apparently not foolish enough to miss a free shot, Heruur turned to the nearest squad and pointed up at Nekhrun. Jaffa, kree!
A half dozen staff weapons rose and then discharged. Embarassingly for the Jaffa, one shot missed completely. The other five shots struck Nekhrun squarely or they would have if they hadnt been deflected by the personal shield that appeared around him.
Any more stupid questions? Nekhrun shouted down.
Heru-ur punched one of the Jaffa, the one whod missed, in the face hard enough to drop the man to the floor before he got control of hs temper. Alright! he shouted back. We fight. But when Ive beaten you, your men are to lay down your weapons and surrender.
I really dont think so! Nekhrun shouted back. If you can beat me, then my men will withdraw from the Stargate. Youve got enough time to get it upright again and escape barely. But if you loose then your men lay down their weapons and surrender. Im feeling merciful, so when that happens Ill let all but their Primes return home through the Stargate.
The System Lord scowled in thought. Agreed! he said at last and a sigh rose up from the Jaffa. What terms shall we fight under?
Between our lines here, Nekhrun suggested. Shields to guard us against treachery, one knife each and no other weapons or armour.
Heru-ur nodded sharply and then called forward a pair of Jaffa to help him out of his elaborate armour.
Can you trust him, Admiral? von Pinn asked.
About as far as he can trust me, Nekhrun admitted under his breath. And I used the Ring Transporter to take the DHD up to the Leonidas so even if he manages to beat me hes fucked. Shakuntalas moving the last reserves and the wounded up to the other side of the fortifications. If I lose, shell leave peacefully if possible, breaking out by force if she has to. Follow her and dont worry about me.
von Pinn looked mutinous but nodded his head dutifully. His own men had to be his first priority. Nice shield. When can I expect one.
Its a prototype, the Admiral admitted. I wasnt sure it would take that many shots actually, but now that I know it works it should be in full production sometime in the next year. He took off his helmet and started unstrapping his vest. By the way, I left my knife in a Jaffa back near the road. Anyone got a spare to lend me?
The dozen or so soldiers within earshot immediately offered him the choice of at least half a dozen blades in a wide variety of styles. Ayodhya took two, flipped them easily by their blades and then passed one back. Thanks, he said laconically and put the last aside for a moment if he doffed his shirt. Down the slope, Heru-ur was walking out into the gap between the two lines. Right, time to see if a God-King can bleed.
HUA! HUA! HUA! his men shouted behind him as he hopped out of the foxhole and sauntered down to face Heru-ur, the Jaffa responding with their own shouts and encouragements to their God.
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.
The operations officer scratched his head. Well theyre bouncing up the coast of the island using the ring transporter to jump about a mile at a time. Im not sure why
Its not straining the power grid or anything?
Compared to rapid deployment of an entire three battalion force? No, not really. Might need to run a little maintenance on Number Four next time we can spare it, but were well within tolerances.
Well I hope they accomplish something, Fumizuki said. The Admiral looked pretty upset with them and if the Goauld really are going to lower the hammer on us then well need all the allies we can get.
.oOo.
Have you found anything yet? Jack asked as Sam ran the thirty or fortieth test. Quite apart from the annoyance of having spent most of a hour inside ring transports, he was beginning to pick up a wicked case of jet lag, one that didnt seem to affect any of the others. Of course, Daniel and Sam tended to keep fairly ludicrous hours anyway and Tealc did that whole meditation thing, but it seemed rather unfair that he was the only one suffering for the previous day and night having lasted something like thirty-six hours.
There are some traces, sir, she replied. Not enough to pinpoint the ship yet, but its safe to say that its around. Ill need some more readings to find it.
Cant you just, Jack waved his hand. Triangulate for it?
Sir, that only works if youre tracking something that radiates in all directions. Were tracing a signature thats carried by the wind and not very evenly.
Oh, Jack said and looked around. Where do we go next?
Sam studied the map, which was now augmented by numbers shed scribbled on with a red marker. Now we go inland of the strongest traces and see if there are any more particles. She lifted her radio. Leonidas, this is Captain Carter. We need to go about ten miles east now.
That might not be the best idea, Captain, protested the ring transporters operator. Thats going to put you right between the Angrezi and the Jaffa.
Oh? Jack asked, perking up. Hows that going?
Uh, Im a technican, Colonel, so I dont really know but most of the Jaffa are pulling back towards the Stargate. The speed the Angrezi are going, I dont think that theyll make it there.
