The Hunt for the Lost City

Posted on Thu Oct 24th, 2024 @ 1:34pm by Colonel David Hawkins (Raynor) & Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Raynor & Sterre Forster & Scarlett Hayes Dr. & Chief Petty Officer Marisa Harlan & Major Amy Ludd

Mission: The Lost City
Location: Bridge - U.S.S. Gladiator
3404 words - 6.8 OF Standard Post Measure

As the USS Gladiator continued its journey through the subspace tunnels known as hyperspace, Colonel Hawkins and Colonel Raynor stood side by side on the bridge, their eyes fixed on the viewscreen as the blue flowing tunnel returned to its familiar patterns.

"It's been a smooth ride so far," Hawkins remarked, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "Our Asgard liaison has been invaluable in keeping the ship running at optimal efficiency."

Raynor nodded in agreement. "Yeah, having an Asgard on board definitely gives us an edge. Their tech is something else."

"Indeed," David nodded before taking a long breath. "But that is also a concern once they return to their their people. Sometimes we forget that we are almost way over our heads."

"Don't see that feeling change anytime soon, either," John replied with a simple nod.

The bridge buzzed with activity as the crew completed their final preparations, settling into their roles on the Tau'ri's second deep space battleship. The anticipation was palpable as they approached their destination, the calculated location where the lost city of Atlantis or its outpost might be found.

"All systems are green, Colonel," reported one of the crew members, glancing over her console.

"Good. Drop us out of hyperspace," Hawkins ordered, his tone firm but composed as he took his center chair between tactical and helm stations.

With a hum of power, the Gladiator transitioned back into normal space, its sleek form poised against the backdrop of the cosmos. As the stars stretched out before them, the bridge fell into a hushed silence, the weight of their mission hanging in the air. The vast expanse of the planet came into view on the viewscreen, its deep blue hues dominating the scene. Colonel Hawkins and Colonel Raynor stood transfixed, their eyes scanning the magnificent sight before them.

Scarlett entered the bridge eager to get a view of what awaited them. “Permission to stay on the bridge Colonel?” She offered Hawkins a smile.

"Of course, Doctor," Hawkins replied, gesturing for her to join them. "The more, the merrier."

Raynor glanced over his shoulder as Scarlett entered, his expression welcoming. "Good to have you up here," he remarked, returning her smile. "Can't blame you for wanting to see what all the fuss is about."

Amy had been with the researchers who were combing through all the information they had regarding Atlantis. She wanted to know everything, of course her skills lay in very different fields but if she were to be a senior officer on this expedition than she needed to learn. Thus she had spent most of her duty hours at a desk reading everything she could about Atlantis, the Ancients and the culture. Now she was just a few moments behind Doctor Hayes.

"Permission to enter the bridge" she said to the ships Skipper while coming to attention smartly.

"Permission granted, Major," Hawkins replied with a hint of sarcasm, unable to suppress slight wonder. "But I'm starting to wonder if we need to install more chairs up here with all the sudden interest in our little operation."

Raynor smirked as he looked at the Carter. "Major, welcome to you as well."

"Permission granted, Major," Hawkins replied with a hint of sarcasm, unable to suppress slight wonder. "But I'm starting to wonder if we need to install more chairs up here with all the sudden interest in our little operation."

Raynor smirked as he looked at the Carter. "Major, welcome to you as well."

The planet below appeared as a mesmerizing mosaic of blues and greens, with swirling clouds cascading over the surface like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas. From their vantage point in orbit, they could see the curvature of the planet's horizon, hinting at its immense size.

A single, massive continent stretched across the planet's surface, dominating the view with its sprawling landscape. Its rugged coastline was fringed with sandy beaches that melted into crystal-clear waters, shimmering under the gentle caress of the sun's rays. Islands dotted the seas like emerald jewels, adding to the planet's natural beauty.

The continent itself was a patchwork of diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests teeming with life to vast savannas stretching out towards the horizon. Rivers snaked their way through the landscape, carving intricate patterns as they flowed towards the ocean, while towering mountain ranges rose majestically towards the sky, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunlight.

As the Gladiator continued its approach, they could not see signs of civilization scattered across the continent, small settlements and bustling cities. All there was was the natural beauty. It was a planet ripe for exploration, its mysteries waiting to be uncovered by the intrepid crew of the starship.

