-- Posted by Dieter on 8:54 am on Oct. 14, 2004 Later that day... "...and that's pretty much it. Most of the things you were familiar with haven't changed that much in fourteen years, but everyone should mind the upgrades and location changes. With that, I suggest everyone take the next hour or so and get to know where you'll be spending your duty hours. That is all. Dismissed." After a rather bland orientation briefing by Captain Verrill on new SOPs and temporary location changes within the mountain, everyone hurriedly (and joyfully) gets up and exits the hot meeting room to get a feel for their refurbished surroundings buried deep within the moutain. Heading to the mess hall from the aforemention the mind-numbing orientation, Bones spots a familiar face rounding one of the countless grey corners of the facility. (flashback) Fifteen years ago, an airman pulled him out of the Gate just before the Iris closed. That man, was airman Maxwell "Max" Hayes. Now greying at the temples and sporting a few more stripes on his uniform, Master Sergeant Hayes gives him a double-take as they pass in the corridor. "Cap'n Jennings...is that you?", asks Hayes in his typical reluctant Texas twang. -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 9:46 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "Max?  How ya been?"  Carter looks down at his uniform before replying, "And it's just Jennings, don't let the uniform fool you.  Hugh apparently likes things neat and tidy around here." -- Posted by fanchergw on 9:54 am on Oct. 14, 2004 Semo quickly makes his way to the mess hall.  It's been hours since he's had anything to eat, and that's a situation that doesn't sit well with him. Gathering up a heaping tray of food, he scouts the hall for any Marines or familiar faces. -- Posted by Gatac on 10:10 am on Oct. 14, 2004 Spotting Semo looking a bit lost, Hugh walks up from the side, carrying a little bag of lunch-to-go. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Sargeant?" -- Posted by Dieter on 10:11 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "Hugh? Oh...you mean Captain Verrill. Yeah. He's a bit of tight-ass when it comes to those sort of things. I'm glad he's no longer calling all the shots. There's only so many times you can polish the Stargate Iris before the fumes get to you. Have you seen General Carter? She's still looking pretty good these days. As for me, you're looking at the NCO in charge of keeping the Stargate Control Room in one piece. Those alien bastards really fucked things up when they came through. The Captain had us working 18-hour shifts getting it back up to specs. The Iris checked out just fine during all our scans. I'm still not sure how those bastards managed to override the lock on their end. The more things change... Aside from the extra stripes on his BDUs, Max appears to not have changed much over the years. "So, Mr. Jennings, what brought you back to program? I thought you said you were done with the military after the last SG Project ended?" (Edited by Dieter at 2:37 pm on Oct. 18, 2004) -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 10:17 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "They told me they wanted someone with experience to babysit whoever's lucky enough to go fishin' on the other side.  Besides, I was headin' into a tight spot in Alaska and figured I could use a change of scenery." -- Posted by Dieter on 10:42 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "And you thought having your molecules scattered across light years was a better career alternative? It must have been pretty bad up there. Anyway, (shakes hand) glad to see you back. I gotta get going. Captain Verrill has been on me all day to get the chevron selector calibrated before the first mission..." Hayes stops in mid-sentence, looking around Bones' shoulder. "Hello, ma'am." General Carter approaches the two men, Hayes snapping a salute. "Airman Hayes." says the General. She catches Bones' face in the corner of her eye as she passes by, stopping abruptly with an about-face. "Carter Jennings. I saw your name on the list of new personnel, but I thought it was just a coincidence. You're looking well...although you could use a shave and haircut. (cracking a smile) I can only imagine what Captain Verrill thought when he met you." -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 11:13 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "He probably wondered where my uniform was, General.  