Chapter 123 (1/2)

Boreala

With the departure of Atlantis for the Milky Way the Borealis expedition found themselves as the central hub of military, scientific, and diplomatic efforts within the Pegasus galaxy. Even though this would only be a temporary position during the absence of Atlantis many duties existed to be filled.

Ten days earlier a subspace message had been sent to the Traveler's informing them of a new rendezvous location. Having never before seen or heard of Borealis they unwittingly thought Atlantis had once again been relocated. The revelation that a second powerful city ship existed would shake them to their core.

Having arrived ninety minutes earlier the Athena class vessels Ess.e.x, Yamato, and Hood were currently in geosynchronous orbit of Boreala, with the two Traveler Generational sh.i.p.s in tow. While waiting to transfer their charges to their new owners the Athena class vessels beamed down personnel and supplies to the city ship below. During this process a lone Goa'uld cargo ship exited the jumper bay of Ess.e.x and descended to the city that waited on the oceans surface. Its pilot was eager to see several familiar faces that she was sure were ecstatic over her arrival in this galaxy.

Moments after the Tel'tak landed on the south pier of Borealis a handful of vessels exited hyperspace high above. Having tracked the vessels approach through hyperspace the expedition was prepared for their arrival. Exchanging messages between the Ess.e.x and one of the newly arrived sh.i.p.s, transport for one of the captains to the city below was arranged.

Having been alerted an hour before Daniel Jackson stood in the conference room ready to receive his expected guest. Unsure of what to expect Daniel had taken the time to review the previous mission reports that detailed every encounter thus far with the Traveler's. After this period of study he felt ready for whatever might be thrown at him. In a dazzling flash of light a leather clad woman appeared in the conference room before him.

”Hello, I am Doctor Daniel Jackson” he began.

”Hello Doctor Jackson, you may call me Larrin. Will Mr. Woolsey be joining us” asked Larrin.

”I'm afraid he won't. He and Atlantis were called away temporarily” conceded Daniel.

”We're standing on Atlantis” countered Larrin.

”I'm afraid we're not. Let me welcome you to Borealis. I'm assuming Woolsey didn't tell you of the existence of more than one city ship” asked Daniel.

”No, he most certainly did not” grumbled Larrin.

”Well, now you know so the cat's out of the bag” replied Jackson with an awkward attempt at humor that came off charming nonetheless.

”Secret's seem to be something your people have no shortage of” replied Larrin somewhat put out.

”Yes, well. As I'm sure you noticed in orbit we have kept our side of the agreement you reached with Mr. Woolsey. The vessels are newly constructed to the specifications you gave. I'm assuming you brought sufficient crew to pilot them home” asked Daniel.