Sam shook her head. How close can you put us without putting us in front of the Angrezi?
Not very close, the man said apologetically.
She frowned. Well it shouldnt take very long to get the readings, she said at last. Just put us down there and be ready to pick us up in a hurry please.
Uh, Carter - Jack began before the rings descended around them.
.oOo.
The Jaffa didnt seem to be giving up, von Pinn noted as another blast from a staff weapon went above his head. Not that hed really expected them to, but now that the sun was up and they could see how few in number the Stargates defenders were they were pressing their advantage. Fortunately the Stargate itself was out of action, since a shot from one of the missiles fired by the Confederate fighter-bombers had knocked it over, leaving any Jaffa that emerged pressed against the ground and helpless targets. Eventually the heap of dead Jaffa had interrupted the wormhole and the guards had taken the time to heap stones within the hole to ensure it didnt re-open.
Still, even without more Jaffa pouring through from whichever world Heruur was using as a staging post, there were no small number of them outside the arc of hills and they were all desperate to reach and reactivate the gate. Without raising his head above the edge of the foxhole, von Pinn raised his carbine above his head and waited for the sighting image relayed from the targeting scope to his augmented vision goggles to stablise. He squeezed the trigger twice and a Jaffa who had risen to his feet to fire his staff weapon at the defences fell to the floor, the second bolt going wild above the dead mans head.
Behind the lieutenant, a turbanned Angrezi guardsman yanked a grenade from his vest and hurled it to one side of the little fortification that topped the hill, towards a file of Jaffa trying to work their way into the dead ground between two of the hills around the Stargate. The grenade exploded short of the Jaffa but it forced them to scatter for cover and infantry on the next hill picked off three of them with lethal zat shots.
This is getting a little too close, von Pinn muttered. The Jaffa have a pretty good idea of our positions. If they rush us, they can probably keep us suppressed while the first ranks get close.
Understood, came Ayodhyas voice through the radio. Ive called back most of our fighters to support us, so dont hesitate to call them in if you need them. Between us and the Angrezi, most of the Death Gliders are history.
Von Pinn grunted. Two Death Gliders had managed to punch through and hammer one of the forward redoubts apart before an X-Wing brought one down and chased the other southwards. Out of the twenty-eight men in the platoon that the redoubt had sheltered, only half a dozen had managed to make it back to the next position, the others left dead in the fort or run down by Jaffa overrunning the position. How are the losses?
Pretty heavy amongst the Angrezi, Ayodhya admitted. The Aspics arent bad craft but there hasnt been much call for air-to-air combat on Angrezi for a century and their inexperience cost them. He paused and von Pinn could almost see him shrug. Theyll learn.
The first step, huh, von Pinn agreed. Hed noticed the same lack of experience even among Shakuntalas soldiers. Elite troops such as the Palace Guard had been blooded, but only in counter-insurgency action of the kind that had cropped up in some areas of Angrezi. The sudden descent into warfare had cost no small number of them their lives as they learnt practical lessons the hard way. Hold up, sir. Somethings happening.
Out in front of von Pinns position a large figure had walked out of the Jaffas lines. Unlike the grey metals of his mens gear, he wore gold and he stalked out without any apparent fear of attack. This brashness was vindicated after a moment when a blaster shot from an Angrezi soldier hit the air in front of him, to no noticeable effect.
Sir, some fellows standing out in the open protected by a shield of some kind. Hes all clad in gold, looks like a leader.
He could hear Nekhrun mutter something in his distinctive voice. Must be Heru-ur, he replied. There arent many Goauld that ballsy. I knew that these were his forces but I must admit Im a little surprised hes leading them in person. Any idea what hes up to?
Angrezi! the man shouted. I am the god Heru-ur! I salute your courage! But you cannot prevail! Surrender and I shall spare your lives and those of your people.
Von Pinn rolled his eyes. Hes making a speech.
I am great and mighty, you suck, hand over Nekhrun?
All I ask is the surrender of my treacherous kinswoman, Nekhrun. Once she is in my grasp I shall depart and leave you to live your lives in peace, Heru-ur bellowed.
Uh, yeah, basically.
Is anyone paying attention?
A dozen or so blue blaster shots hit the shield around the Goauld, followed by two orange bolts of energy from the underbarrel cannon of Confederate infantry carbines. None of them accomplished anything but to make him look imposing as his cloak flapped dramatically in the wind of the explosions.
