Gen. Caldwell would be leading the assault on the Wraith in the Pegasus galaxy. Today was the planning session, he was meeting with Col. Ellis, Col. Lorne, Col. Carter, Col. Telford, Col. Young, Col. Emerson and Col. Sheppard.
"Colonels thank you for meeting me here today," explained Caldwell, "Gen. O'Neill and Gen. Landry have agreed to this plan."
"Sir, we are all excited to return to Pegasus and take the fight to the Wraith," explained Sheppard.
"The first BC-306 is complete. Col. Ellis has been running it through field tests, and it's performing superbly. The three BC-306's will be named Ares, Hades, and Nemesis. Col. Ellis will be taking permanent command of the Ares, Col. Lorne is taking command of the Hades. I will be taking command of the Nemesis. Col. Young you will be taking command of the Daedalus, and Col. Telford you will have command of the Apollo. Col. Carter and Col. Emerson, you will remain here to protect Earth with the Hammond and the Odyssey," explained Caldwell, "You both will be receiving the next BC-306's once they are complete."
Ellis looking at Telford, "You better take good care of the Apollo."
"Don't worry I will," replied Telford.
"We're sending five ships?" asked Lorne.
"With three Z.P.M.s powering each ship, we estimate a fifteen-hour trip to reach Pegasus. Col. Sheppard you will be leading the PJ teams that will be bringing in ground forces when we need them, then providing low-level aerial support to ground troops. The recruits have been trained to fight in the Mobile Suits, Teal'c, and Ronon will be leading the Recruits, while Col. Mitchell will be leading the SG Teams. All personal are to be wearing the Stun Armor, unless you're in a Mobile Suit, reducing the risk of Wraith stunners," explained Caldwell.
"Sir we only have ten active PJ teams, we can't ferry that many troops. We have more pilots now than we have ships," explained Sheppard.
"Thor has beefed up the production of the Puddle Jumpers on Atlantis, we will have fifty Puddle Jumpers ready to fly in time," explained Caldwell.
"Fifty?" a shocked Sheppard.
"Thought you might like that. They will all be enhanced, with the Matter Storage devices, each will have twenty drones on board," explained Caldwell.
"Sir, what is our strategy once there?" asked Ellis.
"We've been tracking the movements of the wraith using the satellites we placed around the galaxy. The Wraith appear to have been turning on each other. It currently appears three factions are at a stalemate. In total we believe they have around thirty hive ships, and upwards of over hundred cruisers. They may have additional hive ships on the planets they have settled around," explained Caldwell.
"Why not just jump in and drop a Mark IX Hyperspace missile into the middle of the planet and destroy them all?" asked Lorne.
"It's not a guarantee we could take everything out. The blast would leave large chunks of a decent size planet intact, allowing for ships to use it to avoid the blast. Also without knowing precisely what is on the planet, we could trigger a detonation much larger that we couldn't escape." explained Carter.
"Gen. O'Neill is not particularly fond of the idea of us going around blowing up planets," explained Caldwell.
"So we jump in and open fire on the Wraith basically?" asked Ellis.
"Once we are all out of Hyperspace we will activate our Hyperspace Jammers to keep them from leaving. We will then proceed to destroy the wraith. Our shields should hold against their weapons," explained Caldwell, "Once the ships in orbit are destroyed, we will call in the ground troops. We will provide orbital bombardment as requested. Daedalus and Apollo will launch F-302's to provide additional aerial support."
"We have three factions to take out, then what?" asked Telford.
"Once the three main factions are destroyed we will proceed to monitor for any subspace activity and attack any remaining wraith." explained Caldwell.
"We've studied all the reports on the Wraith, is there anything else you can tell us?" asked Young.
"They will send every Dart they have against us, to try and buy time of the Hive ships to either escape or take us down. Even with all the enhancements we have, this will be a test on all of the ships," explained Carter.
"Is there any chance of another Super Hive?" asked Emerson.
