Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Stargate or Stargate Atlantis or any of the other characters etc mentioned in this story. I am making no money off this, so please do not sue me.

Extended Summary: This story is based on and around the Stargate episode "Prometheus Unbound", however in this story the Prometheus does not encounter Vala Mal Doran (the Asgard do), instead Prometheus makes it to Atlantis just prior to the Atlantis expedition discovering that Atlantis is about to fall under attack by the Wraith.

1. Departure

Prometheus, Area 37, Earth

After the newly installed Asgard hyperdrive engines (post refit) were successfully tested, Lieutenant General George Hammond would command the Prometheus himself, as head of Homeworld Security he had selected himself to command, one of the perks of the job.

General Hammond had selected his own crew to embark on a rescue mission to the Pegasus Galaxy to the Atlantis Expedition Team, as they had not, been heard from for a long time, it was decided by General Hammond that the Prometheus would be sent to find out what has happened to them.

As the Prometheus has been recently fitted with Asgard hyperdrive engines that will allow the Prometheus to travel between galaxies, though the travel time between the Milky Way Galaxy and the Pegasus Galaxy is estimated to be between three to four weeks, possibly a bit longer, depending on whether or not they have the right location for Atlantis. This is much longer than an Asgard ship would take, this is due to Asgard ships have a greater power output than the Prometheus has.

This is much longer than an Asgard ship would take, this is due to the greater power output of the Asgard ships, allowing there hyperdrive engines to propel there ships much more quickly through hyperspace.

Prometheus specifications

Manufacturer: Tau'ri (USAF)

Class: X-303 class (prototype), BC-303 class (in service)

Length: 195 meters

Width: 80 meters

Height/depth: 65 meters

Engine unit(s):

Sublight engines

Manoeuvring thrusters

Asgard hyperdrive (post refit)

Hyperdrive system:

Asgard Intergalactic (post refit)

Power plant: Naquadah generators

Shielding: Asgard shields (post refit)

Hull: Naquadah/Trinium alloy

Sensor systems: Asgard sensor array (post refit)

Armaments:

24 Railguns

12 Missile launchers (equipped with Mark IX missiles and nuclear missiles)

Fighter complement: 8 F-302s

Crew: 120 (later 121)

Other systems:

Ring transporter

Escape pods

Asgard transporter system (post refit)

Lieutenant General Hammond's team includes Dr Daniel Jackson (to translate the ancient writings on Atlantis), Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman and Dr. Lindsey Novak, with the rest of SG-1 remaining behind on Earth. The Prometheus has been outfitted for a long voyage (up to six months without resupply if necessary), along with her cargo holds being full of equipment and supplies that the Atlantis Expedition Team may need.

All in all the Prometheus is as ready as she will ever be.

Take Off and Departure

On the bridge of the Prometheus Lieutenant General George Hammond is waiting for Sergeant Harriman to complete his checks.

Once the checks are complete Sergeant Harriman says, "General Hammond, the Prometheus is ready for launch."

General Hammond replies, "Thank you Sergeant Harriman, you may launch the Prometheus, put us in Earth orbit."

Sergeant Harriman says, "Yes sir, initiating launch procedure."

The large hanger were Prometheus is held when not on missions is known as area 37-92/NV, also known less formally as the Docking Bay or simply Area 37, is a subterranean bay located in Nevada. It serves as dry-dock/construction area for the Prometheus where the ship is maintained.

The Prometheus is held in place with large docking clamps.

Access to the subterranean bay is through an elevator housed in a small building surrounded by an electric fence. The Prometheus exits and enters through large retractable roof doors.

The hanger door above the Prometheus slides open, at the same time the large docking clamps retract, then the Prometheus slowly lifts out of her dry-dock and into the atmosphere, steadily gaining speed, it only takes the Prometheus a few minutes to reach Earth orbit.

Once in a high and stable orbit General Hammond says, "Begin powering up the hyperdrive and start plotting a course for Atlantis."

Sergeant Harriman replies, "Yes sir, beginning hyperspace navigation procedure, we should be ready to jump into hyperspace within five minutes."

As they wait Dr Jackson who has been watching the launch from just behind General Hammond says, "I cannot wait to see Atlantis."

General Hammond chuckles, as this is not the first time Dr Jackson has said this and says, "You will have to wait at least four weeks before we get there Dr Jackson and we do not know what condition the Atlantis team or even Atlantis itself will be in when we get there."

Dr Jackson smiles at General Hammond and replies, "I think that I have mentioned that before?"

General Hammond again chuckles and replies, "Just once or twice Dr Jackson, but no one is going to hold it against you."

Then one of the sensors goes off and Sergeant Harriman says, "A ship is coming out of hyperspace sir."

General Hammond frowns and asks, "Can you identify it?"

Sergeant Harriman replies, "Yes sir, it is an Asgard ship."

Then in front of them on the bridge, an Asgard beams in and says, "Greetings General Hammond and Dr Jackson."

General Hammond smiles and replies, "Hello Thor, welcome onboard the Prometheus, how can help you?"

