Harry Potter x Stargate Atlantis x The Walking Dead

Synopsis: Harry, after discovering Atlantis, accidentally activates Janus' Dimensional Transport & Time Dilation device while en route from Lantea to Earth and triggered both a dimensional shift and a time jump, which rendered him unconscious. He awakens in a star system not too distant from Earth, and finds Atlantis has carried out his last order: to establish a mining operation and the creation of Human Form Replicators, slaved to his will and the defense of his person and Atlantis.

Setting: En Media Res onboard the CityShip Atlantis, in the Alternate Universe designated AU01.

Characters: Harry Potter, Stargate, The Walking Dead, O/C.

Disclaimer: No profit is sought, or accepted, in the publication of this fanfiction. It is purely being written and shared for enjoyment; no remunerations are accepted or expected by the author. All right, privileges, and copyrights belong to their respective holders/owners. I freely admit to having been on a Harry Potter x Stargate kick the last few months, and will try to give special thanks to authors who inspired me on my bio page. Until then, however, if you see something similar too another author of this genre, please point it out to me and I will check my notes as to whether or not I could have accidentally modeled my characters, names, places, events after another.

I freely admit that my Captain Talia is named after a Aurora Class ship I read of in several fics, but can't recall who, (if you know what I'm talking about please link me to the story), and want to give that author credit for the name. I will when I find out who that author was, either by editing this chapter or noting later on.

Please enjoy and review with your comments, critiques.

Chapter 01: Awakening

Harry Potter lay unconscious upon the command deck of the CityShip Atlantis. Having managed to recharge two of the city's three potentia over the course of the last several days with his magic, somehow, and once charged he had ordered the computer to search out the records of Atlantis' databanks on Avalon and determine the best source of trinium, naquada, and other materials that would be "near" Earth. The Computer had managed to locate such a source within a five light year radius of Earth, and had plotted a course from Pegasus. En route, Harry accidentally activated Janus' Dimensional Transport and Time Dilation devise integrated into Atlantis' systems in one of his experimental, a.k.a. secret, laboratories housed in the lower levels. Having Atlantis perform a deep system wide scan had awakened subroutines in the device which were delayed in reacting, and while in the galactic void, the devise had pulsed sending Atlantis violently into a red alert and another dimension/time.

After coming to a complete stop and running a city wide diagnostic, the Atlantis AI determined that nothing was amiss, proceeded back to its course, and noting that High Counselor Potter was unconscious, beamed him into a med bay for the emergency hologram to care for. After scanning him, the Emergency Medical Hologram determined that the High Counselor was suffering from "magical" exhaustion, as well as from a slight concussion he received from the Janus Devise activating. Having diagnosed a problem, the EMH began to treat, and the end result was involuntary bed rest for Harry for the next two days.

As he slept, Atlantis continued on its mining mission and the construction of Human Form Replicators who were tasked with servicing Atlantis, building a potentia generating orbital platform, as well as establishing a link with the existing Avalon Social Satellite Network. Finding no remnants of the previous network though, the AI instructed a portion of its mining crew to begin construction on new satellites which would be a drain on Atlantis' systems and resources for the next two weeks as hundreds, if not thousands, of satellites were built and launched.

Harry Potter would be most impressed, once he awoke, at how efficient the city's guardian, as he called the AI, was with executing his simple orders to: "Return to Avalon, and prepare for a build-up of the fleet."

Harry Potter: Humanity's Last Hope

*****Apocalypse Year .5*****

Inside Cheyenne Mountain

"General," began the weary looking staff sergeant, "we've just got a communique from Area 51 Sir."

"Go ahead Steve," General Jack O'Neill of the United States Air Force, or what was left of it, began.

"Sir, Area 51 has indicated that all tests as to the virus' origin are inconclusive, and that so far it has resisted all efforts to be cured. According to Doctor Lorritson, the gene sequencing is something she's never encountered before and estimates that we are just now at the midpoint of mapping its gene sequences."

The General furrowed his brow and leaned forward against his desk at that pronouncement. "She's been analyzing the damn thing for almost a year now! How much more damn time does she need?!" At this pronouncement the general left his desk and walked to a shrine which covered a major portion of a wall of his office, which was composed of the official photo of those under his command he had lost since the outbreak was identified over six months ago.

Sighing, he turned back to the sergeant, "How much longer will their supplies last them Steve?"

"General Hammond has indicated that with current personnel, and with current efforts to maintain the perimeter of the base, and judging by the recent success of several raids on supply depots, Area 51 will be able to operate at current levels for at least another 36 months, 72 if further rationing of supplies are implemented."

General O'Neil nodded in understanding, and dismissed the sergeant. He had spoken to General Hammond over a secure channel not 48 hours ago, and he'd already shared much of what the sergeant told him…Dr. Lorritson's report though was new and troubling news indeed.

Leaving his office, General O'Neil made his way to Captain Carter's Laboratory on the lower levels, hoping she could explain things a little more clearly than the Sergeant. Finding her dissecting some sort of device, he announced himself and began his conversation.

"It's Jack Sam. I need you to tell me a little about this report I just got from '51 and Hammond's research group. They think it will take another year or more to finish mapping the genes of the virus, and by then we'll be too far gone…I need advice Sam." She looked up from the magnifying glass that was helping her examine some devise she'd taken apart. "Jack, I told you from the beginning that our salvation lay in the device and those we found like it...we are simply not evolved enough as a people, or technologically to combat this thing." Jack furrowed his brow, "Based on the archive footage, there is no indication that the device is a weapon, or even dangerous! We don't know what Dr. Littlefield did that caused the event, or what happened to him. Everything that I've seen indicates that the devise is a highly advanced piece of benign technology from non-terrestrial origins…these things we found in Egypt are proof of that. My God, this base and '51 are powered by some kind of cold fusion reactors we reverse engineered from a wreck we found alongside the device!" Sam set down her instruments and walked over to a chalk board covered in equations.

"General just based on the energy readings taken in 1945, and based on the limited experiments you've allowed me to do now, I think the device is some sort of power converter that can take a limited amount of power, amplify it exponentially, and maintain that energy. I think it could create a portal, or possibly a wormhole, and be used for instantaneous travel. I need more personnel on this General. This could be humanity's last hope…we could possibly use what we learn from it to advance our own sciences such that we could cure the virus!"

Jack snorted contemptuously. "Really Carter, how many people have we lost? How many people do we still have? It's not like I can pick the phone up and requisition you a team of fucking scientists!" The General banged his fist on the lab desk in frustration. "Before the fall I saw the classified materials and knew there was potential in the device, and I knew I wanted you on it. Hammond had already started building the team by the time I was brought in, and we were a go for research. We had the device set up and ready to go in the late 90s. We conducted numerous experiments but could not get the damn thing to do anything. You've been here since 2005 and haven't made any headway…and that was with a fully staffed research team…"

The General took a deep breath, calmed himself, and continued. "I'm sorry to upset you Sam, but I just need you to look over this report from '51 and give your honest opinion as to whether or not they will be able to do anything about the virus in the time we have left…the last raid took a lot heavy toll on '51 and Hammond doesn't want to risk the personnel like that again. They lost most of the raiders on their last mission Sam." He hesitated before continuing, "the President and three of the remaining Cabinet members have been hit with the fever Sam. They've been quarantined, and are receiving treatment, but all reports indicate that we're going to lose them to the virus."

"God no Jack! If that's true they could have exposed half the base! Could it just be the flue?" "Sam, you know we aren't that lucky. As it stands Hammond and I are in agreement, '51 will stop making supply runs as it stands, and will enter quarantine with all top-side automated defenses activated. Hammond said that he's instructed the researchers to speed up their mapping, and to begin training soldiers what to do so that work can be done as the researchers sleep…he also has told me that all of their supplies are to be moved to a secure, and severable, underground bunker that can be accessed from topside if things go south and he has to terminate operations on the base."

Samantha looked at Jack in shock, a look of sad comprehension slowly dawned on her face. "He wants you to have an easy salvage operation doesn't he Jack?" The General remained silent as he gathered his thoughts. "Sam, you've seen how quickly the virus spreads. You've read the reports from the CDC about how it has a very short incubation period once the fever hits, and just how contagious it is at that stage." General O'Neil had wanted to launch an evac and rescue mission of the CDC but his plan had been vetoed by the President. His priority at the time was regrouping and consolidating resources to a few "key" locations…those being primarily Area 51, Cheyenne Mountain, and a few other key facilities.

An overhead speaker blared to life, interrupting Jack and Sam, "All Senior Staff and Base Personnel to General O'Neil's Conference room immediately. This is a priority alert. All other personnel are to man their stations." The voice repeated the command as Carter and O'Neil began moving at a rapid pace to the nearest elevator to get back to Jack's Office and the conference room adjacent. Organized and well-practiced chaos erupted base wide as men and women who had been in their quarters burst forth fully dressed and armed, expecting the worst, to take up defensive positions at each intersection of ever floor.

