Chapter 15

  Docked in an Asgard hangar high above Valhalla was the Skidbladnir. Freyr’s vessel was undergoing a last minute refit as all the rest of the supplies they would need were being loaded onboard the ship.

  Amos double-checked his list, ticking off each item with a purposeful nod. “ZPMs, check. Asgard Power Core, check. Three state-of-the-art Asgard quantum computers, check. Lantean control crystals and sensors, check. Puddle Jumpers, also check.” The familiar rhythm of his preparation settled him; it was a small procedure in the grand scope of their daunting mission.

  “Thank goodness those Jumpers don’t require the ATA gene like most Lantean technology does. Being machines, the Asurans made this much easier,” he muttered to himself, recalling the countless tasks that would have been infinitely more complicated had they relied on the genetic gifts of ancient bloodlines. Fortunately, much of the technology aboard the Valhalla was exempt from that requirement, making their journey slightly less perilous.

  As the galaxy stretched out before them, a tapestry of stars and uncertainties, Amos understood the gravity of their task. They were not merely venturing forth to gather weapons and technology for an impending war against the formidable System Lord Anubis, but also to forge alliances that could help them in their fight. It was a duality he was keenly aware of; each piece of technology they obtained and every ally they enlisted was a step toward a brighter future.

  Yet, while the Asgard saw this new threat as an urgent crisis, Amos took solace in the familiarity of his mission. It aligned perfectly with Stargate Command’s enduring directive: “To recruit allies and obtain weapons that could help defend Earth.” To him, despite the looming challenges, it felt like just another day in a series of adventures that defined SG1.

  Reva didn’t seem to mind either. She was excited to fulfill even more of her purpose. The Asgard were kind enough to download into Reva’s nanites all of their knowledge including ship schematics and a detailed overview of their weapons systems. That, on top of the Asuran and Lantean database in her system made her one of the most brilliant minds on Valhalla and an important asset for the Asgard Empire.

  “Try it again!” Reva shouted, her voice ringing out as she adeptly adjusted the Asgard systems aboard the Skidbladnir. Suddenly, the ship was filled with the hum of engines firing up and computers whirring to life. She had been immersed in the retrofitting of the Skidbladnir, revamping its systems in anticipation of their imminent journey.

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  Amos strolled into Engineering, where Reva and her enthusiastic team of Asgard devotees were deeply engrossed in their tasks. “Hey Reva, what’s going on here?” he asked, curiosity etched on his face.

  “We’ve just integrated one of the ZPMs into the engines! We’re already seeing a fivefold boost in shields and weaponry. With just a bit more fine-tuning, our ion cannons will fire five times faster than standard Asgard models and unleash bolts of ions that are 150% more lethal than what current Asgard technology can offer,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with pride. Each day, Amos found himself more awestruck by Reva’s innovations. She had taken the brilliance of the Asgard, renowned as one of the universe's most formidable races, and transformed it into something even greater. Reva was the kind of woman who could take perfection and elevate it beyond imagination.

  “That’s amazing, Reva,” Amos replied, his admiration evident. “What other improvements have you made?”

  Setting her tools aside, Reva emerged from beneath the Asgard engine, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “I’m glad you asked, my dear. I’ve programmed Replicator nanites to construct a retractable hull that will completely insulate us from energy weapons when deployed. After reviewing the SGC mission reports, I realized that Replicator ships were immune to energy attacks. Given that our adversary exclusively uses energy weaponry, I deemed it essential to make our ships virtually indestructible against such threats. Honestly, with this new technology, we shouldn’t face defeat at all,” she declared confidently.

  Amos shook his head in disbelief, a grin spreading across his face—Reva was the closest thing to a Replicator, and he felt incredibly fortunate to have this kind of genius working alongside them. “And if we do take any damage, don’t worry. The nanites are designed to immediately disperse and patch up any breaches, repairing the ship on the fly,” she added, her voice a blend of enthusiasm and assurance.

  Reva had finished speaking when Freyr walked in to greet her and Amos. “Hail, shipmates! all of our supplies have been loaded onto the ship and we are now ready to take off per your final approval. Amos turned, greeted Freyr and asked, “Did you all add a pool like I asked?” Freyr shook his head in agreement, “Yes Amos, we added a pool, gymnasium, and most importantly a bathroom as you and Reva suggested. The Asgard have been researching the unique living requirements humans have in order to maintain bodily function. Pretty soon, our warships may even have a Starbucks,” Freyr said. Amos tried not to roll his eyes at Freyr’s poor attempt at humor; he was just happy the Asgard weren’t trying to make a Popeye’s or KFC.

  Within moments, the rest of the Asgard had departed from the Skidbladnir, and Amos, Reva, and Freyr were making their way to the bridge. “Amos,” Freyr said, his voice steady, “I’ve been instructed to remind you that while this vessel is mine, the Penegal and the council have deemed it essential for you to take command of this mission. I’ll offer guidance when necessary, but the decisions moving forward rest solely with you.” Amos nodded in acknowledgment, the weight of leadership settling upon him as they neared their station on the bridge.

  “So, where to first?” Reva inquired, her curiosity piqued as she glanced between her companions. Amos, now settled in the captain’s chair that Freyr had thoughtfully arranged for him, leaned forward, his hand resting on his knee. “Our first objective is to secure weapons,” he replied, his gaze focused and intent. “Fortunately, I came across intel in the SGC mission reports about one not too far from Atlantis. I’m not ready to resurrect the old city just yet, but this weapon has remained dormant and untouched for millennia. It should have no trouble dealing with Anubis’s new fleet.”

  With a sense of purpose, Reva entered the coordinates he provided, and together, they lifted off, soaring into orbit, then into hyperspace, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.