Thor replies, "Thank you General Hammond, I am fine, I was just checking to see if the Asgard systems are working?"

General Hammond replies, "They are and thank you again for allowing us to have both Asgard hyperdrive and shields fitted to the Prometheus."

Thor replies, "You are welcome General Hammond, after what you have done for the Asgard it was the least we could do for you. In addition, my ship will be accompanying you to the edge of your galaxy just in case there are any problems, we can then help you fix any potential problems."

General Hammond smiles and says, "You are most welcome and thank you for your offer of assistance which we would be very happy to accept."

Thor replies, "Very well, I will return to my ship, when you jump into hyperspace I will follow."

Thor beams of the bridge of the Prometheus.

Hyperspace

Once Thor has left, Sergeant Harriman says, "General we are ready to jump into hyperspace."

General Hammond replies, "Take us to Atlantis Sergeant."

Sergeant Harriman says, "Yes sir, activating hyperdrive."

The Prometheus jumps into hyperspace followed by Thor's ship, they are now on their way to Atlantis, with an Asgard ship along for part of the journey, General Hammond thinks to himself, this trip will be better, than I could have ever dreamed of.

The Vala Mal Doran Incident

A few days into the journey and still well within the Milky Way Galaxy, the crew of the Prometheus picks up a distress signal, General Hammond is about to order a course change, when a hologram of Thor appears on the bridge, Thor says, "If you wish, I will investigate this distress signal, it could be some form of trick."

General Hammond replies, "Thank you Thor that would be greatly appreciated."

Thor says, "I will investigate this distress signal and catch you up later."

Thor's holographic image disappears and Thor ship then veers off to investigate the distress signal.

Thor's Investigation

As Thor's ship drops out of hyperspace, Thor detects a ship, an Al'kesh, sitting dead in space Thor immediately raises his ships shields and charges his ships weapons systems.

Onboard the Al'kesh, is Vala Mal Doran who had been hoping to steal the Prometheus, sees the arrival of the Asgard mothership this is something that she was not expecting. Vala immediately begins too quickly repair the "damage" to her Al'kesh, from the readings that Vala can see, the Asgard mothership appears to be scanning her ship.

As she tries to repair the "damage", Vala is beamed of the Al'kesh, on to Thor's ship before she can say anything she is stunned and beamed into a holding cell, minus her Kull Warrior Armour, replaced by normal clothing. Vala had only been partially dressed in the armour, as it was easier to repair the Al'kesh without the Kull Warrior Armour.

Once the Al'kesh has been recovered then placed into the hanger bay of Thor's ship, were Asgard engineers will study it, Thor then jumps his ship back into hyperspace satisfied that he had foiled some sort of trap.

Thor's ship will quite quickly catch up with the Prometheus this will be by the time the Prometheus reaches the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Separation

Several days later, at the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy the Prometheus drops out of hyperspace to await the arrival of Thor's ship, they do not have long to wait, just over forty-five minutes after coming out of hyperspace, Thor's ship drops out of hyperspace near the Prometheus.

Thor then beams onto the bridge of the Prometheus and says, "Greetings General Hammond, Dr Jackson."

General Hammond asks, "Hello Thor, did you find the source of the distress signal?"

Thor replies, "Indeed I did, from our investigation so far, it appears that the distress signal was faked and a trap was laid to allow the capture of any ship responding to the distress signal."

General Hammond asks, "I would assume that you were able to figure this out before anyone was able to spring the trap."

Thor replies, "I was, I have the individual onboard my ship, she has tried several times to escape and failed."

General Hammond asks, "Would you like to hand her over to us?"

Thor replies, "That is what I was hoping you would ask, but I would warn you to keep a close eye on her."

General Hammond says, "Don't worry Thor, we will."

Thor replies, "I will beam directly into your holding cell, now."

Sergeant Harriman says, "The prisoner is in the holding cell."

General Hammond says, "Good, thank you Thor."

Thor replies, "You are welcome General Hammond, this is where I will leave you, I will be returning to my home galaxy, goodbye General Hammond."

General Hammond says, "Goodbye Thor."

Thor beams of the Prometheus and a few moments later Thor's ship jumps into hyperspace.

General Hammond says, "Sergeant Harriman, get us back on course for Atlantis."

Sergeant Harriman replies, "Yes sir, engaging hyperdrive."

The Prometheus jumps into hyperspace towards the Pegasus Galaxy.

On their way there, they will have plenty of time to question their prisoner.

Vala Mal Doran

Over the past few days Vala had been questioned by the Asgard, her initial attempts to lie to the Asgard have failed (spectacularly), as the Asgard is able to pull apart her lies with ease. After that, Vala tells the truth, that she is a thief (a very good thief by her own admission), this admission Thor believes.

This is the reason that Thor offered to transfer Vala to the Prometheus, as this was not part of a Goa'uld trap, now Vala it sitting in a cell onboard the Prometheus, knowing that she is very lucky, as the Asgard are known to deal harshly with people who work with the Goa'uld.

