++++Yet another chapter in our ongoing saga. Hope you enjoy it. Don't be afraid to leave a review. That way I get something to read too lol. I will roll out another chapter before the weekend+++++
Pluto
After his return from the Destiny repair mission Dr. McKay had remained aboard Arkos station. Looking upon the Athena class as his sole creation Rodney had overseen every step of the lead ships repairs upon their return. So engrossed in his work the scientist never seemed to notice the eyes of crew members rolling when he entered a section of the ship and began to rant and rave. Once certain that repairs would be performed to his exacting standard he sequestered himself in a design lab with nothing but his brilliance, sandwiches, and endless pots of coffee.
Pouring over the design specifications of both ancient and Asgard vessels alike McKay set about not only improving the Athena class's offensive and defensive capabilities but producing the beginnings of the next class of ship. In these ways McKay kept himself entertained. His current train of thought involved finding a way to operate an entire fleet of vessels with subspace capacitors as their sole source of power. Pulling him away from his project momentarily the scientist noticed his radio ear piece calling his name. Tapping the ear bud he devoted his full attention to this newest of distractions.
"This is McKay" he said.
"This is Colonel Eckhart, sorry to disturb your me time. We just received a subspace communiqué from Atlantis for you. If you've got a moment I'll have it transferred to you" said Eckhart.
"Yes, yes, fine" said Rodney becoming agitated.
Moments later the holographic display Rodney had been using morphed into a live video feed from Atlantis. Seeing what he still considered his city brought a sense of loss to him. Life had carried on without him there. Who had even thought that possible?
"Hello Rodney" said Zelenka on the screen.
"Busy here Radek, what do you need" asked Rodney.
"As you know we activated the avatar of Atlantis. She's beautiful actually, although her hair doesn't have the lovely scent that Dr. Keller's always did" said Zelenka.
"Radek, are we really going to have an intergalactic conversation about how Jennifer's hair smells? Get to the point please" said Rodney growing more irritated by the second.
"Some time after Atlantis was reactivated she came to me about what she says is a most urgent matter. Do you recall the planet where your team located the second city ship" asked Radek.
"Yes Radek, I do. I was there, remember" snidely replied McKay.
"The avatars communicate amongst themselves on a certain level. Atlantis had stated in the most certain terms that we must make her sister whole again. She has asked that we retrieve this city ship" Radek said with a growing sense of excitement.
"I'm not even sure it's salvageable. All but the upper one third of the main tower is buried. It's overgrown with plant life; portions of the hull have collapsed. Radek, we've pulled off some miracles but I don't know if what you're asking is even remotely possible' stated Rodney.
"You're always such a pessimist. I called you remember? I am very aware you are sitting in an ancient shipyard. The very same shipyard that constructed these city ships" defiantly stated the Czech.
"I'll speak with the stations AI interface and see if this is even possible. No promises though" said McKay dismissively.
"Then you should know that earlier today Mr. Woolsey reported this to the IOA. They responded in hours and stated very clearly that the city ship would be recovered" said Radek with a smug look.
"I'll message you when I know more. Give me a few hours on my end" said McKay in closing.
Burying himself in terabytes of data concerning the construction of city ships McKay went to work. An hour passed like this when he began to compare what he had found on the building of these flying cities and the state in which he had last scene this particular city ship. Although it wasn't a pretty picture, he began to think that repairing the city wasn't in the realm of impossible. Knowing he needed someone more expert on the subject he knew he had to ask for help.
"Arkos, can you join me please" he said.
Detecting the request Arkos materialized in the room in which McKay was seated. To either side of the AI's avatar holographic screens of data and schematics appeared in the air.
"Dr. McKay, I overheard your conversation. Onboard diagnostics of the ship are available to assist in your assessment" said the AI.
"Is the ship flight capable without breaking apart" asked Rodney.
"Current diagnostics show the star drive is operational. Structural integrity is diminished but not compromised. Before interstellar travel was possible all shield emitters must be repaired as none are currently functional. Internal power supplies are expended as well. Repairs can be affected to bring conditions to the minimum threshold required for return to this station for deeper repairs. In the current material state use of worm hole drive would not be possible" stated the AI.
"We can use the repair robots as we did for Destiny! Obviously we'll need many more than we currently have. They can continue repairs while the city is flown here for repairs. Do you have an estimation on how many of the repair robots will be required" asked McKay.
"If production of repair units is made a priority that number can be quadrupled within forty eight hours. That number should allow for a return to minimum levels of operation if given a week to effect repairs before flight is attempted" Arkos answered.
"Ok, begin building the repair robots now. I would rather be ready when the IOA demands immediate action. We'll also need to take several jumpers with us as the jumpers in this ship were transferred to Atlantis several years ago" McKay said thinking out loud.
"When docked in the station for repair it would be possible to put your idea of sub space capacitors as a power source to use. That can easily be retrofitted to operation in conjunction with the Potentia" Arkos said soothingly.
"That's why you and I get along so well Arkos, we think alike" Rodney said, happy to have a new task.
