From the Depths of the Deep...

Posted on Fri Jan 24th, 2025 @ 1:28pm by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Raynor & Sterre Forster & Scarlett Hayes Dr. & Chief Petty Officer Marisa Harlan & Major Amy Ludd

Mission: Jumping Right In
Location: Lost City of Atlantis
2083 words - 4.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Raynor stood at the center of the ring transport room, feeling the familiar hum of the transporter beneath his feet. Beside him were Sterre Forster, Scarlett Hayes, Dr. Marisa Harlan, and Major Amy Carter. Each of them was equipped for the unknown, their expressions a mix of anticipation and determination.

"Alrighty, children," Raynor said, glancing around at his crew. "Remember to keep your hands and feet inside of the ring transport at all times. We’re here to explore and gather intel. Stay alert, stick together, and try to have fun!"

'And don't get eaten for breakfast,' Stere thought to herself. He needn't have reminded them not to wander off alone, she had no intention of doing any such thing, no matter how interesting she found this place.

Carter had switched the powerful light on the side of her rifle on, making sure it was pointed downwards. She expected no light so she also carried a backup flash light in her webbing. Not knowing what to expect she was fully kitted up, minus the full backpack. She was carrying two different ammo types, her standard 5.56 and a newer ammo, flechette rounds, 22 fine needle like darts packed into a standard 5.56 case. Less chance of punching through a hull but deadly at close range, basically turning her rifle into a shotgun. She had a magazine of these loaded right now, her drums were filled with normal ammo.

Scarlett had brought along her trusty sample kit, with everything she’d need for exploring and recording her findings. That and a firearm which she really didn’t like the idea of having, it wasn’t like she was a soldier she was just a scientist.

With a nod from everyone, Raynor activated the ring transporter. In a flash of light, the team found themselves in the ancient city of Atlantis. The room around them was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of emergency power lights casting long shadows across the space.

Raynor's eyes quickly adjusted to the low light, and he took in their surroundings. The architecture was breathtaking, a blend of advanced technology and intricate designs that spoke of an ancient and highly sophisticated civilization. The air was cool but seemed stale if that were a thing. The faint hum of machinery could be heard in the background.

“There’s the MALP,” John pointed out, his voice barely above a whisper. The probe sat a few meters away, its lights still on and the beacon signal flashing weakly.

Raynor nodded to himself as he stepped forward to inspect the equipment. “Looks like everything is intact. Good. Let’s see what we’re dealing with here.” He approached the MALP and began checking the readings.

Sterre looked at the MALP but was much more interested and apprehensive about what was around her. She glanced around, checking for any signs of movement as well as logging the landscape into her brain. Then it dawned on her. She was actually standing on an alien planet. Should she take a rock for a souvenir? Except there didn't appear to be any rocks, the floor was smooth.

Carter was scanning their surroundings, turning on the spot, she wasn't really taking in what was around them but rather looking for threats. She assumed that as they had not been shot at or blown up they were no immediate danger. She adjusted her flash light for a wider more defused setting and took a better look around, moving away from the group slightly.

“Wow” Scarlett looked around from where she stood, it was mind blowing to think that she was standing on an alien world. She pulled out a flashlight and shone it around. “Is anyone else as mind blown as me?”

Raynor chuckled at Scarlett's comment, shaking his head slightly. "You bet we are," he said, then turned to his team. "Stay focused, though. We're here to explore and secure this place."

He tapped his communicator. "Gladiator, this is SG Leader."

There was a moment of silence before Hawkins spoke over the open ear pieces. "This is Gladiator. Sounds like you ain't dead yet."

"Yeah, I plan on living forever. Go ahead and send down the next batch of personnel. We are going start searching for the command center and try getting some idea of what we are working with.

"Copy that, SG teams are on their way down. Check in every ten minutes. Hawkins out."

Turning back to his team, he motioned down the dimly lit corridor. "Let's move. Stay alert and stick together. Looks like the lights are starting to come on, so let's see what we’re dealing with."

As they walked, the corridor ahead gradually illuminated, revealing more of the ancient architecture. Raynor led the way, his senses sharp and his grip firm on his weapon, ready for whatever might come next.

Scarlett looked around as they walked, there was so much here for her to study it was going to be like an Aladdin's cave. “I can’t wait to study all of this.”

Raynor glanced back at Scarlett, a small smile playing on his lips. "You’ll have your hands full with all this. But first, let’s make sure this place is safe and operational."

Raynor turned his attention back to the path ahead, leading the team up a winding staircase that spiraled upward through the heart of the Ancient city. As they ascended, the lights flickered to life, revealing more of the city's intricate design—sleek, elegant, yet worn with age. The air seemed to hum with anticipation, as if they were approaching something momentous.

“Stay close,” Raynor instructed, guiding the team through a series of doorways that opened automatically at their approach. “If we’re lucky, we’ll find a way to power up the entire city from there.”

