Chapter 39

Pluto

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.