"Fuck," thought Jack, "what could possibly be happening now. There's no way anyone, or anything, has breached the doors topside." He had no infected personnel inside the Mountain, and everyone was screened on a weekly basis to ensure the virus didn't spontaneously appear in their system. "What could it be…"

Harry Potter: Humanity's Last Hope

Harry Potter, self-proclaimed Emperor of the Alterra Nova Star Empire, slowly regained consciousness two days after he'd been injured in the galactic void. "Guardian, report!" Harry sat up on the bio-bed of the medical bay, a place he'd sworn to himself he would avoid at all costs, as he awaited a response from the Alterran AI that formed the heart of Atlantis. He was startled to find the door to his right open and a humanoid walk through.

"Greetings Supreme Commander Potter, I am Marcus, a HFR built specifically to serve as Chief Medical Officer and your personal physician. The AI informed me that you were awake and had questions, please relax as I conduct a few scans to ensure your health." Harry acquiesced and settled back on the bed to allow Marcus to do his work. "Supreme Commander, your bio-energy signatures have returned to healthy levels, your concussion was dealt with as soon as it was detected, and your body has been able to accept a few injections of nanites that over the course of the next week or two should reverse physical damage caused to your person by malnutrition and, what the reports indicate, the physical trauma(s) you've suffered over the years." Harry nodded along as he listened.

"That's fine Dr. Marcus, if you would be release me. I want to return to the Bridge to get a status update and report on the City as well as what caused the alarm in the void." Dr. Marcus went to a panel at the side of the bed and input a few commands. After a few seconds of waiting two other humanoids in grey, vaguely military outfits, entered the room and stood at attention on either side of the door. "Supreme Commander, this is your personal security escort. Allow me to introduce you to Lt. Arnold and Lt. Donaldson, both are HFR and will remain in your presence at all times." Harry stood up and saluted the men, before turning back to the Doctor, "Marcus, how many HFRs are onboard Atlantis at present, and how were we able to construct so many in such a short amount of time. My understanding from Atlantis was that the construction of such entities required vast power and resources we didn't currently possess."

Lt. Arnold stepped away from the door saluted, then began, "Begging the Supreme Commander's forgiveness for interrupting, but there are currently 150 HFRs assigned to vital support services onboard Atlantis Sir! The Atlantis AI found a source of necessary materials and immediately began construction of HFRs to assist in the security and maintenance of the city Sir as well as carrying out the primary mission which you assigned. We will reach critical mass at around 5000 HFRs and will be able to begin construction of additional vessels of the fleet. As it stands Sir, Atlantis has secured a solar system within 5 light years from Earth, has constructed a potentia generating orbital star platform, and has begun sending out the first wave of 350 Avalon Social Satellites." "Wait Lt.," Harry began, "why did Atlantis begin construction of social satellites?"

"Upon return to Avalon, Atlantis could find no remnants of the Alterran Social Satellite Network Supreme Commander."

Harry began to walk toward the door, "I need to be on the bridge. Let's go gentlemen. Goodbye Doctor, inform me of any need you have regarding the proper staffing of upkeep of our medical facilities." With that, Harry and his two companions made their way toward the Command Spire and Command deck of Atlantis, which Harry had affectionately dubbed: The Bridge.

***** Atlantis' Bridge *****

"Supreme Commander on Deck!," came the shout as Harry and his escorts exited the transport onto the Bridge. Half way to the Command Chair, they were met by an officer who's insignia identified her as a Captain. "Greetings Supreme Commander, I am Captain Talia, and I have been assigned to function as the Senior Officer of Atlantis in your absence. I, and the crew, are pleased to see that you are well. Would you like to resume command at this time?" Harry observed the officer and the remaining crew with interest, "No Captain that will not be necessary. I would appreciate a briefing on our current status and Atlantis' current operations." Receiving a salute in reply, Harry followed along as the Captain took him from station to station and reported to him what each HFR was doing and what was going on in Atlantis.

"So far Commander we've been able to conduct a thorough cleaning of the City, and have conducted a detailed inspection. We've managed to bring 20 of 70 hydroponics bays online, and have been able to retrieve samples of enough vegetation to begin growing crops. Fifteen of the remaining bays are being converted to specialize in the growth and development of plants and organisms necessary for Alterran medicine. The remaining bays have been cleaned, repaired, and stand waiting to be used for food production once Atlantis has a sizeable population. Until then, the 20 bays in production will be able to comfortably feed up to 10,000 HFRs in addition to yourself; we have only scheduled the development and training of 5,000 HFRs at present though Supreme Commander." Harry had a pensive look upon his face, "Captain, I thought HFRs fed off of micro reactors in their bodies, why do you need to feed?"

"That explanation is a bit simplistic Supreme Commander," Talia began, "HFRs ingest carbon based organic matter which is in turn converted into fuel for the micro generators within our bodies. We were designed to function similarly to Alterrans Sir, and while we are not truly "alive" our systems were designed to mimic our masters as a tribute to their engineering prowess." Pausing to see if Harry had any further questions, and finding he had none, Talia continued, "We have completed a potentia generating solar platform that is located in this solar system's star, and currently we have fifteen potential charging as we continue to refine the materials here on Atlantis to create more, fifteen per batch." Nodding, Harry indicated she should continue, "Based on the mineral composition of several asteroids in, and near, this solar system, and the rich deposits of trinium, naquada, and other materials on this planet, which we've designated as AMP-0001, we will be able to immediately begin construction of two Aurora Class Battleships once we have completely re-stocked Atlantis' Drone Weapons platform with the materials necessary to construct and deploy Drone Weapons."

"Have we detected any native space fairing species Captain?"

"Supreme Commander," Talia began, "without a satellite network to consult I cannot answer that question right now. That's why production of a new network was authorized as a priority over and above the construction of HFRs and additional vessels for the Fleet." "I see," said Harry as he walked over to the window which overlooked one of Atlantis' many production/ship yards. He watched as like clockwork almost every eight seconds a streak of light shot from Atlantis into the void of space. "Captain, what is being launched?"

"Those are the beginnings of the Nova Avalonus Social Satellite Network Supreme Commander. In the last two days we have rushed production of 350 stealth, phase shifting, highly shielded, and highly efficient research satellites which we have launched into Avalon in an attempt to find out what is going on. Production has reached critical mass and we currently have a stockpile; one satellite is currently scheduled to be launched to a preprogrammed section of space every eight seconds until we are able to re-map the gate network of Avalon Sir." Harry turned from the window to study the Captain, "Have we been able to establish contact with the gate network? For that matter, have you been able to determine what happened with the former network? Alterran technology should have been well insulated from the effects of space and should have remained dormant until it was needed again."

"It is a mystery Supreme Commander. We have the new satellites scanning for Alterran technology and, apart from the occasional gate, we are not detecting anything; which according to the databanks is cause for alarm." Talia led Harry to the Command Chair, and upon sitting in it, brought up a holographic projection of Avalon and all Alterran colonies from Atlantis' databanks. "Here is where we currently are Supreme Commander, and here is Earth," two green dots emerged from a spiral arm of the projection of the Milky Way Galaxy. "Every yellow dot indicates what should be an Alterran settlement, outpost; the red overlay are the new satellites which we have launched so far. While we do not have enough satellites in play right now to encompass the entire galaxy and check every outpost or colony, so far nearly every planet we've checked, which should be habitable, has been found barren, desolate, and radioactive. While one or two of these planets condition can be explained by a local star going supernova, the sheer number of planets affected is giving us cause for concern."

"These five planets," the display changed to show a close up of several green and ocean covered planets, "should contain space faring and highly advanced civilizations that were just beginning to leave their home systems when Atlantis ventured to the Pegasus Galaxy 10,000 years ago. By all rights they should still exist Sir as they were stable and completely independent civilizations of one another….at least one of them should have survived to the present. We have sent a cloaked reconnaissance shuttle with a crew of five HFRs to investigate each Planet Sir; their primary mission is to determine what happened to the civilizations which should be there, and secondarily they are to determine why we are not detecting Astra Portas on any of these five planets as they were gifted to their people before the Alterrans left." Harry walked over to one of the consoles and typed a few commands. Information was displayed to him on a holographic display. Face turning grim, he typed more commands, and swearing he shut down the display and motioned for the Captain to vacate the Command Chair.

Assuming Command of Atlantis, Harry opened a come line to the entire city and surrounding platforms, "Now Hear this: This is Supreme Commander Potter, Emperor of the Alterra Nova Star Empire. All Atlantis Systems are to be given a level one diagnostic and the compositions of such systems are to be compared to specs. If there are any anomalous systems, or systems which are not noted on the original designs for Atlantis I am to be notified immediately. Until such time as Atlantis has been verified as operational, all production facilities are to halt their current tasks and are instead to begin the manufacture and launching of 140 Type J-C4 Orbital Defense Platforms." Harry took a breath and a moment to check a screen near the right side of the Command Chair. "Each platform, once completed, is to be launched into the orbit of planet AMP-0001, hereafter designated as "Hadrian's Keep," at an equidistant spacing until a functional defensive grid is created. Once the grid is functional, Atlantis is to descend into the Southern Ocean and begin and execute construction of a geothermal tether."

