Triangulation

[Ethan Collins]

As they kept moving through the snow and he asked his questions he was still on the look out for any 'danger' signs. "They're arachnids, of sorts. Related to tranantulas, but only live in cold climes. We have a theory that they have an enzyme that helps to boost the immune system." Ethan couldn't help but find a strange walk through the alien snow planet just a little exciting, it was still sinking in, but he was getting more used to the frantic pace of the SGC.

"Maybe they are like those Antarctic cod, with the anti-freeze enzymes as well, so their blood doesn't freeze." Though the idea they were going after spiders itself wasn't scary, it wasn't a phobia to be scared of a possibly deadly animal in fact he felt it was a good thing a little fear might keep you from doing stupid things. As they arrived at the ruins, Martinez worked away looking for her specimens. Ethan pulled out one of the new hand help sensors and stood atop the highest snow mound around and took a some readings, it wasn't showing and radiation that would indicate advanced civilian, energy distortions anything that might peek their interest beyond some simple recon  of the area and what they were sent here to find. 

As he moved back down he shook his head. "Nothing on the hand scanner" then Sierra moved them out as the Martinez was finished. "Ok, we're going to do a tour! I'll take the rear...Collins, take the point position.
" He turned in the direction they were supposed to be going and lead them off into the white snow-scape.

As they walked through the snow it was still surprising how barren this place was, it wasn't even icy, so there had to be significant snow storms, however they certainly didn't want to be stuck in one that seemingly kept a fairly deep covering of snow over the ground or ice they were walking over.

<TAG: Fiona Maccafferty As Sierra Williams>

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra was tense, but she couldn't put her finger on why. Maybe she'd been doing this far too long, but her suspicions were heightened. They were NOT alone on this planet, though she couldn't SEE anything amiss. She kept moving, keeping her thoughts to herself for the time being, but she could tell Benjamin was sort of thinking the same as she, though he was less tense about it.

Behind her, Collins and Martinez were deep in conversation.

Maybe they are like those Antarctic cod, with the anti-freeze enzymes as well, so their blood doesn't freeze.. She had no idea that there were even codfish IN Antarctica, so she said nothing. She held her scanner; nothing was showing up yet, but she still had her senses going. Maybe she needed a psych consult. The thought of THAT made her shiver. Collins spoke again. Nothing on the hand scanner She nodded at him, and led the way.

After several paces, the exact number of which she'd lost count, the hand scanner went off. She KNEW it! She drew her weapon, but didn't raise it, as they moved towards the sound. She had a silent conversation with Benjamin, after which he fell out of formation, taking the lead. She remained in the back, Collins behind him, and Amanda in front of her. Note to self, Sierra, train the scientist on hand-to-hand combat.

Suddenly, a large figure loomed over them. It appeared to be a half-bird, half-man creature-by all appearances, the Spring Heeled Jack of folklore. She raised her weapon, but the figure merely floated above them for a moment before disappearing, and then she had a massive stomachache. Someone had gotten a shot off, but it bounced uselessly through the snow.

What the hell was THAT? Martinez? In front of her, the others stood, openmouthed, and silent.

Tag:Ethan Collins. Sorry for the wait, I had no muse, but she's back!! And oooh, I haz ideassssss!! HERE is a little Wiki blurb on Spring Heeled Jack. I am thinking he haunts this planet for a reason I haven't QUITE worked out yet.

[Ethan Collins]

The almost pure grey white of the snowy landscape made it difficult to judge the terrain, in particular hills and the like, it seemed this planet had far 'cleaner' snow than Earth. The walking on an alien planet in the very cold probably wouldn't be a highlight of his first few missions but if it wasn't as dramatic as his first he would take it.

As they moved through the snow there was a beep, he knew what is was, it was from the hand scanners, someone must still have had theirs on. Quickly Captain Benjamin had taken the lead and slightly off to the side. there was a pause as he processed the shadow on the ground and looked up after the others, it was a bird man? he wasn't sure but quickly enough the Major and the Captains had their weapons on it and his training took over he, aimed up towards it as he sort of Pushed the doctor into the snow.