So you're running the big show?" -- Posted by Dieter on 11:31 am on Oct. 14, 2004 "That's what the President tells me every time I call him. I'm pretty sure Generals Hammond and O'Neill are  having a good laugh at the whole thing. After General O'Neill got his Star, he retired. I suppose I should have seen this coming. He was no doubt propositioned for my job. I can hear him now." Me? No way. Try Carter. She's got nothing better to do now that she's a pencil-pusher in Washington. "I hate to interrupt the reunion, but I was on my way to a situation report. Care to sit in on the meeting?" -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 12:30 pm on Oct. 14, 2004 Carter falls into step behind Carter (grin), saying "Sounds exciting."  Given the fact that the base is in the aftermath of an alien incursion, it's hard to tell if it's sarcasm or not. -- Posted by fanchergw on 6:52 pm on Oct. 14, 2004 Somehow managing to balance the overloaded tray with one hand, Semo snaps a salute with the other. "Yes, sir, Captain!" -- Posted by Gatac on 7:54 pm on Oct. 14, 2004 Hugh smiles. "Easy, Sarge. That'll make a hell of a mess if it hits the ground, and if there's people on this base I don't want mad at me, it's the cantina staff." They sit down at the next table; Hugh doesn't even bother touching his bag, simply putting it down and the table and subsequently ignoring it. "Now, what I wanted to talk to you about are your manners. Don't get me wrong, you're doing this as by-the-book as anyone could demand, I have no complaints about that. However, out there on a mission, this kind of stuff will get us killed. I'm sure you're aware that the standard SG uniform is to be worn without identifying marks of any kind except the project patch. Out there, we are - by definition - irregular combattants. You're well-trained. You have field experience. I expect you to do your job out there, Sargeant. But that doesn't mean excessive 'Sir'-ing or constant saluting. The MPs not watching, and you have nothing to prove to me. I know, it's a bit tough getting used to the usual rank inflation you find in this project, but I'm sure you'll manage." Hugh gets up and grabs his bag. "Bon appetite, Sarge." -- Posted by fanchergw on 5:15 am on Oct. 15, 2004 "Yeah, me neither," Semo replies with a chuckle as he joins the Captain at the table. He listens quietly as Hugh gives him the mini-lecture, only slightly distracted by the fact that his food is getting cold before him. "I hope you don't mind me saying so, Captain," Semo replies, "but I've seen a fair bit of field duty and am familiar with life out there.  You can be certain that I will do my job in the field, sir.  However, we're not out there, we're in here, and I don't yet know who the stuffed shirts are here." As Hugh departs, Semo responds with, "Thank you, Captain".  Not wanting his food to cool any further, Semo dives in immediately. -- Posted by Dieter on 5:56 am on Oct. 15, 2004 Shoveling the meatloaf and mash potatoes into his mouth, Semo begins to appreciate his new assignment. The Air Force always did have the best food... Nearly through his apple cobbler dessert, Semo's digestion is interrupted by a shadow falling on his meal tray. "Sergeant Put...Putup...Hell, I'm just gonna call you Sarge." Semo looks up from his tray and sees a man dressed in fatigues and sporting the standard USMC High-n-Tight haircut. On his lapels are Captain's bars and MASTERS stamped on his name patch. "You're one of my new NCOs, right?" -- Posted by fanchergw on 7:16 am on Oct. 15, 2004 As the shadow appears over his food, Semo looks up to see yet another officer.  At least this one is a Marine.  Swallowing the bite already in his mouth, he lowers his fork and gives a quick salute. "Yes, sir, Captain Masters.  Sargeant Say-mo Poo-too-poo, though most call me Sumo." -- Posted by Dieter on 7:29 am on Oct. 15, 2004 "Sumo. I like that. It's easy to shout in a firefight." Captain Masters sounds out Semo's last name phonetically. Poo-too-poo "Man, your D.I. must have put your name through hell in bootcamp." Masters pulls an apple from his jacket pocket, chomping down a big bite.   "That stuff they feed us we'll kill ya, you know. So, anyway. You're going to be part of SG-3. That's what the Air Farce brass wanna call the Marine Corps around here. I was going to ask Sergeant Cahill to join me as the NCO liason at the situation meeting we're having in a few minutes, but I think you'll do. You could use the experience in the joy that is top brass fellating themselves and our benevolent mission statement." (Edited by Dieter at 12:31 pm on Oct. 15, 2004) -- Posted by fanchergw on 8:29 am on Oct. 15, 2004 Unpleasant memories flash across Semo's face.  "Yes, it's been mangled by many, in some ugly ways." Master's comment causes Semo to snort amusedly.  "Yes, sir.  At least I might actually learn something about what the hell I'm doing here. "Actually, this stuff is better than much of what I grew up on.  A lot of the farms give the itinerant workers absolute crap to eat." -- Posted by Dieter on 8:45 am on Oct. 15, 2004 "Three squares a day. I feel for you, my momma was terrible cook. I have to say, the airmen they got working here do know how to fry up a good chicken-fried steak though." Captain Masters looks at his watch, they up at Semo. "Take a couple of more forkfills, then we gotta get movin' we're going to be on time." -- Posted by fanchergw on 12:41 pm on Oct. 15, 2004 He better not be implying that my mom was a lousy cook... "Okay, Captain."  Semo polishes off the cobler in a few quick bites and rises.  "Ready." -- Posted by Dieter on 4:11 pm on Oct. 15, 2004 SG Briefing Room, 14:00 "You may be seated." General Carter says, beginning the meeting with a somber look on her otherwise normally cheerful face. "We'll start with what's most important right now, the status of those still injured and on the mend from the alien attack." The General looks across the room and over to a petite blonde wearing a starched white lab coat over her USAF blues. Silver lieutenant's bars are pinned to her collar. "Dr. Hudson, you have the floor." -- Posted by Navana on 6:55 pm on Oct. 15, 2004 “We brought in ten injured from the…” she pauses, looking for words, “attack. So far, two have died, four are still critical, and the rest are either stable or already released.” The very to the point overview of the casualties did not seem to do them justice. Ali had been in charge of the triage that removed them from the SG control room, and her lack of sleep since the incident was beginning to wear into her. -- Posted by fanchergw on 6:46 pm on Oct. 16, 2004 Semo follows Captain Masters into the briefing room and sits next to him.  As they wait for the presentation to start, he looks around for any other Marines there, introducing himself to those near enough to do so easily. When General Carter appears, Semo gives her his full attention.  At least she's easier on the eyes than many officers he's met over the years. She soon turns to an even-more-attractive Lieutenant for the medical report from the cryptically mentioned "alien attack".  This is the first Semo has heard of what really happened here.  Aliens?!  Disturbing, at the very least.  He gives a quick questioning look to Captain Masters before turning back. Unfortunately, the pretty Dr. Hudson is too fatigued to give more than a very minimalist report.  He needs to find out more. -- Posted by Gatac on 11:23 am on Oct. 17, 2004 Hearing Hudson's short report, Hugh waits for a pause, then raises his voice. "Excuse me, Lt., but what about the attackers? Did you find out anything about them from the remains?" -- Posted by Navana on 9:08 pm on Oct. 17, 2004 "We are still looking through the archives and trying to match it with something previously encountered, but so far, nothing has turned up. As far as I can tell, we have never encountered anything from this species, Captain." Their large cataloged of species that the previous SG teams had gathered was still limited to information from years ago. It was possible that this species was genetically created, or a form of Replicator, however, in either case, she did not like the possibilities. "We will keep searching until we have exhausted all of our sources, sir." -- Posted by Dieter on 7:30 am on Oct. 18, 2004 Lt. Forbes interjects with some more information on the aliens' origin. He takes a moment to wipe his brow on his shirtsleeve before continuing. "Captain, if I may. Just before the meeting, I was talking to our IT guys about getting the control room's mainframe restored to pre-attack condition. During one of their trial-runs, they came across a set of 7 chevrons, including the point-of-origin symbol..." General Carter stops the lieutenant in mid-sentence. "...So you have all the information to dial up the planet of origin?" excitedly asks the General. Lieutenant Forbes seems reluctant to answer, taking a long sip of water from his glass. Sitting nearby, Ali notices that he also appears severely fatigued, his rather pale. "Err...well, that's the interesting part, ma'am. We did a simulation of the chevrons and the model suggested that there was still one symbol missing from the dial-up."   -- Posted by Gatac on 7:36 am on Oct. 18, 2004 This time, Hugh's reaction is a good bit quieter and shorter, but still audible. "Another chevron..." -- Posted by fanchergw on 9:38 am on Oct. 18, 2004 The Captain's question reminds Semo once again.  Seems like everyone here knows more of the story than I do.  Typical military - don't tell the enlisted men anything... Frankly, all the talk up chevrons and mainframes goes right over Semo's head.  However, it seems that what they know is very little.  Semo will remain quiet until they are invited to ask questions. -- Posted by Punkey on 11:00 am on Oct. 18, 2004 "That's my cue," Silver says, and stands up. He walks over to the whiteboard on the wall. "As Thomas has pointed out, the coordinates that our tentacle friends came from includes an eighth chevron. As you all know, the last and only time an eight-chevron jump has been attempted was the Pegasus jump, which almost completely drained our one and only zero-point module, which we need to run our planetary defenses." (Edited by Punkey at 1:03 pm on Oct. 18, 2004) -- Posted by Gatac on 11:04 am on Oct. 18, 2004 Hugh cuts in, looking a lot less than happy. "So we're at the mercy of the tentacles like Japanese schoolgirls? Is that what you're telling us, Doctor?" -- Posted by Punkey on 11:13 am on Oct. 18, 2004 Silver smiles. "Well, you didn't let me finish." He turns to the board and starts drawing a diagram. "I've spent a good portion of the last ten years going over the data from the Pegasus jump, and it seems that the coordinates from the jump lead to some kind of relay station which uses the eighth chevron to enhance and bounce the signal to the final destination." The diagram on the whiteboard reflects this, and he starts writing equations to determine the energy required for the jump. "Now, when we did the Pegasus jump, we had to pump enough juice into the signal to power up the relay, but now that it's on, we don't have to do that. Also, the coordinates for the jump indicate that it's nowhere near as far as the Pegasus jump, but it will still require a sizeable amount of power. Say, all of Colorado Springs." He caps the marker and turns around. "No problem." (Edited by Punkey at 1:15 pm on Oct. 18, 2004) -- Posted by Dieter on 11:31 am on Oct. 18, 2004 "That'll do, Captain." General Carter replies, looking annoyed at the juvenile remark made by her subordinate. Verill chided for the remark, the General puts on a pair of glasses and turns her undivided attention towards the math presented on the whiteboard. She smiles at the doctor's computations, pleased with his numbers. "You say no problem now Dr. Silver, but you know as well as I do that a differential of less that .23 Gigawatts can cause a total and...might I add, catastrophic meltdown of the Stargate itself." -- Posted by Navana on 7:50 pm on Oct. 18, 2004 Ali sits, merely able to listen to all of the technical information she has never heard of, let alone is able to comprehend. Much of her college years were not spent studying physics, let alone the science of the Stargate. The young doctor resigns herself to take in what she can grasp, and hope that somewhere in this mess, her medical knowledge might give her some edge enough to help. -- Posted by Dieter on 3:50 am on Oct. 19, 2004 Captain Masters sits in his chair, doodling some kind of explosion coming out of a skull. He stops his pen, looks up at Dr. Silver with an expression of contempt. "Dr. Silver, forgive me for being a grunt, but what the hell does all that mean to me and my men?" (Edited by Dieter at 11:23 am on Oct. 19, 2004) -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 6:22 am on Oct. 19, 2004 Carter pipes up with "I think it means that there won't be backup coming through for a LONG damn time, bub.  