Chapter 18

  “Hello, my name is Lycus, welcome to Taranis,” said the Taranian High Chancellor.

  Amos and the crew of the Skidbladnir had finally arrived on Taranis carrying with them the Ancient Satellite weapon in tow. After making contact with their people, the motley crew teleported down to the planet to meet with their leader.

  “I must admit, we’ve never had visitors come here by ship before – well except for the Wraith. Still others come to our world for protection because our world has an energy shield that protects us from Wraith cullings; it has held strong for many generations, I might add,” said the middle aged chancellor as he stood proudly clasping the rim of his suit jacket.

  “We come from another galaxy,” replied Amos, “A galaxy free from the Wraith. After the Ancients left your galaxy they retreated to ours. Where we come from there are many advanced worlds, including human worlds, all capable of space travel.”

  As the trio strolled alongside Lycus through the vibrant streets of Taranis, they marveled at the ancient architecture that adorned the Lantean settlements, remnants of a storied past. The air buzzed with curiosity as locals took notice of the outsiders, their eyes lingering particularly on Freyr, whose otherworldly presence was impossible to ignore.

  “What was it you called your race?” Lycus inquired, his gaze locked onto Freyr, seeking answers.

  “I am of the Asgard,” Freyr replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “Countless millennia ago, my people were part of a grand alliance of four magnificent races, the Ancients among them. Tragically, a dire plague swept through our realm, driving the Ancients to abandon it for this galaxy, leaving without us knowing. Had we known, we would have rallied to their side, especially in their struggle against the Wraith.”

  Amos, sensing the weight of Freyr’s words, elaborated for Lycus. “The Asgard are ancient allies of our ancestors. Much like the Ancients, they possess a wisdom that transcends time. Recently, they rediscovered one of their long-lost outposts within this galaxy, drawing their focus now to the unfolding events in Pegasus.”

  Lycus, intrigued by the connection the Asgard had with the Ancients, wanted to ask more but Amos pressed another question instead. “In the ancient research base we discovered we found evidence of a Lantean military facility on this planet, is that correct?”

  Lycus stopped walking and turned to look at Amos and his team, “Why yes, this planet was once an ancestral military installation built before the start of their final war.” Upon hearing this, Amos pressed on with further questioning, “Our records also indicate that you are in possession of an Ancient warship, is that true?”

  After hearing this, Lycus's face suddenly appeared fraught and downcast. “H-How did you… How did you know about the warship? Not even the refugees who come to Taranis know about our vessel?” said Lycus shockingly.

  Amos, knowing he had pressed the right button, honed in on why they had arrived on Taranis in the first place. “Sir, my people and I would love to take a look at your vessel, and if it is alright with you, help you fix your ship. Not only that, but we believe that after we fix your vessel we might be able to make more,” Amos said.

  Lycus was surprised by what Amos had said. Fixing the ship was one thing, making more of them was something else entirely. “Your people have the ability to replicate ancient technology?” asked the shocked chancellor. Amos nodded his head and replied, “You saw us come here by ship right? Both Reva and I are well versed in Lantean technology and the Asgard are nearly as advanced as the ancients themselves. We can have a team of Asgard scientists gate over to this planet and together we can not only fix your ship, but I am confident that we can make an entire fleet in a short amount of time.”

  Lycus looked down at Freyr with a suspicious look, fearing this could be the beginning of an Alien invasion. The only aliens they knew were the Wraith and relations with them were obviously not cordial. Benevolent aliens in Pegasus simply did not exist.

  “How do I know that your people will not simply invade and take this world for yourself?” said a worried Lycus. Amos and Reva looked at each other and laughed, to think that someone as small as Freyr would be a threat to the Taranians tickled them.

  The Asgard were small, frail beings and to find Lycus threatened by them only made both Amos and Reva chuckle. Reva then turned to Lycus and reassured him, “The Asgard are a friendly race and both Amos and I have lived with them for over a month and can attest to their gentle character.”

  Amos, fearing rejection by the Taranians, held his hand to his face thinking of a solution. He then lifted his finger and made a proposition, “How about we introduce you to the Asgard and you can see how they are for yourself, who knows maybe we can work out some type of alliance to help you further defend yourselves against the Wraith.”

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  Lycus, although unsure about making an alliance with aliens, reluctantly agreed to Amos’s proposal and prepared to meet with the Asgard.

  Kaswoosh!

  Amos and Freyr entered the gate coordinates for Asuras, and with them, the apprehensive Lycus stepped through the portal into Valhalla, leaving Reva behind to tend to their ship. “Absolutely marvelous!” Lycus declared with unrestrained enthusiasm. As they ventured through the ancient city, the trio soon made contact with Penegal and the Asgard High Council. “Welcome back, Amos and Freyr. How fare you on your journey?” inquired the Asgard High Chancellor. Penegal had barely exchanged words with Amos and Freyr when Lycus came into view. The Chancellor’s expression darkened slightly as he observed the quirky figure navigating his city with an air of uncertainty.

  “Who accompanies you, Amos Fyree? Why have you brought this stranger to Valhalla?” Penegal, the High Chancellor, scrutinized Lycus with a critical eye as Amos turned to him, a reassuring hand resting on Lycus’s back.

  “High Chancellor Penegal, allow me to introduce Lycus, the High Chancellor of Taranis. Freyr and I brought him here to meet your people, hoping to forge an alliance as well as a trade deal with the Asgard.”

