Chapter 153

Shambhala

Shortly after the arrival of the People of Novus within the great city, an idea had been floated around the SGC. Having called the Drone galaxy home since the inception of their culture, they were seen as an invaluable source of knowledge about this particular area of operations. Their advanced knowledge of science, mathematics, and physics made them useful for Destiny's return to that corner of the universe. Feelers seeking out qualified applicants to the Destiny expedition had been quietly circulated.

The selection process had been a stringent one. Qualifications in a handful of scientific disciplines had been required for consideration. After an overwhelming response, the eighteen hundred applicants had been narrowed down to ten individuals. Among them were engineers, astrophysicists, and medical professionals. Each of these ten men and women were filled with a sense of duty to the upcoming Destiny expedition. Were it not for the original expedition the people of Novus might never have been.

Doctor Nicholas Rush was not someone held in high regard in certain corners of Novus society. Those feelings were quickly put to the side after meeting the man. Past bias would not be allowed to compromise participation and success in the upcoming expedition. Taking stock of the Scottish scientist, they soon found a man dedicated to one thing; Destiny's mission. This iron willed determination to find the answers that awaited the expedition in far away corners of the universe quickly earned the respect of even the most stubborn of the new members.

Hard work awaited the new expedition members as Rush told them. In the coming days they would be transported to Arkos station through the stargate, and begin the process of familiarizing themselves with Destiny's many complex systems. While their scientific knowledge was already impressive, the technology they were about to come in contact with far outpaced even the most advanced their people had yet devised. This homecoming also represented something else. For the very first time in SGC history the unexpected outcome of gate travel was being incorporated into current operations.

Underneath the city at a depth of five hundred meters lay a newly constructed series of chambers and tunnels. Branching out from the main chamber like the limbs of a tree were a series of power conduits; these conduits tied into the cities underground power distribution grid while others were routed towards the planetary shield emitters. In the main subterranean chamber was a replica of a system recently perfected in another galaxy. Instead of drawing its power from a series of zpm's operating in parallel, the Arcturus device would now provide life giving power to the city of Shambhala.

Once activated, the Arcturus device would provide more power than any single world could ever make use of. While intended to power the great city, this plentiful power source would be used to fuel several other functions. Planetary shields, drone weapons platform, the newly constructed ship construction facility; all would draw power from this device. Sufficient power generation capability existed for any expansion or addition to the ever growing off world base. Upon ignition, the Arcturus device would generate more power than any other single device in the Milky Way galaxy.

Remodeling of the former Alpha Site compound was nearing completion. Internal walls and partitions had been removed, while the footprint of the facility built into the side of a mountain grew. When originally constructed, the Alpha Site was meant to be home to a small five ship detachment of F-302's. Changes in the importance of the planet containing this largest of off world facilities brought with it changes in manning made possible by disclosure. In the original 302 detachment's place would now reside a much larger force.

Newly arrived from Earth was a unit steeped in history within the United States Air Force. The 31st Fighter Wing traced back it's lineage to World War Two, where it was activated as the 31st Fighter Pursuit Group. Having participated in every American conflict since World War Two, the Fighting 31st now stepped onto the galactic stage on a world far from home. Reequipping for their new mission, the pilots of the 31st said goodbye to the F-16's they had flown since its introduction. Their new steed was the F-302, and it was something that the Wing's fighter pilots had dreamed off since childhood.

Not electing to wait for the completion of construction of their new base, the pilots of the 31st began an intensive training program. Night and day the agile fighter interceptors sliced through the skies. In a few short weeks they would be ready. As their mastery of the 302 weapons system progressed, the 31st would expand their area of operations further out into the solar system. An attack like that recently perpetrated against Earth would not be allowed here. Should the Jaffa assault this world they would pay a heavy price.

In the air, a flight of four 302's cut through the atmosphere. Peering out of their canopies, the pilots looked down at the ground below. From their vantage point high above, the pilots saw the newly completed shipyard. Not wanting all of their eggs in one basket, it had been decided that a secondary facility like Arkos was needed. While the shipyard had as yet to construct a single vessel that would soon change.