It was Clear Doctor Martinez hasn't been expected to be slightly pushed down into the snow but she was and sure enough after seeing that and a a sudden movement her M9 went off as the snow compacted beneath her. "What the hell was THAT? Martinez?" He looked back up and the figure was gone. He looked at the Major. "My fault Ma'am..." He looked down to the Doctor. "Sorry..." He helped the doctor back up to her feet she clearly wasn't impressed with him right now. "I don't need your 'protection' Lieutenant."  there was something in her use of protection, maybe she felt he had protected her because she was a woman, which to be fair he would, but in this case Martinez was more valuable to the SGC and Earth than one US Air Force Lieutenant.

He couldn't think of much to say so he chose to remain silent as she glared furiously at him. "I've been on more missions than you, I know what I'm doing." that gave him something, but on a second thought he felt his response of, 'well that's why I did it, you're more valuable than me' wouldn't go down so well. "What was that? a Bird-Man?" He'd never seen or heard of anything like it, but it almost looked like a strange human vampire type thing.

[Fiona Maccafferty]

As fast as the being appeared, it disappeared again. She holstered her weapon and instead withdrew her combat knife. She aimed it towards where the being faded off to, and threw,  but it was useless. She knew this instinctively-still, she couldn't help but try to protect her team.

My fault Ma'am...Sorry... As Captain Collins and Martinez went around with each other for a moment, she fixed them both with a LOOK that said "Discuss this later, or you will have to discuss it with ME. She gave them a moment to compose themselves. After a beat, Collins piped up.

What was that? a Bird-Man? Sierra shrugged, but it was almost impercetable under her oversized coat. She followed it with a statement.

I don't know exactly, Collins. But it appeared to be. Amanda, what can you tell me?! Collins, Benjamin, either of you have a Wraith stunner, per chance?! I You can do some damage with one... I have a feeling we're going to see our friendly flying freak again. She sighed, and waited for the scientist to fill them in.

If it's really a birdman, they're legandary. There's been no scientific evidence they exsist, and in fact, the only specimen "found,"[/font][/i] she said, making quote signs in the air with her fingers, was found to be an owl that showed symptoms of radiation poisioning, which accounted for the abnormal size and strange demeanor. No other owlets in the area had been found. It was found near the site of the Experimental reactor in Germany. No one is certain if it's a one-off, elaborate hoax, or something else entirely. The specimen was destroyed on request of the US government. She let out a sigh. Of COURSE it was.

Sierra nodded, and then looked at the others.

Ok. We stick to our task, and if the...Batman...reappears, shoot on sight. Anything else? She shrugged again. What else were they to do?

Tag;Ethan Collins.

[Ethan Collins]

The Major shot them a look, he hadn't meaned to startled the doctor. "I don't know exactly, Collins. But it appeared to be. Amanda, what can you tell me?! Collins, Benjamin, either of you have a Wraith stunner, per chance?! I You can do some damage with one... I have a feeling we're going to see our friendly flying freak again.
" He shook his head. "no Ma'am, P90, M9, knife and a couple blocks of C4." plus ammo, canteen and a handful of power bars.

"If it's really a birdman, they're legendary. There's been no scientific evidence they exist, and in fact, the only specimen "found," she said, making quote signs in the air with her fingers, was found to be an owl that showed symptoms of radiation poisoning, which accounted for the abnormal size and strange demeanor. No other owlets in the area had been found. It was found near the site of the Experimental reactor in Germany. No one is certain if it's a one-off, elaborate hoax, or something else entirely. The specimen was destroyed on request of the US government." As was along with the Soviet Union and the UK, most of Germany. 

"Ok. We stick to our task, and if the...Batman...reappears, shoot on sight. Anything else?" He wasn't sure, they had the samples and from the look of that it wasn't something they could deal with easily so this planet wasn't  one for a long term science team. "We should probably just continue the exploration until we're due back." He pulled out the hand scanner, there were still no detectable energy signatures or anomalies.

<TAG:Fiona Maccafferty As Major Sierra Williams.>

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra was frightened, but doing her best to not show it. It wouldn't do to mess up the confidence her people put in her. Benjamin was staring at her; he KNEW. Of course he did-they'd served together for YEARS, and knew about as much as each other as a spouse might. But it was Collins who spoke up.

no Ma'am, P90, M9, knife and a couple blocks of C4... She fought the urge to give him a LOOK. It had been mostly rhetorical, but at least he HAD an answer. And Martinez's wasn't that much help, either...

