Chapter 6 - Support to Destiny

With an overabundance of ZPMs now at their command, Homeworld Command decided to go ahead with a project that would have been impossible before. Instead of looking for some rare-to-non-existent planet, they would use these ZPMs to power the gate to reach Destiny. With support from the Replicators, three were fashioned onto a gate. The gate would be placed in the void between the Milky Way and Pegasus galaxies since there was a big possibility that the gate would blow up and that that explosion would be a bit bigger than any solar system.

It was believed that no threat was posed to Destiny since two planets had already exploded while they were connected to her. The replicators would need a few days to make and affix a support for the ZPMs. When they were finished and the gate was ready, the Daedalus was sent to deploy it and a series of five sensor satellites.

Three would be placed in varying proximity so they could learn everything in the event of an explosion and two placed at maximum distance to act as relays so the Daedalus wouldn't be in any danger. The gate would be activated through the relays and if a safe connection could be made, Daedalus would jump and transport a big soft rubber ball through to see if Destiny gets it.

Several upgrades had been made to Destiny since Atlantis left her. The Ancient repair drones had been upgraded in their capabilities and could now act in similar fashion to the Replicators. These drones were used to overhaul the gate room.

An Iris, much like the one in use at Cheyenne Mountain, was first affixed to the older style gate in case of power loss. This Iris would be exclusively operated through a lever on one of the walls. For the day to day protection of the crew of Destiny, a shield like the one on Atlantis would be employed. This shield also decreased the possibility that the destruction of the gate on the other end would translate through the gate.

On the recommendation of the Replicators in the Milky Way galaxy, twenty-five Ancient Matter Creation devices, improved upon by the Replicators, would line the floor, walls and ceiling of Destiny's gate room. In a matter of seconds, items large and small could be created. They could even work together well enough to create a Puddle Jumper. Now, even the crew members of Destiny would be exploring the planets of the universe in style. This Jumper could either be left cloaked in orbit or reabsorbed after the crew return.

These Puddle Jumpers, and every Puddle and Battle Jumper in the fleet, would be getting a design upgrade. They would have the Ancient Transporter Beams installed as standard. This would also facilitate the boarding of the crew, the Jumper could be created with its door closed and the crew then beamed aboard from somewhere else on the ship. In this manner, Puddle Jumpers could also be created and remotely guided through the gate. Then if things go well or the jumper has a ways to travel, it could be sent on its way and the crew beamed aboard later. Jumpers could also be parked in orbit, invisible, and have anyone beamed aboard whether on a planet or through an active Stargate. Transporter sensors would be affixed to the outside.

The Ancient shuttles on the outside of Destiny would also get Ancient Transporter Beams installed on the inside and outside. Now, crew members could be beamed from the shuttles back to Destiny should it seem likely the shuttle wouldn't survive. If the shuttle were to survive, it could be piloted back remotely. Long, boring shuttle rides would be a thing of the past now that they could be sent ahead empty of life.

If ever in the event of Destiny exploding, evacuation could take place by dialing a gate and sending through constantly jumpers that would be filled by crew members as they exit the other side.

Unfortunately, none of the systems aboard Destiny were compatible with the Ancient ZPMs. Destiny's shuttles would get a power boost by having their engines replaced for those similar to the puddle jumpers. The engines on the tails would no longer be moving the shuttle by means of combustion propulsion, with blue flames in place of orange. This power boost would also strengthen their shields.

Now, the crew of Destiny would be able to explore the entire surface of the planets they visit. They would get an aerial survey from orbit and then beam their teams down to any areas of interest.

Now, contact was made with the crew of Destiny. Colonel O'Neill himself visited Destiny with the use of the Ancient Communication Stones to tell them the good news and that they were all ready on their end for a first attempt. Destiny was still parked on the edge of the next galaxy. Her crew rejoiced in the thought of luxuries from home. Talk of bacon, soap and coffee swelled in the hallways after Colonel Young advised the crew of the situation.

