Short and Sweet Meeting

Posted on Fri May 10th, 2024 @ 12:06am by Major General Richard Lockhart (Raynor) & Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Raynor & Sterre Forster

Mission: Jumping Right In
Location: Stargate Command
1541 words - 3.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Raynor stood at the entrance of the Stargate Command facility, his eyes scanning the horizon as the Antarctic winds whipped around him. He awaited the arrival of the latest addition to their team, Sterre, who had just completed her journey to join them.

As the transport aircraft landed with a soft thud on the icy runway, Raynor straightened up, ready to greet the new recruits, specifically, Sterre. The doors opened, and Sterre stepped out, her breath forming small clouds in the frigid air. She seemed determined, yet there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes, from what John could tell.

"Welcome to McMurdo Station, Stargate Command, Sterre," Raynor said, stepping forward with a warm smile. "I'm Lieutenant Colonel John Raynor."

Sterre returned the smile, although somewhat less enthusiastically. What was she supposed to do in this situation? She wasn't military and despite doing a little research on their habits, she felt woefully unprepared. "Nice to meet you Colonel," she practically winced at the lack of professionalism.

"Hope you are ready to start this new journey running." Raynor continued, gesturing for Sterre to follow him as they made their way inside the hanger facility. "General Lockard is eager to meet you," he said, leading her through the bustling corridors of the hanger to the security checkpoints.

"Absolutely, I'm looking forward to jumping right in." She didn't get much of a chance to look around as they walked. She was afraid she might get lost or run over. " Is this a normal amount of activity around here?"

Raynor chuckled lightly, his tone both lighthearted and honest. "Well, Sterre, you're about to find out that 'normal' is a relative term around here. We do tend to keep things busy, that's for sure. But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it in no time."

As they continued through the corridors, John couldn't help but notice the constant stream of personnel bustling about, each engaged in their own tasks. Technicians hurried past with equipment, while scientists huddled in discussion groups as new gear and equipment was prepped to be transferred down to the sublevels below. It was a hive of activity unlike anything he had experienced before proper to this assignment.

Raynor noticed her wide-eyed gaze and grinned. "See what I mean? It's always buzzing around here. But hey, it keeps things interesting, right?"

She glanced at him, catching the hint of the grin and decided in that moment with no other evidence that she liked him. She liked people who found amusement in little things. It made life easier in her opinion. "Oh I would never dare list this place under boring," Sterre assured him.

The two came down to the quieter area and IDs were now being checked, one by one. The colonel nodded to the security personal with a little light hearted chatter as he had seen them all moments before the C-130 transport had came in. He then turned and waited for security to do their thing by checking Sterre and her gear with a scanning device. Once done, she walked up to him and he looked at her intently as they were now the only two before the elevator.

"Alrighty, ready for this?" John asked.

"If I say no are you going to put me back on the plane?" She gave her head a small shake. "I'm as ready as I'm going to get without actually having been to an alien planet." The words seemed strange coming out of her mouth. "Were you ready when you found out?"

John chuckled softly, shaking his head in reflection. "To be honest, during that assault on the planet, I was part of the defense forces. We were outnumbered and outgunned, but we managed to prevail, albeit with heavy losses. It was a wake-up call, realizing we weren't alone in the universe. Despite the advancements and discoveries over the past decade, we've barely scratched the surface."

He paused, a sense of anticipation creeping into his voice. "But was I ready? Not even close. Yet here we are, the Stargate up and running, exploring other worlds. It's been a rush, worth every moment. I may not have been prepared then, but I'm more than ready for whatever comes next.""

"Well then I will learn and adapt like you did. But I'm a quick study and I'm of sound mind . . . . most of the time," Sterre smiled. "So, bring it on." She stepped even with him, even if she would have to move if someone wanted off the elevator. "I wanted an extraordinary life, I think, in a roundabout way, I got more than I ever imagined."

"I think we all have, but why stop now?" Raynor replied as the elevator came to a holt and opened. They made their way past the base personal and finally came upon an office. "Here is General Lockhart's office."

"Indeed it is," an older male's voice spoke as the two walked up to the open door. Behind the desk was the general. "Major General Richard Lockhart," he announced as he stood and stepped around the desk. He, then, offered his hand to shake. "Welcome to Stargate Command."

Sterre accepted the handshake. "Dr. Sterre Forster. Nice to meet you sir." Sterre had no idea what else she should say to the man. "Sorry sir, small talk is not one of my stronger characteristics. But I'm certainly able bodied, willing and fascinated by all of this."

Raynor couldn't resist a playful quip, adding a touch of levity to the moment. "Hey, we aren't all biters around here. I have no doubt you will enjoy it around here."

Lockhart, while maintaining his professional demeanor, offered a warm smile in response to Raynor's remark. "Colonel Raynor has a way with words," he said, his tone carrying a subtle hint of amusement. "But I assure you, Dr. Forster, your enthusiasm is more than welcome. It's that curiosity and eagerness that drive us forward."

With introductions exchanged, Raynor gestured towards the observation lounge. "Shall we? I think it's time you got your first glimpse of the Stargate."

"Oh yes please." Sterre said. She'd been waiting for this moment since she found out about the Stargate Program.

As they made their way into the observation lounge overlooking the Stargate room, the view gave the group a chance to be in awe at the sight below. The massive ring-shaped device stood at the center of the room, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights. Technicians bustled about, performing routine maintenance checks and preparations for upcoming missions.

Sterre would later admit that her mouth was probably hanging open. Since there were no flies to let in deep underground, she closed her lips and tried to keep them that way as she stared at the gate.

Raynor couldn't help but notice Sterre's expression, a mix of wonder and curiosity. "Impressive, isn't it?" he remarked, a note of pride in his voice. "That's the heart of our operation right there."

Lockhart observed the scene with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that another bright mind had joined their ranks. "Welcome to the team, Dr. Forster. Your journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt you'll leave your mark on Stargate Command."

"Very," She whispered back towards Raynor. Turning her attention to the General she replied. "Thank you sir. When do I get to go through?"

"Last week marked our return from our inaugural mission through the Stargate," John began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement as he leaned against the rail overlooking the Gate Room through the thick bulletproof glass. "During our expedition, we had the privilege of encountering the Valkyries."

"While we're not currently slated for our next venture through the Stargate," he continued, a confident tone underlying his words, "rest assured, your opportunity to step through the gate will come soon. It's an exhilarating experience, I can attest to that."

Sterre nodded. She was beyond excited but also terrified to her bones. The terror wasn't going to hold her back however when she thought about all she could discover off world. "I'll be patient then. I'm sure it will be worth it." She glanced back at both men. She had so many questions but probably best not to ask them in front of the general. She knew she was green, she just didn't feel like announcing that.

The general met Sterre's glance with a reassuring nod, understanding the mix of excitement and trepidation that often accompanied such monumental missions. "Patience is a virtue, Sterre, but rest assured, your enthusiasm is more than welcome here. We're all in this together, and there's no shame in being the new addition. We all have been there at one point or another. But you are the best in your class. Don't hold back. Just keep that curiosity alive, and you'll go far." He offered her an encouraging smile.

She gave him a small smile and a nod. There was nothing else to do but wait.

After a brief moment of silence, John interjected, "Right... Well, I hate to cut this short, but I have another recruit to greet. Get settled in and prepare for tomorrow's mission. We are taking the Gladiator. Our second Daedalus class. Should be pretty fun!"