Great. Keep that C4 handy, just in case. No known specimens, huh?! Maybe we should see if the...beast left droppings, or tracks, or something... She sighed. Why was it always HER team that got pulled into these things?!

Collins, again, was on the ball after she asked if anyone else had ideas.

We should probably just continue the exploration until we're due back.. She nodded.

Move out.... The proceeded. Nothing much happened for awhile, until they reached the far end of the field they'd "landed" on. Then, a curious fire started. The smoke became instantly thick, and it became apparent to Sierra that someone didn't want them there. Not at all.

tag:Ethan Collins-Gonna send you a PM!

[Ethan Collins]

((NOTE:We lost our way with this mission so we are going to skip a bit to after the end of the Ori Crusade.))

Ethan Hadn't expected to go on a journey to the south pole anytime soon, however he and a few others along with a large group of Marines and SFs to the weapons platform, to control perhaps the most powerful weapon ever made in place that wasn't supposed to have weapons at all. They had all taken it in turns to sit in the chair it had been his turn and towards the end of it they got something from Stargate Command, SG-1 was back and they had brought something, something which as he concentrated on the sensors of the weapons platform eventually indicated the Ori ships were moving away, as they got conformation from numerous satellites and the Apollo the room broke out is relief and celebration, he was just careful until he left the chair completely before really thinking at all.

Today he thought about the events at the outpost a few weeks ago as he fidgeted with his dress uniform he was sure that just like him everyone else really did not like them, sure the standard uniform for off world teams wasn't great but you got used to them, he supposed it might be possible to get used to these. There had been quite a few shuffles around after the Ori were 'defeated'  They had all been told their team was being changed, it had already started first Captain Benjamin was Promoted and assigned to command another team, and Dr Martinez had already been reassigned but not left just yet to a long term research post off world, this ceremony had originally been scheduled for the day they had all prepared to face the full force of the Ori army.

The promotion of several people had all happened at once, so once it was over he had as he felt was most correct congratulated everyone else before his CO, since he spent a large portion of his life with the now Lieutenat Colonel, he doubted very much He finally got to her. "Congratulations Ma'am" he said before looking over his shoulder. It was clear the exodus of people was beginning, life and more important, the work of the SGC had to go on. "Seems everyone hates formality, can't say I don't feel the same." More over they had a place to be, they had to wish Dr Martinez, who had left most probably first, well, along with meet her replacement.

They arrived just outside the gate room ten to fifteen minutes later in their on-world(Garrison) uniforms, he had to admit getting used to her over the last year hadn't been easy, particularly her preference for first names. She greeted them first. "Ethan, Sierra," Amanda paused "Hopefully no rescues." Collins could only offer a sympathetic smile. One of the men from the team that was going to escort her and the research team to their site called for her. "It was a real journey" Martinez said before going into the gate room the blast door closing behind her.

The Lieutenant turned to the Lieutenant Colonel. "Well, this Campbell guy better not make me activate Ancient tech on his first mission." he said hands in pockets as they walked towards the elevator.

<TAG: Fiona Maccafferty As now Lieutenant Colonel Sierra Williams.>

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra was dressed in her onworld Dress uniform, standing before a small crowd. She was being promoted. It was damn time, too-she had told Benjamin, upon hearing the news, that she was going to be promoted, that she was more than ready to be behind a desk. Maybe she could finally settle down, have a home and a family. Sure, Collins and Martinez she regarded as her kids, but they weren't actually her children. She'd go home at the end of the day to an empty apartment and cold, three day old Thai food and pre-taped reruns of Friends. BUT the Air Force, namely the Stargate people, had other plans for her, as she soon found out. She was going back out on a mission. Good bye, "overseas bride dressed in white," and hello "aliens with badass weapons stronger than her own."

She smiled when necessary, and shook the hand of the General who was running the show. She thanked him, took her certificate, and smiled for her photo. She stood at attention, waiting for the others, and soon, it was over. The stream of people lined up to congratulate her, Benjamin and Collins bringing up the rear. Her boys. She was thankful for those guys.