And that's if we aren't vaporized on our trip through in the first place." -- Posted by Dieter on 6:33 am on Oct. 19, 2004 Masters scratches the back of his high-n-tight. "I had a feeling it was something like that. I just don't like feeding my Marines a bunch of BS. They knew what they were signing on for and we're ready to go when the pencil-pushers tell us to..." He glances over to General Carter. "...No offense, ma'am." General Carter nods. "None taken, Captain." retorts the General. She takes off her glasses and pauses for a moment in thought. "Doctor, how long and what would it take to modify our Stargate to accomodate the ninth symbol's power requirements?" (Edited by Dieter at 11:47 am on Oct. 19, 2004) -- Posted by Punkey on 3:21 pm on Oct. 19, 2004 "Not too long at all to upgrade the power conduits leading to the gate, however, obtaining the materials necessary for the upgrade might prove problematic," he says. "The specs for the conduits require a little extraterrestrial assistance from the Asgard, and considering that as far as they know the Tauri just dropped off the radar without so much as a goodbye, we might have some issues finding and reestablishing relations with them again. I had some contact with them back when the project was up and running, but you've had a lot more time with them than I have, Sam. You think we could gate back to the old Alpha Site and try to contact them?" (Edited by Punkey at 11:21 pm on Oct. 19, 2004) -- Posted by Dieter on 5:02 am on Oct. 20, 2004 General Carter leans back in her chair, rubbing her eyes in a slightly lamenting fashion at the proposal of contacting the Asgardians. Composing herself and cracking her familiar smile, Sam stares at Dr. Silver. "I suppose they still owe us for the help we gave them against the Replicators. The Alpha Site on P4X-650, while abandoned, should still be there. It was meant as a permanent last-ditch solution. Very well." Samantha stands up. "Captains Verrill and Masters, assemble your teams for departure...destination P4X-650. You leave in two hours. Dismissed." (Edited by Dieter at 12:08 pm on Oct. 20, 2004) -- Posted by Gatac on 7:32 am on Oct. 20, 2004 Hugh gets up, goes through the motions on autopilot, and retreats to the armory to fetch his gear. Note to myself, to be read one year ago: Do NOT reup. -- Posted by fanchergw on 9:56 am on Oct. 20, 2004 Semo is disappointed, though not surprised, that he never got a chance to ask his question.  Still, maybe his CO knows more than he does... As they leave the briefing room, Semo queries Captain Masters.  "Captain?  I just got here, and am a little in the dark; they didn't really include much info in my orders packet.  What exactly happened here that has everyone ready to wet themselves?  I heard mention of an alien attack, but that's about it." When they reach the armory, Semo gears up as best he can. -- Posted by Dieter on 10:55 am on Oct. 20, 2004 Quote: from fanchergw on 2:56 pm on Oct. 20, 2004 As they leave the briefing room, Semo queries Captain Masters.  "Captain?  I just got here, and am a little in the dark; they didn't really include much info in my orders packet.  What exactly happened here that has everyone ready to wet themselves?  I heard mention of an alien attack, but that's about it." When they reach the armory, Semo gears up as best he can. Captain Masters holds off on an explanation until they're in the armory. Taking Semo aside, he helps him equip-up for his first SG mission. In between the lectures on: You'll need this. You won't need this. Take FOUR of these. The Captain sets Semo straight on the more pressing matters the Sergeant has. "Son, let me tell you one thing about the military...the less you know, the better. I was a shiny, butter-barred lieutenant when I joined the SG program six months before it shut down ten years ago. I've been on a dozen or so missions through Alice's Looking Glass and doesn't make any more sense now than it did then. All you have to remember is that your first ride through the Stargate is kinda like going through bootcamp...you'll hate every second of it, but you're damn glad you survived it." -- Posted by fanchergw on 6:59 am on Oct. 21, 2004 With the Captain's help, Semo gets thoroughly geared-up.  Fortunately, he's strong and can carry an amazing amount of equipment. After a few minutes, Masters addresses his question.  Typical military answer: shut up and don't ask questions.  He's heard it plenty of times before. "Yes, sir.  