Chapter 17: Defending Earth
The battle was intense. The Ori warships were relentless, firing wave after wave of energy blasts at the Earth fleet. The Atlantis ships fought back with everything they had, their drones and weapons systems blazing. The sky was filled with explosions and debris.
On the bridge of the Daedalus, Colonel Caldwell was barking out orders to his crew. "All hands, full power to the shields! We need to hold out until reinforcements arrive!"
Samantha Carter, who had taken command of the Atlantis fleet, was coordinating with the other ships. "Sheppard, can you take out that cruiser on our port side?"
"Working on it, Carter," Sheppard replied. "But we're taking heavy fire from those smaller ships."
"Ronon, Teyla, can you two take care of those fighters?" Carter asked, turning to her team.
"Consider it done," Ronon said, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
Teyla nodded, her eyes focused on the viewscreen. "We will make them regret attacking our home."
As they engaged the enemy, McKay was frantically working on a new weapon system. "Come on, come on, why won't this thing work?" he muttered, banging his fist on the console.
"McKay, how's that weapon coming?" Carter called over the comms.
"I'm almost there," he replied. "Just a few more adjustments and... there!"
A bright blue beam shot out from the Atlantis ships, hitting one of the Ori cruisers dead on. The ship exploded in a shower of sparks and flame.
"Nice work, McKay," Carter said with a small smile.
But the victory was short-lived. Another Ori ship swooped in to take its place. The battle continued, with no end in sight.
Meanwhile, in the control room of the SGC, General Landry was monitoring the situation. "How's it looking, Walter?"
"We're receiving reports from the Daedalus and Atlantis," Walter replied. "They're holding their own, but they're taking heavy losses. And we've got nothing to send in for backup."
Landry sighed. "I was afraid of that. We've got to find a way to turn the tide."
Just then, a technician spoke up. "Sir, we're receiving a transmission from Atlantis."
"Put it through," Landry ordered.
Carter's face appeared on the screen. "General, we've got a plan."
"I'm listening," Landry said.
"We've discovered a way to create zero point modules," Carter said. "If we can get the materials and equipment we need, we can build enough to power our entire fleet."
Landry raised an eyebrow. "And how long will that take?"
Carter hesitated for a moment. "It won't be easy, sir. But we're confident we can do it. We just need your help."
Landry nodded. "You'll have it. What do you need from us?"
Carter smiled, relief evident on her face. "We'll send over the details. And we could also use some reinforcements. The Ori are throwing everything they've got at us."
"We'll do what we can," Landry said. "Hang in there, Colonel."
As the transmission ended, Landry turned to his team. "All right, people. We've got work to do. Let's get to it."
Back in the battle, the Atlantis fleet was still holding its own, but just barely. The Daedalus had taken a direct hit and was listing to one side. "Colonel Caldwell, do you copy?" Carter called over the comms.
Static was the only response.
Carter cursed under her breath. "We've got to