Chapter 74

Cheyenne Mountain SGC

"Thank you all for coming today. I'm Doctor Daniel Jackson" began Daniel.

"Did you call us here to make one of those horrible instructional video's to cover Destiny" asked Chloe.

"You didn't like those? Well no one really did. And no that isn't why you have been called here today" replied Daniel.

After exchanged glances Greer and Volker both laughed quietly. Turning to face Chloe Lt. James mouthed the words 'smooth move' silently. With the touch of a button Daniel brought up a photo of Borealis.

"What you see before you is the ancient city ship Borealis, sister ship to Atlantis. After recovery and extensive repair she is now in full working order. It is our intention to return Borealis to the Pegasus galaxy to operate in conjunction with Atlantis. Any questions so far" asked Daniel.

Looking in awe at the city ship all sat at the table silently. With rapt attention they eagerly looked to Jackson to continue.

"You may ask yourself why you're here. You're here because of your unique experience aboard an ancient ship, your knowledge of ancient systems, and your will to adapt and overcome in the face of adversity. As you all know I'm not a military officer. My assignment is to lead the Borealis expedition. With that I'm hoping I can convince the doctors in the audience to join my science staff, and the military service members to join in my military contingent with later assignment to off world teams. Are you following me so far" asked Daniel.

"Why isn't Dr. Rush here" asked Park.

"Or Eli" asked Brody.

"Oh yeah, him. I recruited Dr. Rush into the program, but he is now and will be for some time tied up with deciphering the data found aboard Destiny. Also, I really didn't want to mix him with McKay. As for Eli he is currently off world on another assignment" answered Daniel.

A number of quiet laughs erupted from the gathered crowd around the conference table. A shy of relief was felt all around about a program with no Rush.

"Already recruited into the expedition are some of the top minds in a spectrum of scientific disciplines. We'll also be taking a larger military component than the original Atlantis expedition. We will have support from our allies in this galaxy and Pegasus. In addition we will also have a large support element in a fleet we keep stationed in Pegasus. This is your chance to make your mark on the program. Many that went in the Atlantis expedition later came to be highly respected pillars within the SGC and the IOA. If it helps I'm not a hard guy to work for, and my second in command has more than earned his place among us" continued Daniel.

"What types of threats exist in Pegasus" asked Chloe.

"I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. The enemy we face in Pegasus is a scary one. The Wraith are a hybrid humanoid species that have an amazing life span. They feed off the life force of humans and enjoy it when their food fights back. This is the race that defeated the ancients. I know that is a frightening prospect, but we have done very well in the war with them, and it is only a matter of time before the galaxy is free of them once and for all" confidently stated Daniel.

"If they beat the ancients how can we expect to just take win so easily" asked Park.

"The ancients only lost because they were greatly outnumbered. We have fought a much more aggressive campaign than the ancients. Instead of fighting a defensive battle we have instead taken the fight to the Wraith. That is something they haven't yet managed to come to grips with" answered Daniel.

"Where do I sign up" asked a smiling Greer.

"You don't have to decide this minute, but those of you who feel this expedition is something you want to pursue think it over for a day and get back to me. Time is of the essence here as we will be departing in two weeks" added Daniel.

Seeming to ignore Jackson the group around the table began to discuss the matter amongst themselves. The experience aboard Destiny had brought them all much closer together. In many ways they thought of themselves as a family, albeit a somewhat dysfunctional and socially awkward family. The conversation continued for several minutes until a vote was taken. Rising from the table Lt. Scott began to speak.

"Doctor Jackson, I speak for all of us when we say we accept your offer and would be pleased to join the expedition" said Scott.

"Great! I didn't think it would be that easy of a sale. Ok, um, we've got a lot to get done before we leave. Wow. You're all sure right" asked Daniel in his somewhat normal apprehensive tone.

"We're all certain Doctor" answered Park.

"Then I suggest you get your shopping and packing done now. We're not going to be near a mall for some time" joked Daniel.