Got it." -- Posted by Dieter on 8:19 am on Oct. 21, 2004 Everyone assembles in front of the Stargate, the Marines doing final equipment checks as Air Force techs stand on the platform, preparing the MALP for its recon to P4X-650. General Carter's voice broadcasts over the PA system. Attention, SGs One and Three. The MALP will recon the Alpha Site to make sure the area is secure. Pending a green light from the probe, your mission will commence. Dr. Silver, I'm depending upon you to make contact with the Asgard, preferably Thor, if you should be successful. Radio SGC with any developments. The room goes quiet, the ubiquitous yellow warning lights begin to flash as the Stargate hums with power, its shiny, metallic Iris retracting. Dialing initiated. Chevron One, encoded. Chevron Two, encoded. Chevron Three, encoded. Chevron Four, encoded. Chevron Five, encoded. Chevron Six, encoded. Chevron Seven, locked. The "flush" projects out towards the teams, the shimmering blue hue of the event horizon washing out all other tones in the room. The MALP comes to life, its wheels whinding with an enthusiastic whirr as it moves towards open Gate. -- Posted by Gatac on 8:31 am on Oct. 21, 2004 Hugh watches the Stargate activate, nervously clutching his M4. I wonder how many of us they'll sent into this deathtrap THIS time. -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 8:33 am on Oct. 21, 2004 Carter slowly shakes his head, as if to say to himself "What was I thinking?" "$100,000 a year....  $100,000 a year.... -- Posted by fanchergw on 9:51 am on Oct. 21, 2004 At first, Semo doesn't know what to make of the strange contraption on the platform.  Looks kind of like one of those frisbie rings... Then things get weird in a hurry.  It is clear from the expression on this Marine's face that he's never seen the stargate in operation before. Shit.  I don't like the looks of this... He watches in trepidation as the wheeled robot things rolls up the ramp toward the glowing blue sheet. (Edited by fanchergw at 11:53 am on Oct. 21, 2004) -- Posted by Punkey on 2:04 pm on Oct. 21, 2004 Silver notices Semo's nervous expression. "Don't worry, son, she doesn't bite," Silver says. "It's like you're walking through a curtain, except you wind up light-years away on the other side. Besides, we established Alpha Site as a safe zone years ago, and I'm pretty sure it stayed that way." He still tightens his grip on the assault rifle he's carrying, though. -- Posted by Dieter on 4:51 am on Oct. 22, 2004 The probe's wheels spin up, moving up to and through the Stargate. A few impatient minutes go by as the telemetry from P4X-650 is received by SGC. Everyone sits idly, waiting for the go-ahead from upstairs. General Carter is seen receiving a printout of the probe's findings, then comes back on the PA. SG-1 and SG-3, the Alpha Site appears to be just as we left it. You are cleared to begin the mission. Good luck and safe journey. Without missing a beat, Captain Masters readies his men. "Alright Marines, you heard the General. Fall in and move out!" The Marines file into formation on the platform with Captain Masters walking over to Hugh. "Captain Verrill. I'm sure you share the same uncertainty of the probe's ability to determine hostiles as I do, so my men and I will go through first. We'll secure a perimeter and then we'll radio you with the all-clear." -- Posted by fanchergw on 5:22 am on Oct. 22, 2004 Ah, the scientist I met on the bus... Semo thinks, slowly recognising the man speaking to him.  Son?  I sure seem to have a lot of fathers these days.  Must be part of that 'family' thing the brass are always talking about... "Roger," he says with a nod.  The scientist's own tension isn't lost on him though.   Masters calls out his orders and Semo makes sure that the squads fall in correctly as he takes his own position near the front of the group.  "Ready, sir." -- Posted by Gatac on 5:46 am on Oct. 22, 2004 "Go ahead, Captain." As SG-3 moves through the gate, Hugh turns to SG-1. "Remember folks, we're the brains, not the brawn. SG-3 has our back, so if the shit hits the fan, don't try to be a hero. Fall back, cover your rear, and most important of all, always know where the Stargate is. I trust everybody has memorized Earth's dialing code?" -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 6:07 am on Oct. 22, 2004 "1-900-HOT-CHIX?" Carter quips. -- Posted by Dieter on 6:23 am on Oct. 22, 2004 As it enters the Stargate, the entire squad of Marines roars with laughter at Carter's retort. Captain Masters attempts to maintain order in the ranks, grinning from ear-to-ear. "Heh heh. As you were, Marines...as you were." Masters is the last to enter, disappearing into the vortex. -- Posted by Gatac on 7:00 am on Oct. 22, 2004 Hugh looks over to Carter, a slight spark of mischief in his eye. "Sounds like our first volounteer for perimeter watch duty." -- Posted by fanchergw on 11:19 am on Oct. 22, 2004 Like the other Marines, Semo laughs at the remark.  