The Hatak were straggling as they closed towards Angrezi, the individual flotillas of each System Lords moving with little co-ordination between each other. They all seemed to have the same general plan however, which meant that they were all moving directly towards Angrezi and the little battle group of ships that protected the planet.
Thats interesting, Nekhrun noted as he saw the ships hold to the same course. Normally Id expect them to spread out to prevent me from leaving, which would of course give me the chance to pick them off a few at a time. Instead theyre threatening the planet. Thats cleverer than normal if I abandon Angrezi after swearing to defend it then at best theyd give the Confederacy short shrift in the future.
You think that theres one person in charge of that mess? Sam asked.
Nekhrun nodded. Theyre moving in the same direction, Captain, which at least means that someone is herding them. Expecting them to form an effective formation would be like wishing for the moon on a piece of string. Still, if they want to close in with Angrezi then Ill let them. Itll bring the orbital defenses into play which will help a little.
Sir, the operations officer advised. Were receiving a transmission from the incoming fleet.
Oh? asked Nekhrun. What do they have to say for themselves?
The operator paused and frowned. Weve been invited to surrender and die, Admiral.
Isnt that supposed to be surrender or die? Daniel enquired.
Nekhrun, Tealc and most of the bridge crew gave the archeologist amused looks. No Nekhrun said slowly. Knowing my kind, Im reasonably sure that they said what they meant to.
Sam rolled her eyes. How very Klingon. Now it was Jacks turn to direct an amused look at Sam. What? Im just trying to get into the spirit of things.
I suppose it would only be polite to say hello, Nekhrun sighed. Put the no doubt infantile ranting onto the speakers Ensign.
the wrath of the gods! Grovel before us and beg for our mercy! Surrender the vile Nekhrun or suffer the consequences demanded a familiar voice. Our Jaffa are without number
He only thinks that because he cant count past ten without taking his shoes off, Nekhrun commented to Jack, who smirked.
Our ships shall blot out the very light of this star, declared Apophis.
Honestly, he couldnt have set up a better straight line if hed been reading from a script.
Tealc nodded his agreement and then raised an eyebrow.
By my guest, the Goauld agreed and stepped back, gesturing for the operations officer to transmit Tealcs words.
Then we shall fight in the shade, Tealc declared.
HUA! shouted the crew on the bridge, Nekhrun as loudly as anyone.
There was an astonished silence from the Goauld and then: Sholva! Apophis screamed in fury. You dare to defy me! You dare to stand with even the treacherous Nekhrun!? I will see you suffer for an eternity for this temerity!
Goodness, do you think he recognises you? Nekhrun asked. Why hello, Apophis, were you saying something? he added.
The Goauld was all but incoherent with rage. Enough! he managed to shout. There will be no mercy, no quarter. Burn those pathetic excuses for warships from the sky and this filthy planet to the ground.
Well that should put paid to any thoughts of surrender, concluded Nekhrun, ordering the communciations channel cut off with a slashing gesture across his throat. Now, let me see how stupid can Apophis be
A sizeable force of Hatak began to pull ahead of the formation. Twelve, thirteen fourteen ships almost a quarter of the assembled force.
Pretty stupid, Jack agreed. Hes got to be pushing his engines pretty fast to move that fast.
And hes going to be facing us with only a two to one numerical advantage for at least five minutes, Fumizuki noted. Thats extremely promising.
Isnt it Nekhrun mused. I suppose Id better do something about Mayburn, he added, using Shakuntalas mispronunciation of the name. Get him up here
Ah, its Maybourne actually, Daniel pointed out.
But May-Burn suits him so well, Nekhrun protested. And it keeps his mind on his prospects, such as they are.
What are you going to do with him?
Nekhrun shrugged. Is he actually good for anything?
Jack hesitated. Well, he is a trained Air Force Officer with a background in special ops. He could probably fly a fighter if you were inclined to trust him.
Not on his own, Nekhrun said after what seemed to be honest consideration.
A moment or two later, Harry Maybourne, somewhat flustered almost scurried onto the bridge under the guard of a pair of von Pinns soldiers. Shakuntala sauntered in after him, a mischivious look on her face and a moment later Harjit joined her.
I knew that Id have cause to regret the two of you putting your heads together, Nekhrun complained to the two women. Do I want to know what you were doing to him?
Hmm, probably not, Harjit said, smiling sweetly.
Jack! Maybourne said hopefully. I dont suppose that youve got a handy escape route do you? Or failing that, a suicide capsule.
Sorry Harry, Jack said insincerely. Were just finalising selling you to Nekhrun as a harem guard. Of course, theres some mandatory surgery, but youre adaptable. Im sure that youll make a wonderful eunuch.
Maybournes eyes went wide for a moment and then he shook his head. You really had me going for a minute there, Jack. We both know that the US government wouldnt go along with that.