Not too long after the announcement, Homeworld Command gave the order to attempt the dial. Daedalus watched through cameras on the sensor satellites as the gate spun. The entire gate was shaking badly and everyone feared it would explode and the ZPMs too. Then the puddle whooshed and the connection was made.

Daedalus jumped into position and beamed the big red rubber ball into position. With their tractor beams they gave the ball the tiniest of nudges to push her through. When dialing a nine gate address, objects become projectiles as they travel through the gate. No more. The crew had been tinkering with the gravitational controls in the gate room and found they could negate gravity too. This means that in a very specific area, the gravity wouldn't be such that it repels inertia. Objects now being sent through the gate would be slowed down upon arrival.

Colonel O'Neill watched from another's eyes as the gate connected. He waited with everyone else for the ball that would change all their lives. Then he saw it. It came flying out of the gate at incredible speeds. Then it slowed down to almost a crawl before bouncing harmlessly a few times.

Rush went to catch the ball. He yelled a bit and dropped the ball. It was apparently very cold from its time in space. Chuckles could be heard before shouts and applause rang through the air. Many more tests would be run before they could definitively say they now had a permanent supply line. They would dial the gate many more times.

As for today, they would receive groceries and basic necessities. Fresh sheets and fresh fruits. Canned foods as well as fresh. And a few Replicators for good measure.

After the gate closed, Colonel O'Neill returned to Earth to report back to his superiors. "The first test was a complete success. We are confident this will allow us to continually provide aid to the crew of Destiny."

Everyone was confident this would ensure Destiny's survival in the next galaxy and every galaxy after that. For as long as there were humans willing to spend, maybe not their entire lives but many years, on this ancient of Ancient vessels.

Designs were in the works for a new class of space faring vessel. This one was entirely of Replicator design. They were based on the designs of the Ancient warships. They would have the latest in Ancient Intergalactic Hyperdrives, much like those on Atlantis, so that she could reach even Destiny. She would be armed with Ancient drones and Asgard Beam Weapons. She would no longer hold a compliment of drones though, instead ten ports would be installed with Asgard Matter Creation devices. Lining the hull, another fifteen Asgard Matter Creation devices were integrated. She would be protected by a double shield like Atlantis, powered by nine ZPMs in total with a reserve of eighteen. Her destruction alone would ensure the destruction of any vessels within a few parsecs.

She was meant to be a mini-Atlantis in her strength and durability. The design was constantly scrutinized with one question, would it be strong enough to withstand fifty Hive ships? Or another hive ship like Todd's?

Yet in no time after the Replicators were put to the task a design was ready and in no time the President approved the construction of five of these vessels. He had no trouble in approving the vessel since it would cost the US government nothing. The Replicators would do all the work. They estimated they would be ready in about three months.

The replicators were also put to the task of building more Daedalus-class warships. The USS Hestia was completed in less than a week and her crew set to the permanent task of protecting Earth. She was named after the Greek goddess of the Hearth and as such was the eternal protector of the homeland or homeworld in this case. In normal times, she would act as the unofficial Air Force One, ensuring the President's safe travels and as the 'point-vessel' leading the defense of Earth. Her own deep space sensors were connected to those surrounding the sun and those encircling the solar system. She is under the command of the head of Homeworld Command, Lieutenant General Jack O'Neill.

The Tianxia would be China's second vessel. It means 'Our Land' in Chinese and would be America's counterpart in the protection of the planet. Russia would be adding Catherine the Great to the protection of the planet. Catherine the Great led Russia into a golden era and greatly helped in Russia being the power it is today. England would be getting HMS Nottingham.

The English still really enjoy their little jokes. HMS Nottingham would be aiding in the protection of the planet but more importantly, for the English, she was protecting the Queen and Royal family. In the event of danger, the Royal family would be relocated to Nottingham. Instead of a location on the planet's surface, it would be an unknown location in outer space.

The French would take up the tail with La Bagnole bringing the number to five. Each nation has provided two vessels each in the defense of our planet and solar system. While the US has provided six additional ships in the defense and support of Atlantis.

Soon each nation would boast an Hephaestus-class Ancient warship, a.k.a. The Tinkerer's Warship.