Collins spoke, no longer the scared kid he'd been when she first laid eyes on him. Sierra had a good read on people; when she told Collins he'd be on the team, she knew he would make it. And he had. It hadn't been without it's challenges-some she'd put up, but most of them side-effects of this job-and he'd overcome them, to her delight and satisfaction.

Congratulations Ma'am...eems everyone hates formality, can't say I don't feel the same. She nodded in agreement. Benjamin offered her some nice sentiments, and the three of them set out to bid Martinez farewell. She'd return to her family and job in Arizona, and the rest would gate off to...well, only God knew where.

Thanks, Collins. Benjamin. It was nice to see Jennifer. Give her my best later. Sierra was always happy to see the families of her team, and she especially liked Jennifer Benjamin. Probably because like Sierra, she took very little crap. Collins and Martinez were too young yet, but the guy who'd been there before Collins had left the Stargate program for the sole reason that he had kids. Quadruplets, and two more to boot. Sierra had thought him insane and nearly ordered him to psych before Benjamin reminded her that those kinds of things happened sometimes.

They found the scientist in the Gate room, per usual, and Sierra smiled at her greeting. She'd miss having another female around, and one as smart as Amanda, no less.

Ethan, Sierra. Hopefully no rescues. It WOULD be her team, wouldn't it?! It was a real journey. Sierra nodded. The two women had chatted that morning, as girls did, over coffee and Sierra had already said her goodbyes, preferring to do it in private. She DID wave, though, to the now-closed Gate door. It was a journey, for sure. With a sad smile, she turned, and headed with Collins to the elevator, Benjamin long snatched away by his wife.

The young Lt. spoke again.

Well, this Campbell guy better not make me activate Ancient tech on his first mission. Sierra chuckled.

I agree. Well, what'd you think of his personnel file? Benjamin and I have a few reservations...what do YOU think? She now valued Collins' input, having learnt that he was intelligent, kind, and resourceful, as well as loyal and followed orders. It was natural now for her to look to him for input.

Tag: Ethan Collins.

[Ethan Collins]

Official functions he was sure were worse for the enlisted than officers, usually you didn't have to serve food or drinks, unless you were someone aide or attache then you fetched from the other poor souls, luckily for somewhere like Stargate Command these kind of functions were usually short, owing to the hectic schedule of the place and the chances of imminent danger on base or offworld, were quite high.

As they walked back into the elevator it was straight back to work, the Lt Colonel laughed at his comment. "I agree. Well, what'd you think of his personnel file? Benjamin and I have a few reservations...what do YOU think?" There was only so much, in his opinion you could get from a personnel file, he'd talked to a few of the mans now former team members they said he was more than solid. "I did read it, but I've also spoken to some of his old team members, they said he was very good, great even, apparently you can convince him to use a P90, so there's a start, basically from that and the file he seems like a younger Dr Jackson, but also he's been doing this whole fighting aliens going offworld thing longer than me, I don't feel right making an opinion before a couple of missions, I'm sure you had your doubts about me, then again I did bend an instructor's scenario to get selected." As he had spoke they'd entered the elevator and then they'd started up to the doctors level.

When they arrived at Campbells lab. Ethan knocked, Colonels even Lieutenant Colonels don't knock with Lieutenant chaperons like him around. Dr Campbell turned at the sound he came over and offered a hand shake to Col. Williams first. "Congratulations on the promotion," well one thing he had missed not having the complete file since he didn't need all the mans details the Accent of the man was unmissable. Ethan and James Shook hands. 

"it's nice to actually meet you Doctor." Campbell nodded and smiled a little. "Well I was just finishing up my reports for some of the stuff I was allowed to study myself from my old missions, going to take me a few days, oh when is our next mission?" He asked, Ethan wanted to know the same thing, all he knew is that it wasn't Today or Tomorrow.

TIME SKIP HERE TO A COUPLE MONTHS LATER.

Well, It was surprising to now be the Executive officer of SG-16, Benjamin had been promoted to Major and given a team to command now, they were waiting in the little room that was the SG-16 room within the mid levels of the SGC. He and Dr Campbell had started playing cards not having much else to do but wait as Lt Col Williams to bring the new recruit down., then they could get onto introductions and back to work, with a mission scheduled for the following day.

