Stargate Orion: Arrival [IC/Semi-Open]

[Morrdh]

As some technicians manoeuvred a MALP into position, Henshaw gathered the military personnel around him. "OK, listen closely ladies and gents."

"Gear checks and final chance to ensure you've left nothing behind," Henshaw announced. "If this works there will potentially be no return, so I'd rather not have anyone forget a vital piece of equipment. So if you're missing something you've got ten minutes to find it, otherwise its being left."

"Once the gate is dialled and we're cleared to move through, I want a clean and professional job. We're the vanguard for the expedition and as such we'll be first into what should be considered hostile territory, so keep sharp and make sure the area is secure."

"Other than that, god-speed and best of luck everyone."

---

The alarm beeped on Gillian's watched and she nodded to the technician ready with the dialling computer before taking a deep breath and calling out to those assembled, her Irish accent sounding clear and loud. "Yer attention everyone."

"There is much tae said 'bouts standing on the shoulders o' giants." Gillian called out. "Tae be standing here taday we owe thanks tae the efforts and hard-worn experience o' both the SGC and the Atlantis Expedition, tis thanks tae them that we're able tae embark on the next greatest step on Humanity's journey inta the stars."

"We'll be venturing inta the unknown, but like those who went 'fore us I'd like ta think we'll be more than up tae the challenge." Continued Gillian, nodding to the technician at the dialling computer. "Last chance fer anyone tae drop out, theres no telling when we'll contact anyone friendly. OK, start dialling."

The Atlantis gate sprang into life as the technician punched in the gate address for the Orion Galaxy, he hesitated for a moment before hitting the last symbol and a fountain of blue liquid shot out from the gate as it established a wormhole. The sprout quickly collapsed on itself and form a glimmering pool in the mouth of the gate, the waiting MALP was sent through and everyone waited anxiously to see what happened. Then an excited cry called out. "Receiving signal!"

"Breathable atmo, seems a little chilly and radar's showing a large chamber on the other side." Announced the technician. "No signs of life."

"Miss O'Donnell," The General said. "Looks like you have a go."

"Thank ye General." Gillian beamed before she turned to the assembled expedition. "OK people, we have a go...so lets get ready tae hustle it!"

"Vanguard on me!" Henshaw called out. "Safeties off and move like you've got a purpose, shift it!"

[Ormata]

Capt. Maisy Owen, USMC
Atlantis City Ship, Lantea

"OK, listen closely ladies and gents."

"Gear checks and final chance to ensure you've left nothing behind," Henshaw announced. "If this works there will potentially be no return, so I'd rather not have anyone forget a vital piece of equipment. So if you're missing something you've got ten minutes to find it, otherwise its being left."

"Once the gate is dialled and we're cleared to move through, I want a clean and professional job. We're the vanguard for the expedition and as such we'll be first into what should be considered hostile territory, so keep sharp and make sure the area is secure."

"Other than that, god-speed and best of luck everyone."

“Marines, on me,” called Owen; she’d noticed a few of them move in and wanted to have a word with the guys. Even though she wasn’t the person in charge, she was still the highest ranking Marine officer there and, as a result, they probably would look to her for guidance every once in a while. They looked over, nodded as a few shifted over to her gradually. The Marines had their equipment aoll together, so that ten minutes was practically a smoke break for them. As they gathered around, around twenty, all were at ease with it. Good, good.

“Right. No-one’s going to be watching us, but you still know what every Marine would give to be in your shoes,” Owen started, mouth wry with a little smile.

“Their left nuts,” twanged out a Sergeant, chuckling at the reference and speaking quiet enough for it to be a bit hard for anyone else to hear. A couple others got it too, though honestly no-one had ever heard a speech like that in real life before an operation, much less an invasion. It was for movies only.

“Damn straight. Their left nuts. Make this shit count. Worst comes to worst, we might be fucked like no tomorrow, have no contact, and get to be the start of a new civilization. Don’t have their ancient stories be ‘one time Private Jones tried to fuck a tree’, alright? We’ve all trained for this, we all know this, and most of us are former SGC. Some of these new people, this is their first time out. Don’t play babysitter and get yourself killed, but honestly don’t let those fucks die for no reason.”

“Dammit...”

“Yeah yeah yeah. I know, it sucks sure, but it’s how it is. Deal with it. Now, brass checks.”

The last of the ten minutes was spent ensuring that every damn weapon they had was good and ready, all the ammo was good and ready, and that the shit would overall be good. Three Marines had seabags practically filled with only ammunition boxes, something that probably was a little overkill with the hope that they’d regain contact but would be a lifesaver if they wouldn’t. They wanted firepower to stay with them, not be lost like a bastard. It was a calming thing though, really a calming thing as they went over every weapon. All in all, M4s and M16s composed the majority of rifles, everyone had a pistol in one variety or another, many M1911 variants, and three M249s were held. Various 203s and a rotary grenade launcher would be their mobile firepower, as well as one of the handheld, hand-thrown UAVs with a good 12 hour endurance.

The lady started her speech, some of them paying attention. A lot didn’t. They were busy mounting all their gear up on shoulders, busy getting all straps nice and tight for the travel and movement, and everything else. Owen checked all of her own out; compared to some, like the M249 guys, she was traveling really, really light.

"We'll be venturing inta the unknown, but like those who went 'fore us I'd like ta think we'll be more than up tae the challenge." Continued Gillian, nodding to the technician at the dialling computer. "Last chance fer anyone tae drop out, theres no telling when we'll contact anyone friendly. OK, start dialling."

The Gate lit-up, blue errupting from the rest of it before settling down into a stable horizon. They waited for the whole thing to stabilize, for the info to come in from the drone that lumbered in soon following. A lot of guys smiled at it; fuck yeah, they were going into the big unknown, a new galaxy and a new life. They were being explorers, like Kirk maybe, or Columbus. Maybe there’d be some cute green ladies on the other side. Maybe it’d just be more annoying shit. At least you could get your hopes up with ignorance. Owen, she nodded at it. Gate travel got old after a while, honestly.

"Miss O'Donnell," The General said. "Looks like you have a go."

"Thank ye General." Gillian beamed before she turned to the assembled expedition. "OK people, we have a go...so lets get ready tae hustle it!"

"Vanguard on me!" Henshaw called out. "Safeties off and move like you've got a purpose, shift it!"

A cluster of clicks, safeties off, and each of the Marines low enough and ready to sling-off their seabags and packs at a moments notice, weapons up and fingers off triggers. They moved in.