Chapter 37

  Daily life continued as usual on Orban as the turban wearing humans went about their business on the lush and pristine world. All over the city, people were busy eating, drinking and engaging in various activities unaware of what marvelous spectacle would unfold next.

  Suddenly, all over Orban’s capital people stopped what they were doing. It was noon, still dark shadow hovered overhead as a mysterious flying object came into view. Millions stopped what they were doing, opened their windows and looked up into the air. Soon, the ground began to shake and people began to stumble and fall as they ran away from what they thought was impending doom.

  “We’re under attack!” a voice pierced the air.

  “It’s the Goa’uld!” another voice shrieked, igniting a frenzy of fear among the masses.

  Yet amidst the turmoil, Karlan—ever the vigilant leader—stood resolute, peering into the gathering chaos, his gaze fixed on the magnificent sight descending toward the city's rear.

  “It’s a city!” he declared, his voice a beacon of astonishment. “A colossal flying city!”

  Landing within the verdant embrace of Orban’s lush forests was a second-generation Lantean City ship, its grand towers dwarfing every structure of the advanced civilization below. And on its southern pier, sat an exquisite statue —an imposing figure of a man draped in shimmering gold, surveying the capital with an air of silent authority. The stage was set for an extraordinary chapter in Orban's history, one that would be spoken of for generations to come.

  “Do you really think his head looks like me?” Amos prodded Reva as they looked out over the central balcony of the city.

  “Of course it does my love, I took a detailed picture of your face in order to recreate the head that was missing.” Reva had used the Kino to copy the statue on P3X-439. Now, they could take the knowledge of the Ancients everywhere they went. She even adorned it with her golden ablative nanites to make the statue radiant yet indestructible and placed on it the head of the man who lived – Amos Fyree.

  Soon a throng gathered, drawn by the allure of an extraordinary spectacle. As Karlan forged his way through the sea of eager faces, his presence demanded space, each step reverberating with purpose as he surged toward the southern pier. The moment was electric; he caught sight of Amos Reva, Freyr, and Sha’re, their figures silhouetted in a triumphant wave from the city’s southern pier.

  Finally, as he reached the city's precipice, the crew of the Skidbladnir beamed down from the ancient city, descending to the surface in a stunning cascade of light, ready to meet the astonished leader of Orban. The air crackled with anticipation, as if the very fabric of the world held its breath for what was to come.

  “This… this is beyond imagination!” Karlan gasped, his eyes wide with awe.

  “It’s a gift—an extraordinary opportunity for you and your people, should you choose to embrace our Commonwealth,” Amos proclaimed, his voice filled with conviction.

  “This city is a fortress, a sanctuary safeguarding your people from the Goa’uld, armed with advanced weapons and shields yet capable of evacuating this world in the face of unimaginable peril,” Freyr declared, his tone resolute.

  “And that’s not all,” Reva interjected, her eyes gleaming with fierce pride. “I took the initiative to install this statue imbued with the Repository of the Ancients, a treasure trove designed to propel your world into an era of incredible technological advancement.”

  “So, it seems the experiment was a success, then? The new nanites both heal and retain knowledge?” Karlan inquired, hope igniting in his voice.

  “Indeed, they can!” Sha’re replied, her radiant smile illuminating the room.

  “Fantastic! I shall seek the approval of the Orbanian elders, but with all that has transpired, I am certain they will choose to ally with the Lantean Commonwealth.”

  Cheers erupted in the capital with the momentous arrival of the Lantean city. The council elders of Orban cast their votes in unison, embracing the decision to join the Commonwealth, and they set about the monumental task of restoring the Uronne.

  Within the ancient halls of a timeworn pyramid, children twirled and danced, their laughter echoing through the corridors as they played and adorned the walls with colorful drawings, blissfully unaware of the world beyond. These were the last of the Uronne, the children who had completed their Averum years ago, just as the Elders had brought the process to an abrupt halt. Among them was Karlan, accompanied by his friends Amos, Reva, Freyr, and Sha’re, who wandered through the warm sands of the pyramid’s base. Suddenly, a small figure came rushing towards them—a boy of about thirteen, bursting with energy. As he approached, Karlan opened his arms wide, welcoming the young child into a warm and loving embrace.

  “This is my son, Tomin,” said Karlan as he turned around to introduce him to the others. “He underwent his Averium a couple of years ago and he’s been living here ever since.”