  Penegal studied Lycus intently, taking in the signs of age in his garments, woven from humble cotton and wool. Doubt flickered in his mind: this man seemed far from the sophistication of an advanced civilization. A question nagged at him, one that he voiced carefully to avoid offending Lycus. “Young Amos, what could the Taranian people possibly offer the Asgard in trade that we do not already possess?”

  Amos chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Wise Penegal, Lycus’s people hail from a world that once served as a military base for Atlantis. I brought him here to Valhalla because his people are in possession of an Ancient warship.”

  Penegal’s curiosity piqued, and his demeanor shifted as he regarded Lycus with newfound interest. “He possesses such a vessel?” he inquired, a hint of excitement lacing his tone.

  “Yes, indeed he does,” Amos confirmed. “We brought him in hopes of negotiating not only a trade agreement but a security pact between the Asgard and the Taranian people. Our aim is to restore the vessel to its former glory, and perhaps even to replicate its ancient design.”

  The group made their way through the heart of Valhalla; Asgard vessels were busy going to and fro around various parts of the city. Lycus had never dreamt of being in one of the Ancestor’s citadels. He had never imagined being surrounded by such glamorous and sophisticated technology: flying machines, little silver orbs, as well as the sight of people teleporting all took Lycus by surprise. Never in his life had he seen such advanced technology used so openly.

  It was bright that day on Valhalla and the group decided to discuss the proposed alliance over a meal. The group made their way to an open air cafeteria perched high up on one of the towers in the Western pier of Valhalla’s central city. The Asgard had heeded Amos’s words the last time he was on Valhalla and prepared kiosks of diverse human food choices in preparation for accommodating more humans.

  “Oh shit, Starbucks!” said Amos as he and the others sat down at an empty seat. In only a short amount of time, the Asgard had made their own versions of many human restaurants on Earth: Starbucks, Mcdonalds, Pizza Hut, and to his dismay KFC.

  “How about we discuss these matters at Pizza Hut?” offered Penegal. “Hell yeah, Pizza hut sounds great,” said Amos. The group walked over to Pizza Hut and ordered a large vegetarian Pizza. A little Asgard wearing a pizza hut uniform turned around and pressed a few buttons on an Asgard monitor. Within seconds a large vegetarian Pizza appeared right before them. “Unbelievable!” said Lycus. “How did you do that?” Amos took hold of the Pizza and said, “The Asgard have matter conversion technology. With that technology they are able to reorganize molecules at the subatomic level into anything they need, virtually eliminating scarcity.”

  The group made their way to a table that offered a sweeping view of the entire city below. Amos set down the large pizza, its aroma wafting through the air, as everyone else settled into their seats, buzzing with anticipation. Lycus eagerly took a bite and his eyes widened in delight. “This is splendid! I’ve never tasted anything like this in my entire life. What do you call it again?” he inquired, a grin spreading across his face.

  “It’s called pizza,” Amos replied with a proud smile. “A delicacy from my planet.” Recalling that he had forgotten drinks, Amos activated his wrist matter converters to produce an array of beverages. “Why you people can pull anything out of thin air can’t you?” said Lycus.

  Amos laughed at the suggestion, he had forgotten most people weren’t accustomed to such technologies. After finishing several slices of Pizza, Lycus was ready to talk business. “You all want access to my ship, in exchange I want this matter conversion technology that you speak of.” Amos looked at Penegal and hoped he would say yes.

  “Usually, the Asgard don’t share advanced technology with primitive races; however the opportunity to study a Lantean warship is something my people can’t pass up. We will therefore offer our food synthesizers to your people as well as a defensive pact in case your world gets attacked,” offered Penegal. Lycus was happy by these words and a deal was reached between the two parties.

  Amos, Freyr, and Lycus returned to Taranis with a formidable entourage of Asgard scientists and engineers. They made their way to the ancient military base, the hangar doors looming before them as they approached the legendary vessel. “There it is, our very own ancestral warship,” Lycus declared, his voice filled with reverence. The Asgard gathered, their expressions a mix of awe and admiration as they beheld the vessel.

  The Lantean warship extended a remarkable 3,000 meters in length, its surface a light brown hue streaked with dark brown accents that traced its sleek form. It bore an uncanny resemblance to a fish, almost as if it were a creature of the sea, seamlessly weaving through the fabric of legends tied to Atlantis, the city of old. Along its sides, weapon turrets stood ready, reinforced hull plating gleamed in the dim light, and an array of sensors promised power beyond imagination. It was a marvel of engineering that would have made even the most skilled Asgard craftsman proud. In the distance, the group could see Reva who was already busy analyzing the ship’s systems. Noticing that Amos and the others had returned, Reva stopped what she was doing and headed over to greet them. “Hello, I hope you don’t mind but I started looking over your ship,” said Reva. “It is fine,” said Lycus, “our people were able to make a generous trade agreement with the Asgard and now we are ready to begin work on the vessel.”

  Amos walked over to Reva, grabbed her and kissed her, missing every second he was no longer in her presence. He then asked her about the condition of the ship and if she truly could mend this vessel’s wounds.

  “The ship has seen better days,” Reva admitted, her expression turning serious. “It’s a miracle it survived this long. But with the expertise of this Asgard team you’ve assembled, we should have it operational again fairly soon – and maybe even make a few upgrades along the way,” she added with a hopeful grin.

  As the Asgard set up their workstations alongside the Taranian scientists, the air hummed with renewed determination. Together, they would begin breathing life back into the ancient Lantean vessel and restore hope of the return of a lost and forgotten civilization.