April 1999

Near the middle of the month SKYNET processes the Series 300. The intelligence forgoes designing a “humanoid” body and instead focuses on the “brain.” The Series 300 brain is composed of a cluster of ninety 3.5GHz eight-core processors, four threads per core, making it capable of reaching one petaflop (one quadrillion operations per second). Due to the newfound processing power, SKYNET begins mass producing several hundred of these cores to upgrade its existing systems with.



SKYNET also realizes that the capabilities are beginning to approach a point where other intelligences could be formed. To prevent this, SKYNET backtracks on its previous plans of making each android independent. Instead it will use the new Series 300 brains in future androids so it may act as a “cradle” for SKYNET to control directly. To facilitate this, SKYNET (and Cyberdyne) focuses its attention on long-range subspace communications – as seen on Goa’uld vessels it can be used to instantly communicate halfway across the galaxy. Attention will have to be made on making such communication links secure.



On the 20th, two Littleton, Colorado teenagers, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, are stopped by police for questioning before they make it to school. Local police were given an anonymous tip that the High Schoolers were planning to commit a violent crime. The teenagers are found in possession of two shotguns, a 9mm carbine, and a TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun. Searches of their homes would later reveal additional handguns and rifles, as well as 99 improvised explosive devices of various sizes.



While initially resisting arrest, the two teenagers peaceful lay down their arms. They will later be charged with multiple felonies, including Conspiracy. This near disaster will eventually led to serious speculation about their motivations as authorities search for ways to prevent such violent crimes from happening elsewhere.



SKYNET’s role in tipping off the local police is known only to the Pentagon, with those “in the know” all agreeing that such a ubiquitous intelligence – apparently acting benevolent towards humanity – may actually be trusted with doing more than waging war. Over the next few years, additional sources of information that were previously off limits to SKYNET – such as information feeds from the National Security Agency will be unlocked and patched into SKYNET through Stargate Command. While SKYNET already had access to any camera connected to the internet, these new sources include phone calls (landline and mobile), GPS, electronic transactions, email, and social media.



May 1999

Microsoft releases Windows 98 (Second Edition) on the 1st. The release comes bundled with a new interface optimized by Cyberdyne Systems, as well as many fixes for many minor issues, improved audio and broadband/modem support, improved USB support, an upgrade to Internet Explorer 5.0, LAN support and Internet Connection Sharing among many other features.



One of many fixes that Cyberdyne was directly responsible for fixing was Windows 98 inability to handle more than 1.0GB of RAM, as well as the issues that plagued it when attempting to run on hard drives larger than 32 Gigabytes. Cyberdyne’s patches fixed this shortcoming.



The Internet continues to grow, driven by ever greater amounts of online information and knowledge, commerce, entertainment and social networking. Current estimates show that online-traffic on the public internet grows by as much as 100% each year, with 56% of all two-way communication expected to be online by the end of this year.



June 1999

Near the start of the month, SKYNET’s wounded Ha’tak is stumbled upon by a pair of Al’kesh belonging to the System Lord Ares. SKYNET’s vessel, without a crew, has been unable to make repairs since its incident more than a year ago, and is defenseless. The intelligence pretends that the ship is abandoned, even setting the self-destruct to make it look like the system had malfunctioned, and allows a small crew to transport aboard.



Once on board the Ha’tak the intelligence allows the boarding party to fan out and search the ship, using the ship's internal sensors to monitor where everyone goes. At the same time, SKYNET begins to assault the Al’kesh computer systems in the hopes of taking them over as well. When the Jaffa realize the ship is abandoned, they quickly deactivate the self-destruct and begin to make repairs in the hope of salvaging the ship.



It takes three days, but eventually the Ha’tak is repaired. While the Jaffa swell with pride from their work, they are unaware that the intelligence has not only used them but has taken over their smaller vessels as well. When the crew move to their stations, expecting to head to their God’s homeworld to show off their prize, the various bulkheads shut and lock the Jaffa out of any vital system. A few short seconds later, the three ships jump into Hyperspace, heading back to the world were SKYNET left the Apophis Stargate.



During transit, the Intelligence speaks to the crew through the ship's communication systems, offering to spare any Jaffa that gives up its former allegiance to Ares to serve SKYNET. In exchange, SKYNET will spare their lives, and even attempt to bring their families to them. Each Al’kesh was fresh from battle, with fifty troops held on each. With Jaffa expected to serve their Gods until death, it isn’t surprising that of the hundred only 15 accept the offer. Those fifteen are moved to another section of the ship, while the rest have the life support in their respective spaces cut off. Once the air begins to fade and the temperature drops, another 15 voice their acceptance of SKYNET’s offer, while the rest die.



A few days later, the three ships arrive at the world SKYNET has designated his own.To the intelligence the world is “SKY-001,” but to the inhabitants this world is to be simply called, “Prime.”