<TAG: Fiona Maccafferty as Lt Col Sierra Williams.>

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra wasn't totally pleased with her day. But she didn't have time to make heads roll; she had a new person to break in, and no time like the present to start, right?!

She listened to Collins' input, carefully. By now, she knew that he was going to tell her his real thoughts.

did read it, but I've also spoken to some of his old team members, they said he was very good, great even, apparently you can convince him to use a P90, so there's a start, basically from that and the file he seems like a younger Dr Jackson, but also he's been doing this whole fighting aliens going offworld thing longer than me, I don't feel right making an opinion before a couple of missions, I'm sure you had your doubts about me, then again I did bend an instructor's scenario to get selected.. More civillian scientists. Why couldn't they get her a military one, like Major Carter. Yeah, she wasn't with the Program anymore, having finally retired herself, but the point still stood.

Thank you, Ethan. Your time with the program isn't what matters, it's what you put into it. Unlike you and Martinez, he wasn't CHOSEN for this team; he's assigned. I just...like I said, Benjamin and I had some reservations, namely, can he handle himself out there? Amanda was a civillian, but she was tough, and what she lacked in training she made up for in brains. This doctor Campbell...he's not been in hand to hand combat. Of course, neither was Martinez when she first met, but... She stopped, and let out a sigh. It wasn't good to dump your personnel problems on the rest of the team. She just changed tracks, smiling when they came face to face with Dr. Campbell.

Dr. Campbell. LCol. Sierra Williams. Nice to meet you formally. Normally, I would've been at your interview, but we were fighting Tok'ra who wanted...well. Who knows what?! Anyway. Our next mission is three days. You have tomorrow to finalize your things with your old team, then Collins and Captain Benjamin will start working with you. I will oversee your general training for off-world missions; our first should be exciting. We're going to somewhere called GR-321. She would tell them more at the briefing.

FAST FORWARD

Another new recruit; a female. Collins had been promoted of sorts, to team XO and was now her right-hand man when Benjamin left her to lead his OWN team. She'd fought it as much as she could; she and Benjamin had worked together for YEARS, and Sierra hated change. But it WAS for the best, at least for him personally, and she was really and truly glad for her friend. PLUS he and his wife had had another child, and she was sure that he'd be taking a desk job at SG Command shortly.

She led the young woman-Lt. Emily Stafford-to the briefing room. She spotted Collins and Cambell playing cards, and just shook her head. At least it was better than Benjamin's penchant for Disco music. She'd NOT miss that at all. She spoke, her voice rising slightly with feigned annoyance.

Lieutenant, Doc. This is Lt. Emily Stafford. She's our newest teammate. She'll be the new Science officer, and I expect you two will make her feel welcome. It wasn't a question so much as an expectation, but both men were good guys, and would do just that with no problems, of that she was sure. Lt. Stafford had impressed Sierra, a feat that was well-known around Stargate to be near impossible, and the fact that it had happened twice in the span of a couple of years pretty much was proof that she was going soft. She passed out folders. It was tme to get to work.

Collins, tell us what we know about this new planet. She settled in and turned to Collins. It was time for him to show her she hadn't been wrong all that time ago.

Tag:Ethan Collins.

[Ethan Collins]

As always when he played poker against Dr Campbell he was loosing, and loosing badly. "How the hell does an archaeologist become so good at poker?" Dr Campbell laughed. "there is a lot of spare time on digs, besides you forget how much you fly boys and those marines play." It was true, the Doctor had spent the last three years of so on an SG team lead by a Marine with team mates from the USAF and the USN. "True, I really should just stop playing. Deal again." The Doctor dealed them both a new hand.

As he looked at his cards a pair of 7s it was then of course his CO and their new team mate arrived. They both quickly packed up and stood. He probably should have saluted but he and the Lt Col had been fighting alongside each toher to ignore that little facet of military life. "Lieutenant, Doc. This is Lt. Emily Stafford. She's our newest teammate. She'll be the new Science officer, and I expect you two will make her feel welcome." He walked over to Stafford and held out his hand for a handshake. "Welcome aboard." He said, Campbell then came over and offered his hand. "Doctor James Campbell." He said. "What's your field Lieutenant?" He asked.