"Very unlikely, but the Wraith are sneaky, they could easily have something up," explained Sheppard, "Never underestimate them."
"According to Dr. McKay, the positions of the three factions would require at least a week to travel from one to another. They will be cut off from help," explained Caldwell, "Now saying that we have the threat of Orin, still in Pegasus. If he senses us and moves to intercept us, we will activate a satellite like we did before to draw it off. Also, we have an area that is off limits to us. It is the home of the Cla'tee we do not wish to engage them, if anyone strays into that area, and gets attacked retreat immediately. They are territorial once you're out of their territory they should stop the pursuit."
"General are we taking the Arcturus warhead?" asked Sheppard.
"Those won't be ready in time. The Hammond and Odyssey will be our backup. It's an expected sixteen hours for you to make Pegasus with the three Z.P.M.s." explained Caldwell.
"Yes sir!" replied Emerson.
"Yes sir." replied Carter.
"Col. Carter you sound a little disappointed," stated Caldwell.
"Sir respectively, I was in Pegasus for a year fighting the wraith, I'd like to be there to finish them off," replied Carter.
"Sir, I understand Col. Carter wanting to finish a fight, with your permission the Hammond can take the place of the Daedalus." informed Young.
"If Gen. O'Neill agrees to the top two minds of Earth being in Pegasus, then that is fine," replied Caldwell, "With Dr. McKay and yourself both in the line of fire on this one, I may be overruled."
"Thank you sir!" exclaimed Carter.
"Now then your mission books contain the additional details go over and let me know if you have any questions." ordered Caldwell.
Two days later the Hammond had been cleared to replace the Daedalus in the Pegasus mission. The future crews for the Hades and Nemesis were taking turns on the Ares learning the systems. The next two BC-306's were due to be completed in another week. Caldwell and Lorne were putting their crews through training to be ready. Dr. Simpson had requested to go as part of the engineering team, however Gen. O'Neill had declined to send her, much to Gen. Caldwell happiness. The crews were doing sprints around the solar system to get used to the ships.
Ronon and Teal'c had taken the recruits out in the mobile suits to practice travel through the stargate and being battle ready. Larrin was working with Col. Sheppard and the Puddle Jumper teams to work out the routines for dropping the recruits on the planets. A height of twenty-five feet was found to be an excellent distance for the recruits to disembark mid-air in the suits. The suits could cushion the drop sufficiently, that the user felt it was just a short jump. Sheppard was training all the pilots on maneuvers to drop the recruits and how to make strafing runs with the puddle jumpers.
Midway was preparing for a large number of puddle jumpers that would be coming through. They had rehearsed the procedures, upon receipt of a certain signal they would lower shields between the two stargates with the next incoming wormhole. The puddle jumpers would sweep through in a long line. Once they were in Pegasus they would take up a formation at the space gate they would exit on, before dialing the gate address for the planet they would be attacking. Additional supplies were being stockpiled at Midway for supplying the fleet.
Thor and O'Neill had a secret meeting in the conference room, unknown to everyone else they had phased the room. Nobody outside of Walter had been aware of this meeting, and he wondered why the two of them hadn't met in the General's office, instead of the conference room.
Telford and Young had been training with their new crews on board the Apollo and Daedalus, each preparing for a different kind of mission. Young was working on tactics with Emerson, just in case. Telford was working with Col. Carter and Col. Ellis on how best to handle the Apollo against the wraith. What tactics to use and how well the ship handled different scenarios.
The following Saturday, Atlantis was preparing for a celebration. O'Neill after pulling a few strings got Caleb and Madison Miller approved to arrive at Atlantis.
McKay shouted, "Long range sensors showing anything?"
"No sir, for the tenth time in the last twenty minutes Dr. McKay there is nothing on the long range sensors," exclaimed a frustrated Walter.
"Gen. Landry, any intelligence reports for impending attacks? Hidden bombs? Secret Goa'ulds? Wraith?" asked McKay.
"Dr. McKay, there is no emergency and if you keep asking there will be when half the operations staff is ready to string you up!" shouted a frustrated Landry.