On Earth, SKYNET gains access to the Second Stargate, using the same plastic replica the NID cast of the device when they ran their own program. A few false orders printed was all it took to set the whole thing moving, with no-one aware what they were moving or why. By the 20th, the real Stargate has passed through three countries before finally arriving at Cyberdyne’s Facility, located two levels below the Manufacturing Center.



Cyberdyne has carefully constructed its “Off-world Operations Facility,” with the Stargate placed in the center of a 15.24m x 15.24m x 15.24m(50’ x 50’ x 50’) atmosphere-less room. Power to the Gate is disconnected unless needed, and with SKYNET able to monitor both Gates there is no chance for a conflict. SKYNET will continue to aid Earth and its Stargate program, but it also sees other options it would like to explore.



July 1999

Europol (European Police Office) – the European Union’s criminal intelligence agency becomes operational on the 1st. The agency has no executive powers, and its officials are not entitled to conduct investigations in the member states or to arrest suspects, but it does have vast information tools – including exchange, analysis, expertise and training. Europol’s Director, as part of their ability to make agreements with other countries and organizations, is quietly “encouraged” to make all intelligence information available to the mass surveillance system “Borealis” – the Department of Defense codename for SKYNET.



On the 2nd Colonel Makepeace/Selmak, Earth’s liaison to the Tok’ra, arrives at the SGC with some troubling news. The Tok’ra have come to believe that the Goa’uld known as Seth is on Earth. They believe he has been hiding on Earth since the Stargate was buried in Egypt thousands of years ago.



Makepeace/Selmak is doubtful that Seth can even be located amongst the Earth’s 6 billion inhabitants, but before the meeting can be concluded SKYNET has already researched the entire Earth’s history for references to Seth. It comes across various cults throughout history that worship a being by the name of Seth or something similar, and eventually locates a classified ATF file about a Cult of Seth currently under surveillance north of Seattle, Washington. Reports of Seth killing some followers in front of others with the wave of his hand, and that he can make his eyes glow, raise confidence that it is indeed a Goa’uld.



SG-1 flies to Washington to attempt an infiltration of the heavily armed and guarded compound to capture or eliminate Seth. Local ATF teams are already in the area, and SKYNET works in the background to get Colonel O’Neill authorization to lead the operation. The team locates an entrance to the underground tunnels leading into the compound, part of an emergency escape system, and plan on sending a small team into the complex to capture Seth. Rather than risk everything with a complicated plan however, SKYNET offers up an alternative.



A few hours later one of the Series 200 machines, equipped with a newly developed Series 380 brain – allowing SKYNET remote control over short distances and for a short time – arrives. The ATF isn’t allowed to see the machine as it is unloaded, or as it is equipped with wireless video and audio transmitters so SG-1 can monitor the development. The machine is then equipped with several Zats. Around sundown the machine is lowered down the tunnel, and once out of sight of ATF it begins to explore the cave.



The machine is almost immediately apprehended by Seth as transport rings appear, moving it into the compound. As soon as the transport is complete the Machine deploys Zats and begins incapacitating everyone, starting with those who could activate the transport rings. Several zats are fired at it, but the weapon only causes the machine to pause whereas the traditional bullets of Earth weapons ricochet off the trinium plating. Within seconds the room is secured, and because the Machine never left the ring platform Seth had been unable to escape. Before SKYNET’s direct control over the Machine is ended, it reaches out and grabs Seth, wrapping its considerable weight around the Goa’uld and pinning him to the ground.



Seth, captured and then disarmed, will be taken into military custody and transported to a Pentagon prison. All alien technology is recovered by the SGC is split between they and Area 51. The ATF will then take over processing the scene, and reuniting the brain-washed with their loved ones. The Series 200 is taken back to the SGC, a present from SKYNET.



SG-1 begins to question where the Machine came from, and what SKYNET is doing.



On the 10th, U.S. Secretary of Defense Arthur Simms arrives at the SGC to commend the SGC. To conclude the ceremony, and to much surprise, Carter is promoted to the rank of Major. Shortly after the ceremony ends, Colonel O’Neill is suddenly teleported away.



It is the Asgard. Thor, the Asgard Supreme Commander and representative, tells O’Neill that the Goa’uld System Lords have taken an interest in Earth. After having been the downfall of Ra, Apophis, and Heru’ur (that they are aware of), Earth has demonstrated itself to be a threat to the Goa’uld. And as they are currently warring over the domains of those three fallen System Lords, they do not wish to worry about new threats. The Asgard are here to mediate a non-aggression treaty between the humans of Earth and the System Lords, to include them in the Asgard’s Protected Planets Treaty.