Maybe a good laugh will calm his nerves just a bit. As ranking NCO, Semo is first through the Gate.  He's not sure what to expect, how much this will hurt or how much danger they'll find on the other side, but he'll be damned if he'll send any of the men under him where he hasn't gone himself. Stepping up to the blue veil, Sargeant Putupu grits his teeth and continues on, half expecting his life to end right there... -- Posted by Dieter on 5:10 am on Oct. 29, 2004 Semo makes it through the Stargate in one piece, if not a bit nauseated from the unique experience...good thing he's got a strong stomach. Two of the PFCs exiting the Gate don't share the same fortune as himself. Stepping out, they first appear to be disoriented then break into a full double-over pukefest. Lieutenant Shimabakoro follows the squad out with Captain Masters being the last Marine to exit, breaking out a cigar from his chest pocket and lighting it. "Alright Marines, puke it all up...I can tell you that it does get better after the first few trips. Everyone else, fan out and secure a perimeter...100 meters. Move out." The Marines give a "hoo-yah" proceeding to quickly disperse about the Stargate. Semo establishes an intermediate position between the perimeter and Gate, taking in his new surroundings. The Gate is situated in a small clearing amongst a few tall fir trees. A brisk wind whips up in/around the clearing with the smell of salt-air hanging in its wake. Grabbing his binoculars, Semo watches the Marines fan out with a few moving into a partially enclosed obviously man-made habitation consisting of five buildings and two watchtowers. In the center of the compound is a tattered SG flag still flying overhead. Adjusting his footing for a more stable view, Semo's boots kick up a considerable amount of black sand. Beta, Charlie, and Delta teams reporting in. No contacts, area is secured, over? Lt. Shimabakoro and Capt. Masters approache Semo, with the LT responding to the radio call. "Roger that. We're moving in." Captain Masters calls SGC. "SGC, this is SG-3. Perimeter is secured. Send in SG-1." -- Posted by Gatac on 7:11 am on Oct. 29, 2004 Hugh hears the radio chatter on the other end, the motions to the rest of the team. "We're clear. Time to move out." As any good leader would, Hugh goes in first, though it's more of a case of not thinking it through. The short trip through the gate makes Hugh regret that, though. I should have toasted this piece of junk when I had the chance. -- Posted by fanchergw on 7:32 pm on Oct. 31, 2004 Semo's stomach does a flip-flop as he steps through.  Fortunately, he's able to avoid losing his lunch. A few of his men aren't as lucky.  Semo gives them each a quick pat on the back.  "You'll be okay in a minute, guys." Receiving his orders from the Captain, Semo sends out the fire teams.  With two out of action for the moment, that leaves ten men.  He sends three to scout the buildings.  The rest are split between the remaining seven compass points.  At the same time, he takes up position between the Gate and the abandoned base - if that's what it is. Using his binoculars to monitor the scouts, Semo passes the all-clear to the Captain and Lieutenant, who pass it on to SGC.  The civies start to pour through the Gate, but Semo pays them little head.  Instead, he keeps his eye on the perimeter to ensure that there are no surprises. -- Posted by Dieter on 3:59 am on Nov. 2, 2004 Rank and file move towards the abandoned Alpha Site facility with Semo cautiously monitoring the perimeter for an signs of trouble. "Let's get that flag down and put the new one up. We can't have the locals thinking we don't mean business." says Captain Masters, quietly puffing on his cigar. "You heard the Captain. Move it!" barks Lt. Shimabakoro to a few PFCs who quickly unfurl and string up a crisp SG flag. Assured of no eminent attack, Semo jogs toward the reclaimed Alpha Site. The landscape around him is truly other-worldly, but does remind him of a Discovery Channel show about the strange terrain of Iceland with its volcanic soil and icy weather. -- Posted by Gatac on 4:48 am on Nov. 2, 2004 Hugh's eyes shift from side to side, looking for potential threats - and cover. "Interesting planet." -- Posted by fanchergw on 10:25 am on Nov. 2, 2004 Semo watches as they put of the new SG flag, but then returns to his oversight of the fireteams.  