As they reached the upper levels, the corridors widened, and the architecture became more elaborate, hinting at the city's former grandeur. Finally, they arrived at a set of large doors, distinctly marked as the entrance to Stargate Operations—the nerve center of Atlantis.

Raynor paused, glancing back at his team. "Let's see what’s behind door number two."

The doors slid open, revealing the command center, dimly lit but unmistakably the hub of the city's activity. As they rounded the corner, they found themselves in a vast open room with glass windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. In the center of the room stood the Stargate, towering and silent, with a large, circular control interface nearby. The faint hum of life support and power flow filled the air as Raynor led the team inside.

"Jackpot..." Raynor muttered, watching as the power gradually illuminated the staircases and consoles. He flashed his light around, taking in the scope of the room.

"This is where it all happens," Raynor said, absorbing the significance of their discovery. "Scarlett, see what you can make of these systems. The rest of you, keep an eye out for anything unusual. This is just the beginning."

All set to explore, momentarily pausing to admire the stairs that lit up as each person set foot on them, the place was coming alive. Marisa had to get a close look at the gate, reaching out to touch the frame work, her mouth forming an awe stricken 'O' she then was pulled away by her curiosity to the window that showed the city. She examined it closely, "Oh good no leaks so far. Forcefields of some kind keeping the city safe for now?" basically addressing anyone who could answer.

"Leaks?" Sterre said curiously, not understanding what she meant until she came to the same window as Marisa. "My god, we're under water." It was a startling discovery and a somewhat frightening one in Sterre's eyes. She could swim but had never really liked being anywhere but on top of the water. Off in the distance Sterre could see what looked like large bubbles floating to the top of the water.

“Seriously!?” Scarlett walked across amazed at the sight before her, this place was more than incredible it was proving to be truly amazing. “We need to be careful accessing the systems, one wrong button or a power drain and I dread to think what all that water pressure will do to us.”

Sterre tapped her ear piece. "Colonel. I think we have a problem." Sterre said into it. Just in case he wasn't already aware, he needed to be now. "You need to see this."

Raynor’s voice came through the earpiece, calm but with an edge of curiosity. "What is it, Sterre?"

He made his way over quickly, moving with purpose but not alarmed. As he approached the window, his gaze followed theirs, taking in the breathtaking view of the underwater city. The realization hit him immediately, but his expression remained composed.

"Underwater…" he muttered, more to himself than anyone. "Well, that changes a few things. I guess the stories are true."

Amy was staring out her own window, she had been about to radio the same thing but Sterre had beaten her to the punch. Her light was illuminating the the ocean beyond and she watched as a shoal of fish darted past.
"Okay then" she muttered to herself.

Raynor took a deep breath, assessing the situation with a calculated calmness. "Alright, no panic. We're still operational, and so far, everything looks stable. We proceed carefully—If something starts to go south, we need to know before it’s too late. Has anyone started figuring out how to power up this place?"

“There’s obviously some backup power already running here somewhere” Scarlett looked towards Raynor. “How else would this place be dry? There must be a shield around us holding the water back.”

"That's been running and running and running for a very long time right?" Sterre clarified. "And it's going to continue to hold while we're here right?" She looked at both of them, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"All personnel, this is Tech Sergeant Willis in stargate operations. Cease all exploration immediately and report back to Stargate Operations. I repeat, all personnel are to return to Stargate Command. We've detected some irregularities in the city's power grid that require immediate attention. Don't touch any systems until further notice."

Raynor sighed, his hand dropping from his earpiece. "Well, that answers your question," he said to Sterre, giving her a reassuring nod. "For now, it’s holding, but we don’t want to push our luck. At least we found the power button."

He turned to the team. "Alright, you heard the call. Let's head back to the control center. No one mess with anything on the way. We need to let the techs figure out what's going on with this power situation before we start poking around."

"For now," Sterre answered the Colonel. She wasn't going to mess around. The thought of being under water made her incredibly uncomfortable. Like something under the skin that she couldn't scratch. She turned immediately and retreated.

The team began to make their way back through the winding corridors and staircases they had just explored. The path back seemed longer now, weighed down by the gravity of their discovery. The city, though quiet, felt even more alive—its silent hum a reminder of the ancient technology that had been operating in the background for millennia.

Marisa looked back towards the window once more then turned her attention in the direction they were going. "Irregularities to the power grid, I wonder what it will take to get this place above water, before anything else happens. Definitely need to get to something that will help track the grid system." itching to get a perception on how this place worked.

“Funnily enough this place feels familiar, but I’ve never been here, or anywhere like it before.” Scarlett shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe it’s not me that’s seen somewhere like this though..” her comment trailed off as she wondered if the remnants of memories buried in her head were what was giving her the familiarity sensation.

"Well I will say this much, I am looking forward to seeing what we find in this unexplored city, and beyond." Marisa feeling rather eager, Yes there will be danger, but there will also be discoveries as well.

Carter was the last to return back to the control center, she flicked the flashlight off as she took up a position near one of the doors.