Chapter 1: The Atlantis Expedition
Major Drake Rose of the US Air Force was reminiscing on the past as he began to suit up in preparation to transport General Jack O'Neil to a research post in Antarctica. He had landed in an alleyway in the city of Phoenix, AZ. Luckily he had worn normal athletic wear when he had gone out earlier that day so aside from being a little dirty he appeared to be a normal kid. It was early evening in November and upon looking at the sky he knew he wasn't on Remnant anymore due to the moon being whole and undamaged. It was only 5 pm so he was able to find a library that was open without any trouble at all. He spent the time until closing reading up on where he landed. It was nowhere near enough time to learn everything but he was able to comprehend enough not to look like a nutjob. Eventually he found himself in foster care and given a placement test to find out where his education level was at, being as intelligent as he was he tested into 8th grade and began learning alongside 14 year olds at a local middle school. Continuing to learn as quickly as he could he graduated high school at age sixteen and after acing multiple college placement tests was accepted into West Point. He knew being a huntsman wasn't a viable career option while he was stuck on Earth and after considerable research determined that joining the military was his best chance to help others as he was wanting to and kept in shape along with learning multiple martial arts to physically prepare himself, all the while he continued to practice with his aura and semblance in secret. He discovered his semblance while camping with a study group when he was finishing up his Sophomore class work, fortunately it was late at night and he was the only one awake so none of his peers were aware of his abilities.
Drake graduated from West Point at the top of his class with honors at age nineteen. He was given a commission in the air force as a Captain and was deployed to the middle east after serving for two years and making noteworthy contributions to the war on terror in multiple engagements he was promoted to Major and was transferred back to the states under General O'Neil's command. That was about two weeks ago, now he was about to fly the General to a secret research post on the continent. Drake wasn't sure if he was ever going to be able to return home, but that wouldn't stop him from doing the best he can to help others.
Meanwhile at the Ancient outpost in Antarctica, scientists roamed around researching the area. A Canadian scientist was currently arguing with a Scottish doctor while the leader of the international effort walked towards them.
"You see, nothing!" the doctor explained while standing up from the control chair of the outpost and walking away from the Canadian
"Carson, get back here" the Canadian demanded
"I could sit in that chair all bloody day long and nothing will happen" Carson Beckett replied as he walked towards the entrance of the room "excuse me, Dr. Weir" he nodded respectfully as he passed her.
"He's not even trying," the Canadian complained as Dr. Beckett exited the room
"He's the one who discovered the gene that this Ancient technology responds to" Dr. Weir reminded the scientist
"Well, now he says he wished he never had it"
"Really?"
"Yeah, can you believe that?" the Canadian scoffed
"If you'd like we could always test you a third time Rodney" Dr. Weir offered with a knowing smirk
"Very funny" Rodney McKay replied with a sigh as he and Dr. Weir walked back towards the control chair
"We've only found a handful of people who possess the gene and can interact with the gene and despite your considerable efforts as one of the foremost experts in Ancient technology to establish an interface capable of mass use, we need everyone with the gene to sit in this chair including Carson Beckett." Dr. Weir finished as she stroked a hand across the armrest of the chair
"He's afraid of the thing" Dr. McKay complained
"This chair controls some of the most powerful weapons known to all of humanity" Dr. Weir sighed "I'm afraid of the thing. But every time someone activates it, we learn something new about the Ancients and get one step closer to achieving our full potential. If I were Dr. Beckett I would be proud to be genetically advanced enough to use this chair."
"It's not more advanced" McKay rolled his eyes "It's a random characteristic and nothing more."
"It really bothers you that you don't have the gene doesn't it" Dr. Weir offered a sympathetic smile
"Clearly I am green with envy" Rodney sarcastically remarked as one of the most respected men at the outpost entered the room, he was Dr. Daniel Jackson a long-time member of the Stargate program, specifically, the SG-1 team.
"Just the people I was looking for" he greeted while motioning for them to follow him, he took them to a covered canopy he had set up a lab in, being an archeologist it was littered with textbooks, documents and artifacts of various civilizations along with computer monitors displaying information relating to Stargate addresses and the galaxy as a whole. "Now, as you know one of our objectives was to find the lost city, but as it turns out we were looking in the wrong place." he began while guiding them to a whiteboard where he was listing a specific gate address. "Now we thought we had a gate address, six symbols representing the position in space determining where the planet is located, recently we determined the seventh symbol."