The US government doesnt have any say in this, Nekhrun observed. However, with some reluctance, Ive decided that you will have a little bit of say. He held up two fingers quite close together. Just a little. He gestured towards the holographic display. Out there, there is a sizeable Goauld fleet. In the next ten minutes or so, theyre going to start shooting at me. Now, you have a choice to make. Choice number one is that I send you back to Angrezi and you can go home to Earth under SG-1s guard. After that little bit of surgery that Jack mentioned.
Say what you will about Harry Maybourne, he was a good judge of character. He paled. And choice number two?
Nekhrun shrugged. Jack tells me you can probably fly one of our fighters in a pinch. I dont think Id trust you with one though. But if you man the helm, under supervision, then I will consider you to have redeemed yourself and more importantly, the reputation of your homeworld. The latter, I might add, stands quite tarnished by your misdemeanors.
You say that as if I have a choice, Maybourne muttered. Ill fly your damn ship. But can you at least protect me from your women? Theyre worse than Afghan widows!
I think something can be arranged, Nekhrun promised with a slight smile and gestured towards the helm.
What do you think they did to him? Jack asked as Maybourne went towards the helm and took over the controls, listening to the instructions that the helmsman he was replacing provided as if his life depended upon it. As has been mentioned, he was a good judge of character.
Colonel, Nekhrun admitted. Im eight thousand years old. Ive founded civilisations that have reached the stars and Ive burnt civilisations to the ground. But I must confess that I would rather lead an army of newborn ducklings in an all out offensive against Ra at the height of his power than I would try to predict the workings of those twos minds when they are bouncing ideas off each other. Turning, he glanced at the display again. The Death Gliders were beginning to get close. Launch all fighters. Final warning to all hands.
A chime rang out in every compartment of every ship in the battle group, alerting them to the message of their commander.
A new age has begun. An age of freedom from the Goauld. Many of us will die to give it birth. Perhaps all of us will die. But we are not men, not ships, not a battle group. Today, we are a dream given form. And dreams he paused to emphasize his words. Dreams never die.
There was a great silence that filled the ship. Doubt filled Nekhruns eyes.
hua.
It began as a whisper.
Hua.
Then louder.
Hua!
Tealc added his voice to the roar.
Hua!
Every voice on every ship raised until everyone, even Harry Maybourne, had joined the chant.
HUA!
The shout almost rocking the ship as Viper after Viper rocketed from the sides of the ships and the forward decks of the carriers opened to reveal rank after rank of X-Wings and Skipray torpedo boats.
HUA! HUA! HUA!
And the first shots of the battle were fired
By the Goauld.
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.
Thats interesting, Nekhrun noted as he saw the ships hold to the same course. Normally Id expect them to spread out to prevent me from leaving, which would of course give me the chance to pick them off a few at a time. Instead theyre threatening the planet. Thats cleverer than normal if I abandon Angrezi after swearing to defend it then at best theyd give the Confederacy short shrift in the future.
You think that theres one person in charge of that mess? Sam asked.
Nekhrun nodded. Theyre moving in the same direction, Captain, which at least means that someone is herding them. Expecting them to form an effective formation would be like wishing for the moon on a piece of string. Still, if they want to close in with Angrezi then Ill let them. Itll bring the orbital defenses into play which will help a little.
Sir, the operations officer advised. Were receiving a transmission from the incoming fleet.
Oh? asked Nekhrun. What do they have to say for themselves?
The operator paused and frowned. Weve been invited to surrender and die, Admiral.
Isnt that supposed to be surrender or die? Daniel enquired.
Nekhrun, Tealc and most of the bridge crew gave the archeologist amused looks. No Nekhrun said slowly. Knowing my kind, Im reasonably sure that they said what they meant to.
Sam rolled her eyes. How very Klingon. Now it was Jacks turn to direct an amused look at Sam. What? Im just trying to get into the spirit of things.
I suppose it would only be polite to say hello, Nekhrun sighed. Put the no doubt infantile ranting onto the speakers Ensign.
the wrath of the gods! Grovel before us and beg for our mercy! Surrender the vile Nekhrun or suffer the consequences demanded a familiar voice. Our Jaffa are without number
He only thinks that because he cant count past ten without taking his shoes off, Nekhrun commented to Jack, who smirked.
Our ships shall blot out the very light of this star, declared Apophis.
Honestly, he couldnt have set up a better straight line if hed been reading from a script.
Tealc nodded his agreement and then raised an eyebrow.
By my guest, the Goauld agreed and stepped back, gesturing for the operations officer to transmit Tealcs words.
Then we shall fight in the shade, Tealc declared.
HUA! shouted the crew on the bridge, Nekhrun as loudly as anyone.
There was an astonished silence from the Goauld and then: Sholva! Apophis screamed in fury. You dare to defy me! You dare to stand with even the treacherous Nekhrun!? I will see you suffer for an eternity for this temerity!