IOA Headquarters Washington DC
A rushed session of the IOA was convened. Their purpose was to lay out the course of action on how to proceed with the request from Atlantis. The petty infighting the IOA was known for was set aside for the time being to put events in motion.
"I believe we're all agreed that we must act quickly in this matter" said Carl Strom, head of the IOA.
"Why were we not concerned with fast action earlier? We've known the location of the city ship for some time now and done nothing" stated James Coolidge.
"At that time it was not possible to repair the vessel. We now have the ability to do so. I agree we should move quickly. We are overlooking who from this panel will assume command of the expedition once repairs are completed" said Shen Xiaoyi
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Everyone here is aware of your desire to head the Atlantis expedition, so your motives are transparent at best. Before the question of long term command is even considered the ship must first be returned to this galaxy for repairs. Until that time is reached this is best left in the hands of those with the highest level of proficiency with the technologies in play" said Russel Chapman, the British delegate.
"Agreed. I move that we leave team selection in the hands of the SGC. Once the ship has returned for repairs we will select a permanent commander" said Strom.
"Mr. Strom, I must protest. Selection of a commander now is of paramount importance. A commander is the cornerstone on which all things are built" protested Shen.
"Your protest is noted. This matter will be carried over for later discussion. Let us focus on matter currently at hand" said Strom.
Thumbing through the Atlantis mission report from several years earlier when the ship had been found several additional hurdles were voiced.
"The ship has been used to house the indigenous population's royal family it seems. They of course will not simply hand the ship over easily. Royals view their castles as symbols of their soverginty and won't simply give them away" stated Chapman.
"The local people are an agrarian society of farmers. They will not object. The royal family if this report is to be given any credence is corrupt. We simply offer them something to replace their royal quarters. Build them a city to house all their villages and that might be acceptable" said Coolidge.
"We can very simply relocate the population to another world and need not worry about building them anything" said Shen.
"That would only breed mistrust. No, we build them a lasting settlement, given them advanced in agriculture, medicines and such and they will go willingly. Have Woolsey meet with the natives and begin the talks. Tell him we expect results within the week. All those in favor say aye" said Strom.
"Aye"
"Aye"
"Aye"
"Aye"
"The ayes have it. The motion is passed. Mr. Coolidge please make our findings known to the SGC" Strom said while standing up.
As the delegates filed out of the room Coolidge dialed the secure phone. Once the SGC was made known of the IOA's findings things would begin to happen quickly.
Lord Protector Planet
Exiting the space gate the jumper hurtled into the atmosphere. The small craft moving with incredible speed quickly passed from the cold void of space into the warm environment of the planet below. Lorne activated the sensors and detected nothing out of the ordinary. From their vantage point in the front seats of the ancient craft Lorne and Woolsey saw the lone tower of the long buried city ship rise in the distance. For a moment both men pondered how such a fate could befall one great city of the ancients yet leave Atlantis untouched. Circling the tower at a distance Lorne found an empty grassy patch near the tower to land.
Exiting their craft Ronon, Zelenka, Woolsey, and Lorne quickly followed the well worn path leading to the tower. Ronon's trained eye scanned for any threat. Zelenka busied himself performing a range of scans with the ancient hand held device. Woolsey steeled himself for the negotiation to come. Lorne simply enjoyed the sunshine certain that everything would work out how they hoped. As they came closer to the structure two royal guards approached the newly arrived visitors.
"State the purpose of your visit" said one of the guards.
"We are here to discuss a matter of great importance with Lady Mara. Please inform her the leader of Atlantis seeks an audience with her" said Woolsey.
One guard quickly retreated towards the tower, with the other standing watch over the new arrivals. Around them farmers went about their daily business. Crops were carted to market, animals were herded, and children played. Lorne was taken with how happy the people appeared. Much had changed in the local inhabitant's world since the first members of the Atlantis expedition had arrived several years before. Mara seemed to be a ruler much more concerned with the welfare of her people, unlike her father and brother. No longer living in fear the people of this world had begun to thrive after the veil of oppression had been lifted.
After several moments the guard returned from the tower and informed the guests that Mara would see them. Quickly they were ushered into the tower. Instead of the more formal reception room they found themselves led to the Lady's private study.
"Please wait here. The Lady will be with you shortly" said the guard then exiting the room.
"Sheppard assures me Mara will be receptive to what we wish to discuss" said Woolsey.
"Sheppard always seems to know the women in this galaxy well" chuckled Lorne.
"Didn't she try to get in his pants" asked Ronon.
At that question Lorne laughed, Zelenka stared even more intently at his hand device, and Woolsey frowned. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room for minutes that seemed like hours to those inside. Unsure of what to say next the men sat quietly until Mara entered the room. The men rose to their feet as the petite blond woman crossed the room and quickly sat down.
"Is Sheppard not among you" she asked.
"Colonel Sheppard now has other duties and could not attend" answered Woolsey.
"He is an amazing man whom I would do much for" stated Mara.
With pursed lips Zelenka glared at Ronon as the large man tired very hard to stifle a laugh.
"We thank you for granting this audience" said Woolsey humbly.