Vala had been escorted from her cell to a small room, by two guards armed with a mix of Goa'uld and none Goa'uld technology.

Once Vala had been secured to her chair by the two guards another man walked in wearing glasses, he says, "Hello, my name is Dr Daniel Jackson, I understand from the Asgard your name is Vala Mal Doran and that you were intending to steal this ship."

Vala smiles affectionately at Dr Jackson and replies, "Hello Daniel, I may call you Daniel?" without waiting for a response Vala continues, "Good, I do like to be on first name basis. Anyway, I would assume that we are on our way to some sort of prison?"

Dr Jackson shakes his head slightly at Vala and says, "No we are not on our way to a prison, we are in fact no longer in the galaxy, we have left our galaxy behind and we are on our way to a galaxy we call the Pegasus Galaxy."

Vala frowns at Dr Jackson and asks, "Why are we going to this Pegasus Galaxy?"

Dr Jackson replies, "To find an expedition we sent a while ago, they have not communicated with us for some time so this ship is being sent to find out what has happened to them."

Vala smiles broadly at Dr Jackson and says, "Well if there is anything that I can do to help, let me know, I am quite good at finding things."

Dr Jackson rolls his eyes and replies, "That is not what I meant."

Vala says, "Oh, what then?"

Dr Jackson replies, "That this is going to be a long trip, several weeks and if you behave yourself you will be allowed limited access to the crew facilities, however if you do not you will be punished."

Vala grins broadly at Dr Jackson and says, "Well Daniel I did not know that you were that attracted to me or that you had to be so forceful with me, as for you terms on my custody here I agree." Vala is quite interested in were they are going, as this could be much more lucrative for her, much more so than stealing a single ship.

Dr Jackson rolls his eyes again at Vala and replies, "Good, but remember you will be watched closely."

Over the next ten days, Vala is allowed limited access to crew facilities, such as the mess hall and recreation areas, though Vala is put back in her cell when she needs to sleep. For the rest of the trip Vala behaves and she is given access to all none strategic areas of the ship (with an escort), during this time Vala learns about Atlantis.

Vala also spends a lot of time asking Dr Jackson questions about the Ancients and Atlantis, the rest of the crew are grateful for this, as they do not have to sit through one of Dr Jackson long lectures on Atlantis or the Ancients.

Vala is also allowed to wear her own clothes these were beamed over by the Asgard when the Asgard beamed Vala over to the Prometheus.

By the time the Prometheus reaches the Pegasus Galaxy, Vala is no longer handcuffed when escorted from her cell after all if Vala were to break free were would she go?

Prometheus, Bridge

Almost four weeks later, the Prometheus has reached the edge of the Pegasus Galaxy.

Sergeant Harriman says, "We are now dropping out of hyperspace at the edge of the Pegasus Galaxy, beginning sensor scans of the local area."

General Hammond replies, "Good work" activating the comm he says, "Dr Novak, you may commence you diagnostic of the ships hyperdrive."

From the speaker Dr Novak replies, "Understood General Hammond, diagnostic running now, this should only take a few minutes, but from my monitoring of our trip I do not anticipate any problems."

General Hammond replies, "That's good news doctor, let me know when the diagnostic is finished, Hammond out."

General Hammond then turns to Dr Jackson and says, "Well Dr Jackson, we are nearly there, you will only have to wait a few more days."

Dr Jackson in an excited tone replies, "That is amazing, we are in another galaxy, we are the only Earth ship with this technology."

General Hammond replies, "That is true, however the Daedalus, should have completed her trials by now and could be available to back us up if needed, assuming that we can contact Earth from Atlantis."

Dr Jackson replies, "Of course I forgot about the Daedalus."

The Daedalus is the first 304 battle cruiser produced by the Tau'ri (USAF), and the second generation of interstellar capital ship (the Prometheus being the first) developed by the United States military and its allies including the Asgard.

The Daedalus's currently commanded is Colonel Steven Caldwell, the Asgard advisor Hermiod is assigned to the Daedalus, to oversee the various technological advances the Asgard have provided for the Daedalus. Unlike the Prometheus, the Daedalus was designed from the onset to take a mix of both Asgard and Tau'ri technology from the beginning, rather than be adapted as the Prometheus was.

Unlike the Prometheus, this technological mix required an Asgard to assist in its operation and maintenance (also to keep an eye on how this technology was being used), this greatly helped increase the speed at which the Daedalus would be completed.

Over the speaker Dr Novak says, "General Hammond all systems check out, no problems to report, we can precede to Atlantis whenever you are ready, it should only take a few hours to get there."

General Hammond replies into the comm, "Thank Dr Novak. Sergeant Harriman you may engage the hyperdrive and plot us a course to Atlantis."

Sergeant Harriman says, "Yes sir, course already laid in, engaging hyperdrive."

The Prometheus jumps into hyperspace towards Atlantis on its final stage of its long journey, the Atlantis Expedition will be surprised.

To be continued.