Falling short of the overall production capacity of Arkos, the Shambhala shipyard could still bring to life an impressive number of vessels if tasked for maximum output. Ten construction bays were placed around the shipyard. Each was equipped with matter stream creation units like those found in the ancient shipyard. Arraigned in a semicircle around the construction bays were docking bays for completed vessels operational within the Tauri or allied fleets. Upon arrival of ore delivery vessel, construction of the next ten Copernicus class science vessels would commence. Before that happened, four of the docking bays would become home to the four Copernicus class vessels that had exited hyperspace near the planet ten minutes ago.

Receiving instructions from flight control, the four airborne 302's were instructed to alter course. Following those orders to avoid incoming traffic, the pilots instinctively looked into the upper atmosphere. Four bright fireballs streaked through the sky in a precise in line formation. Referencing their heads up display, the pilots noted that the four inbound vessels belonged to the Tauri fleet. Long before the 302's returned to base, the four Copernicus class vessels would come to rest in the shipyard.

Standing on an overlooking balcony, Camille Wray and Elizabeth Weir watched as the Intergalactic Conference Hall took shape. One thing was certain, the replicators built well and built quickly. While far from complete, the Hall's impressive design was clear to the two women. Once finished, this Hall would be home to the debate of the futures of multiple galaxies. History would be made within its walls, and wanting to capture an important moment in history, the two women made it a habit to periodically watch over construction.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Camille asked.

"That it is. Being here for this moment is like being present for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence." Weir replied.

"Nothing like this has ever been tried before. One can only hope this doesn't blow up in our face." Camille added.

"Diplomacy is about taking chances. Had our forefathers played it safe America might not exist today." Weir countered.

"Being a part of this is unlike anything I ever thought I would do when I was a member of the IOA." Camille stated with a laugh.

"It could be worse. The IOA always made it a point to make my position in Atlantis as uncomfortable as possible with a smile on their collective faces." Weir said with an amused faux frown.

"Is everything ok Elizabeth? You've seemed like something is on your mind for the last few weeks. With all that has happened here lately I can't say I don't understand if that is what the problem is." Camille said while shifting topics.

"Actually, I have had something on my mind, but it has nothing to do with recent events here." Weir replied.

"Care to talk about it?" Camille asked.

"Certainly, but I ask that you not pass judgment ok? I find myself conflicted by ideals I grew up treasuring. While I retain my place in our society and my loyalties there run deep, I have my place among the replicators. They look to me for leadership and guidance, and I have a duty to provide that. Part of me will always be human, but the fact remains that I am now a replicator." Weir stated with baited breath.

"I can see how you would find yourself torn between two worlds Elizabeth. My respect for you is far too high to ever feel the right to pass judgment." Camille replied.

"That's good to hear, thank you. My people hold those of Earth in the highest esteem. Without you, we wouldn't be here today. Still we yearn for more. Our friendship and devotion to Earth is always assured, but someday we do wish to find our place in this galaxy or another and form a civilization of our own. Admittedly, it would not surprise me if the American government listened to this and immediately had nightmares of an Asuran resurgence. That is not what this is." Weir stated honestly.

"You make a good point about concerns. We both know of the fears of past incarnations of the replicators that run deep in our military. You are what makes the difference Elizabeth. As you said, you are the leader of your people. President Hayes holds you in the highest respect. I think you'll find that he's highly receptive to what you have in mind." Camille answered confidently.

"We just wish to be treated as equals, as partners. Yes, my people are building the city we now stand in, but we are capable of so much more if allowed. That is all we want, and that is what we expect. I've drafted a letter to that effect to President Hayes and requested diplomatic recognition along with a formal alliance. Until this moment I thought sending it to him would be a mistake." Elizabeth explained.

"Things have changed Elizabeth. You know the man better than I do, but I think he'll be open to the idea." Camille assured her.

"Enough about my worries. What's on the itinerary for tomorrow?" Weir inquired.

"We have a delegation from the Coalition of Planets arriving from Pegasus via the gate bridge. We'll be showing them the city and the Hall. Typical dog and pony show." Camille informed her colleague.