Goodness, do you think he recognises you? Nekhrun asked. Why hello, Apophis, were you saying something? he added.
The Goauld was all but incoherent with rage. Enough! he managed to shout. There will be no mercy, no quarter. Burn those pathetic excuses for warships from the sky and this filthy planet to the ground.
Well that should put paid to any thoughts of surrender, concluded Nekhrun, ordering the communciations channel cut off with a slashing gesture across his throat. Now, let me see how stupid can Apophis be
A sizeable force of Hatak began to pull ahead of the formation. Twelve, thirteen fourteen ships almost a quarter of the assembled force.
Pretty stupid, Jack agreed. Hes got to be pushing his engines pretty fast to move that fast.
And hes going to be facing us with only a two to one numerical advantage for at least five minutes, Fumizuki noted. Thats extremely promising.
Isnt it Nekhrun mused. I suppose Id better do something about Mayburn, he added, using Shakuntalas mispronunciation of the name. Get him up here
Ah, its Maybourne actually, Daniel pointed out.
But May-Burn suits him so well, Nekhrun protested. And it keeps his mind on his prospects, such as they are.
What are you going to do with him?
Nekhrun shrugged. Is he actually good for anything?
Jack hesitated. Well, he is a trained Air Force Officer with a background in special ops. He could probably fly a fighter if you were inclined to trust him.
Not on his own, Nekhrun said after what seemed to be honest consideration.
A moment or two later, Harry Maybourne, somewhat flustered almost scurried onto the bridge under the guard of a pair of von Pinns soldiers. Shakuntala sauntered in after him, a mischivious look on her face and a moment later Harjit joined her.
I knew that Id have cause to regret the two of you putting your heads together, Nekhrun complained to the two women. Do I want to know what you were doing to him?
Hmm, probably not, Harjit said, smiling sweetly.
Jack! Maybourne said hopefully. I dont suppose that youve got a handy escape route do you? Or failing that, a suicide capsule.
Sorry Harry, Jack said insincerely. Were just finalising selling you to Nekhrun as a harem guard. Of course, theres some mandatory surgery, but youre adaptable. Im sure that youll make a wonderful eunuch.
Maybournes eyes went wide for a moment and then he shook his head. You really had me going for a minute there, Jack. We both know that the US government wouldnt go along with that.
The US government doesnt have any say in this, Nekhrun observed. However, with some reluctance, Ive decided that you will have a little bit of say. He held up two fingers quite close together. Just a little. He gestured towards the holographic display. Out there, there is a sizeable Goauld fleet. In the next ten minutes or so, theyre going to start shooting at me. Now, you have a choice to make. Choice number one is that I send you back to Angrezi and you can go home to Earth under SG-1s guard. After that little bit of surgery that Jack mentioned.
Say what you will about Harry Maybourne, he was a good judge of character. He paled. And choice number two?
Nekhrun shrugged. Jack tells me you can probably fly one of our fighters in a pinch. I dont think Id trust you with one though. But if you man the helm, under supervision, then I will consider you to have redeemed yourself and more importantly, the reputation of your homeworld. The latter, I might add, stands quite tarnished by your misdemeanors.
You say that as if I have a choice, Maybourne muttered. Ill fly your damn ship. But can you at least protect me from your women? Theyre worse than Afghan widows!
I think something can be arranged, Nekhrun promised with a slight smile and gestured towards the helm.
What do you think they did to him? Jack asked as Maybourne went towards the helm and took over the controls, listening to the instructions that the helmsman he was replacing provided as if his life depended upon it. As has been mentioned, he was a good judge of character.
Colonel, Nekhrun admitted. Im eight thousand years old. Ive founded civilisations that have reached the stars and Ive burnt civilisations to the ground. But I must confess that I would rather lead an army of newborn ducklings in an all out offensive against Ra at the height of his power than I would try to predict the workings of those twos minds when they are bouncing ideas off each other. Turning, he glanced at the display again. The Death Gliders were beginning to get close. Launch all fighters. Final warning to all hands.
A chime rang out in every compartment of every ship in the battle group, alerting them to the message of their commander.
A new age has begun. An age of freedom from the Goauld. Many of us will die to give it birth. Perhaps all of us will die. But we are not men, not ships, not a battle group. Today, we are a dream given form. And dreams he paused to emphasize his words. Dreams never die.
There was a great silence that filled the ship. Doubt filled Nekhruns eyes.
hua.
It began as a whisper.
Hua.
Then louder.
Hua!
Tealc added his voice to the roar.
Hua!
Every voice on every ship raised until everyone, even Harry Maybourne, had joined the chant.
HUA!
The shout almost rocking the ship as Viper after Viper rocketed from the sides of the ships and the forward decks of the carriers opened to reveal rank after rank of X-Wings and Skipray torpedo boats.
HUA! HUA! HUA!
And the first shots of the battle were fired
By the Goauld.
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.