Away on the roof of a nearby tower.
"Avidan," yelled Sheppard, "Please beam Dr. McKay here now."
Dr. McKay suddenly appeared in a white flash of light. Standing on the rooftop in his Tux. Gen. Landry appeared in a flash of white light next.
"Nice one Sheppard!" grinned Ronon, who was dressed in a Tux as well, but missing the arms.
"What happened to the arms of your tux!" cried McKay.
"They didn't fit!" replied Ronon.
"It's my wedding your one of the groomsmen you couldn't leave your arms on your Tux just for today?" asked McKay.
Ronon grunted.
"OK, it's your style. And you, why are you not checking to make sure there is no doom about to interrupt us?" cried McKay.
"If anyone asks Walter again, if anything is on sensors he is likely to beam us all out into space," replied Sheppard.
Avidan appeared before them, "Dr. McKay are you ready? The bridal party is ready."
"Where is Carson?" asked McKay.
"Dr. Beckett is currently at the bottom of the stairwell of this tower," replied Avidan.
"Please beam him up here," replied McKay. Beckett appeared in a white flash.
"Now we are all ready," replied McKay.
Over one hundred guests were assembled for the wedding. Everyone was excited, the rooftop had been replanted with beautiful flowers, the temperature was moderate, and the sky was clear. Avidan queued Pachabel's Cannon. Madison Miller appeared at the beginning of the aisle, a little bewildered, her dad, Caleb was there to calm her down, she gracefully walked down the aisle, throwing rose petals. Next came Col. Carter beamed in, wearing a lovely blue lace bridesmaid dress. Gen. O'Neill, took notice, he made a mental note to thank Dr. Keller for her selection. Next came Teyla, wearing similar dress, walking down the isle behind Carter. At last was Dr. Miller, wearing an identical dress, as she took her place, Avidan queued "Here comes the bride."
Dr. Keller beamed in next, wearing a beautiful white lace, off the shoulder wedding gown with a modest train. Gen. O'Neill was there to walk her down the isle to give her away. McKay was beaming as he took in his fiance. She was radiant. In fact she was radiant, Jeannie had worked magic with the cities holographic devices to create a lite glow about the bride. Woosley stepped forward to officiate the wedding.
Author's Note: The words for this service come from www greatofficiants com from the sample: My Favorite Ceremony.
Woosley began...
We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts. In this ceremony today we will witness the joining Jennifer Keller and Rodney McKay in marriage.
If there is anyone present who has just cause why this couple should not be united... Sussh!
Who gives this woman to be married today?
O'Neill spoke up, "I do!"
Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding Today.
Romance is fun, but true love is something far more and it is their desire to love each other for life and that is what we are celebrating here today.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage, the "little" things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person - it is being the right partner
Keller and McKay turn to face each other holding hands.
McKay started...
I, Rodney McKay take you Jennifer Keller to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.
I will trust you and honor you
I will laugh with you and cry with you.
Through the best and the worst,
Through the difficult and the easy.
Whatever may come I will always be there.
As I have given you my hand to hold
So I give you my life to keep
Keller continue...
I, Jennifer Keller take you Rodney McKay to be my Husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.
I will trust you and honor you
I will laugh with you and cry with you.
Through the best and the worst,
Through the difficult and the easy.
Whatever may come I will always be there.
As I have given you my hand to hold
So I give you my life to keep
Woosley continues...
Rodney McKay and Jennifer Keller I would ask that you always treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong.
This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness.
Rodney McKay, do you take Jennifer Keller to be your Wife?
McKay says, "I do!"
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her forevermore?
McKay says, "I do!"
Jennifer Keller, do you take Rodney McKay to be your Husband?
Keller says, "I do!"
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him forevermore?
Keller says, "I do!"
McKay places a ring on Keller's finger. Keller places a rink on McKay's finger.
The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.
Rodney says...
I Rodney McKay, take thee, Jennifer Keller to be my Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Wife, for as long as we both shall live.
