Chapter 79

Home World Command

Many times since the beginning of the Tauri-Lucian Alliance war it had been discovered that enemy agents lurked within. The most flagrant instance was the brainwashing of Colonel Telford after his time undercover within the Alliance. The battle of the super gate was the newest proof of either a mole within Home World Command or high level intelligence leaks. Operational security was already the mantra of the ultra secret government agency, but that wasn't enough.

At the President's direction Home World Command and the SGC were being assigned an untold number of counter intelligence specialists from the FBI, CIA, and the four branches of the armed forces. No one outside of a handful of people knew just how many of these special agents were being brought in. Clearly an all hands on deck effort to stem the leaks was beginning.

Pluto

The last two weeks had seen Arkos Station abuzz with activity. A constant flow of supplies had arrived through the stations recently added Pegasus model stargate. The amount of material flowing from the SGC to Arkos was staggering in its amount. Each gate activation brought forth countless crates, pallets, and milspec containers. Assisting in this herculean logistical effort were several vessels of the Tauri fleet. Traversing the distance between the station and earth in short periods of time the vessels beamed aboard food supplies in gargantuan quantities for delivery to the station.

When the Atlantis expedition first left for Pegasus they left the SGC with what they could carry or easily roll through the gate. The Borealis expedition was being done in a much more civilized manner. Ten days earlier the assorted expedition members began arriving with their personal effects. Each was assigned quarters aboard the ancient city ship and began the process of familiarizing themselves with its systems. With the Borealis AI's assistance in scant days each member was soon adept at the most complex of functions. It helped that many of the members aboard had previously served assignments on Atlantis.

Seated in the expedition commanders office Daniel was going over last minute reports from his assorted department heads. He was amazed at the staggering amount of paperwork involved in being in command. Maybe this is why Jack had resisted promotion so many times he thought.

"Daniel Jackson, may I speak with you for a moment" asked Teal'c.

"Sure Teal'c, come on in" replied Daniel.

"We have received a subspace transmission from the Ajax. Colonel Young reports that all vessels have arrived at our destination planet. Deployment of defense satellites has already begun, and he stated the underwater geothermal power platform will be deployed and in place upon our arrival" stated Teal'c.

"Great. That should make things a bit easier for us when we arrive. I'll need you to ensure we get the three backup zpm's before we depart" reminded Daniel.

"Already done Daniel Jackson. Before my departure from Earth I made a large purchase of DVD's for our viewing pleasure. I also have a popcorn maker" grinned Teal'c.

"I look forward to movie night. Ok, how is your department looking" asked Daniel.

"They are young but seasoned warriors. If the time comes for them to demonstrate their ability I am confident they will do so. I am especially impressed with the abilities of Master Sergeant Greer. I see much of myself in him" added Teal'c.

"Colonel Young filled me in on Greer. Just keep an eye on him so he stays out of trouble" reminded Daniel.

"Consider it done" answered Teal'c with a slight bow of his head.

"We depart in an hour, I better get do a final once over before we undock" stated Daniel.

Exiting his office Daniel made the rounds to his assorted department heads. Everything seemed to be in order for their pending departure. The only one left to check in with was McKay, but he was not to be found which was hardly surprising. Rodney had taken to playing nursemaid while so many people acquainted themselves with what he called his city. Returning to the command center Daniel saw Rodney seated at a control panel discussing something with the Borealis avatar.

"Rodney" began Daniel.

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you but you were no where to be found" said Rodney.

"Doctor McKay, I can easily locate any member of the expedition within my confines. In the future please ask and I will do so" chided Borealis.

"Yes, yes. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that we're ready. Everything is at one hundred percent" smiled Rodney.

"Thank you Rodney. We'll be undocking momentarily. I've got a few things I would like to say to the crew before we go" responded Daniel.

Tapping his radio earpiece three times Daniel began a network wide broadcast to all aboard.

"In a few short moments we'll be undocking for our departure to Pegasus. Before we do I want to say a few words to all of you. During my time I have had the privilege of seeing amazing things and meeting some of the most talented people I've ever encountered. All of that seems trivial now in comparison to what we are about to do and the men and women I see around me in this city. We're following in the footsteps of the ancients themselves. Long ago they departed this galaxy in this very vessel for the Pegasus full of hopes and dreams of a bright future. Millions of years later we are doing that very same thing. This really is a new dawn for mankind. Sure we won't know how our favorite football team did until several days after the fact, but look at everything we can accomplish together in Pegasus. The potential is there to unlock discoveries that will change our very way of life. That's a breathtaking prospect in my book. You all embody the adventurer's spirit. Let's do what we're setting out to do and not just study history but create some of our own. Each of you is an inspiration and I want to thank you for coming along on this greatest of adventures with me. Please carry on with whatever you were doing before. Thank you" said Daniel in closing.

"All is ready for departure" stated Borealis.

"Ok, take us out" replied Daniel.

On command the ancient city ship's shields raised. Moments later umbilical's from the docking station disconnected as the star drive powered up. Every tower of the city was ablaze in lights and the city edged away from its docking station. Around Arkos station all stopped to watch as the massive city ship gracefully glided towards the energy field that was the barrier between the void of space and the stations interior. Effortlessly Borealis slipped through the energy screen, her own shields now all that protected her crew from the vacuum of space.

Outside the station the Aurora class vessel Tria stood sentry over Borealis as she emerged from the confines of Arkos. Free from the stations confines Borealis silently moved past her lone sentinel.

"Take us into hyperspace" ordered Daniel.