"What is it you seek" Mara asked.
"I have come seeking trade. Perhaps you and I can speak privately while my colleagues tour this structure" suggested Woolsey.
"That would be fine. Gentlemen, please tour these halls to your liking" Mara said warmly.
Taking their queue the Ronon, Lorne, and Zelenka exited the study with scientist leading the way. Once they had exited and the door was closed Woolsey began to speak.
"Our two peoples have enjoyed a fruitful trading relationship in the past. In the spirit of that relationship I sit before you today" said Woolsey.
"The medicine your people supplied has done much for my people. We owe you a debt of gratitude for that. In the eyes of my people those from Atlantis are revered as the bringers of a new age on this world" she answered.
"As you know, my people have combated the Wraith and protected the many worlds of this galaxy. We have had great success, but the war is far from over" he said.
"Mr. Woolsey, my people are not trained in the ways of war. I fail to see how we can assist you" Mara answered.
"You have done much to distance yourself from the ways of your predecessors. I believe I can assist you in closing the final chapter. You have enacted sweeping change in the economics and civil liberties of the average citizen's life here. All that remains of a system now fading into memory is the symbol of that system of government" stated Woolsey.
"I thank you for acknowledging the reforms I have enacted. Change was needed if our culture was to survive. What symbol do you speak of" she asked.
"To be very blunt this tower. To truly move forward you must move away from the trappings of the past and into a future surrounded by symbols unblemished by acts of those long past" Woolsey said smoothly.
"This tower has housed my ancestors for generations Mr. Woolsey. Surely you don't suggest tearing it down and replacing it with a thatch roofed hut" she replied.
"Not at all Mara. As you have seen in the past my people are a fair people. We would be honored if you would allow us to build your people a permanent city to shelter generations to come from the elements. We will also construct irrigation canals for your fields so each future harvest makes those of today pale in comparison" said Woolsey.
"Construction on that scale would take many years" she countered.
"We have technology at our disposal that would allow for the tasks completion in a matter of days. Time need not be an issue" he replied.
"I am not a fool Mr. Woolsey. You come offering much in the name of assisting my people in letting the past remain in the past. Now why don't you tell me what it is you really want" she said lightly.
Seeing that the route he had been ordered to take in his instructions from the IOA wasn't working Woolsey shifted gears and tried another route.
"I will be very honest with you Mara. The presence of this tower endangers the continued existence of your people. You no longer have the ability to simply scare the Wraith away. Following the current path the Wraith will return and after their previous failures to cull this world they will annihilate this world simply because you once had the ability to challenge them. If you agree to our proposal we will build your people a lasting home, provide medical assistance, greatly increase the productivity of your farmers, and most of all protect you from any threats you face" said Woolsey with conviction.
"Were it not for your people I would be married to the monster Otho. I trusted you then and I shall trust you now. You have my consent to remove this tower. If you can build this city as fast as you claim I ask that we start quickly before winter nears" said Mara in dignified submission.
For several more hours the two went over details of the agreement. For the second time Mara gave thanks to whatever had fated those from Atlantis into her people's path. Woolsey simply breathed a sigh of relief thanking god it worked.
Cheyenne Mountain, SGC
Sitting in his office General Landry read over the report just received from Atlantis. Grabbing his phone he hit the speed dial to the one man he needed to pass the information along to. Landry was thankful that today's unexpected phone call to DC wasn't to inform his friend of some new menace stalking the galaxy.
"O'Neill here" said the voice on the other end of the call.
"Jack, its Hank. Word just came in from Atlantis. The negotiation was a success. Looks like the mission is a go" said Landry.
"It's nice when things work out smoothly, isn't it" asked Jack.
"That it is" replied Landry.
"Okay, my thinking on this is to give the mission to McKay. No one knows the systems on Atlantis better than he. Have him take the technical team that went to Destiny. What about on your end" asked Jack.
"The amount of material McKay estimates he's going to need isn't nearly as much as I would have thought. Athena is slated to return to active rotation in three days. Being that Col. Eckhart has already endured carting this technical team half way across the universe I figure a short trip one galaxy over wont hurt. No sense in exposing Mitchell to McKay if it can be avoided" said Landry laughing.
"What kind of concessions was Woolsey forced to make to get this done so fast" asked Jack.
"Medical care, ongoing protection, and we build them a city. We'll also need to throw in some irrigation systems for their crops. If we call in a marker with the Asgard they can deploy one of their vessels with matter stream creation technology built in and have everything done in days" added Landry.
"Good idea. Get a message out to Thor about that and explain the time frame we're up against" answered O'Neill.
"Well do. Have a good one Jack" said Landry before ending the call.
With marching orders in hand Landry went about getting the information into the right hands. A message was dispatched to Thor at the November Site. Aboard Arkos station Athena's commanding officer grimaced at the thought of the odd squad as he called the science team running around his ship yet again. The Arkos AI had already begun production of the myriad items that might or might not be required to ensure the currently crippled city ship could return to the Milky Way. All in all the situation was running smoothly and Landry gave silent thanks for that.