Once that was over Williams handed out briefing folders, ones he'd already read last night. "Collins, tell us what we know about this new planet." Opening it he read back over the planets summary. "P4X-927, has been briefly surveyed by UAV, in the vicinity of the gate it seems to be a dense humid rainforest, the Stargate is in a rare and probably unnatural clearing in the middle of swamp that seems to go on for at least 20 miles or so. they also detected what might amount to a small agrarian society, A small village near a pyramid or ziggurat like structure, and our UAV couldn't scan inside, so basically that's out mission, it;s going to be humid, wet and hot, so pack only what you need and double your water, We leave at 16:20, since it will be almost dawn on the planet then." He explained.

As they all moved out he look at Sierra. "Ma'am, if you have a minute?" He asked.

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra was only a LITTLE annoyed. Thier new teammate was late-not by her own accord, but still. Sierra tried not to let it show; the young woman had been held up by bureacreacy and paperwork-two things that Sierra had little time for. When the woman had finally arrived, she'd taken no time in showing her to the meeting room, and introducing her to Ethan and Dr. Campbell. At least this time, the woman was military.

The three made the intros as she prepped the table, and then they were all seated. She asked Collins to give his report, and he did so.

P4X-927, has been briefly surveyed by UAV, in the vicinity of the gate it seems to be a dense humid rainforest, the Stargate is in a rare and probably unnatural clearing in the middle of swamp that seems to go on for at least 20 miles or so. they also detected what might amount to a small agrarian society, A small village near a pyramid or ziggurat like structure, and our UAV couldn't scan inside, so basically that's out mission, it;s going to be humid, wet and hot, so pack only what you need and double your water, We leave at 16:20, since it will be almost dawn on the planet then... She nodded, and issued the order to prepare.

Let's get ready, then. I want us in the Gate room in 20. She stood to get herself ready, but Ethan stopped her.

Ma'am, if you have a minute.. She nodded. She DID always have a minute for Collins and any member of her team.

Yes, Lt.

Ethan Collins.

[Ethan Collins]

He still had his doubts about how safe this planet was, they had no intelligence from any of their allies and it's address had been recovered and updated from the Abydos cartouche, so if was isolated as they believed they could be walking into a potentially hostile population, however as long as no one on the planet knew who they were they would probably be considered gods or their servants, that could provide them with some security, that was what he was going to talk to the Colonel about.

He gave Lt Stafford and Dr Campbell polite nods as they left. "Yes, Lt." He waited a moment before speaking. "Colonel, I have a few concerns about the local population, more than normal." That perhaps wasn't true but being the teams XO it came into his mind a little more. "The population there if this planet is as isolated as we think, it's possible they still believe in the Goa'uld. they may also believe they sent us as representatives, that makes them unpredictable... at least if we were sure they were hostile, I might feel a little better, as odd as that might sound." He paused again. "If they believe we were sent by the Goa'uld, I don't think we should do anything to make them think we weren't, just to be safer."

Once they had finished he moved out and got ready before moving to the gate room to meet with all the others.

[Fiona Maccafferty]

Sierra stood, her arms crossed, but listening to Collins. Generally, he made sense and didn't waste her time, so she didn't mind his interruption.

Colonel, I have a few concerns about the local population, more than normal. The population there if this planet is as isolated as we think, it's possible they still believe in the Goa'uld. they may also believe they sent us as representatives, that makes them unpredictable... at least if we were sure they were hostile, I might feel a little better, as odd as that might sound. Sierra nodded. That thought had crossed her mind, as well.

I agree, Lt. But what do you propose? Surely, it had to better than what Brass suggested-really big weapons. Sierra was always a "talk first, shoot last" kind of girl.

If they believe we were sent by the Goa'uld, I don't think we should do anything to make them think we weren't, just to be safer. Sierra paused for a moment. She thought about this for a bit..he DID have a point. A really stupid one, but a point nonetheless, and it wasn't guns. So she nodded.

Fine. You can present it to the others. Let's go!


Tag;Ethan Collins