Hawkins and Raynor exchanged a knowing glance, their anticipation growing with each passing moment. This was their chance to uncover the secrets of Atlantis, to explore the ancient ruins and unlock the mysteries of a lost civilization. And as they gazed out at the planet below, they knew that their journey was only just beginning.

"Initial scans indicate no power signatures on the planet's surface. No signs of active civilizations detected," 1st Lieutenant Patel announced from the pilot station, her voice echoing through the bridge.

"Confirming Lieutenant Patel's report," chimed in Technical Sergeant Williams from the science station. "We're detecting only residual signs of mass death among the wildlife, almost a decade ago. However, there are indications of new growth and regeneration."

Colonel Hawkins furrowed his brow, exchanging a concerned glance with Lieutenant Colonel Raynor. "That's not what we were expecting," he murmured, his tone tinged with worry.

Raynor nodded gravely. "Indeed. This complicates things."

"Should we proceed with caution, Colonel?" asked Lieutenant Patel, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Hawkins nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Lieutenant. Keep a close eye on our sensors. We don't know what we might encounter down there. Place us in high orbit and continue scanning the atmosphere. Something tells me this isn't going to be a quick one."

"Yes sir, High orbit," Lieutenant Patel replied as she worked her controls before her.

"If the stories of Atlantis overtaken by the ocean and was sunken, we have wasted our time coming all the way out here," Raynor replied as he looked out the massive view ports. "Ideas?"

"Knock on the front door." Sterre said, not even thinking as she opened her mouth. She wasn't even sure anyone had heard her come in or if she was even supposed to be here but curiosity had prodded her forward as it usually did. "Apologies Colonel," she corrected herself. "Any idea what caused the death of wildlife? Natural disaster?"

Marisa had quietly arrived on the bridge, she couldn't help herself, she wasn't about to miss seeing what the bridge was like as well as seeing what was ahead of them. Her eyes were round like saucers, her mouth gaping slightly open with awe. She had been learning about the engine system with the Asgardian then left to see the arrival of the Gladiator to the planet. "Holey Moley, what a sight to see." she exclaimed moving forward to get an even better view.

Raynor's smirk widened at Sterre's suggestion. "If we stumble upon an ancient doorbell, Sterra, I'll gladly let you give it a ring." He turned his attention to the chief entering from the corridor, sharing in the awe of the scene before them. "Indeed, it's always a stunning sight. Even after countless journeys through space, seeing a planet from this perspective never gets old."

Sergeant Williams chimed in with his report to Colonel Hawkins. "Based on our scanner readings, Colonel, it doesn't appear to be a natural disaster. We're detecting low levels of ionizing radiation in the planet's northern hemisphere."

Colonel Hawkins furrowed his brow, considering Sergeant Williams' report. "Ionizing radiation, you say? Any indications of weapons fire or any other anomalies that might explain such readings?" He glanced between Williams and the data on the screen, his mind already calculating the possibilities of such a threat.

Sergeant Williams nodded, his expression thoughtful as he analyzed the data once more. "Colonel, considering the pattern and intensity of the radiation, it's highly probable that we're dealing with a solar phenomenon rather than weapons fire. The characteristics align more closely with solar flares or some other celestial event." He gestured toward the readings on the screen, indicating the patterns supporting his assessment.

Lieutenant Patel interjected, her tone professional as she reported, "Colonel, preliminary analysis of the atmosphere indicates it's stable. No significant fluctuations or anomalies detected."

Sergeant Williams nodded in agreement, adding, "Confirmed, Colonel. The atmospheric conditions appear to be within normal parameters. It should be safe for the Gladiator to descend."

Colonel Hawkins absorbed the information, his mind swiftly processing the implications. "Stable atmosphere, no signs of immediate danger," he mused aloud, his gaze flickering between the officers. "I will consider taking the Gladiator down into the atmosphere. For now, let's gather all relevant data and prepare for potential maneuvers." He issued the directive with a firm yet measured tone, ready to explore this new possibility.

Scarlett nodded. She was looking forward to getting down onto the surface, who knew what was waiting for them down there. “What happens if those signs of regeneration turn out to be due to indigenous life down there? As much as I want to get down there and explore, we can’t risk interfering with the development of another race, unless of course they’re on par with our level of technology.”

