Chapter 127 (1/2)
Destiny
Sitting in the command chair on the bridge of Destiny, Colonel Davidson reveled in his new command. Like a kid with a new toy the Colonel found he couldn't contain his enthusiasm for the mission to come. That would come all in good time. For now Destiny and her eager commanding officer glided through space, at incredible speeds courtesy of the recently upgraded FTL drives.
This jaunt out into the galaxy was the first of several planned evaluation exercises. In the hopes of getting a better feel for Destiny's newly increased capabilities the ancient vessel was being put through her paces. All systems aboard would be pushed to their full designed abilities and then some before the evaluation exercises came to a close.
With a majority of opposition fleet units eliminated at the battle of the super gate the Tauri high command felt confident in allowing Destiny to traverse the galaxy unrestricted. For this first series of tests Destiny found herself following a course that brought her within close proximity to the FJN planet of Chulak. After exiting FTL the vessel would recharge in Chulak's sun before continuing on towards the November Site.
”The increase in efficiency of the FTL drive is remarkable really. We're running a pace several times faster than Destiny was capable of when we first found her” remarked Rush from his seat at the front facing control console.
”FTL function is performing at optimum efficiency. We will reach our recharge point in five minutes at our current velocity” confirmed the avatar of Destiny.
”Thank you Destiny. Well Doctor Rush, the ancients knew how to build them” conceded Davidson.
”We'll exit FTL near the seventh planet from the sun. A final aerobraking maneuver to adjust our heading and speed will occur ten minutes after exit. Then we recharge” added Rush.
”Understood” replied Davidson.
”I am detecting a subspace beacon within the target system” stated Destiny.
”Is it encrypted” asked Rush.
”No Doctor, the beacon is broadcasting an unencrypted repeating subspace beacon” replied Destiny.
”Put the message on the overhead speakers Destiny” ordered Davidson.
After listening to the message twice Colonel Davidson and Rush exchanged a look. This message and it's conflicted with current Tauri intelligence estimates greatly. The Colonel, showing initiative decided on a course of action to follow in an instant.
”We can deviate to another system to recharge Colonel” suggested Rush.
”No, remain on course. We'll shake the tree here and see what comes of it” replied Davidson.
”Are you sure that's wise Colonel” asked Rush.
”If I didn't know this man's father I wouldn't take the chance. Captain Heinz, send out a reply to the beacon following the instructions it provided” ordered Davidson.
”What about weapons Colonel” asked Rush.
”Bring the weapons online but leave them in standby. Captain Heinz fire off a bust message to the SGC and tell them what is going on. They'll want to know about this also” replied Davidson.
Three minutes later a reply came in from the SGC. General Landry wanted them to proceed into the system, and investigate the authenticity of the beacons message. Seconds after the messages receipt Destiny greatly decelerated and exited FTL. Gliding through the system her sensors peered out into space, searching for any potential threat that might be waiting for them.
”I have a ship on sensors, it's moving to intercept. Looks to be an Al'kesh” called out Captain Heinz.
”An Al'kesh has nothing like the weaponry required to penetrate Destiny's shields” stated Rush.