"The point of origin, Earth" Dr. Weir nodded
"Nope" Daniel shook his head
"Then the address must be wrong" Rodney guessed
"Not incorrect, just incomplete" Daniel replied while writing down both the seventh and eighth symbols.
"What are you saying?" Dr. Weir asked
"What we're looking for may be further away than we ever thought, but it's not out of reach. Atlantis, I think we can actually get there" Daniel smiled
Meanwhile, Drake and Gen. O'Neil continued their flight towards the outpost
"I hate this continent" Jack commented
"I think I might like it, sir" Drake replied
"Oh really" the general chuckled
"Yes, sir" Drake nodded before checking his computers, "Looks like we'll be there in ten minutes sir"
Back in the outpost, Rodney was guiding Carson back to the control chair.
"Keep moving" Rodney ordered
"I'm just a medical doctor" Carson argued "You don't understand, I break things like this"
"Carson, this thing has survived for millions of years in this frozen wasteland, it will survive you. Now sit down, close your eyes and concentrate" Rodney assured the Scottish doctor, causing him to reluctantly take a seat.
"Again, nothing" he began to stand when Rodney stopped him
"Just try to imagine where we are right now in the solar system" Rodney sighed as Carson closed his eyes and tried to relax
"I think I feel something" the doctor said, Rodney looked his way and Carson continued with a frown and anxiety present in his eyes as he looked towards the Canadian "it might be lunch related"
"Shut up and concentrate" Rodney rolled his eyes and fixed Carson with a stare. Carson began to concentrate and about a minute later the chair activated, reclining as it accepted Carson as an authorized user. This caused him to panic which activated a dormant drone that a pair of scientists were studying and sending the squid-like projectile flying towards the surface, it passed the elevator Dr. Weir was taking up, who quickly ordered the operator to get her back down into the outpost.
Drake continued to fly towards the outpost as a radio transmission came through
"All inbound aircraft, be advised, we have a rogue drone capable of seeking a target on its own land immediat-" the operator went ignored from that point on as Drake noticed the drone hurtling towards them and began to desperately evade it to avoid getting hit.
"I take it back sir" Drake commented "If this is what we can expect I'm beginning to hate this continent too."
Dr. Weir rushed towards the control chair finding a frantic Dr. McKay typing on a tablet and a panicking Dr. Beckett in the chair
"I told you I shouldn't use this thing" the doctor said
"That doesn't matter right now" Rodney snapped "Do something!"
"Like what?" Carson asked
"Carson, close your eyes and focus on powering down that drone before it gets someone hurt" Dr. Weir calmly yet firmly instructed her subordinate, who immediately obeyed while getting his breathing under control.
Meanwhile, Drake had managed to get the drone to crash into the ice and perform an emergency landing.
"That won't work for long with this thing" General O'Neil advised, "get out of the helicopter" he ordered while opening the passengers door, Drake obeyed and escaped the vehicle as the drone broke through the ice and sped towards the general. Reacting quickly, Drake raised his aura and focused on the shadow of the helicopter activating his semblance and manipulating said shadow into a warhammer that he used to bat the drone away from the General.
"It's coming back!" Drake warned as he prepared to deflect it again before the drone suddenly shut down right as it was about to reach them.
"Well" O'Neil sighed in relief "that was one hell of a welcome. Major?"
"Yes sir" Drake replied dispelling the shadow
"What was that?"
"It's a lengthy explanation sir"
"Well, we got the rest of our flight to the outpost" Jack said while nodding towards their vehicle "give me the cliff notes version"
Back in the outpost a marine lieutenant approached the control chair
"Ma'am" he began addressing Dr. Weir " Major Rose, reports that the drone is down. General O'Neil is alright and is continuing his approach, he'll be here in just a few minutes."