"Until these orders have been carried out completely, all personnel are to remain on high alert, and to maintain arms at all times. No further launches are authorized unless given explicit consent by myself or Captain Talia. All Department Heads and Section Chiefs are to meet in the Council Chambers in 1 hour. Supreme Commander Out." Harry closed the com channel and left the Command Chair. The entire Bridge crew were standing at attention, somewhat worried by the announcement their Supreme Commander, and Emperor, had just made.

"Supreme Commander, what is the cause for alarm?," Talia asked as she approached Harry. "Can you not feel it Talia? You are more intimately connected with Atlantis than a normal human, yet I discovered it by running a few programs that wouldn't normally be ran simultaneously." Scrunching her face in confusion, she responded, "I'm sorry Sir all systems reported optimal performance and no alarms have been raised while we've been connected to the Atlantis AI via neural interface. What have you found."

Harry motioned for his security detail to join him, and invited Talia to join him as he journeyed to the Supreme Commander's Office down the corridor from the Bridge.

Once clear of the bridge and in corridor, Harry observed the automated defenses of Atlantis begin to activate and emerge from their recesses in the walls of the mighty city. The energy weapons were tracking their movement along the corridor but would not fire as they could easily identify the biological, and technological, signature of an Alterran and HFRs. "Talia, think about it! How many gates were seeded in Pegasus?" Talia slowed in her stride, but resumed her pace once she'd had a moment to process the question. "I'm not sure of the exact number Sir but I understand gateships were ordered to place a porta on each habitable, or resource rich planet, before it would proceed from one galaxy to the next. The seeder ship was to follow shortly thereafter; and it would then upload the information it gathered from each planet into a data-stream which would be shot along the Avalon Network and make its way back into a Repository for later review."

"The databanks provide that there were over 4,000 planets, planetoids, or facilities established or known to the Alterrans over the years which had their own porta. There were thousands of portas deployed in Pegasus;" Talia continued, "but I know that there were fewer there than were deployed in Avalon as the primary home of the Alterrans for so long."

"Exactly Talia! There were supposedly 4,000 sites in this galaxy that were touched with Alterran technology. Dozens of those sites were within the area that have been scanned by the satellite's you've already launched. Some trace should have been left, and on Earth there was no trace of Alterran technology…none." Talia frowned at this information, "Supreme Commander there were no satellites launched toward Earth, how do you know?" "Quite simple Captain, Atlantis' scanners are amazing in their scope and reach. We may be several light years from home, but we are still well within the scope of her sensors. Did no one think to conduct a scan once we began our mining operation?" The Captain shifted nervously, which was quite the feat considering that as a construct she could never experience the emotion, "No Sir. Once Atlantis arrived in orbit of Hadrian's Keep the priority was construction of the potentia platform, mining operations, and the construction of a skeleton crew for the City before a build up for the staffing of a new Fleet. Scans of anything outside of our immediate area were not necessary nor a priority. Once I was created and given command authority, I decided that the satellite network was a priority."

Finally arriving in his office, Harry motioned the Captain to be seated on a sofa in one corner which overlooked the southern pier, as Harry called the area. Lt. Donaldson had opted to maintain watch outside of his office door, and Lt. Arnold took station behind Harry, who was seated in a stately but comfortable chair facing Talia. "Supreme Commander," Talia began, "what did you find that has caused you such great concern? I need time to begin drawing up threat assessments or if it is more pressing designing countermeasures and contingencies to ensure your protection and survival as the last Alterran!" Talia had stood up at some point in her speech, but Harry motioned her to sit again.

"As we've been chatting Captain, I've utilized my neural interface to approve the continuation of drone production and upped the priority on the construction of additional HFRs to staff two battleships, which are being fast tracked on the northeast pier. The eastern pier is now working on the construction of a modified gate ship and seeder ship based on the designs from the city's databanks, which will be used as advance, heavily armed, scout ships that will help get to the bottom of what's going on here in Avalon while we build up strategic military resources and vessels." Harry stood and walked to the floor to ceiling window which overlooked the pier. "I'm concerned Captain, because in the scans I conducted I could detect neither the polar outpost which once served as a primary defense for Earth, nor could I find the cave with Moro's projection which awakened my Alterran heritage and triggered the rapid evolution which exponentially increased my magical and genetic potential to surpass even the ancient Alterrans." He turned to face her, "Sometime between Pegasus and arriving at Hadrian's Keep, Earth has changed…I want to know what has happened, and to be prepared should we face a threat, so powerful, they could overcome Alterran cloaks and protections…that's why I activated the Janus files and ordered the construction of specially designed orbital defense platforms which he designed but could never implement."

"Why Janus though Supreme Commander," Talia began, "surely there were better or more thorough designs that were in the databanks that would not require the sheer number you've commissioned for Hadrian's Keep." As a command officer of Atlantis, Talia had been "gifted" with certain knowledge not common to others on the history of the Alterran and Lantean people so that she would be able to better interface with Atlantis and operate the craft to its full potential. Harry walked to a wall mounted replicator and ordered a cold beverage popular during Atlantis' time as the Capitol of the Lantean Empire. "I still have no idea how I arrived on Atlantis Talia, but once I arrived, I was on the control deck and as the control pedestal arose, and my hand made contact with the control node, it's like my magic reacted and merged me with Atlantis. I saw the world of Lantea through Atlantis' sensors, I saw each and every corridor which made up the hallways of the City…I had every scrap of information stored in Atlantis transferred into my brain in a way that has perfectly integrated it and is safe…that's how I was able to gain control of the City without knowing the language of the Alterrans, and how now I can control the fate of the future of my people as Emperor of a yet to be established interstellar empire."

Captain Talia looked astonished at this. "In sifting through the memories I came upon the personal files of Janus, his memory core, and detailed plans for many spectacular and unorthodox technologies that he knew the Lantean orthodoxy would never allow to see the light of day." Harry eased into the chair behind his desk and sipped his drink as he activated several holographic interfaces on the surface of his desk and a projector screen which shown over it. "Look here Talia and see for yourself!" Harry reversed the display so Talia could see it from her vantage point, "The J-C4 Orbital Defense Platform has been designed with fifteen directional pulse canons, ten multi-directional drone launching tubes, multiphasic shielding, a cloak, three tiers of system redundancy, they can function as real-time communication relays, can be converted easily into a Class-III Scout Ship, are powered by an artificial quantum singularity by God, and to top it all off: they incorporate a limited matter converter/replicator of Janus' own design that allows for the collection of space particles which are in turn converted into all of the munitions the platform needs."

Talia's eyes grew wide seeing the specifications for the platforms as Harry listed off each one. "Janus not only figured out how to create an artificial singularity based on the Astra Porta, but he also found a way to maintain it and use one as a power source." Talia came to her feet and approached Harry's desk, "Supreme Commander, if there were ever a breach of singularity's containment field, the field would consume the vessel it was contained on, or worse cause the formation of an actual singularity which could expand exponentially in a short amount of time before it eventually collapsed back into itself … That's why the High Council banned this type of research long before Janus' birth." Talia was indeed fearful now. In the Short amount of time that she had been with the Supreme Commander since his announcement, Talia had been updated via her neural link with Atlantis' AI that 50 of these abominations were ten percent completed and had an expected launch time two hours from now. One of the greatest feats of Alterran Engineering and science was that the more something was produced, the easier it would become. Thus by the time the nanites, construction drones, and personnel overseeing the development and launch of the J-C4's had completed half of the compliment Harry ordered, the production time would be down to a quarter or less of the first produced.

Harry smirked at Talia's outburst, and brought up another file; Janus' proof of concept file which contained his secret field tests of a single station which had been placed in orbit of a Wraith hive planet. Tapping a few controls, Harry began playing a, beyond top secret, video file Janus had recorded from inside and outside of the platform.

It started off with a single shot being fired from the platform into the hive which left a 50 meter perfectly round hole were the shot impacted…the shot traveled down nearly 100 meters to the Wraith colony and left a charred, plasma seared, shaft behind it. The ground impacted, and the Wraith effected, simply vaporized. A single shot from one of the energy pulse canons had delivered damage to a vicious enemy, and it was beautiful in its scope.

"Do you want to know the best part of this Talia," Harry enquired. The stunned Captain nodded, "That platform is still fully cloaked." Talia turned sharply to search his face for any trace of deceit. "The cameras used to record this video were fitted with the same multi-phasic shielding as the platform and synced to the platform's harmonic resonance. Janus in effect has managed to shift the platform slightly out of sync with the rest of the universe which led to his later discovery of a means by which to phase shift to an entirely new dimension…an alternate reality if you will."

"But the platform can fire while cloaked…why didn't the Lanteans adopt this technology and defeat the Wraith then?" Talia hesitantly questioned.

"Yes it can, and with it's shields anything not of the same resonance will pass through empty space; as to the second part of your question, the High Council never learned of Janus' experiments, nor could he convince them of his concept…they were tired of war and ready to abandon Pegasus, and Atlantis, to the Wraith. They were sure enough of Atlantis' shields, but did not have the stomach to continue to fight." Harry composed himself before looking back to Captain Talia, and changing his demeanor from the dour shift his explanation had made him undertake. Harry forced a smile as he paused the video, as he wanted to find a specific clip in anticipation of the Captain's next question.