  Amos knelt down to meet Tomin at eye level, his face breaking into a warm, welcoming smile. “Hello, Tomin, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, his voice rich with friendliness. He then produced a small wafer, imbued with the enticing flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, and gently placed it in Tomin’s outstretched hand.

  Tomin carefully examined the wafer, feeling its slight weight and smooth texture as he turned it over in his palm. In an instant, curiosity overwhelmed him, and he popped the entire treat into his mouth. As he chewed, a spirited and playful grin spread across his face, the taste igniting a sense of delight within him. With each bite, he savored the combination of flavors until he finally swallowed the last remnants of the delectable dessert.

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  “Wow, this tastes good, can I have another,” said Tomin not realizing he had been healed.

  “Tomin! You spoke!” Karlan rejoiced, realizing that the new medical nanites had worked.

  “I… I… I can talk again. I can think clearly again. Father, I feel like my old self!” said Tomin joyfully.

  “This is incredible news!” Karlan shouted, brimming with joy. At long last, all the children who had endured the trials of the Averium would be healed, growing up to be valuable members of our society.

  “I must express my gratitude to each of you for your tireless efforts. Your very existence on this planet has altered the course of our history,” Karlan proclaimed, standing proudly beside his newly healed son.

  That night, Orban transformed into a scene of celebration, as families joyfully reunited with their Averium children. In the shadow of the majestic pyramids of Orban, long tables were arranged, laden with a feast crafted from delicacies of every corner of the planet. Amos and the crew of the Skidbladnir reveled in the culinary delights prepared in their honor, sampling dish after dish with delighted laughter. The pyramid buzzed with excitement, as citizens of Orban formed lines, eagerly awaiting the new nanite wafers that symbolized hope and renewal. Under the radiant golden glow of the Lantean city ship, all fears and doubts melted away, giving rise to a night filled with dreams of a brighter future.

  In the morning, Karlan and the elders stood in the gateroom of their brand new Orbanian city ship as emissaries from the Commonwealth arrived to meet the leadership of their new member world. A delegation of leaders from Taranis, Arkology, Dagan, Maneria and Hoff were first to gate into the sprawling city. Even the Asgard, hearing of their success, sent a delegation from O’thalla to witness the new nanite technology. For the visitors from Pegasus, this was the first time their people had stepped foot onto an advanced world free from the hunger of the Wraith. This was also the first time any of them had left the Pegasus galaxy. Seeing the striking towers, elevated streets and robust pyramids of Orban gave many of them hope that one day their cities could be that grand; their people that ornate. The inclusion of Orban in the Lantean Commonwealth, for them, heralded the beginning of a new era for their people because it meant they had an extragalactic safe haven against the Wraith.

  “This is a fine world you have here,” said Lycus, leader of Taranis.

  “A fine world indeed,” echoed Jamus of Arkology.

  “Thank you all for your generous words, there is much we need to discuss as far as trade and our new partnership is concerned, please follow me.”

  The delegation from Pegasus engaged in substantial meetings with the leaders of Orban as scientists, engineers, and military personnel came through the Stargate to deliver supplies. Reva, along with the team from Taranis, set up a large hangar bay to the west of the city where a fleet of Lantean warships were printed for Orbanian defense. Orban being the Commonwealth’s first world in the Milky Way Galaxy would serve as a de facto military base to begin fortification for a future war – against the Goa’uld and the Wraith.

  After receiving a dose of Orban’s revolutionary medical nanites, a group of elite scientists and pilots, training to command the mighty Lantean Warships, approached the colossal golden statue that crowned Orban's city ship. With a sense of awe, they immersed themselves in its radiant glow, downloading the ancient knowledge of the Ancients themselves.

  This was just the beginning. Across the sprawling city, state-of-the-art resurrection chambers, Asgard computer cores, beaming sites, and food synthesizers sprang to life, strategically distributed to catalyze the rapid evolution of this new Commonwealth world. In the span of a single day, the shadows of hunger, disease, and ignorance were banished, ushering Orban into an unprecedented golden age, where possibilities shimmered like the sun on the horizon.

  “Cannon ball!” Amos yelled as he jumped into the lake splashing water in every direction.

  Amos, Reva and Sha’re had taken up Karlan’s offer to spend the rest of the day in one of Orban’s many lakes. The lake was packed with people and many of the Uronne children were playfully swimming about after receiving their new healing nanites. As Amos frolicked with Reva inside of the crystalline lake, Karlan made his way up to Sha’re who was floating alone in a section to herself.