A few minutes later they landed and as they approached the elevator, Gen. O'Neil was mulling over what Drake told him. Apparently, the major was from another world, one that was more advanced, albeit more terrifying than this one. And abilities like his were the norm there. He briefly wondered what his life might be like if he had never heard of the Stargate while the elevator began to descend. Upon reaching the outpost he spotted Dr. Jackson and began to talk
"Daniel, thanks for the greeting" O'Neil sarcastically remarked
"It wasn't me" Daniel replied "How did yo-"
"Manage to keep my ass from being blown out of the sky?" Jack finished with a smirk "it was thanks to the exceptional flying of Major Drake Rose, he's quite an interesting guy" he turned to Drake "You have security clearance for the outpost, feel free to take a look around or find a place to relax but don't touch anything"
"Yes sir" Drake nodded and began to roam as the general and Dr. Jackson walked towards the lab. Upon reaching it he nodded to Dr. Weir and Dr. McKay as Daniel began his explanation.
"We believe that the Ancients packed up their city and left somewhere around 5 and 10 million years ago." Daniel reported
"In their flying city?" O'Neil asked incredulously
"Well, keep in mind this was the race that built the Stargates, they did everything big." Daniel pointed out
"Why would they leave?"
"Anyone's guess," Daniel shrugged. "We know they were suffering from a plague around that time frame, but there could have been other factors as well. The point is we know where they went."
"Pegasus?" Jack asked remembering a detail from the written report that brought him here today
"Yes," Daniel nodded. "It's a dwarf galaxy right next door to the Milky Way."
"After all this time would there be any chance of meeting them?" Dr. McKay asked
"Who knows," Daniel answered, "but isn't the possibility, however slim, enough reason to go?"
"I've been putting together this international expedition for nearly half a year Dr. Jackson" Dr. Weir said "I'm not the one you need to convince"
"Well, I'm sold" Jack nodded "have fun" he noticed his former teammate glance nervously towards Weir and McKay "What is it?"
"It's not quite that simple" Dr. McKay began "We'll need the Zed PM to use the Stargate"
"The what?" Jack asked with a confused look
"ZPM" Daniel clarified "Rodney's a Canadian"
"I'm sorry" Jack said looking at Dr. McKay
"It's the Ancient power source you found that allowed you to use the drones here to destroy Anubis and his invasion force" Rodney continued "It's continuing to power the outpost defenses, now I've determined that it operates on vacuum energy derived from a self-contained region of subspace time."
"Well, that was a waste of a perfectly good explanation" General O'Neil stated bluntly as most of what Rodney said went over his head, however he had known people like Daniel Jackson and Samantha Carter enough to get the general idea "my answer is no"
Meanwhile as the discussion was continuing, Drake ended up making his way to the control chair room, he briefly noted the fact that Yang would turn 17 in a week and would soon be starting at Beacon. As he entered the room, he was pulled from his thoughts by Carson talking with a few of his colleagues about what happened and tried to play it off as though he had it under control the whole time.
"So, I just focused, and the drone shut down" Dr. Beckett finished
"It was you then" Drake spoke up with a glare "You're the one that nearly shot me and the General down" Carson's colleagues walked away while Dr. Beckett turned to face the young Major.
"Look, we're experimenting and researching weapons that are thousands of years beyond our comprehension, and obviously mistakes get made." Dr Beckett began as he sighed and looked towards Drake with regret in his eyes "I can't even begin to impart how sorry I am for what happened"
"Just make sure it doesn't happen again" Drake nodded in reply "What the hell was that thing anyway?"
"You mean the drone? It was the main type of weapon the Ancients stored in this outpost"
"The Ancients?" Drake asked wondering who they were, something Carson seemed to pick up on
"You do have security clearance to be here, right?" Carson inquired
"Yeah, the General gave it to me as we were landing" Drake confirmed
"Just as you got here?" Carson was astonished "So you haven't been briefed on the Stargate yet"
"Stargate?" Drake asked as he began listening intently to Carson giving a summarized version of background information.
Back at the meeting Jack ordered them to find another way to get to Atlantis not wanting to lose power for the outpost
"There is no other way" Daniel sighed "As I'm sure you recall from our past experiences, taking the Stargate across galaxies requires more power than anything we've been able to develop as a species, the ZPM is our only option." General O'Neil thought about this for a moment before speaking
"Do you think there are more of these, uh, Zed things in Atlantis?"
"Absolutely" Daniel nodded "and who knows what else we could find. This was one of, if not, the greatest civilization to exist since the creation of the universe after all."