Keller says...
I Jennifer Keller, take thee, Rodney McKay, to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as we both shall live.
Woosley continues...
To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today.
It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.
It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together.
It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.
And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today.
By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!
You may kiss your Bride.
At this point, everyone burst out in applause. Sheppard had paid for a week in a Hawaiian Beach House. Beckett had packed two hundred SPF sunscreen for Rodney, so Keller wouldn't have to listen to him about the dangers of the Sun. The couple had an amazing week away together, before returning for the start of the war.
Everyone had enjoyed the celebration, everyone also knew what was drawing near, War. A war the Lanteans had fought and lost unable to overcome the wraith. Yet here today the humans had a vision and a plan that looked promising. Tensions were rising around Atlantis, while Pacifica was busy outfitting the ships with everything they could, fully stocking each ship with food, air, and weapons. Body Armor was being issued to everyone, even on board the ships, in case the wraith were able to board, to prevent them from taking over.
Thor and Sol were meeting regularly to discuss plans for the new City Ship, making adjustments for Asgard. They had decided upon the name Othalla II for the city ship. They had planned to intermix Asgard and Human quarters throughout the living spaces. A slightly lighter gravity planned for the city overall. The Asgard were having to do research into training facilities they had once used years ago. Lab areas were being designed with great care. For all forms of research, and manufacturing. Thor had insisted on a number of additional manufacturing areas. The new city would be the first city to truly integrate the City's Repository of Knowledge with the Asgard Core, instead of the two units working together, they would be fully integrated as a single unit. They had to even plan for an education wing for training the new Asgard as they were born. Thor and Sol were already aware of ten new babies on the way.
Sol had volunteered to lead the Beckett with the Earth Force Fleet to Pegasus, but Gen. O'Neill said only in an emergency. The Asgard would not be endangered if it could be helped. Sol had gained a measure or respect for Gen. O'Neill with his time among the humans. Learning that the Asgard would be receiving a city ship of their own, did not hurt in his feelings either. He had done much to smooth over anyone who had ruffled feathers between the humans and Asgard. Sol was to be in charge of Pacifica while Gen. Caldwell was in Pegasus.
The day before the fleet launched Jeanie Miller stood in operations watching as everyone was busy and excited. She realized she had no idea what to do. Ginn walked up to her, "Are you all right Dr. Miller?"
"Yes...No! I don't know what I should be doing Ginn," exclaimed Miller.
"You do what you normally do, Dr. Miller. I have seen Lucian Alliance soldiers busy like this prior to an expected battle, everyone is doing what they normal do, just at a faster pace. If they need you to do something they will let you know, and you do it. Otherwise, they need you to do what you normally do, to keep things running," explained Ginn.
"It just seems so hectic, and the realization of what we are about to do, and how I contributed to it," explained Miller, "I don't know how I should feel. We're intending to wipe an entire species of intelligent life."
Novak overheard nearby, "Dr. Miller, let me remind you, the wraith view us as their food. They see Earth as a Smorgasbord for them. They are not sitting there ideally, they are trying to find a way to survive, and find a way here to feed on us."
"Your right Lindsey, and I tell myself it's the right thing, but it's still hard to take it all in," explained Miller.
The next day gathered at Pacifica, Nemesis, Hades, Ares, Hammond, and Apollo, all docked around the station. Gen. Caldwell was in the conference room with Col. Lorne, Col. Carter, Col. Telford, and Col. Ellis.
"Colonels, you have our rendezvous coordinates in Pegasus. Atlantis will be in contact with us if anything changes in the meantime. Any questions?" asked Caldwell.
"Who gets first shot?" asked Ellis.
"The man with the most stars," replied Caldwell, "Return to your ships and let's go to Pegasus."
Thirty minutes later, five ships left dock from Pacifica, and entered Hyperspace for Pegasus Galaxy. On Atlantis, several sat watching a holographic display watching the progress, waiting on their turn to fight the wraith.