1 Chapter 1

Atlantis

Researching the Atlantis database was never easy. At times it was a painfully slow process. Daniel Jackson was a rare fan of these extensive searches in the ancient archives. His current assignment was to locate any remaining undiscovered ancient outpost's within the Milky Way. Six weeks in and the project was finally beginning to bear fruit. What new discoveries would the research lead to? This was the type of thing Daniel lived for. while sipping his coffee and reading the ancient text. He leaned closer to the data terminal screen and set down his coffee in shock. Could it be, he wondered?

On the screen was a list of what appeared to be outposts within the Milky Way Galaxy. No stargate addresses, but highly defined locations. One of them was located within our own solar system. "Pluto? That's not even a planet." he muttered.

Homeworld Command

"And why do you think you need to jaunt across the solar system with the Hammond? What has that ever accomplished Daniel?" asked General Jack O'Neill.

"Well let's see, the discovery and recovery of Atlantis, liberation of mankind in two galaxies, untold scientific advancement, the combined knowledge of two advanced races..." trailed out Daniel.

Good point thought Jack. "Any idea what these locations are?" asked the General.

"Based on the ancient database the locations seem to be anchorage points for the ancient fleet. Resupply outposts, repair facilities, shipyards, and the like. Think of what might still be there Jack. The opportunity is too great to pass up. Or we could always wait for the Lucian Alliance to find it I suppose." chided Daniel.

Home World Command saw the value in discovery. Even the IOA would jump at this chance. The Tauri Fleet while incredibly powerful was also incredibly small. Anything that could even the playing field as far as numbers were concerned was a top priority. Leaning back in his chair Jack day dreamed for a moment about an Aurora Class named Enterprise that should be his. "Ok, you've got a green light. Make sure you bring the Hammond back with a full tank of gas when you're done."

The George Hammond

Colonel Samantha Carter never tired of looking at her new command. The Hammond was the newest ship in the fleet, with a proud name. Currently she was on the dark side of the moon after taking on supplies, personnel, and a new assignment.

"Give me full sublight to our destination." ordered the blond haired Colonel.

On her tablet was the information Daniel had carried aboard. A location and signaling instructions. Those two pieces of information were all that was to be had. Heading to the briefing room Sam wondered what they might find. If this was as big as she suspected this find could be a major game changer for Earth.

"Thanks for the lift" someone said as Sam entered the briefing room.

"Anytime Colonel Sheppard" replied Sam.

The command group of the Hammond, in addition to Colonel Sheppard and Daniel Jackson plotted out an action plan for their arrival around Pluto.

"We scoured two galaxies for ancient outposts and you're telling me we might have had one in our backyard all this time?" asked John Sheppard.

"As we all know the ancients were great at keeping things hidden when they wanted to. These locations were buried in nondescript sections of the Atlantis database. It could be that they compartmentalized the information or took it for granted that everyone with a need to know already knew." answered the linguist.

"Upon arrival we'll stand off five hundred thousand kilometers and you can proceed in the Jumper. If this site has any automated defenses the presence of an Ancient Jumper should be much more acceptable than the Hammond. We've uploaded the signaling instructions for you and they are already aboard the Jumper." stated Sam.

"I'm telling you right now, it's never this easy with Ancient sites. I really don't want to have to get shot at, save the day, and fly back here to say I told you so." joked Sheppard.

Accelerating to full sublight the Hammond sliced thru the icy vacuum of space like a great white shark. It would be a short trip, but then they always were. In hours, the ship crossed a distance that just twenty years ago would have taken mankind decades to cross. Humanity had come so far in a few short years. From those first tentative steps through the Stargate, to having intergalactic spacecraft and now to have Atlantis sitting in the San Francisco Bay was breathtaking. Sam and Daniel both had the privilege of being there every step of the way. What would the next twenty years hold wondered the Hammond's commander