Chapter 67

Pluto

Thirty thousand kilometers from Arkos station a hyperspace window tore open. Gliding forth from the window was the Asgard vessel Iskr commanded by Thor, with Destiny behind under tow with the assistance of the powerful Asgard tractor beam. Seconds later eight more O'Neill class vessels appeared in the same manner. Releasing the Destiny from tow the Iskr established formation with her sister sh.i.p.s in orbit of the ancient shipyard. Sensing the vessel launched so long ago in proximity for docking Arkos took control of Destiny guiding the vessel inside the massive structure.

Under the command of Arkos's automated docking system Destiny entered the energy shield that protected the interior of the shipyard from the harshness of space. Millions of years before the ancient ship had passed through this very same shield after her launch to begin the mission that would carry the ship across the universe. Maneuvering to the same platform where she had been built Destiny docked. Collapsible debarkation ramps moved into place on the underside of the ship to allow those inside to take their first steps home and also allow security teams to come aboard and collect those captured in the gate room.

As part of the docking process data lines connected the ship and station. Automatically Destiny's AI began to transfer libraries of information. The data transfer would continue for several hours. Within this information could be found information found about Destiny's mission, planets encountered reports of battles endured, and huge amounts of complex navigational data. The navigational data along with planet reports would be transferred to all vessels which later docked for future reference if needed. While this process began the star gate aboard Destiny was also taken offline.

On the surface of the ship sweeping beams of light could be seen arcing from end to end. This process served to decontaminate the surface of the vessel after millions of years of bombardment from cosmic radiation. This would continue for many hours.

As the crew of Destiny exited the vessel they were taken for the first of many debriefings. This process would continue for several days. While many simply wanted to proceed to home as fast as possible first their story must be recounted for later analysis by the IOA and SGC. Colonel Young exited the debarkation ramp to see General O'Neill standing in the receiving room with his customary smirk.

"Everett, you brought your people home. Good job" began Jack.

"Thank you Sir. It's good to be home. We went through one hell of a fight to get here" replied Young while saluting his superior officer.

"Can't say I'm not surprised they tried again" responded Jack.

"What happens next" asked Young.

"I was going to ask you the same question. What are your plans" asked Jack.

"I don't really know. I kind of figured you would tell me" smiled Young.

"There are those that felt you should be brought up on charges for disobeying orders a number of times. Hey, I get it. I used to do the same thing when I was in your position" Jack joked.

"If that is a problem I'm more than happy to face the music for my actions while in command" said Young.

"In case you haven't noticed we're in the middle of a rather nasty war, and I need all the qualified ship commanders I can get my hands on. You just so happen to have more ship to ship combat experience than a good majority of my current commanders. I was hoping you might decide to stick with that" stated Jack.

"Aboard Destiny" asked Young.

"Not exactly. I know the old girl pulled thru and got you home, but I've got other ideas. I was thinking of giving you something that can fight harder and can make it to another galaxy in a day instead of within months" hinted Jack.

"One of the Aurora's" asked Young.

"I was hoping you wouldn't mind one of the new Athena class. Ajax needs a skipper and I refuse to give her to your buddy Telford" replied Jack.

"It would be an honor and a privilege General O'Neill" was Young's reply after a moments thought.

"Ok, that's sorted then. Go debrief, then we'll get all of you back to Earth for some off time. All of you have earned it" responded Jack while shooing away the Colonel.

Walking to a lower level of Arkos Jack went in search of Daniel Jackson, who was aboard overseeing repairs of Borealis. Passing an observation platform Jack could see the forms of the newest Athena class vessels taking shape. The Ess.e.x was to be crewed by the US Navy, Yamato was being turned over to the Japanese government, and Hood would be the second vessel under British command. After much searching the General finally found his good friend pouring over specifications and new additions to the city ship acquainting himself with his new command.

"Daniel" began Jack.

"Hey Jack" replied Daniel.

"Whatcha doing" asked Jack.

"I've got so much to learn and not a lot of time to learn it. Borealis will be fully repaired in a few weeks and I'm guessing you've got plans for us already" replied Daniel.

"That I do my boy that I do" answered Jack with a sinister raised eyebrow.

"I'm still selecting expedition members, and I kind of wanted to talk to you about that" replied Daniel.

"Ok shoot" answered Jack.

"I understand those that were aboard Destiny are going to get a well deserved rest, but a few of them I would like to add to the expedition if they'll accept. I'm talking about both military and civilians. Then theirs the little matter a military commander" stated Daniel.

"No Daniel, you cannot have Young. He's getting the Ajax" replied Jack.

"That thought never crossed my mind. I was thinking outside of the box a bit trying to come up with a likely candidate when I realized that I already know the best possible candidate and it just so happens it would be in all of our interests to send him to Pegasus where I'm guessing we'll be sent" said Daniel.

"And whom might that be" asked Jack.

"Teal'c. Think about it for a moment. He's an extremely competent military commander who's proven his devotion to us time and again. He's also a friend. I know that the IOA might have a problem with this, but from an SGC standpoint he's perfect" urged Daniel.

"Lucky for you I get the final say on who takes that post. I'll tell you now that Telford has been rallying for the assignment amongst others. Teal'c needs a change of scenery and if you can get him to accept I'll sign off on it" responded Jack.

"Ok, I'll talk it over with him. It would help if you could arrange for him to come to Arkos and see the Borealis for himself" said Daniel.

"Consider it done" answered Jack.

"Thanks Jack" replied Daniel.

"Now that we have that out of the way I've got to go. We're towing in the few Lucian Alliance vessels that weren't destroyed to see if we can gather any intelligence from them" answered Jack before stepping away.