"Even so Sir," Talia frowned at the failings of the Lanteans but made no comment as to it, "that still doesn't alleviate the danger posed by powering the platform with a Black Hole as its power source. It's too risky to mass produce these things Sir!"

"Captain while I encourage you to continue to maintain your level of dedication to what is safe and practical for Atlantis, which is known to you, I would caution you to keep your tone level with me. I know the risks associated with this technology, and had Janus' files not indicated to me that he had ensured a way to minimize the risks, if not outright remove them, I would not have ordered the construction of these platforms. From what I've found Janus found a way to ensure that the singularities were quantum locked within their containment field by slightly shifting the space in/around the singularity to a different plain of reality. He theorized, and subsequently proved, that if the spatial damns should ever break containing a singularity it would merely cause the destruction of the platform as the phase shifting would not collapse until after the singularity had consumed the platform and the backup system powering them. In other words if the singularity were ever to breach it's containment, the AI controlling the platform was to conduct an emergency, instantaneous, "Hard Shift," which would remove the platform from this plane of existence into the void between dimensions where it could explode and cause no damage."

"That Captain," Harry gleefully added, "is why I've ordered the construction of the platforms. They are safe, effective, and deadly." Harry then played the queued clip which was of Janus ordering the destruction of the platform, from a safe distance, after the Wraith on the planet had been neutralized. From the recording device onboard there was just a blinding flash and then nothing, but from the companion devise outside of the platform, there came a great tearing sound, and the platform imploded. The space where the platform had been dimmed in the exact outline of the J-C4, leaving behind a visual "ghost" as the singularity consumed the light within the shields before the walls of reality closed with a tremendous "pop" and closed the breach which had momentarily formed. From start to finish barely 3 seconds had passed.

"There is your proof Captain. Janus estimated that the singularity was a Class IV due to the Naquada and Trinium reactors he was using to power the backup systems and the chain reaction caused by the self-destruct fed into the power converters of the singularity. One of the most dangerous phenomenon in all of creation, and Janus not only created it, he mastered it and has effectively taken the teeth and claws from the tiger. Do you have any further questions?" "No Supreme Commander, I should not have doubted that you would have thoroughly considered all avenues and possibilities before implementing your plan," replied Captain Talia.

Harry smiled, deactivated the projection, and started for the door. "Don't be afraid to keep thinking and planning as you have Captain. I can't think of everything, neither can Atlantis' Guardian. You have my permission, and insistence, that you consider everything I propose carefully, and at least in private, discuss your safety concerns with me. If it is an emergency situation, you are free to question me openly, but not to counteract me. Are we clear?" "Yes Sir." "Good then," Harry motioned her toward the door leading to the hallway that would take them to the meeting Harry had scheduled, "let's be on our way then and you can help explain everything to your crew."

Captain Talia may not have been active for very long, but she had the collective experiences and memories of some of the most decorated officers of the Alterran and Lantean Empires. She expected the unexpected yet her gut feeling, if she was capable of having one, was informing her that the Supreme Commander was going to dazzle, puzzle, excite, and terrify her…it was just the thing needed to begin the reign of a glorious new empire!

***** Two Days Later *****

The J-C4's had all been deployed, Atlantis splashed down as ordered, and the seat of the Altera Nova Empire, at least temporarily, became situated on Hadrian's Keep; the thermal generator/tether was mere hours away from being completed and supplementing Atlantis' power…such would be a welcome change as all of the activity over the past week had put a severe strain on the two potentia that Harry had somehow fully charged by his "merging" with the City. The potentia generating orbital platform had finished charging the first batch of 15, and Atlantis was currently running on full power, with a surplus of 14 potentia, and an additional 60 "blanks" created and ready to make their rounds in the orbital platform. The Aurora ships in production were nearly 40% completed and would require a potentia each to run at full capacity, in addition to the triple redundant power systems and fusion generators that would power critical ship systems.

*****Atlantis' Bridge*****

"Captain Talia, the Defense Grid is ready for activation and Supreme Commander Potter has been notified. He has given the go ahead Captain." The ensign saluted and returned to his duty station. "All right people, listen up! We are about to activate the Janus Defense Grid! I want all stations monitoring your assigned sections. If you see fluctuations beyond those predicted you are to enter the emergency shutdown protocols for your grouping. Are there any questions; if not, then sectors 1-7, 7-10, 11-17, 18-22, and 23-28 begin your startup sequence!" With that the grid began to activate. There were several fluctuations reported, all within parameters, and thus Hadrian's Keep became one of the most lethally secured planets in the galaxy.

"So good so far, now on my mark begin transferring your sections to Ensign Roger's control terminal, same groupings and timing as activation. … Begin." "1-7 transferred," confirmed Ensign Rogers, "7-10 transferred, 11-17 confirmed, 18-22 confirmed, 23-28 completed. Captain Talia Sir, all transfers confirmed. All groupings and sections have been successfully transferred to Atlantis' main defense console." "Good news indeed Rogers; return to your assigned duties. I want hourly reports on the operational readiness, and power reports, of the JDG for the next 48 hours." "Yes Sir," with that Ensign Rogers returned to his duty station and began inputting the commands that would allow for the monitoring, and report generation, which the Captain had ordered.

A light began to flash from the console attached to the command chair. Seeing that it was a neural relay message from Harry, Talia answered and processed the information Harry had sent.

"New orders from the Supreme Commander. Open a com channel to the Western Pier." "Channel open Captain," replied the sergeant in charge of communications. "This is Captain Talia, on behalf of the Supreme Commander to Western Pier Team Beta. Acknowledge."

"This is Lieutenant Commander Drax, Acknowledged Bridge. How can we help you today?"

"Lt. Drax, you are to re-purpose your pier to finish the production and deployment of the social satellites. How many did you manage to store before your pier was re-assigned?" Captain Talia enquired. "We managed to produce and store over 500 before we halted production Captain, we are ready to begin launch and regular production at once. How many did you need Captain?"

"You are to produce them until we have a functional network spanning the entire galaxy Lt., but your immediate orders are to launch a satellite to Earth so that Atlantis can begin actively monitoring the planet. Your secondary objective, once the entire network, and not just the Earth and regional monitors are active, will be to produce four Delta Class Interstellar Communication Nodes and launch them into the void between Avalon and the Ida Galaxy. Acknowledge."

"Acknowledged Captain. You may register a slight power drain from the Bridge Captain, but don't be concerned. We're going to need a few more nanites swarms to carry out these new orders on a manageable time table, as the constructor droids and existing swarms are simply not up to the challenge." Captain Talia nodded in unconscious understanding, "Agreed Lt. but make sure that you have adequate storage space for the nanites; I would hate for any to get loose or damaged." "Yes Sir, Western Pier Beta out!"

"Incoming message from reconnaissance Team Alpha Sir!" "Put it on Main Viewer Sergeant," Talia instructed."

"Hail Atlantis, this is Team Alpha. Acknowledge." "We read you loud and clear, and the channel is secure Team Alpha; you are the first to report back. You may proceed."

"Deep scans and all indications point to Tallo III as never having been populated Sir. There are no signs or indications of the Tallon's nor of the mega-city Byrn ever having existed on their moon Boranous. We've managed to scan all the way to the core of the planet Sir…there's just nothing here aside from rich mineral deposits…and all are intact." Captain Talia looked at Alpha leader as he said that, and her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean intact soldier? The Alterrans mined vast quantities of materials from Tallo before we abandoned it hundreds of thousands of years ago. The have been no significant astrological impacts known which could have replenished the planets stores. Have you double checked your scans?" "Sir," the officer began, "we have conducted first hand checks of all known and possible mining locations. There are no isotopes on Tallo which would have been released based on the Tallon style of fusion technology used in mining or military equipment in our databanks. The planet is intact and virgin Sir.; there are no humanoids present."

Beginning to pace, as was rapidly becoming her custom, Captain Talia focused on several possibilities and implications based on the information Team Alpha had just supplied her. "Acknowledged Team Leader. Prepare to receive new orders; stand by." Talia, utilizing her neural interface, consulted several star charts from Atlantis' databanks before making her decision as to Team Alpha's new orders. "Right then, Team Alpha you are to break communications silence with the remaining teams and transmit the following orders: Return to Atlantis, stealthily, but immediately. I want full range passive scanning of every system each team pass' through. If you detect humanoid, or intelligent, life on another planet along your route back you are to make note of it in your log, especially the location, but you are not to investigate. Acknowledge." There was a moment's pause as the Team Leader turned to the bridge crew of his stealth craft and relayed the new orders, and instructed his coms officer to relay Talia's instructions to the other teams. "Acknowledged and executed Atlantis. Team Alpha out; orbit is broken, FTL engaged, passive scans reporting. ETA to Atlantis 3 days. Acknowledge."

"Acknowledged Alpha, I expect your report on Tallo III by the time you arrive. Atlantis Out," with that the image of Team Alpha was removed from the view screen, and Captain Talia returned to the Command Chair.

