Chapter 125

Pluto

Docked within Arkos on the lowest level sat Atlantis, newly arrived from her brief stopover at Shambhala. The towering majesty of the city ship brought out curious onlookers from all over Arkos. Moments after coming to rest in her docking area Atlantis began a monumental exchange of data both to and from Arkos station. The acc.u.mulated data gathered over the ancients time in Pegasus would be added to the information storehouse aboard the station.

In the years since her discovery Atlantis had seen many battles. Acc.u.mulated damage from these many trials had been repaired somewhat by the Asuran's during their brief control over the city, but a large majority of the damage had remained unresolved. Time constraints immediately after the discovery of Arkos had precluded the opportunity for an in-depth repair and upgrade cycle much like her sister ship Borealis had recently undergone, but that was changing. With time and resources available Atlantis would now be returned to her former glory, and come out more powerful than ever before.

Deep within each of the six piers of the giant city subspace capacitors were being installed and tied into the cities power distribution grid. Elsewhere, far beneath the central tower Asgard neutrino ion generators were emplaced and brought online. These would be directly tied to the ever powerful and energy hungry shield emitters.

While power generation matters were attended to below decks on the surface activity was also underway. At the end of each of the six piers that made up Atlantis new equipment was being added in the form of a battery of two Asgard plasma beam firing positions per pier. Carrying a limited number of drones it had been thought a wise precaution to add this technology to the city sh.i.p.s. In the event of orbital combat, like Atlantis had found herself in above Earth these beams might well spell the difference between life and death. Within the drone armory changes were underway also. Straightforward modifications to this weapons storehouse would increase the total amount of drones Atlantis could cay by fifteen percent. While that may not seem like a large increase these weapons were the most potent weapon in the known universe, and even a few could turn the tide of a battle quickly.

Overseeing the monumental repair and upgrade effort was Mr. Woolsey. Standing in the city's control center the expedition commander juggled the enormous amounts of information and status reports being thrown his way. With a small smile he listened as Zelenka cursed furiously in Czech over the ongoing instillation of both the Asgard and Furling databases. Ascending the stairs and walking towards Woolsey was a man he had never seen before. With regal bearing the man introduced himself to the expedition commander.

"Mr. Woolsey, a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance" said the man with a gracious smile.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, though I'm afraid I don't know your name" replied Woolsey.

"Forgive me. I am Ithon, of the Furling" replied the man.

"What can I do for you Ithon" asked Woolsey.

"I've come to inform you I will be joining your expedition on its return to Pegasus. The Council of the Five Great Races has nominated me as its representative for our efforts" stated Ithon smoothly.

"Just what might those efforts be" asked Woolsey.

"As man who has been involved in the oversight of your people's travels through the gate in this galaxy and others I am aware that you are familiar with a crystal skull found by your SG-1" stated Ithon without question.

"That mission predates my time in the program, but I am aware of the mission particulars having read the report" responded Woolsey.

"The crystal skulls are a defensive tool conceived by the Furling. It allows for transport to another phase of being for any who make use of it. Within this phased region of existence reside the Omeyocan, a sentient race of beings created to stand guard over those who are unable to defend themselves" replied Ithon.

"I see, but I fail to see how this involved the Atlantis expedition" countered Woolsey.

"Mr. Woolsey, I will be presenting the worlds of Pegasus with examples of this device. The reason for this is twofold. First it will safeguard sentient life. Second, it will greatly assist in your campaign against the Wraith threat" answered Ithon.

"And you need me to make the introductions for you to the Coalition of Planets I'm guessing" said Woolsey.

"That would be of great assistance" answered Ithon brightly.

"The people of Pegasus are unlike those found in this galaxy. They may not accept your assistance. Their first question will be much the same as the one I am thinking of now. Why would you offer this now" asked Woolsey carefully.

"Mr. Woolsey, all sentient life shares a common bond, and that is life. So are not all sentient beings brother and sister due to that bond" asked Ithon.

"I see your point. I must warn you though that while I understand what you are wanting to do, I'm not sure the people of Pegasus will" warned Woolsey.

"One must believe. Faith in all things is a reward unto itself" replied Ithon.