Not that I can tell, sir. Do you have any suggestions for how to get past his shield?
Ill be right there.
.oOo.
Heru-ur was still talking when Ayodhya entered the little redoubt. Does he ever shut up? von Pinn asked his superior as the Admiral crawled along the foxhole to join him.
Every now and then, Nekhrun grunted. Most Goauld are in love with their own voice.
You arent exactly dulcet voiced, sir.
Nekhrun chuckled. Goauld like loud and flashy, lieutenant. Id have thought youd have noticed that by now. Oh well, the longer he goes on, the closer the Angrezi get.
Why do you fight for Nekhrun? Heru-ur bellowed. Is she any different from me? Yes! For she lurks behind you while I fight at the head of my warriors!
On the other hand, that little snot needs a spanking, Nekhurn continued smoothly. Excuse me.
Sir! von Pinn hissed. The minute youre in the open -
Nekhrun stood up. Did I hear my name taken in vain, son of Ra?
Heru-ur glared up the slope. A male host? Have you changed your habits so far, Nekhrun? Or are you just running out of dupes to fight for you?
Nekhrun spat. I taught you how to fight, you little puppy. I dont think Ill have much trouble taking you to school again. How about it? I heard you offer before and I think its an insult to my fine men up here! You seem to think theyre afraid of you! But Ill make you a better offer. We fight. You and me.
I seem to have you just a little outnumbered, old one, Heru-ur called back. Why should I waste my time dealing with you personally? Why shouldnt I just have you gunned down personally?
Take your best shot! Nekhrun shouted, ignoring von Pinn, who had abandoned trying to gesture for his apparently crazed commander to get down and was now prudently scrambling away. Ill even stand still to help your Jaffa hit me, such lousy shots that they are!
Apparently not foolish enough to miss a free shot, Heruur turned to the nearest squad and pointed up at Nekhrun. Jaffa, kree!
A half dozen staff weapons rose and then discharged. Embarassingly for the Jaffa, one shot missed completely. The other five shots struck Nekhrun squarely or they would have if they hadnt been deflected by the personal shield that appeared around him.
Any more stupid questions? Nekhrun shouted down.
Heru-ur punched one of the Jaffa, the one whod missed, in the face hard enough to drop the man to the floor before he got control of hs temper. Alright! he shouted back. We fight. But when Ive beaten you, your men are to lay down your weapons and surrender.
I really dont think so! Nekhrun shouted back. If you can beat me, then my men will withdraw from the Stargate. Youve got enough time to get it upright again and escape barely. But if you loose then your men lay down their weapons and surrender. Im feeling merciful, so when that happens Ill let all but their Primes return home through the Stargate.
The System Lord scowled in thought. Agreed! he said at last and a sigh rose up from the Jaffa. What terms shall we fight under?
Between our lines here, Nekhrun suggested. Shields to guard us against treachery, one knife each and no other weapons or armour.
Heru-ur nodded sharply and then called forward a pair of Jaffa to help him out of his elaborate armour.
Can you trust him, Admiral? von Pinn asked.
About as far as he can trust me, Nekhrun admitted under his breath. And I used the Ring Transporter to take the DHD up to the Leonidas so even if he manages to beat me hes fucked. Shakuntalas moving the last reserves and the wounded up to the other side of the fortifications. If I lose, shell leave peacefully if possible, breaking out by force if she has to. Follow her and dont worry about me.
von Pinn looked mutinous but nodded his head dutifully. His own men had to be his first priority. Nice shield. When can I expect one.
Its a prototype, the Admiral admitted. I wasnt sure it would take that many shots actually, but now that I know it works it should be in full production sometime in the next year. He took off his helmet and started unstrapping his vest. By the way, I left my knife in a Jaffa back near the road. Anyone got a spare to lend me?
The dozen or so soldiers within earshot immediately offered him the choice of at least half a dozen blades in a wide variety of styles. Ayodhya took two, flipped them easily by their blades and then passed one back. Thanks, he said laconically and put the last aside for a moment if he doffed his shirt. Down the slope, Heru-ur was walking out into the gap between the two lines. Right, time to see if a God-King can bleed.
HUA! HUA! HUA! his men shouted behind him as he hopped out of the foxhole and sauntered down to face Heru-ur, the Jaffa responding with their own shouts and encouragements to their God.
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.