Chapter 45 (1/2)

Tuat

In orbit of the former Goa'uld controlled planet sat a vast armada of Ha'tak vessels. Leading this armada was the imposing presence of Mallic's flagship. The sh.i.p.s great size was meant to inspire fear in any who opposed the Lucian Alliance. The flagship was not conceived as a defensive weapon. Its purpose was as a first strike weapon meant to intimidate on sight and destroy any who opposed her commander.

Undercover operatives of the Alliance had provided a steady stream of updates from Dakara. The Jaffa forces were amassing and would soon be poised to strike out against Mallic's forces. Being forearmed with this information a continuous string of preparations were being made and would be ready before the Jaffa fleets arrival. Knowing that their place galactic events hung in the balance nothing was being left to chance.

Atlantis

In his lab sat Dr. Zelenka, busily going over systems power distribution spreadsheets. With the recent reactivation of the ancient mobile drilling platform geothermal power allowed for the city to operate with an abundance of power for the first time in ten thousand years. Every system and lab within the ancient city was now online. The science teams found themselves in an ancient technology researcher's playground.

Walking into the lab was Richard Woolsey. Returning to Atlantis just moments ago via the stargate he was a man less than happy. His recall home was at the behest of the IOA. A new initiative was being put forth and as the commander of the ancient city this new initiative was centered on technology in his possession.

”Hello Doctor. Could you spare a few moments of your time” asked Woolsey.

”Of course Mr. Woolsey. What can I help you with” asked Radek.

”I just returned from a meeting of the IOA on Earth. The agenda of the meeting was something I found very troubling” said Woolsey.

”With the IOA it usually is. Present company excluded” retorted Radek.

”As you are aware McKay is in Pegasus at this moment preparing the other city ship for departure to the Milky Way. It's been decided at the highest levels after conferring with the Alterran ambassador Melia to provide him a helping hand” said Woolsey frowning.

”Do I need to gather a few things and join Rodney” asked Radek.

”Nothing as pleasant as that I'm afraid” replied Woolsey while handing a data crystal to the scientist.

”What is this” asked Radek.

”On that crystal is the much modified base code for the machines we knew as the Asurans. You are to upload this new base code into the nanites and construct ten human form replicators” stated Woolsey clearly unhappy.

”Surely you're joking. Has the IOA forgotten what it took the last time to rid the universe of these things” asked Radek.

”Radek, as someone that was once held hostage by the Asurans I share your lack of optimism for this, but we have our orders. We have been assured that the problems in the previous generation will not be present in this one. The aggression code has been eliminated. Instead of using them as a weapon we are to use them to utilize them as highly skilled tools” stated Woolsey.

”Mr. Woolsey, I disagree with this in the most strenuous of terms” replied Radek.

”Fran didn't give us a problem, so perhaps this will work out for the best, but I share your concern. Begin construction now. When the ten are ready notify me and we will arrange transport” said Woolsey.

Cursing in barely audible Czech Radek stalked towards the nanite lab to begin this task. Seeing his foul mood everyone who encountered the annoyed scientist kept well out of his path.

Lord Protector Planet