Counting Stargates

Posted on Mon Jul 22nd, 2024 @ 8:17pm by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Raynor & Sterre Forster

Mission: Jumping Right In
Location: Mess Hall - USS Gladiator
Timeline: Back Post Before dropping out of Hyperspace
2268 words - 4.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Sterre yawned as she entered the mess. Not expecting anyone to be here this time of night she helped herself to cocoa making supplies and found a seat with a view of the stars that she still couldn't believe she was traveling amongst. She was exhausted. She wanted to sleep. But sleep was elusive. If she had to guess she was too exhausted to sleep. Her body wouldn't just let things be and relax into any other state than pure adrenaline. She was taking her first sip when the doors opened and she cringed. Was she even supposed to be in here this time of night?

Raynor entered the mess hall, his boots making soft, rhythmic thuds against the polished floor. He had the same idea as he often did on nights like this: grab a late-night snack and savor the mesmerizing view of subspace travel through the expansive viewports. The mess was dimly lit, and he had expected to find it empty. But to his surprise, a figure was already seated near the large windows, cradling a mug and staring out into the stars.

He recognized Sterre immediately. She looked startled. Offering a reassuring smile, Raynor made his way to the counter and started preparing a quick snack. He chose a simple sandwich, not wanting to disturb the quiet with too much clattering.

"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" he asked, his voice low and calm, meant to be more of a friendly acknowledgment than an intrusion. He filled a mug with steaming coffee, its rich aroma mingling with the sterile scent of the mess hall.

Raynor took his time, moving with an unhurried grace. Eventually, he settled into a seat near Sterre, not too close to invade her space but close enough to share the view. They both turned their gazes back to the stars and bluish glow of the subspace corridor the ship travelled in.

"No. All I do is toss and turn. It could be the sounds on the ship or the fact that it's a new place and I'm not used to it or maybe I'm just too tired to sleep. I thought this would be the next best thing." She pointed to her cup of cocoa. "You've got to be used to all of this by now. Why aren't you counting stargates?"

Raynor chuckled, a warm, low sound that seemed to fit the quiet of the mess hall. "You'd think so, but honestly, I'm not that different. I still get excited every time we head out. Heck, I've only seen a couple of stargates in person myself. It still feels new to me as it . Maybe that's why I can never sleep on nights like these."

He paused, glancing out at the stars, their constant motion a silent reminder of their journey. "I guess it's the thrill of the unknown, the anticipation of what's out there. It keeps me awake, keeps me wondering. And sometimes, it's nice to have moments like this, to just sit back and take it all in."

Raynor met Sterre's gaze again, offering a reassuring smile. "So, no, I'm not counting stargates. I'm right here, just as wide-eyed as you are, soaking it all in."

"So I'm never going to get any sleep?" She was holding onto the cup as if it were her lifeline. A thought popped in her head and she asked without thinking about it. "Have you ever lost anyone on a mission?" She realized her elbows were on the table and she was looking at him like some kind of profit, waiting to hear all his wisdom. She forced herself to relax her stance and lean back in her chair a bit.

"The last mission was a couple weeks ago, and it was also our first as we got the green light to activate the Stargate program. No I didn't lose anyone," Raynor replied as he thought of the time he had lost people under his command. But took a deep breath before continuing with answering her first question. "And yes... you will get sleep. Though your adrenaline hype your body is used to now, you will feel a drop and there for a desire in getting that drive once again at some point. So you may get used to this view, but not all of the excitement of what is out there."

"Sorry, that probably wasn't an appropriate thing to ask you. It just popped out." She changed subjects hoping to get to know him a little better. "What's your favorite thing about the stargates? Do you like seeing new worlds or new people? I like people but I don't trust them. Does that make sense? As an anthropologist you sit back and observe, you try not to interact and interfere, you are just there to learn. But if you do get too close then people become complicated. They behave in ways that you wouldn't expect them to after having observed them as a group. Individuals are unpredictable and complicated." She gave a small shrug and waited to see what he had to say about the subject.

The Lt. Colonel offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. I've heard all kinds of questions, and yours was far from inappropriate." He paused for a moment, considering her change of subject.

"Favorite thing about the stargates?" Raynor echoed thoughtfully. "I'd say it's the sense of wonder they bring. Every time you step through, it's like opening a door to the unknown. The thrill of seeing new worlds, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people—I don't see how it can ever get old."

He glanced at her with a knowing expression. "I get what you're saying about people. They can be unpredictable, and yes, it makes perfect sense not to trust them fully. As an anthropologist, you have a unique perspective, I would suspect, observing from a distance. It's a bit different for me, though. I have to trust my team and those we encounter, at least to some extent, to achieve our mission objectives."

Raynor leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "But you're right, individuals are complicated. You can study a group and understand their general behaviors and cultural norms, but when it comes down to individual interactions, things can get messy. People have their own motivations, fears, and quirks that don't always align with the group dynamic. It keeps things interesting, though. You never quite know what to expect, and that unpredictability can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences."