  “How do you like Orban,” Karlan asked Sha’re as he moved ever closer to the lonely woman.

  “It is lovely, a stark contrast to Abydos, the world of my youth,” she responded.

  Karlan moved closer to Sha’re glaring deep into her eyes. He had never seen a woman that beautiful, not on Orban, and he slowly tried to attract her attention.

  Karlan's gaze settled on Sha’re, a slow smile unfurling across his face. “You are an exceptionally beautiful woman,” he remarked, his voice smooth and inviting.

  “Thank you,” Sha’re replied, a note of politeness threading through her words, though lingering unease stirred within her.

  He leaned slightly closer, the weight of his authority evident. “You know, as the leader of this world, I could offer you a life of luxury here. A splendid house, endless provisions—anything your heart desires would be yours.”

  Despite his commanding presence, Sha’re fought against the urge to retreat. He was the ruler of an entire planet, yet her heart was tethered to one man, Daniel Jackson. With every effort, she strove to remain loyal to him, even in this distant realm.

  “I appreciate your kind words, Karlan, truly,” she began, her tone measured and respectful. “However, I must decline your generous offer. I am married to a man from Earth—Daniel Jackson.”

  “Daniel Jackson!” Karlan exclaimed, a flicker of recognition igniting in his eyes.

  From the other side of the lake, Amos and Reva exchanged glances, unable to ignore the unfolding scene between Karlan and Sha’re. It was clear, even without the wisdom of the Ancients, that something significant was transpiring.

  “You know him?” Sha’re ventured, her curiosity piqued.

  “Yes! I met Daniel Jackson a few years back. He’s part of SG-1. But what brings you here alone?” Karlan questioned, a hint of intrigue twinkling in his gaze.

  With a hint of bashfulness, Sha’re recounted her story. “I was once a host to the Goa’uld system lord Amunet. In a confrontation with the Tauri, my demon was vanquished, and I perished alongside it. Just a month ago, Amos and Reva came to my planet and breathed life back into me,” she explained. “Amos, also from Earth, encouraged me to join his mission until we reach Earth by the year’s end.”

  “Ah, that makes sense now,” Karlan remarked, a look of realization dawning on his face. “I never thought to ask Amos about his origins, but all of this makes it clear why he’s stepping into my world. My apologies for any misunderstanding. I’m a friend of Dr. Jackson, and I would never betray his trust by pursuing his wife.”

  Karlan felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. Had he known Amos hailed from Earth and that Sha’re was Daniel Jackson’s spouse, his approach would have been far different. He bid farewell to Sha’re and glided across the shimmering surface of the small lake to engage with Amos and Reva, who were stationed on the opposite bank.

  “You’re from Earth?” Karlan queried, curiosity evident in his tone.

  Amos cast a glance at Reva, attempting to mask his concern before replying, “Yes, I should have revealed that sooner. I didn’t want you to think I was acting on orders from Stargate Command. I’ve been sent on a mission by the Asgard—charged with forging alliances and securing technology to combat an imminent war against the Goa’uld. A formidable System Lord named Anubis is amassing an army meant to annihilate all advanced civilizations in this galaxy, including my own. For now, I must operate in secrecy until we’re prepared to reach out to my people.”

  Karlan remained suspended in the water, processing the gravity of Amos’s words. He was already aware of the Goa’uld threat, but the revelation that Anubis intended to assault every technologically capable world within the Milky Way was staggering.

  “So that’s the purpose behind establishing the Commonwealth—to gear up for the Goa’uld,” Karlan deduced, his mind racing with implications.

  “Yes, Karlan. We are also working with the worlds in Pegasus to stop an even greater enemy called the Wraith. The Wraith are the enemies that defeated the Ancients. They feed on human beings like cattle. However, this alliance has to deal with more than just defense. The good that we can bring to struggling worlds far outweighs the cost,” said Amos.

  Karlan, still floating in place, opened his mouth and said, “I agree. I never thought I would ever see the Uronne children healthy again and our people once again transcendent. We’ve already accomplished so much over this short amount of time with the Commonwealth. I am certain we will achieve much more in the future.

  Soon the sun died down, and the lake emptied, Amos and his crew went back to the Lantean city ship to rest for the unknown trials that lay ahead.