There was a short pause before the sergeant spoke. "I am no specialist, but if there is a life form giving off such things, we would see everything around it killed and destroyed."

"Not to mention a new life form," John spoke as he looked over at Scarlett. "Maybe think of a name for it?"

Scarlett nodded. “Once we’re sure one way or the other I could probably come up with something.”

Sterre silently watched the others pondering names and thinking about what life might be down there. It still struck her as impossible that she was on a spaceship looking at another planet when a mere few months ago she hadn't even known that this level of space travel was even possible nor all of the civilizations and planets that had been discovered. It gave her a small shiver that wasn't quite covered up by her attempts to stand still.

"Sound like a plan," John nodded at the concept of a name before them, but soon his thoughts were cut off as another technician spoke up.

"Sensors are not picking up a massive amount of power. We can't use transports without having a location. And even then, its a little dangerous.

"Ideas?" Colonel Hawkins spoke up as he looked around his bridge.

"The ring transports?" John shrugged as he looked at the commander.

"The ring transports?" David pondered as he looked at the younger Colonel.

"Well, they were designed and created by the same people. It would surmise that they maybe able to communicate with one another, wouldn't you think?" Raynor replied as he looked at Marisa. "What do you think, Chief?"

Carter frowned "Don't we need a set of rings down there to use them over any significant distance?" she asked and wondered why no one had thought of designing a dropship for these ships! Either way...

"Colonel" she started "I know this might fall on deaf ears but given the situation I should lead the team, at least until we confirm we're not walking into a trap."

"I don't think we should start sacrificing ourselves just yet," Sterre piped up. "Can't we try to use the ring transporters to try and send something down and back up that isn't a life form and see what happens? That way we'll know if they work. Might not spring a trap but then again it might if they expect us to send down a living breathing body first." She gave a small shrug.

"A MALP would do that" Carter conceded "But unless there are rings down there?" it was as much a question as a statement "We are gonna have to get really close and the ships presence would likely be an issue as well"

"MALP won't cut it," the tech sergeant spoke up, turning to address the commander. "It works off a short-range radio frequency. But if there's a ring pad down there, we should be able to make a connection and send a beacon. That'll give us a pinpoint location much quicker."

Colonel Hawkins nodded thoughtfully. "Let's cut the 'what ifs' and test this out." He began to adjust his hand console control. "Bridge to engineering. Send a technician to the ring transport room and scan for a possible connection on the planet's surface."

"On it," came the prompt reply over the com system.

As the bridge fell into a momentary silence, Hawkins turned his attention to Major Carter. Walking up to her with a slow, almost comical stride, he gave her a gentle nudge. "You think I came all this way just to sit on the sidelines?"

Carter smiled while he eyes remained on the screen. "No" and shrugged a little, "But it would also be bad form if you happened to die on the very first mission." she cocked her head. "Although that would mean i get a promotion so..." she let that trail off with a smirk!

Marisa had been lost in her thoughts when she had been asked a question, she looked at Raynor and the others, "I believe that if there is a ring device down there and yes, they should be able to connect with each other." She also realized that she was way behind in answering any other details that had come her way.

The technician's voice crackled over the com again. "Engineering here. We've got a lock on a potential ring pad location. Sending the beacon now."

Raynor looked at Marisa and shrugged real quick before turning his body in the direction of the technician. "From the sounds of it, there is after all."

The bridge crew watched the screen intently as data began streaming in. The beacon's signal, once weak and uncertain, grew stronger, indicating a successful connection.

"We've got it," the tech sergeant announced, excitement evident in his voice. "Pinpoint location confirmed."

Hawkins turned to the crew, a determined look on his face. "Alright, people. Let's get ready to move. Prepare the ship for immediate decent.."

As the bridge buzzed with renewed activity, Raynor stepped up beside Hawkins, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. "Time to see what we're dealing with down there."

Hawkins nodded, his own excitement barely showing. "Let's make history, people. All hands, prepare to enter planetary atmosphere. Engineering, prepare a MALP. Major, get a lock on that beacon location."

"Already ahead of you, sir. Got a location," the Major at the ops/tactical station spoke up. "Fascinating, beacon is pinging, but its weak. Its under several hundred feet of ocean. I guess Plato was pretty darn close."

