In-Processing (Drake)

Posted on Mon Aug 10th, 2026 @ 5:39pm by Major General Richard Lockhart (Raynor) & Colonel David Hawkins (Raynor) & Technical Sergeant Xander Drake

Mission: Down Time
Location: Major General Lockhart's Office - SGC
1105 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

/// ON ///

General Lockhart’s office carried the same quiet pressure as the rest of Stargate Command. Concrete walls, muted lighting, a faint mechanical hum behind everything. The only real concession to personality was the large window set into one wall, looking down toward the conference room and the gate beyond. On the walls of the apposing wall were a couple monitors running security camera's at the current time.

Lockhart stood near his desk with a tablet in hand, reading over the latest readiness report. Across from him, Colonel David Hawkins leaned back in one of the chairs, one ankle resting on a knee, looking far more relaxed than the numbers in front of them probably justified.

“Final prelaunch checks are on schedule,” Hawkins said. “Gladiator is sitting at ninety six percent mission ready. If engineering stops finding new ways to make me hate them, we’ll be ready to depart on time.”

Lockhart glanced up over the edge of the tablet.

“Ninety six percent,” he repeated. “That your professional estimate or pilot math?”

Hawkins gave him a grin. “Pilot math. Professional estimate is closer to ninety two, but I figured you looked like you could use the optimism.”

Lockhart snorted and set the tablet down.

“Pegasus again,” he said, folding his arms. “You know, most people would hear ‘hostile galaxy full of Wraith’ and consider a transfer.”

“Most people never got their own battlecruiser,” Hawkins shot back. “Besides, last report I go was that the Atlantis Expedition haven't heard of any activity of these Wraith's but that could change easily. But I doubt they will be exploring other planets at this time as they got all of Atlantis to explore and between Daedalus and the Gladiator bringing supplies three weeks, they should be fine.”

Lockhart shook his head, though the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

“Just try bringing my ship back in one piece this time.”

“That was one hull breach,” Hawkins said. “And technically, most of the ship came back. And last I knew, it was my ship. You got to lead it around the local planets in our solar system.”

Before Lockhart could answer, a knock sounded at the door.

He looked up, voice carrying easily across the office.

“Come in.”

Xander felt nervous, his hands twisting together as he rubbed them together. Despite being warm inside the base, he somehow still felt cold. In his head somewhere in his memories locked up, alarms blared. Sometimes, he felt stuck in a battle somewhere. Flashes come and go. He took medication to calm himself, but the flashes stayed. He left his gear somewhere, locked up. Knocking on the door, he heard them reply. Grabbing the knob, he twisted it and opened the door. Walking through, he noted two men seated and replied, "Tech sergeant Xander Drake reporting as ordered, sirs."

He stiffened in his steps, snapping his heels and saluted both of them. Respectfully.

"At ease, Sergeant," Lockhart replied as he stepped around his desk and before the enlisted member. " Richard Lockhart, Major General, Commander, as you can tell. This is Colonel David Hawkins, Commander of the Gladiator, the second Daedalus class."

"Ouch, you say that like its second best," Hawkins smirked as he kept his seat and reached out to the tech sergeant. "Welcome to the SGC, Sergeant. What do ya think of the place, thus far?"

Xander marked the words in his head to explain this place. Big. Cold. Far. All were good responses. Not professional. Closing the door behind him, he accepted Hawkin's handshake and replied, "It's interesting. Not my normal routine. It's different."

"Yes well," Hawkins shrugged before looking at the general. "At least it is very secure, and secluded. Downfall is, we still haven't completed the orbital ring transportation station. Until then, we still have to deal with that damn flight in on those cargo planes."

"Understood," Xander nodded, entering the room and closing the door behind him. Placing his arms behind his back, he adopted a standby position, replying, "I'd like to get started. What exactly would be my duties on base, or off base? I read the brief. Signed the NDA."

Lockhart nodded once, studying the young sergeant before stepping around the desk and folding his arms.

"Your duties are fairly simple for now, Sergeant. Before anybody gets assigned to an SG team, they complete off world qualification training, which includes gate operations, alien technology familiarization, survival procedures, first contact protocols, and learning how not to get yourself killed on another planet."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"Despite what some of our personnel might tell you, that's harder than it sounds."

He glanced toward Hawkins before returning his attention to Xander.

"I see from your file that you've already completed the required offworld qualification pipeline and received your certification for Stargate operations," Lockhart said, reaching for a folder on his desk. "You wouldn't be standing here otherwise."

The general tapped the folder lightly.

"Your package has already been forwarded to Commander Aaron Wander for review. He's currently off-world on a mission, but once he returns he'll determine where your skills are best utilized and whether there's a slot available on his team."

Lockhart folded his hands behind his back.

"Until then, your job is simple. Familiarize yourself with Stargate Command, our procedures, mission reports, known hostile species, and the realities of operating beyond Earth. The training got you through the door. Now you need to learn how this organization actually functions."

"Yes, sir," Xander nodded, hiding his eagerness. The order was received. He'd planned to explore the base anyways.

"Until then, if you would, tell us a little about yourself beyond what's in your personnel file," the general said, his tone carrying a hint of genuine curiosity as he studied the newcomer. "I'd like to know who you are when you're not just words on a page."

Lockhart listened without interrupting, then gave a small nod.

“Fair enough, Sergeant. I appreciate the honesty. You’ll have plenty of time to learn the rest.”

He returned the folder to his desk.

“For now, familiarize yourself with the base, review the available material, and get to know the people you’ll be working with. Commander Wander will make the final decision on your assignment when he returns.”

Lockhart gave him a final nod.

“That’s all. You’re dismissed, Sergeant.”

Once the door closed, Hawkins glanced toward Lockhart.

“He seems eager.”

“Good,” Lockhart replied, picking up his tablet. “We can work with eager.”

/// OFF ///


Richard W. Lockhart, Maj. General, USAF
Commander, SGC
(SPNC)

&

David H. Hawkins, Col, USAF
Commander, USS Gladiator

&

Xander Drake, TSgt, USAF
SG-2 Member