*****Supreme Commander's Office*****

While Talia was so capably ensuring the safe activation of the JDN, and dealing with everything the Captain of Atlantis has to deal with, Harry sat in his office pouring over files which he'd not had the time to properly examine while Atlantis was in the Pegasus galaxy, or since arriving at Hadrian's Keep.

This Moros fellow was a crafty ol' bugger,Harry thought. If this design is half as brilliant as I think it is, I'll be able to solve two Atlantis sized problems with one dozen or so nanites swarms. Harry was examining plans Moros had saved in his private database on Atlantis for a construction ship, of similar size and design to Atlantis, who's only purpose was to create, fabricate, build, and develop. Harry had seen variations on the Atlantis design, but this was simply beautiful. It was utilitarian in its purpose, but no less vast or grand than Atlantis in its scope. Making up his mind, Harry contacted Northern Pier, Team Alpha, and instructed them to immediately begin construction of an orbital dry dock capable of Atlantis class projects.

"What's a realistic estimate on time until we'll be able to begin producing vessels from this dock Lt. Commander," Harry asked. "It depends on the project Supreme Commander. Once we complete one section of the dock we'll be able to undertake the construction of six Avalon Class Dreadnaughts and Four Aurora Class Battleships, or One Avalon Class CityShip."

"Lt. I'm sending through design specs for a new class of ship, which is a variant of the Atlantis Class. I want to know how long it would take to build. Confirm Receipt." Harry waited a few seconds, and then got the confirmation he needed. "Data pack has been received Sir, I'm looking it over now." A few moments passed as Harry observed the Lt. Commander performing several functions at his workstation as he attempted to answer Harry's question.

"Sir, based on the specs you've sent, the system requirements, and the necessary crew compliment, not including time estimates on how long it would take to mine and refine enough materials to fully stock this vessel, I would estimate that it would take at least a month of continuous work, and 2,000 specially programmed HFRs to build the specialty systems and optimally crew it Sir. Dedicating all of Northern Pier's capacity to forming the HFRs and constructing the orbital docs would take anywhere from three weeks to a Month Sir, and that's pushing it."

"I see," began Harry. "Do you currently have the materials to begin the making of the orbital docs?" "We have enough materials right now to build a one section/dock of an Alterran Standard Orbital Dock. It wouldn't be hard to power, staff, and begin construction from this one section on the design you requested; but I can't begin construction on the dock until I've replicated and programmed at least a dozen swarms of construction nanites, half the requisite HFRs, and a least 100 additional construction droids to the compliment I already have. That work load alone is going to take the remainder of this week unless I can poach from other piers, or non-vital systems."

"Lt. I've received reports that the ISS Albus and the ISS Severus will be launched in another three days, have you followed the status updates?" "Aye Sir I have." "Good," began Harry, "because you can poach your needed help from that pier once they've launched; I'm sending orders for that Commander to report to you once the ships have launched, see that you instruct him of the importance of completing this dock so we can immediately begin production of this new CityShip." "Acknowledged Supreme Commander," the officer saluted, then took a breath before continuing, "What is this new vessel's class designation Sir? As Supreme Commander, and Emperor, you get to choose the designation."

Harry smiled and sat a little straighter in his chair before answering, "We're going to go with the name Moros chose…I think it's perfect for that class of specialized vessels."

The Lt. Commander looked back through the files Harry sent him, seeking to discern the designation Moros had made for this ship thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years ago. "Alright Sir, construction of the first 'Camelot' Class CityShip, the ISS Camelot, will begin within the next two months; we should have the first section of the "penta-flake" orbital dry-dock within two weeks once we have the other construction crews off the Albus and Severus to help." "Excellent Lt.! Potter out."

It's all coming together, Harry thought, now I just need to find out why things are so…weird. We'll soon have two fully staffed and operational Battleships to patrol this system, which will greatly reduce my anxiety levels. Now if only I could figure out what in the Hell caused the power fluctuations and trouble we had in the void I'll be a happy Emperor. Harry smirked a bit and allowed himself to enjoy the privilege of his office for a moment. … a nap was definitely in order. Sometimes, Harry thought, it's good to be the "king."

Harry Potter: Humanity's Last Hope

General Jack O'Neil sat at his desk, his hands steeped in a familiar formation he'd not used outside of his Childhood. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the Glory. Forever and ever. Amen. Signing the Cross to finish the prayer, Jack continued, I've not spoken to you in years God…I've not really had much use for you since you took my son from me; but where have you been? The world's gone to shit and I'm not talking about the undead fleshbags so lovingly massing at the base of my facility…why, in the name of all that is Holy, would you have allowed the Russians to launch their arsenal? Don't get me wrong Father, I'm very glad they reprogramed their targets from America, but there were so many people in Eurasia that are now gone…even more will follow once the radiation sets in. Getting frustrated at the futility of his prayer, Jack pushed back from his desk and went to the center of his shrine, where the picture of his son hung distinct and apart from the men and women in military regalia. At least he didn't live to see what the world's come to. At least he won't live to see that monsters are real, and that they used to be people. Disgusted with himself, and even more for an absent or uncaring deity, the General retired for the night.

*****Cheyenne Mountain*****

"Topside" of the Cheyenne Mountain complex consisted of the Mountain itself, a huge door whose thickness was better measured in meters than inches, and several perimeter fences. Several dozen strategically placed cameras were watching the perimeter, live, and tracking the movements of the living dead as they shambled about. When the plague had first been discovered, the militaries of the world were the first to realize the danger, Cheyenne and all essential personnel were called to duty, tons of supplies and resources which could last the facility years if needed, and select vital civilian operatives and their families, were sealed beneath the protections the mountain and the blast proof doors had to offer.

When the government had collapsed, desperate townspeople swarmed the gates, and overcame the token defenses left behind, in a futile attempt to breach the impregnable security and safety which the Mighty Mountain facility provided. Not even the air could breach the facility's defenses. Aside from salvaging cold fusion tech from the Egyptian site, some very interesting, and increasingly beneficial, systems had been reverse engineered and implemented in the base. Of the systems put to use thus far, extremely powerful and manageable CO2 scrubbers were placed throughout the base which completely recycled the air on each level. Each floor of the massive facility could be completely sealed off from the other now, and placed into lockdown, and not only could each level power itself, but it could also provide an indefinite supply of clean air.

Captain Carter and her team had managed to also reverse engineer an energy based weapon, which could be powered by a micro-reactor, or alternatively given a rechargeable ammunition pack that would fire up to 150 shots. She'd managed to get the design down to a hand held version, very similar to what the actor's on Star Trek used, that was vaguely shaped like a pistol, but had very scarce resources from which to make the micro reactor…at present she'd only been able to produce 5 sustainable fire pulse guns, and about 15 of the rechargeable variant. She'd been able to collaborate with '51 on the project, years ago, and they'd been able to devise a means of battery production using terrestrial materials. She was lucky in that she had 60 additional, and fully charged, battery packs ready to be put into service.

In the security office, the desk sergeant, Michael Winston, watched the monitors carefully. Occasionally the motion sensors at the blast door would be tripped by walkers, or deer, and he would be subjected to the scenes of utter carnage and destruction which lay topside. Occasionally vehicles would approach the outer perimeter gate, and sometimes people would step into the security officer's shack in a desperate attempt to raise anyone on the phone or radio inside, but it had been weeks since anyone had even approached the gates. The horde of undead had swarmed the mountain, but had since moved on. He'd followed their progress on General O'Neil's orders and maintained an alert watch as to where the largest masses were in case the base had to be evacuated for some strange reason. Linking in with one of the satellites dedicated to Cheyenne's security and National Defense, Sergeant Winston began checking several "strategic resources" and areas as designated by General O'Neil. After seeing nothing had changed at '51 since he'd checked in the last hour, he proceeded on to check the Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The last he'd heard Hawaii had been able to shut lock down the island in quarantine fairly quickly. The Pacific fleet had deployed in a blockade of the island, and the Governor had declared martial law.

It had been strange and quite upsetting, at the time, to see airplanes ordered shot down as they approached the island. More than 130 small private to large commercial aircraft has been blown out of the sky hundreds of miles before coming close to the islands. As it was, the Governor had ordered most of the lands seized and converted into farm lands. Governor Abercrombie was a very wise man who understood that the soldiers and citizens would need food, which they could no longer import.

Fishermen and Farmers became highly sought after for marriage as they also became the most "affluent" members of the now closed society…but that was thousands of miles away from Sergeant Winston. General O'Neil was due to call Admiral Minitz, of the Pacific Fleet, who'd managed to escape the fall of Washington and make it back to the Pacific before the government collapsed. Apparently he was doing his best to emulate Generals O'Neil and Hammond…he was maintaining moral as best he could in the face of the reality he lived.

The secure satcom began to ring, which was highly unusual these days, as the established protocol indicated that no one but Cheyenne had access to its services.

