Chapter 75

Borealis

The ancient city ship was quickly nearing completion. Asgard, Furling, and Alterran advisors had departed earlier in the day. Several unplanned new additions to the city were now installed on top of other planned upgrades. It had been planned to add neutrino ion generators and subspace capacitors provide improved energy output and operate in conjunction with the city's ZPM's. The planned Asgard computer core had also been assimilated into the city's data base. Asgard plasma beam weapons were now fitted on each pier and the control tower to enhance the Borealis's defensive capabilities.

Fitted to Atlantis in a time of desperation a cloaking unit was now installed as a permanent upgrade. Phase shifting technology similar to that employed by Merlin to hide his development of the Sangraal now also came standard. In a move that was as unexpected as it was surprising the Furling provided their own version of the Asgard computer core. Contained within this awesomely powerful piece of technology was the entire history of the Furling people, their technological achievements, and their scientific findings.

"Doctor McKay, I have finished preliminary diagnostics of newly added systems. All systems are operating within acceptable parameters. I will now move on to system stability analysis. Is their anything else you require" asked the avatar of Borealis.

"Yes, can you give me a background radiation measurement from all new power generation units and display your findings now versus before you were damaged during the crash" asked Rodney.

"Of course Doctor. Background micro scatter radiation increases are negligible" came Borealis's reply.

"I thought so. Ok, give me a full power test of the ZPM's, neutrino ion generators, and the subspace capacitors. Let's channel that power into the main power conduit and from there into all secondary and tertiary systems. Monitor for any energy bleed" instructed McKay.

"As you wish. Power up will be complete on all requested systems in ten seconds. How long do you wish to continue this diagnostic" asked Borealis.

"Give me a ninety second full power test please, then power down all systems to minimum levels" replied McKay.

On command the cities three ZPM's released their unparalleled amounts of vacuum energy. The Asgard neutrino ion generators sprang to life further supplementing the power available from the ZPM's but not matching it. On each pier the subspace capacitors sprang to life. Encased in a protective field of their own the capacitors drew energy directly from subspace. These generated large amounts of power but not nearly as much as the neutrino ion generators and a pittance compared to the ZPM's level of output.

At full power each system aboard the city powered up for the first time in eons. Sensors came online, weapons charged, shields rose, and the star drive charged its energy buffers. The amount of energy Rodney had ordered unleashed was greater than most planets could consume in decades. Moments like these made Rodney feel like he was where he was meant to be.

"Primary, secondary and tertiary systems are all online. Energy transfer within the power conduits is performing at maximum efficiency with no power drain detected" Borealis informed Rodney.

"That settles that. Power down to minimum levels and I'll analyze the test data later. Borealis we can now certify that all your systems are repaired! Now we'll move on to the provisioning phase. Can you please instruct Arkos to begin the transfer of puddle jumpers into the upper and lower Jumper bays? I will oversee the drone transfer into your armory. We're going to be bringing in a lot of gear and people so I'll need your help getting it all done. We'll be taking you back to Pegasus very shortly" smiled McKay.