"The potential wealth of knowledge and technology we could find are well worth the sacrifice, besides with the other system lords struggling against Ba'al the odds of Earth facing another invasion in the near future are slim at best, it is the ideal time to utilize the ZPM for this purpose" Dr. Weir added her two cents
"Fair enough" Jack nodded "counterpoint, with the power necessary to launch your expedition, this will likely be a one-way trip."
"We know" Dr. Weir nodded "but it's a risk everyone of my expedition members is willing to take. The benefit to humanity is far greater than the risk, General."
Back in the control room, Dr. Beckett was wrapping up his explanation by telling Drake about the gene he discovered.
"We believe the gene is capable of accessing technology normally unavailable through other means of interaction, it acts as a DNA based key if you will." Carson continued "That way only their kind or their descendents could operate their powerful and often dangerous technologies."
"So some people have the same genes as these Ancients?" Drake asked
"Yes although it is very rare, they actually came first, we humans are the second evolution in this form." Carson concluded
"Is it alright if I take a seat?"
"I don't know why anyone would want to, but I doubt someone your age would be able to reach the rank of Major if they didn't have the mental discipline to maintain grace under pressure."
"Assuming this even activates" Drake pointed out as he moved to sit down "What are the odds that I'm actually related to these guys anyway?" the moment Drake sat down the chair activated and reclined lighting up without any pretense or delay, as though this technology was specifically meant for Drake to use
"Quite slim actually" Carson deadpanned in shock at what had just happened "Don't move, I need to get Dr. Weir and the others" the doctor instructed before hurrying away. Drake remained seated as he was even more shocked than Carson was
"Does this mean the Ancients seeded Remnant with life as well?" he thought to himself as Dr. Weir, General O'Neil, Dr. Beckett, Dr. McKay and Dr. Jackson came back into the room.
"Major, what's going on?" Jack demanded
"I'm not sure sir" Drake answered "I guess this means I have the gene Dr. Beckett was telling me about."
"Lucky" Dr. McKay muttered under his breath before speaking a bit louder "Major, try focusing on where we are in the solar system." almost instantaneously, a detailed star chart appeared above their heads.
"I did not expect this when I woke up today" Drake commented before he turned off the chair and stood up.
About an hour later, General O'Neil gave the go ahead to use the ZPM to get to Atlantis before he was pulled aside by Dr. Weir.
"General, I need him" she began
"I'm sorry but Daniel is needed more here than in Atlantis" Jack replied
"Actually, I was referring to Major Rose"
"Really? Not that I have a problem with it, but don't you already have over a dozen people who carry the Ancient gene?"
"Yes and with practice and intense concentration they can make it work" Dr. Weir agreed "But Drake Rose is in a league of his own, it's instinctual with him as though he had been using this hardware his entire life. If I didn't know better I would say that he is an Ancient himself. Not to mention with his record, achievements and praise from multiple reputable sources a background check for him would be a formality and nothing more. Becoming a Major at age 21 is unheard of and yet he earned it, all on his own."
"Well" Jack sighed "It's your expedition, and I do owe you one, I suppose I can transfer him over to your command as long as he agrees."
"About that" Dr. Weir chuckled "I kind of already asked him, he said he needs to think about it"
"Alright" Jack nodded "I best be off then, see you in a few days at Cheyenne Mountain"
Five minutes later, Jack reached the helicopter as Drake was making final preparations for take-off.
"Major" he began "I'll take the wheel this time"
"Sir?" Drake asked
"I need you to focus on your decision to Dr. Weir's offer" General O'Neil explained as he switched places with Drake, once they were up in the air he spoke up. "You know, you may never have an opportunity like this again. I thought with you being separated from your family on Remnant you would jump at the possibility of finding them."
"The thought crossed my mind" Drake admitted "I guess I'm just worried that Remnant might be somewhere in the Milky Way and with this being a one way trip I might never find it"
"Fair enough" Jack nodded "however for all we know Remnant could be in Pegasus and you would be placed on the fast track not only for finding it but helping to establish relations between them and the expedition, possibly Earth as well if you manage to find a way back. If it helps I've been to other galaxies before, both by use of the Stwargate, and spaceships as well. I doubt you'll find your way back faster than myself and the rest of SG-1 did, but if we can manage it with just four of us, I'm sure you and the others will eventually be able to reestablish contact with us. Not to mention, the Stargate operations taking place inside the SGC at Cheyenne Mountain will continue indefinitely, if you don't find Remnant in Pegasus, we'll find it here in the Milky Way. It's only a matter of time."