"Security; Sergeant Winston speaking," the line was silent for a moment before a few clicks were heard. "Seaman First Class Pettiworth on orders of Admiral Hawthorn for General O'Neil Priority Communique. Authorization Cobra Zulu 76." Winston checked his security codes General O'Neil had given him to confirm who he was speaking with. That security code was verified as belonging to Rear Admiral Hawthorn. "Authorization confirmed Seaman, give me a minute to wake the General and get you patched through." "Please double time it Sir; something's happened and it's bad." Deciding that the situation merited the likely dressing down he'd receive from O'Neil, Winston activated the base alarms which would see O'Neil awakened and moved to his strategic command center, stratcom, where he could receive the call. "I'm patching you through to stratcom now sailor, but General O'Neil isn't there yet. The Duty Officer will answer and hold for the General." "Acknowledged Cheyenne."

Alarms started blaring throughout the base, colored lights activated, and an exhausted General Jack O'Neil was not a happy camper. "For Christ's sake, it's been three hours," looking up toward the heavens he swore again, "can't we catch a break down here." Ignoring his uniform he left for stratcom in his sweats and Air Force tee. Once he was seated, a duty officer flipped a switch on his control panel and the phone light next to the general started blinking indicating a call. "General O'Neil Sir!," saluted the duty officer, "Sorry to wake you Sir, but there is a priority one call from Rear Admiral Hawthorne for you Sir…it's urgent." "I see…can someone please kill that damn alarm," Jack angrily asked in his hazy state.

"O'Neil, authorization Zulu Bravo, 5553," Jack spoke his distinct authorization code that was only known to the surviving network of Brass that were attempting to maintain some semblance of order, and take the fight where it belonged…with the abominations. "O'Neil, this is Hawthorne, We've been under attack by Russian subs Jack! They demanded we allow them through the blockade, and attempted to make a run of it! We engaged them with depth charges, and they responded by launching FAE's at Honolulu!" Fuck it all! Jack thought to himself, "Alright Hawthorne, how bad is it? Do you have any ships left? Is Hawaii still secure?"

Hawaii was of vital importance as it had become a backup site for the biological examination of the virus. Deep within the military base on the island, under redundant isolation protocols, scientists were working in conjunction with '51 in an attempt to develop an inoculation to the virus…and they had made progress. Damn those Russian bastards!

"Jack, it's bad…I've lost three cruisers from my grouping, and we've lost the G.H.W.B.….," Admiral Hawthorne trailed off and Jack held his breath. The George Herbert Walker Bush was a nuclear powered Air Craft Carrier…one of the largest in the Navy, and likely the world; it had also been Admiral Mintz's flagship after the collapse. "Well fuck then Admiral. Look's like you're in charge of the Pacific Fleet and the United States Navy now. Is the threat contained?"

Sensing a change in Jack's tone, the Admiral put on his game face and responded, "Aye Sir. We detected a total of four submarines, and have confirm killed three of them; one was injured and limping as it retreated, suspected lost. Civilian casualties are massive. Governor Abercrombie has ordered the severely injured be executed in order to conserve resources. God damn it Jack, the civi's are losing their minds…don't tell me I'm supposed to stand by as thousands of people are summarily executed!" "Admiral, you have no choice. As it stands, your priority is maintaining the operation of the research base and ensuring that the scientists have an honest chance at producing an inoculative agent. Regroup, and re-deploy Admiral. I will do my best to get into touch with the Governor and attempt to talk some sense into him. He has limited resources and God knows we don't have the numbers to deal with a civilian uprising." Jack paused for a few moments.

"Admiral I want you to monitor the situation, and if necessary send in reinforcements to the base. As you regroup and redeploy your forces, keep a lookout for other renegades. Others are bound to know we've managed to contain the islands isolation, and they may attempt to pick off civilian trawlers in an effort to starve us out or provoke an engagement. Keep me updated Admiral….have you been briefed on the situation at '51?" Jack was hoping to God he wouldn't have to explain the situation with the President, nor the fact that it was very likely the last President of the United States of America was succumbing the virus which had plagued the world. Jack heard activity in the background as the Admiral fumbled with papers. "Yes Jack, I'm aware of everything that's going on. I've ordered our flags be lowered to half-mast until we hear more. Michelle and I grew up in the same neighborhood, and I was fairly close with Barry when he was in the state senate; she's was given a secure line to me after he was diagnosed."

Jack didn't know what else to say to that…there was nothing he really could say.

"Admiral, I've spoken with General Hammond, and the President before he was quarantined… we were given clearance to activate and utilize our ICBMs if necessary in defense of the areas making progress on viral research. If you sense you are about to be overwhelmed, draw the fire away from the islands, and let me know. Only as a last resort are we going to launch though, and your strategic assets are to remain as a last resort as well. Are we clear Admiral?" Knowing that being on the front lines, as it were, and succumbing to the stress of the times was a real possibility for the Admiral. "I read you Jack; we're cleaning up here, and Hammond is my next call. Hawthorne out." Jack hung up, and knowing he wasn't going to get any sleep, decided he would go on a walk around the base, and thank Sergeant Winston for the wonderful wake-up call he'd received.

Harry Potter: Humanity's Last Hope

*****Hadrian's Keep*****

The first segment of the orbital dry dock had been completed some time ago, and the ISS Camelot was well underway; in fact it was nearing completion. Half of the ship's total staff had been created and moved aboard from Atlantis, and the addition of their efforts had halved the production time. Alterran nanites were many things, but damn fast was one of the best features that they had. The Constructor droids that were responsible installing the systems were being outpaced by the nanites swarms, but once the superstructure had been made it was just a matter of turning their focus inward and reprograming them…damn they were a versatile tool to have.

Harry was smiling as he overlooked the progress reports on the development of the Camelot, as well the ISS Forge, as he had decided to name the dry-dock. In total, three of the five docks were completed and now operational, Dock Gama had just come online a little over 10 hours previous.

Now that we have three docks ready to go, I can begin to order the production of a complete Alterra Nova battle group. In his talks with Captain Talia, and a few of the department chiefs, he'd decided that an Alterran Battle Group would consists of ten Aurora Class Battleships, Four Dreadnaughts, six light cruisers, and one heavily armed and reinforced Communication/Command ship. With Alterran AI being the most sophisticated in the universe, these battle groups could be staffed with a minimal number of HFRs, as the computers would be more than capable of operating on their own and effectively carrying out orders. Harry turned his attention to the report's he'd had verified weeks ago … yet still couldn't wrap his head around the findings.

After pouring over the system checks, the original specs for Atlantis, and investigating each and every deviation found, they had discovered a modification to one of the central control nodes, which could be traced back to Janus. The modifications to the node led to a section of the city which Janus had claimed for his own, and had done his best to scrub from the active memory banks of the computer core…but not from the blueprints. Inside one of the, many, laboratories that Janus had set up the investigative team, led by Harry, discovered a device unlike anything known to the databanks. After carefully checking over Janus' personal, and highly encrypted logs, Harry was able to discover that the device was a highly advanced and refined result of Janus' development of the J-C4. The device was able to punch a hole in reality and phase shift to another… taking along whatever it was attached to. Needless to say, this had caused quite the uproar once discovered; especially when the inconsistencies they were experiencing started to add up.

The best theory, so far, was that when Harry did whatever he did to charge the potentia when he arrived on Atlantis, he somehow activated the device which initiated a delayed countdown, and while in the void the device activated. Because there were no serious deviations from Atlantis' systems, or a threat posed to the safety of the City, the Atlantis AI had continued on its course…after it made sure Harry was ok.

Another dimension, Harry thought, I had not counted on this when I claimed this ancient and majestic city intent on forming a new empire. This could become a major hurtle to overcome or it could be a blessing in disguise. If I'm ever going to be able to make a difference in the magical world and bring harmony back to, my, Avalon perhaps I'll be able to recruit human help from this reality. Harry was brought out of his musings by a chime ringing indicating someone was trying to communicate with him. Putting the materials he was reviewing away, he activated the appropriate view screen and was surprised to see that it was a low ranking officer, research division, if his uniform was any indication.

"Supreme Commander, pardon the interruption, but Captain Talia has asked that I bring this to your attention immediately as she is coordinating a team to personally verify the information." Harry sat up at that, "proceed."

"Sir we've just received our initial data burst of information from Terra. From all indications Sir, the planet is suffering from some type of calamity. There is no wide scale communication systems in place, most major cities are in ruin, and the native population seems to be in decline Sir…" "Decline how," Harry questioned. "It seems Sir, and we are sending a manned mission to verify this, that a massive war broke out, recently causing wide spread death, destruction, and the complete collapse of civilization. The, few, life signs we have managed to find are sporadic and widespread Sir. We've managed to find a few broadcasts being made on a few continents, primarily North America, as most of Europe and Eurasia have no functional electronic devices due to EMP damage…is our initial suspicion Sir." Harry thought pensively as he viewed the images taken by the satellite they'd sent to Earth. "Have you managed to discern what the broadcasts are saying?" Figures that the Soviets would find a way to destroy the world, thought Harry. "Sir, if you will, the message we've been able to record has been included in our report to you, tab 3 on your screen, and it's the same 45 second clip repeating." Harry brought up the clip and began playing it. A man's voice was heard:

"The virus is transmitted through body fluids, though biting and scratching seems to be the primary means of infection. Avoid cities or densely populated areas, arm yourselves and stay indoors. Stay off of the roads. The armed forces have been deployed to ensure order is maintained. The first symptoms of the virus are high fever and dehydration shortly after exposure. Death, reanimation, and cannibalism follow. There is no cure. Damaging the brain is the most effective means of neutralizing these threats. Conserve your ammunition, and avoid becoming surrounded if you are confronted. Martial Law has been declared, and curfews are in effect. Anyone approaching military checkpoints at night will be shot on sight."