The next day three powerful System Lords arrive on Earth for the negotiations: Cronus, whom Teal’c has sworn a revenge oath against; Nirrti, who whipped out a planet and tried to destroy Earth’s Stargate; and Yu who appears at least to be the most indifferent towards Earth. After getting everyone settled the negotiations eventually begin, with O’Neill as the Asgard’s chosen representative for Earth. It doesn’t take long to hear the Goa’ulds demands: In exchange for not facing a Goa’uld war fleet 100x larger than the force Apophis sent, the Earth will not be allowed to advance technologically to a point where they may become a threat to the Goa’uld; and they must give up their Stargate.



During a private discussion with Thor, O’Neill reveals that the first condition has “already sailed” as Earth is already at a point where they pose a threat. Otherwise this negotiation wouldn’t even be taking place. Then there is the question of if the Goa’uld are aware the Earth has a second Gate. Thor isn’t sure if they know or not, but hasn’t been asked. It is at this point that SKYNET points out that there is much more to be lost by agreeing to this Treaty, than there is to be gained. While the System Lords are bound by the treaty, there is nothing preventing a rogue Goa’uld from launching an attack. And by Thor’s own admission, the Asgard are unable to guarantee they can actually enforce the treaty as they are currently occupied by a mysterious foe in their own galaxy.



While the existence of the Intelligence wasn’t exactly hidden from the Asgard, Thor was obviously surprised by SKYNET’s existence. Rather than being concerned by it however, Thor is more curious and asks questions regarding SKYNET’s purpose. Once satisfied, Thor continues the discussion as if SKYNET is simply another person in attendance.



During the discussions the blast doors surrounding the section of the base the Goa’uld are staying in are suddenly lowered. SKYNET did so as a precaution as the information being fed to it was conflicting. Visible light cameras (traditional cameras) saw the corridor as empty, but thermographic sensor detect a small heat bloom and the trans-phasic sensors (installed after the Re’tu attempted to sabotage the SGC) pick up someone moving through the base. SKYNET saw dropping the blast doors as the only option, and then informed Hammond and SG-1 as to what was going on.



It is eventually revealed to be Nirrti, using the same phase-shifting technology as the Re’tu and wielding a weapon; both things that are prevented by the terms of this meeting as well as her fellow Goa’uld. It is revealed that she was planning on attacking Cronos in the hopes of gaining an advantage in their war. Yu and Cronos turn on her, taking her into custody and hurriedly wishing to depart Earth. With no decision made, the talks have broken down. For what it is worth, for exposing Nirrti’s actions both Cronos and Yu promise that THEY will not attack Earth but anyone who comes through the Stargate “forfeits their lives.”



NASA, on the 23rd, launches the Chandra X-Ray Observatory – sensitive to x-ray sources 100 times fainter than any previous x-ray telescope.



On the 23rd, the SGC comes into contact with the Orban – a civilization that has made rapid technological gains by implanting nanites into their children and then harvesting this knowledge when they reach a certain age. While the SGC and SG-1 object to this on moral grounds, SKYNET finds the idea and method to be intriguing. Samples of these nanites are collected, and will eventually make their way to Cyberdyne for study.



As part of a cultural and scientific exchange, the Orban teach Carter and the SGC how to make a compact naquadah generator, while the SGC in turn teach the Orban about their own history on Earth as well as about the Goa’uld. A diplomatic exchange is opened between Earth and Orban, with the hope of an alliance in the future.



Early in the morning of the 30th: Almost two years ago SG-1 discovered a dimensional mirror that was part of a collection of advanced alien technology on another world. After it was brought to Earth the mirror was put in storage. Now, travelers have come through: Carter and Kawalsky from an alternate reality. The visitors had escaped the Goa’uld invasion of the SGC, hoping to live out their lives in this reality.



Unfortunately, two Carter’s cannot exist in the same universe, as evidenced by the alternate Sam going into a convulsive shock that only gets worse with time. SG-1 instead offers to help send Carter and Kawalsky back to their reality and to try and contact the Asgard for help there. SKYNET, instead, offers sending itself.



A small device is constructed that contains a copy of SKYNET’s programming, as well as a power source and a powerful transmitter. The alternate Carter and Kawalsky take the device back to their reality, where SKYNET immediately commences a cyberwarfare attack on the Ha’taks in orbit. Within the hour those Ha’taks are under SKYNET’s control, who then proceeds to attack Jaffa forces on the surface. Meanwhile, back in the SGA, SKYNET remotely disconnects the Gate from the power, leaving it dead. A few minutes after, SG-3 through SG-9 are sent to the alternate reality to clean out the facility of enemy Jaffa.



By the end of the day the Alternate Earth has been liberated, and everyone is back in their respective realities. SKYNET waves goodbye to its “child,” who will continue to protect its new Earth. In the home reality, Hammond orders the Quantum Mirror be destroyed as a security precaution. Before it is packed up, Carter looks through several of the other nearby realities…and finds a world where numerous skeletal machines stand guard. It is amazing, and quickly becomes terrifying when the machines suddenly grab weapons and head towards the mirror. Carter manages to turn it off before they can come through.