He gave her a warm smile. "So, in a way, the unpredictability of individuals is what makes this job so fascinating. It's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to learn and grow. And I guess that's what keeps us both coming back for more, right?"

"This is true. And you can trust me." Sterre said. "But it's good that we're getting to know one another. Very important in fact." She thought about mentioning that with some people she thought you could sense their intentions by their body language when you first met them but she decided not to impart this particular bit of wisdom.

"Do you have any questions for me that you haven't gotten answered?"

Raynor smiled at Sterre's words, appreciating her earnestness. "It's good to build trust," he agreed. "And you're right, getting to know each other is crucial."

He paused for a moment, considering her question. "Questions, huh? Well, I'd say I have a few." He leaned back slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "What's your take on this mission? We’re heading into uncharted territory, looking for something that’s been a legend for as long as anyone can remember. How do you feel about that?"

"Legends generally have some basis in fact. They have been romanticized over the centuries or even millennia, but that doesn't mean they don't exist." Sterre gave a small shrug. "I'm willing to chase ghosts to find the truth. It's a big grand adventure as far as I'm concerned. Probably a much bigger and scarier adventure than what I've got in mind but it will be a story to write down and tell no one someday." She smiled slightly. "What do you think of the mission?"

Raynor chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Chasing ghosts, huh? I like that. Makes this whole thing sound a bit more exciting." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "You're right about legends. There's usually some truth buried in there, no matter how much it's been twisted over time.

"As for the mission, I think it's got a lot of potential. Could be the discovery of a lifetime, or it could be a wild goose chase. Either way, if its got to be done, I'm glade we get to do that," He gave a wry smile. "And like you said, it's a story. One way or another, it's something worth doing, something worth remembering."

He took another sip of his coffee, his eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "So, I'm all in. Let's see where this adventure takes us."

"The mysteries of History were always my favorite. I almost went for a history degree. Glad I changed my mind at the last minute." Sterre seemed to have forgotten about the cocoa in her hands. She set it down on the table and leaned back. "How did you end up in the military if you don't mind me asking?"

He paused, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he recalled his past. "When I was seventeen, my father died in a police shootout. That hit hard. My mom decided to go into rehab, and I was sent to live with my uncle, Major William Raynor, who was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. That was a turning point for me."

Raynor shifted slightly, his gaze distant for a moment. "Living with my uncle, I got exposed to the world of aviation. I remember visiting a fighter squadron in Florida and being fascinated by the F-15s and F-16s. I even got to fly in a training mission. That experience lit a fire in me. I wanted to be a part of that world."

He took a deep breath, his expression serious. "After high school, I joined the Air Force Academy. It wasn't easy adjusting to military life, but I kept my grades up and pushed through. I specialized in fighter jets, eventually getting into the F-22 program at Area 51. That was where I really found my stride."

Raynor's eyes met Sterre's, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've been involved in some top-secret missions, seen things most people wouldn't believe. But it hasn't been without its challenges. I've had my share of run-ins with authority, but I've also had the privilege of defending Earth during some of its darkest hours. Now, as the leader of SG-1, I feel like everything I've been through has led me to this point."

He leaned back, his tone more reflective. "So, I guess all this was long winded. Sorry," He leaned forward and took a sip of his coffee, which was starting to cool down. "Now your turn. How did you come to us?"

"My uncle. He's just a technician. But he recommended me for the program. I have a doctorate in Anthropology and I've done a lot of traveling and studying of the cultures on Earth. I guess he thought I'd be a good candidate. And that's really why I'm here because who could possibly say no to something like this after finding out it existed?" That wasn't a very long story and not nearly as interesting as yours but I led a pretty normal life up until this point."

Raynor chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Normal is good. Gives you a solid foundation."

He took a sip of his coffee before continuing. "Your background in anthropology is a huge asset. Understanding cultures and people—that's critical for what we do. We will no doubt be encountering many different civilizations out there, and having someone who can navigate those complexities is invaluable."

"I hope so. I mean I hope I can help and I also hope we get to meet a lot of new cultures. The cultures on Earth have just about all been studied by this point, there are only a few tribes that haven't had hardly any other Human contact. It should certainly be interesting." Sterre was suddenly running out of things to talk about. "Maybe I should try to sleep again. I Wouldn't want to be exhausted on my first mission."

Raynor leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the excitement of new cultures. Nothing quite like the thrill of meeting beings who may or may not want to eat us for breakfast. But hey, that's why you're here, right? To charm them with your knowledge of kinship systems and subsistence strategies." He chuckled, taking another sip of his coffee. "Get some rest, Sterre. Wouldn't want you to pass out right when you need to explain why we come in peace. That would be...awkward."

She opened her mouth to tell him not to put that much pressure on her but thought better of it. After all that is why she was hired. She gave a decisive nod and stood up. "I'll see you in the morning then. Have a good night Colonel."

Raynor gave a nod in return, his tone warm yet professional. "Good night. And don't worry—I'm sure you'll do great. See you in the morning."