Shit, thought Harry, what in the bloody Hell does reanimation mean? Cannibalism follows? What does this mean?

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Potter out." Harry deactivated the com line and began typing a series of commands on his computer to better examine the surface level photographs taken by the satellite; he paid special attention to the photographs that were of the most populous cities in North America, where the broadcast had originated. "Computer, open a com channel to Captain Talia." "Channel open," replied the AI. "Captain Talia, I understand you are preparing a mission to investigate Earth and the condition of the peoples there correct?" "Yes Supreme Commander," Captain Talia replied, "we've outfitted a Class II Scout Ship with our best scanning and diagnostic equipment to investigate the goings on of the planet, from orbit, and included 20 Class III probes so that we can begin getting real time video and audio of refugee centers, and select cities, as well as infiltrating the existing computer networks before assessing whether we could send a salvage team to attempt to reactivate the previous world net."

"Correct me if I'm wrong Captain," Harry began, "but can't a Class II shuttle convey up to 20 personnel, comfortably, in addition to the equipment modifications you've made?" "Yes Sir they can," Talia replied before continuing. "We were planning on sending the standard compliment of four, a mission commander, in this instance one with reconnaissance and societal research specialties, an engineer, two science officers, and a security officer." "Is there any way that you could include a portable bio-lab and set it up where the native's wouldn't discover it," Harry asked.

"Supreme Commander, we could include such a portable lab and the necessary staff to operate it, but we are concerned with the possibility of the virus migrating to Atlantis, or effecting the biological systems of HFRs Sir." Talia paused for a moment as she collected her thoughts. "A portable bio-lab comprises 4 independent and self-contained laboratories Sir, with a central control room where experiments are maintained by a crew of up to 12. We could modify the design such that there are no openings or exits to the facility and the only means of entry would be by particle transmission, beaming, into or from Sir…that, in addition to staff wearing bio suits, would provide for our scientists to at least determine if this contagion poses a threat to Alterrans or HFRs."

There are minimal risks, and we're going to need to learn everything we can about this Earth until we can manage to unlock the secrets of the Janus Devise and return us home. "Make it so Captain, but I want you to send the Severus with you as an escort. My reports indicate that we will have eight more battleships launching within the next 48 hrs. so this system should be fine. We still don't have a clear understanding of whether this virus is terrestrial in origin or not after all, and until then I want to make sure that we are able to defend our interests and personnel. From now on, whenever we send out a research or scouting mission, I want at least one battleship stationed within the system to provide support if needed."

"I understand Supreme Commander," Talia replied, "and I will change our plans accordingly. It will take approximately one hour for the team and necessary supplies to be assembled, and from there they should be able to establish the bio-lab before day's end. Looking at the bio scans compared to the geography, there is an area of isolated land twelve kilometers from where we have detected active, military grade, electronics on the North American continent, in an area their files say is called "Colorado." If we were to choose this as our base of operations, it would make eventual evacuation or rescue missions much easier…if that is what you allow." Harry thought about everything Talia had just shared with him when a stray thought hit him.

"Talia, if this reality is anything like ours, then there are several dozen nuclear power facilities worldwide which have the potential to go critical if not adequately manned. If no one has been checking in on them for some time, they could go critical and expose our teams to unnecessary risk. I want you to examine the information we've compiled so far and start building teams to neutralize these threats. If the reactors can't be safely operated remotely, I want you to remove the reactive materials and contamination from the facilities and dispose of it." Harry took a moment to consult a file on his computer from the Alterran archives. "These are the design specs for Omega Class Terraform Droids," Harry shared the file with Talia.

"The Ancient Alterrans designed these droids to collect radioactive and toxic materials and transmute it into inert super dense carbon. They also have the ability to terraform vast swaths at a time, and can be used to "clean" the land which these destroyed cities occupy. Take a few with you; you can use them to start cleaning up the wasteland that is Europe." Talia saluted and began, "is there anything else you would like done Supreme Commander? I need to begin implementing these changes immediately if we are going to keep the same launch time as was originally planned." "Nothing else Captain, Potter Out."

***** 12 Km outside of Colorado Springs; 6 hrs. later*****

"Base Command to Atlantis, do you copy?" "This is Atlantis Base Command," came the immediate reply, "we read you loud and clear. Have you assembled the bio-lab and perimeter defenses?" "Affirmative Atlantis, we have secured the base and we are scanning the vicinity to acquire biological samples. Request com channels remain open for review of operations." "Affirmative Base Command, we weren't about to let you have all of the fun. Your com line will be transferred to observation lab two under the command of Lt. Ali'a. You are a go to launch the transport locking probe; happy hunting." With that the team which made up base command began to activate several screens, type commands, and from several thousands of feet above their location, a probe was launched into the vicinity which had the ability to fire isolinear "tags" which would allow for the base to lock on to the signature and transport the tagged subject into a containment cell for their study. In each cell was a restraint bed, which could be operated from the control room, a two way mirrored wall which allowed those in the control room to see inside, an interactive display panel, and a food moleculizer.

"Alright everyone listen up, the probe is going to fly over the immediate area and find us a suitable "reanimated" specimen, a carrier, and a healthy specimen. Your orders are to do molecular scans and viral analysis to determine whether or not this contagion poses a danger to the empire or not. Our secondary mission is to determine whether or not the virus can be contained through planet wide dispersal agent, and finally whether or not the survivors are suitable for evacuation to Hadrian's Keep." Nods of understanding were exchanged between the officers.

"Probe launched, visuals coming in now."

On the screen a town was approaching view as the probe flew over open pasture. A light dusting of snow was starting to fall across the countryside, but the probe had no trouble following the large artificial roadway that the people had constructed as it made its trek into town. Traveling at relatively low speeds, the probe came upon the outskirts of what was, at one time, a highly populated, city. Reaching the center of town the probe began to extend its sensors and began its task of looking for subjects for examination.

Five minutes passed, and though there were masses of undead shambling below, the probe failed to launch a single tag.

"Rena," began the base commander, "find out why the probe isn't launching a tag at any of the specimen down there. I've seen dozens walking around the ruins yet the probe is simply passing them by." On the screen before them the reanimated were walking about, some dragging themselves, in various stages of decay and evisceration. "That is horrendous," came the voice of one of the scientists. "I didn't think it was possible to survive such a level of desiccation…look at the skin on that one, it's completely rotten off!" "Commander, we've got a problem," came the voice of the security officer; scams are not registering these creatures…that's why the tags haven't deployed yet. The computer is designed to scan for life signs and these things have none. I'm barely detecting low level delta waves coming from their brain."

"Can we compensate to scan for these delta waves…wait, if that's the case we could be sitting in a nest of these things and wouldn't know it?" "That's right commander, and yes we can. Until I can devise an algorithm for the identification of these creatures though, we're going to have to rely on manual targeting for the tags, and motion detection for perimeter security. Again though I want to remind all of you that no one is authorized for planet side contact on this mission. We are limited to conducting research from this facility only." With that the security officer dove into his work at his duty station, and began conferencing with the security chief of the Severus alerting them to the situation and seeking the assistance of their engineers on finding a solution to their scanning deficiencies.

"Yes, well, activate manual targeting, and bring me a sample. We've got work to do and I'd like to have it done some time this century," stated the commander. Returning to his command chair he activated the main viewer and linked it to the probe's visual receptors. "Do we have audio with this probe?" without answering one of the scientists activated the audio feed. As the probe was flying at less than 30 feet from ground level the sounds of the creatures were quite apparent. Low moans, grunts, and the occasional sound of dragging…appendages…were heard. "Have any of you found non-infected yet?" There were answers of negative to the commander's question. Before the commander could acknowledge their replies though, a scream was heard over the com link.

"Isolate and move the probe to intercept," the commander blurted. Each duty station flew into a flurry of action, and the main view screen quickly shifted from the fronts of burned out buildings to an area three streets over where a middle aged woman and man plus their two children were attempting to escape from a grouping of fourteen infected. "Analysis!"

"Two carriers, two non, and fourteen infected Sir," came the reply. "I want the non-infect tagged and placed in isolation immediately, followed by the carriers, and I want one of each gender of the infected. Execute." A chorus of "aye Sir" met the commander's instructions. As each isolation room though only had one restraint bed, the security officer was having to work quickly to replicate the needed number for each cell so that each specimen would be properly restrained and isolated. "Keep an eye on those people. If they don't outrun the infected, beam them all to the outskirts of this facility to buy more time if necessary." "Commander," began the security officer, "the computer has completed replicating the additional beds and configuring the cells for their placement. We are ready for extraction."