"That does make me feel better, sir. Thanks" Drake nodded
"I hope you take Dr. Weir up on her offer Drake" Jack replied "I have never once regretted stepping through the Stargate, I know your life will change forever if you choose to go"
"I'll take that under advisement sir"
"Good, because I want your answer by the time we land"
A week later the entire expedition was packed and assembled at the SGC, in the control room Dr. Weir observed as her people were making themselves ready to embark in the gate room below them smiling as she saw Major Rose outfitted in his expedition uniform colored gray with black trim, an American flag patch on his left arm and an Atlantis patch on the right. He was wearing a bulletproof vest over the jacket and carried a P90 submachine gun. His fellow soldiers were in similar uniforms whereas the civilian personnel wore the jackets with a beige color with blue trim for scientists and yellow trim for medical professionals. Each of them wore the flag of their respective countries on their left arms. She could see Americans, Britains, French, Canadians, Japanese, Germans, Czech, Russian, and several more representatives waiting to leave on their adventure, as General O'Neil walked up behind her.
"Are we ready yet?" he asked as he rubbed his hands
"Just waiting on Dr. McKay to install the ZPM" Dr. Weir affirmed
Down in the gate room, Drake noticed his immediate superior, Colonel Marshall Sumner, approach him.
"Major, a word please" Colonel Sumner began
"Yes, sir?" Drake asked
"I've looked over your record, and I'm impressed. Your talent, respect for authority, and success are flawless. I'm glad Dr. Weir extended an invitation to you. I'm expecting nothing short of the best from you"
"Understood sir" Drake replied with a nod as Col. Sumner walked away. Dr. Weir was the leader of the expedition as a whole, but Col. Sumner was the ranking military officer and her top advisor making him just as important as she was.
Back in the control room Dr. Weir received word that the ZPM was hooked up and they were ready to go. She made her way into the gate room and stood on the ramp immediately earning the attention of the entire expedition.
"Alright, we are about to try to make a connection. If we are successful, we'll send the MALP probe" she gestured to the machine behind her "through the gate. The amount of power we'll be using may not be available to redial the gate, so if the MALP determines the environment to be safe, we're going in. Everything in one shot. You've all volunteered for this mission, you represent around a dozen countries, I think it's safe to say you are the best and brightest that the world has. And considering the risk that we may never be able to get back, you're also the bravest. If any of you want to back out, now is the time." she waited a minute and was pleased that everyone stayed where they were with determination in their eyes "begin the dialing sequence" she orders. Seconds later the alarms came to life as the people in the control room activated the Stargate. As soon as the wormhole was opened everyone cheered for the success.
"Send in the MALP" General O'Neil ordered one of the men in the control room
"Yes, sir" the operator nodded as he guided the MALP into the Stargate's event horizon. "We have connection with the MALP" he reported a minute later "Sensors indicate a large room, structurally intact, atmosphere is breathable."
"Expedition group" General O'Neil spoke into the speakers "you are go"
Down in the gate room, Col. Sumner began giving orders "First and second units with me we go in and establish a perimeter everyone else follows behind on my orders!"
"Hold on Colonel" Dr. Weir spoke up as she grabbed her belongings "You and I go through together"
"Yes Ma'am" he nodded as the two of them stepped into the gate followed by several soldiers, behind them were Drake and a marine corps Lt. by the name of Aiden Ford. They stepped into the gate and saw flashing green lights as they reached Atlantis stepping out into the Atlantis gate room. Though they were in awe of the room, they followed orders and moved to secure the gate room. As the rest of the expedition slowly trickled in. Once they were all through Dr. Weir spoke into a radio.
"General O'Neil, the Atlantis expedition brings you greetings from the Pegasus galaxy, were all here, you may cut connection to the gate" She said. Moments later the Stargate shutdown, but not before a bottle of vintage wine with a note attached came rolling through. Dr. Weir picked it up and chuckled as she saw Gen. O'Neil's signature along with the message: Bon Voyage.