Personally, he'd prefer if it were an American flag, but it's not his decision. Truth be told, Semo doesn't much like this place.  It seems alien and otherworldly, which he supposes it is.  Doesn't make him feel any better about it.  Still, he has a job to do, and he's determined to see this through. Since the base seems secure, Semo moves out to where he can keep a better eye on the perimeter.  He still has seven men out there.  Moving to the middle of the circle, he scans each man with his field glasses to ensure that all is under control. -- Posted by admiralducksauce on 4:27 am on Nov. 3, 2004 Carter lights up a cigarette and actually looks happy to be here. -- Posted by Punkey on 9:57 pm on Nov. 3, 2004 Silver walks into the headquarters shelter, sets his rifle down and starts setting up the new equipment and getting the base up and running. He's humming a tune and smiling the entire time, excited to be back in the field. -- Posted by Dieter on 4:01 am on Nov. 5, 2004 The next few hours pass with little more than a few panicked bursts of rifle fire from the sentry units. Upon closer inspection from Semo and Lt. Shimabakoro, it turns out to be just some inquisitive native creatures poking around the perimeter. Base camp at the Alpha Site is re-established by the Marines and Dr. Silver's  gets his science station up and running. The sun begins to set as SG-1 sits down around a campfire, eating a decidedly unappetizing MRE meal of Chili-Mac. Questioning the nutritional and taste content of her dinner, Dr Hudson gets a temporary reprieve from her gastronomy when her personal radio chirps with an in-coming message from SGC. Dr. Hudson, this is General Carter. Is anyone reporting signs of fatigue and/or nausea? Putting down her MRE and spoon, Dr. Hudson responds. "No, ma'am. Everything is fine here." That's a relief because Lt. Forbes is currently in the infirmary suffering from what appears to be a severe case of pneumonia. General Carter pauses for a moment then continues. Captain Verrill, are you there? -- Posted by Gatac on 4:37 am on Nov. 5, 2004 Hugh grabs his radio. "Yes, General. Reactivation of Alpha Site is within schedule. No hostile contacts." -- Posted by Dieter on 10:14 am on Nov. 18, 2004 Copy that. Your orders are to sit tight for now and finish the reactiv---- General Carter's voice suddenly fades then drops to dead static. Captain Verrill looks around for obvious signs of disruption but only sees the two suns of P4X-650 bleed a reddish-orange hue as they fall below the planet's horizon. Night falls with as much quickness as that of the broken comm channel with SGC. -- Posted by Gatac on 10:20 am on Nov. 18, 2004 Hugh has his rifle readied within three seconds of losing radio contact, frantically looking around. "Everybody stay alert!" Scanning the horizon, he tries the radio again. "General? Come in, General, we're not reading you." -- Posted by Dieter on 10:35 am on Nov. 18, 2004 The Marines switch off their safeties, putting their fingers over their triggers and forming a defensive perimeter around the immediate area of the compound. Hugh's radio hisses with the dead SGC channel broadcasting into his ear. Switching to the alternative broadcast frequency, the whooshing sound alien weaponry and close-by gunfire echo through the campsite. Fireteam Charlie to Alpha Leader, contact. Numerous unknowns approaching from the north. I have two men down and am under heavy fire. Over? -- Posted by Gatac on 10:40 am on Nov. 18, 2004 "Alpha Leader to Charlie, withdraw to base." Hugh looks over to Carter Jennings. "Call the hot chicks, ASAP." -- Posted by fanchergw on 7:20 am on Nov. 24, 2004 Hearing and seeing the evidence of combat from Charlie sector, Semo reacts immediately.  "Rover team with me.  Extract Charlie." Semo leads his quick-response squad toward Charlie's position.  They move close enough to lay down cover fire for fireteam Charlie to retreat.  Searching the darkness for targets, Semo lights it up with his SAW.