Chapter 150 (1/2)
Atlantis
Standing in close proximity to Radek Zelenka was the avatar of Atlantis. Sequestering themselves in the lead scientist's lab along with the nanite creation machine. Combining their talents and creativity, the immensely powerful AI and Czech scientist had managed to do what at first the scientist thought impossible. Making use of neural interface data obtained during the many times Wraith had been within the confines of the city ship, a viable cognitive function simulation of a Wraith complete with personality characteristics had emerged.
The purpose of this unimaginably complex neural simulation was to combat the Wraith. Unlike the Ancients attempts to unleash the Wraith combating nanites as a vengeful weapon of mass destruction, the nanites once integrated with the overlying simulation program would be used as an intelligence gathering tool and as a weapon of subterfuge.
Countless simulations conducted within the Atlantis mainframe had finally yielded the desired results. All that remained was the creation of an organic nanite body that would mimic in every way the functions and form of a Wraith. Access to the Wraith hive mind would even be possible, rendering detection of the manufactured Wraith by means of a lack of telepathic ability impossible. Once the now growing organic replicator body was complete a final evaluation of the finished product would be conducted. Deployment of the unit as Zelenka referred to the creation, would hinge upon a successful outcome to that evaluation. In twenty four hours they would have their answer.
Standing in front of the stargate many levels away, was Ronon Dex, Richard Woolsey, Colonel John Sheppard, and an assortment of the Atlantis expedition. Mr. Woolsey, standing in front of Ronon, held a piece of parchment in his hands while Ronon stood at attention.
”Ronon Dex, please repeat after me” prompted Woolsey.
”Ok” replied Ronon in a gruff voice.
”I hereby declare and solemnly affirm, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law, that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God” stated Woolsey in an official voice.
A look of pride came over Ronon's face as he repeated the Oath of Allegiance that would make him a citizen of the United States. His heart swelled as he repeated the words that would bring him into the fold of the nation he had given his life to defend once before. Finally, he felt as if he had found where he belonged. It stood in his mind as vindication of his many efforts and sacrifices with and for the Tauri. The gathering of friends and colleagues broke into applause as Ronon finished the oath. The privilege of citizenship was one that in Ronon's case was earned in blood, and the collected gathering agreed that in this case it was truly well deserved.
”Congratulations Chewie” said Sheppard while firmly shaking his former teammate's hand.
”Um, thanks” replied Ronon.
”Mr. Dex, allow me to congratulate you, and officially welcome you to America” stated Woolsey.
”We're not in America, we're on Atlantis” countered Ronon.
”I mean welcome to American citizenship” replied a somewhat fl.u.s.tered Woolsey.
”Ok Chewie, I need you to stand at attention again for a moment” Sheppard requested.
”Attention to orders” began Sheppard in an authoritative tone.
The combined officers in the room came to the position of attention. Many of them knew what was coming, but the small gathering of civilians did not, though they soon would. Looking upon Ronon and giving him a smile, Sheppard raised the volume of his voice and began to address the gathering.
”The President of the Unites States of America, authorized by Executive Order, October 12, 2011 has awarded the Medal of Freedom with Bronze Palm, to Ronon Dex, Atlantis Expedition, for meritorious service. Ronon Dex, Specialist of the Satedan Defense Force, by his sacrifices at the hands of and against the Wraith, inspired and heartened the entire free world. His service to his comrades, marked by the courage of a man in battle and by the devotion of a soldier to his sworn duty, has been unsurpassed in this galaxy and his own. His supreme fortitude in hours of peril, his unfaltering dedication to his mission reflected the greatness of spirit manifested on many fields, in many centuries, by the soldiers of both Sateda and Earth. The Republic he served so nobly fell before becoming an ally of the United States. The memory of the peoples of these two Republics is symbolized today in our salute to Ronon Dex. His service to stop the Wraith threat in orbit of Earth and around the Pegasus Galaxy reflects great credit upon himself and his country and the cause of freedom around the universe” said Sheppard.
Moments later Sheppard placed the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award, around the neck of Ronon Dex. Normally a man of little emotion, Ronon's eyes grew misty at the recognition of his many sacrifices. Though his loyalties already lay with the Tauri, in this one moment his lifelong loyalty and dedication solidified into an almost tangible thing inside of the man.
”You earned it Chewie” said Sheppard while embracing his former teammate and friend.
Around the gate room many clapped enthusiastically. The outpouring of pride they felt for the man they had fought beside for so many years touched Ronon on a level he hadn't believed possible several years before. Making their way towards the cafeteria for the planned celebratory lunch Ronon smiled a rare and heartfelt smile.
Pluto
In the engineering lab of Arkos station stood Doctor Bill Lee. Much as Rodney McKay had done when designing the Athena Class, Lee now repeated while working hand in hand with the Arkos AI. Addressing what the Pentagon had defined as an urgent need, Lee now focused his attentions away from the Videum which was taking shape, to the design of a new class of vessel. Assigned the code name of Titan, this vessel if put into production, would serve as the Tauri equivalent of another American invention of the last century; the super carrier.
Dwarfing the Athena and Aurora class she was meant to compliment, Titan was to resemble the destroyed Prometheus. The similarities ended there. Measuring six kilometers in length, one kilometer in width, and standing at seven hundred meters in height, Titan would measure in as one of the largest vessels ever built. Per the design, Titan's nose would open with clamshell doors and expose the largest flight deck ever built in the known universe to space. Contained within her numerous flight decks she would carry four hundred 302's or a mix of 302's and the planned 302 bomber derivative.