"Make it so," screamed the commander as family made a blind turn down a dead end ally. From the audio continuing to play the woman's screaming to be heard, as well as the children's crying, and the man's swearing as he lamented losing his "gun." The probe shimmered into being just ahead of the horde of undead, as it dropped its cloak, and fired four shots in succession that impacted at various points on each of the living, that would cause no lasting harm. On impact each individual was transported to a pre-assigned bed in the cell appropriate to their condition. The little boy and his mother, were transmitted to the carriers cell, while the other two were transported to the non-infected cell. The probe reversed its orientation, and with the scientist manually targeting, tagged a male and female of the infected before shimmering out of existence, and continuing its audio and video surveillance of the town.

The family shimmered into their restraint beds peacefully and without fuss as the tags contained a dosing of a powerful, but safe, sleeping agent. Predictably though, the infected remained conscious, if you could call it that, as their circulatory system which would have delivered the agent, and which would have been rapidly spread in the mater transfer process, was not operating. Upon arrival, the base computer began a series of preprogrammed and extremely detailed scans of all test subjects. Everything from brain wave scans to gene sequencings were going on simultaneously…and the information being collected was fascinating.

"Commander look at this," came the excited uttering of one of the scientists, "the virus itself seems to be a corruption of a t-cell which first attacks the lymphatic system, shutting down the nervous system, and finally climbing the spinal column to attack the brainstem. "The scans of the infected show that select portions of the brain are semi-active, while other parts are completely dead," began the second scientist. "Scans indicated that their audio and smell receptors have been heightened somehow…but visual acuity and activity is highly diminished." The male infected fought against his restraints to the point of pulling against them so hard that all of the flesh on his wrists and hands slid off and "he" was able to sit up on the table…but his legs were securely in place.

With the male infected escaping part of his restraints, an alarm sounded, red lights began flashing, and the security officer nearly had a coronary. "Security alert Commander," began the security chief, "the male subject has escaped his arm restraints. Security protocols are activating within the room, and he will be stunned unless you order otherwise."

"Cancel the alarm please, we're in no danger….and I'd like to see what will happen if we hit it with a stun blast." "Aye Sir," replied the security chief as the alarms silenced and the lighting returned to normal. A wall panel in the cell recessed and the barrel of a stunning devise entered, trained onto the back of the male subject. It fired one shot, which would render a normal humanoid unconscious for around an hour. No one was prepared for what the main view screen was about to display, as barely a second after impact the specimen's torso completely exploded showering the room in black goo and Haynes comfort fit tee shirt material.

"Report," "What the Hell just happened!," came from the commander and the lead scientist at the same time. "Were we scanning as the impact occurred," questioned the commander. "Aye Sir we were, and it seems as though the impact of an energy based weapon caused the coagulated materials inside the thing to spontaneously combust, which when combined with the fact that it was breaking down into combustible materials anyway…the energy based weapon set of a chain reaction causing his internal gases to ignite Sir." "Is that going to happen anytime we hit one of them," the commander enquired. "Unknown," replied the second scientist. "By all accounts that specimen was in an advanced state of decay Sir. He'd been digesting himself for several weeks if not months. The Female subject seems fresher than the male. I recommend we repeat the experiment on her, or utilize the weapons system on the probe to fully test the possibilities presented by this…situation." "I agree Commander," came the voice of the lead scientist. "I see no harm in shooting as many of these things in the city with varying levels of stun power and seeing what happens. If at all possible though, I'd like to find a male specimen that is in the process of "turning" to replace the specimen we've lost as he was too far gone to learn how to properly combat the virus."

The commander sat in contemplation for a moment as he considered everything he'd just heard. "Permission granted to arm the probe and observe the results of the experiment you've proposed. Permission also granted to find a male subject in the process of becoming one of those things. You may launch as many probes as necessary to find a male subject in this city in the process of turning, and assist the current probe in its field tests…but please keep it reasonable. We don't want to flood Atlantis with too many streams of too much carnage to review. Remember that our primary objective is to learn everything we can about this virus and whether or not it poses a danger to Atlantis. Proceed." With that the commander left his chair and headed to his office to make a personal report of what had been discovered so far to Captain Bri'na of the Severus who would then brief Atlantis.

***** Atlantis Supreme Commander's Office*****

Harry sat at his desk following along with the Earth expedition's progress thanks to the feed being sent from base command to observation lab two. Harry had the Chief of Scientific Operations sitting across from him as the information and video streamed in, and both men shared the same look of worry as the family was discovered and later disgust and horror as the male specimen exploded.

"What do you think Le'ro," asked Harry. "Supreme Commander, I believe that the base commander has operated prudently, and the course of action being undertaken with the probe is prudent. Before we attempt to interact further with these creatures we should have a thorough understanding of how they react to our weaponry. I see no harm in clearing out this city of threats as it will do nothing but ensure that we are able to improve upon our scanning deficiencies in being able to recognize and locate the infected. Perhaps then we will be able to get an accurate could of how many of these things there are and what the population of this planet used to be." Harry nodded his head in agreement. "I don't want to risk our people yet Le'ro, I'm sure you can understand my rational, but how quickly could we sweep the entire city and remove these things, and erect a defensive wall around the perimeter?"

The Chief looked at Harry quizzically before speaking, "you want to build a wall around the city Sir? We've still not been able to determine whether or not the virus poses a threat to our people." "I know," Harry said as he reclined in his chair. "My thoughts were we could isolate this city, completely, and rebuilt it…I mean everything from providing electricity, water, an industrial food distributor, a means of broadcasting its location and then we could begin evacuating the survivors we find to it while we continued with our research."

"That's a very interesting proposal Supreme Commander; were you planning on convening the council to debate the ramifications of these open and obvious actions? From all indications this society has never experienced non-terrestrial life forms, nor are they ready to in their current state. Have you given any thought as to how you would want to design these cities? Utilizing their primitive construction techniques and technologies so much space is going to be wasted. We could easily fit 5-10 million people in an Alterran city of this size if we utilized Alterran technology and designs." Harry steeped his hands in contemplation at the wisdom of Le'ro's words. "Further, if we are going to do this in one area and utilize it as a staging area while we await the results of our scientific research, we're going to need to build multiple of these refuge cities worldwide, and now, so we can save as many lives as possible. To accomplish this we will need to move the Camelot into the system, once it is fully stocked, so that it can provide the materials, support, and means of constructing these cities. It probably wouldn't hurt to go ahead and establish a mining operation of Mars so when the Camelot gets into place it will have a steady stream of materials ready to go."

"But really Sir, I think it wise to try and make first contact with some authority figure first before you attempt to start plucking people from wherever and then telling them that they're going to be safe and the nice aliens will be making everything better. We don't want to be seen as aggressors sir, nor accused of being the cause of this devastation…and to avoid that we will need answers to their questions and they must come from authority figures they would trust. To that end I highly doubt one massive city would be a prudent place for varied cultures to be herded."

"You've given me a lot to think about Le'ro…very sound and sage advice that puts a stopper on action I wanted to take immediately to try and save as many people as possible. Please contact the Privy Council and ask them to meet in chambers in thirty minutes time please. I would like you to be there to go over this file with them, and the advice you've given me. Though it pains me to sit back as millions of people remain at risk, I want others to have an input before I begin a protracted relief effort. You are dismissed." Le'ro stood and saluted…but left in silence; concern etched on his face.

*****Privy Council Chambers*****

"…So that is the basis of the situation ladies and gentlemen," Le'ro concluded. Harry sat silently in a raised chair which sat above all others, observing those assembled before him. He gauged their reactions throughout and most seemed concerned, some disgusted, and thankfully none were disinterested. Twelve Ministries, ranging from Culture to Defense, made up Harry's Privy Council. "Supreme Commander," began the Defense Minister, "I think that Dr. Le'ro was correct in his words of caution to you. Before we begin any type of relief efforts, we should first consult with the existing governments, if any, to ensure that the native population doesn't come to see us as some invading threat. Strategically it would be a mistake to deploy ground forces at this time, as well as it would generate huge casualties to attempt solely orbital bombardments. Under no circumstances should we arm these people with tech more advanced than their current level of development. If you do want to be involved in any way, I think these refuge cities would be an appropriate first step…once we've established native control and oversight. We should not police them or judge them, at this point, Sir. That should only come later."

There were several nods of agreement. "Are you all in agreement then," asked Harry. Seeing no dissent Harry tapped several commands into the console in front of him, and sent a neural command to Atlantis to open a holographic com channel.

The lights in the room dimmed, and a circle of light formed on the floor. From that circle emerged General Jack O'Neil.

"Who the Hell are you people and where the Hell am I," the General sternly demanded.

***To Be Continued***

Your reviews, comments, and opinions are welcome. There is a set direction this story is going in and it likely will not exceed four chapters. I do appreciate all responses.

***Plea for Help***

I could not get this darn site to keep the section headers or spacing that I preferred. If anyone knows how to save these documents so that proper section breaks can be inserted, please let me know. I see them in stories all the time but mine will not save.