The Daedalus class starship began its careful descent through the planet's atmosphere. The ship shuddered slightly as it pierced the upper layers, the thick clouds obscuring any view of the surface below. The crew watched the view ports closely, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the blue skies and lush view of land.

As they broke through the dense cloud cover, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. A vast, shimmering ocean stretched out beneath them, its surface reflecting the light of the distant sun. The water was a deep azure, dotted with occasional patches of greenery from floating kelp forests. Waves rolled gently, creating a mesmerizing pattern of light and shadow. Soon they were over the massive face of ocean as far as the eyes could see.

Raynor stood by the viewport, his eyes wide with awe. "Would you look at that," he murmured. "It's like something out of a dream."

Hawkins nodded, equally captivated by the view. "It's magnificent," he agreed. "But let's not get too distracted. We have a mission to complete."

The bridge was a hive of activity as the crew worked to maintain the ship's position and gather data. Hawkins turned his attention to the navigation officer. "Bring us over the location being pinged. I want us directly above it."

"Aye, sir," the navigation officer responded, deftly adjusting the ship's course.

The Gladiator moved smoothly over the ocean, heading toward the beacon's signal. As they neared the coordinates, the tech sergeant confirmed their position. "We're directly above the signal, Colonel."

Hawkins gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Hold us steady here. Major, how's the beacon signal?"

"It's still weak, sir," the Major replied. "But it's stable. We're definitely in the right spot."

"Excellent," Hawkins said. He tapped a button on his chair. "Ring Room, Deploy the MALP. Let's get a closer look at what's down there."

The crew in the ring room worked swiftly, guiding the MALP (Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe) into the center of the ring platform. With a hum and a flash of light, the MALP was transported to the location that seemed to be on the ocean floor below.

On the bridge, everyone’s attention was glued to the main monitor as the MALP’s camera feed came to life. At first, the screen showed only darkness and swirling particles, but as the MALP's lights activated, the view gradually became clearer.

The camera revealed a large, dimly lit room. The structures within appeared ancient, their designs a blend of sleek metallic surfaces and intricate carvings. Low power lights flickered sporadically, casting eerie shadows across the space. Despite the age and wear, the room maintained a semblance of order, hinting at its former grandeur.

“There’s definitely minimal power here,” the tech sergeant observed, his voice filled with curiosity. “Looks like the systems are running on emergency reserves.”

“And life support,” Hawkins added, noting the readouts indicating breathable air and temperature control within the room. “That’s a good sign. It means the facility is still functional to some extent.”

The camera panned slowly, revealing more details of the room. Various control panels lined the walls, some still glowing faintly. In the center of the room stood a large, circular platform, reminiscent of the ring transporters but larger and more complex. It was partially covered in sediment, suggesting it hadn’t been used in quite some time.

Raynor leaned in closer, studying the feed with intense interest. “This place looks like it could be some kind of ancient transport ring room.”

Hawkins turned to Raynor. “Looks like we’ve found our way in. Raynor, you’re in charge of the initial survey. Get your team prepped and ready to explore this facility. Make sure to take all necessary precautions; we don’t know what else might be down there.”

Raynor nodded, a mix of excitement and determination on his face. “Understood, sir. Heading down to the transport ring. Teams, get down to the ring room.”

As the preparations began, the crew continued to monitor the MALP’s feed, their minds racing with possibilities. The mysteries of the ancient facility were within their grasp, and the next steps would be crucial in uncovering its secrets.

Amy had headed to the armoury and geared up. She had brought along her own custom rifle, a M4 with commando barrel, a drum magazine with a dual sight, a x8 slim scope offset and a laser dot. She made sure to have two more drums in her pack and the 'normal' 6 mags in her webbing. Grenades and flash bangs and the pounds of other gear and equipment that was standard.

"Ready when you all are" she said

"Ring room to the bridge," Lt. Col Raynor called out over the ear piece radio as he, and the rest of his teams came up next to Major Carter. "My team is ready, permission to transport down."

"Granted, good luck," Colonel Hawkins replied.

This was it, stepping into a new adventure! Marisa could hardly wait! When the rings formed around them with a distinctive metallic thudding, very solid. "Well now.. here we go!" The intial travel seemed to only take a few moments, but it took her breath away. This was quite the different way to travel. When they arrived, Marisa commented. "Well here we are, time to get exploring?"

"Indeed," John smirked as they headed off the bridge.