Chapter 43

Atlantis

Standing in the stargate operations room Mr. Woolsey ordered Chuck to dial Earth. As the chevrons on the Ancient device slowly locked their eight chevron address Woolsey smiled to himself. Today was a monumental day for members of the expedition who had survived the Genii's first attempt to capture Atlantis. It had taken years, but justice was finally being served. Once the event horizon settled into its puddle Woolsey began to speak.

"Stargate Command, this is Atlantis." Woolsey began.

"Go ahead Atlantis." said the young airman manning Earth's gate control center within Cheyenne Mountain.

"I'm requesting a priority video conference with Nation Command Authority, authorization code Lima, tango, victor, eight." said Woolsey.

"Atlantis, SGC confirms. Stand by." answered the Airman.

Several minutes passed before the video feed was active. Sitting in the Oval Office was President Henry Hayes smiling his usual warm smile.

"Mr. Woolsey, to what do I owe the honor?" asked Hayes.

"Mr. President, thirty minutes ago Colonel's Frost and Sheppard transmitted a message to Atlantis. The message was confirmation that Genii leadership has been captured by our forces. They are currently in custody and being transported to Atlantis." said Woolsey.

"That's great! We finally got these guys! Please pass on my thanks for a wonderful effort to all involved. What's the next step Richard?" asked Hayes.

"Mr. President, I will inform the Coalition of Planets of the results of this operation. It is my understanding that the Coalition intends to put the Genii leadership on trail for crimes against humanity." answered Woolsey.

"Will they be seeking the death penalty?" asked Hayes.

"Nothing as blatant as that Mr. President. When the Coalition put our expedition on trial we were told in the event of a guilty verdict trade would be outlawed with us, and Colonel Sheppard's team would be moved to a planet with the stargate disabled. With the Wraith still a threat in this galaxy marooning anyone is a death sentence." replied Woolsey.

"Richard, you've really made my day. Thank you. I stepped out of a meeting with the governor of Wisconsin to take your call. Give my best to everyone, and stay safe." said the President before the video feed ended.

"Shut down the gate Chuck. Have Lt. Col. Lorne assemble two off world teams please. One will be going to the Riva to inform Dimas, and the other be going to Latira to make contact with Kelore. I want the Coalition brought up to speed so we can ensure trail proceedings against the Genii start quickly." ordered Woolsey.

Around Atlantis the feeling for the long time expedition members was one of jubilation. After so many years justice would finally prevail. Word soon spread to the Athosian settlement, which was also greeted with rejoicing. Justice didn't happen often in the Pegasus galaxy, but today it had prevailed.

Dakara

Preparations for the deployment of the Jaffa battle group were almost complete. The proud warrior race having steeled themselves for the conflict to come was ready to face their enemy on the field of battle. The men of the ground force were all veterans of many battles at the behest of the System Lords they belonged to. Fury had turned to anger after that attack, and that anger had festered into a cold fury. Retribution would be had by the Jaffa. Standing on the Pel'Tak of his Ha'Tak Bra'tac quietly hoped for victory. Like his former pupil Teal'c he too thought it unwise to enter into this conflict without the assistance of the Tauri. They had offered to stand beside their ally in honor, but typical Jaffa pride and prejudice towards the Tauri ruled it impossible.

"We have come so far with their aid. After generations in servitude let not pride be our undoing." Bra'tac said quietly to himself.

Lord Protector Planet

Dropping out of hyperspace the Athena and her accompanying Asgard vessel quickly established stable orbit. A team had been dispatched to the surface to bring Mara back aboard to discuss the final design of the city to be built and attend to several other matters in the events to come. In the jumper Mara watched in wonder as the craft took to the air. Exiting the atmosphere she was amazed at the vastness of space. She could hardly contain her amazement at the sight of the two massive vessels they were approaching. As they entered the jumper bay aboard Athena she was speechless.

Upon exiting the jumper Mara was escorted to the briefing room aboard the Tauri vessel. Pleasantries were exchanged before the gathered group sat down. Much ground was to be covered and they had to make each moment count.

"It's a pleasure to have you aboard Mara." said Eckhart.

"I bring you tidings from the people of the Asgard." said Thor.

"Pleasure to meet you again Mara." said McKay.

"I never imagined anything this large could be built by the hands of men." said an awe struck Mara.

"This ship is just one of many my people have in your galaxy." informed Eckhart.

"Let's get down to business, shall we?" asked McKay.

"Of course Doctor. What is it you wish to discuss that Mr. Woolsey and I have not already agreed upon." Mara asked.

"We're here to go over the final design of your new capital actually. I have a wonderful holographic representation of it here." said McKay while bring up the holographic display.

"Using information provided by the Atlantis expedition I have taken the liberty of compiling a design I feel will serve your people well." stated Thor.

Looking upon the rendering of the proposed design Mara was amazed at the size and detail. The representation before her was of a city that could easily house tens of thousands. It was far more than she could have ever imagined possible for her people.

"It's such a large city, and my people are so few." she said.

"I have taken the liberty of designing the city so that continued growth of your population may be integrated easily. In time your numbers will grow and this allowance will make it possible to house your entire population as you do." said Thor.

"I've taken the liberty of selecting a site to place the city so we can begin. It allows for ease of access to your agricultural areas." McKay said very pleased with himself.

"I trust your people implicitly." she answered.

"If the design is acceptable I will beam aboard my ship and begin the construction process now. It will require several days to complete." said Thor.

"The design is wonderful. I cannot thank you enough. I hope we meet again while you are here." answered Mara.

"Mara, during this process we would be honored if you would be our guest aboard Athena." invited Colonel Eckhart.

"Splendid! Would it be possible to also have the royal court aboard during this transition?" she asked.

"We have more than ample space aboard for them, and we would be honored." answered Eckhart.

"The matter remains of removing your belongings from the tower." suggested McKay.