Stargate Hastings
Chapter Sixteen: Marcus Hastings
Earth, the Stamford estate.
If there was a hierarchy within the Hastings family. Before the Stargate was found. Marcus Hastings would have been equal in rank, to his cousin Richard Hastings. Where as is cousin was the custodian of the families secret knowledge. Marcus was the custodian of their true legacy, as far as he was concerned. The knowledge of the great builders of the past, the techniques that had built the amazing architecture across several continents, that the people of this planet were amazed by. The Hastings family could not claim to have built those wonders but they were the custodians of the knowledge, that was used in their construction.
Since the discovery of the Stargate, Richard had become the head of the entire family. Marcus had no problem with that fact, although he was not used to being summoned and was usually the one giving the orders. He knew that his expertise, would eventually be needed but he was not looking forward to travelling through the Stargate. He was no scientist, he left those matters to other branches of the Hastings clan. No he was a builder and if not for the chance to see actual alien architecture. They would have had to drag him through the thing.
The chance to learn more about his passion, was more than enough incentive to endure his body, being flung across the universe. When he had been forced to relocate to the Stamford estate, Marcus had been annoyed with the upheaval but he had relished the opportunity to study the estate further. During his apprenticeship under his father and grandfather, he had spent many a day, studying the plans that were used in its construction. Although he knew the implications of the failsafe in the gate room, being activated. A small part of him, could not wait to get the chance to rebuild it.
For now he would have to make do, with exploring an alien structure on another planet. His team were in the gate room, bringing everything they would need through the two mile long tunnel, that the Stargate had entered through. They had scaffolding ready to be erected on the other side of the Stargate, the tools they would need and most importantly of all, fifty sacks of the substance that made all of this possible. They had enough to last them for the foreseeable future but one of the ingredients that made up the special formula, was a finite element on this planet. An element not yet on the periodic table and because of its rarity, probably never would be.
Marcus was in the briefing room, which was just a room with a large table to sit around and blackboards for relevant information to be displayed on. Richard Hastings was there, along with Bishop and a man who was introduced as Joseph Hammond. To his surprise his own son Steven, was also present. He knew that he had become one of Richard's aides but was under the impression, that today was his day off.
Once they had all taken their seats, Richard began, "Thank you for arriving so promptly. We have a man trapped on another world, a world that may hold considerable importance, as we move forward. Rescuing our man is of course our first priority but if the site can be secured, it could become a valuable off world asset. I know that neither of you, have any desire to step through the Stargate". He looked to Marcus and Bishop, as he continued, "However, there may be structural integrity issues with the site and that comes under your peoples expertise Marcus. The site itself may be home to technology or knowledge that may be useful. It is for this reason you will be required Bishop. Rachael would have been my first choice but she is otherwise engaged right now".
At the mention of his favourite student, Bishop asked, "When will my protégé be returning to us?".
"That timetable is no longer under my control, I am afraid but within the next few months Bishop. I am sure she is safe, uncle Robert is with her after all".
Under his breath, Bishop replied, "She is with a madman, I feel so much better". Growing up Bishop and Robert Parker had been friends, even though they had completely different personalities. All Robert ever wanted, was to be a soldier and all Bishop did was read. Their parents had bought them together, in the hope that they would rub off on one another. They had not but they had become unlikely friends and Bishop was like a second father to Rachael.
Richard acted as if he had not heard Bishop's comment and continued, "When the connection is made, our man will give us his report on his findings. If he has found no hostile forces by that time. Your mission will be a go and your team will depart immediately".
Marcus then asked, "Are you certain, that we will be able to return home?".
Bishop answered him, "If there is a gate on the other side, we will be able to activate it. You just worry about making sure the place doesn't fall down, before we can make it home".
They spent the rest of the mission briefing, going over the logistics and the timetable they would be working to. As they were finishing up and getting ready to head towards their respective destinations. Joseph Hammond made a surprising request. "Would it be possible, for myself to join this expedition sir?".
"That may be possible but may I ask why?". Richard asked him.
"You may sir. If I am to consider your offer, I believe it would be enlightening and would most certainly help me make my decision but if I am perfectly honest. I am intrigued by the thought of travelling to another world and would be honoured, to be the first citizen of the United states of America. To take the first steps, into this new frontier for mankind". The pride that the man would feel from such a thing, was evident to see on his face.
Richard had no problem with his request but the fact that the man was an ambassador, fake or otherwise. Meant that diplomatic reasons, would play a part in his decision. "There is one problem with that Joseph. I am afraid that your position, would make that difficult. If anything was to happen to you, it could cause a major diplomatic incident".
Joseph Hammond laughed out loud, at what he had just said to him, then replied, "Sir, there are many within my government, who would be grateful if I never returned. However, I will of course write a letter to my commander in chief, absolving you of all liability".
"Well that settles it then and if you were to take the position. I am certain this expedition will give you great insight, into your new command. If there are no further questions, you know what you all need to do. We will be making the connection in less than thirty minutes, please be ready to go by then". He then turned to his aid Steven and said, "Please take Mr Hammond to the armoury and give him a quick tutorial on the use of our weapons". He turned back to Joseph and added, "We are not expecting any trouble but it would be prudent to prepare, just in case any hostiles are on this world".
Once down in the gate room, Marcus began taking inventory of the equipment they would be taking with them and the personnel, that would make up his construction team. The fifty sacks of the formula, that when mixed with water and left to set. Became as solid as the stone that made up the majority of the mixture, were on a gurney ready to be rolled through the gateway.
Any stone that could be ground down into a fine powder, could be mixed with the formula and then using extendable sections, to make any shape they wanted and covering it in a very thick, rigid leather. They could then pour the mixture into the mould and have a stone block already in position, without ever having to lift it. The facility they were now in, could never have been built without this magical powder. His people were already taking inventory of the equipment but he always liked to make sure himself, before a major project.
Including himself, their were twelve men that made up his team and one girl. The girl was his daughter and even though he had tried to convince her to get married and give him grandchildren. Samantha Hastings would have none of it. In truth he enjoyed passing the family legacy down to his daughter and she was far more intelligent than he was at her age but taking his eighteen year old daughter, to a place that could collapse and kill them all, at any minute. That was not the best recipe, for a stress free project.
She was not there because she was needed but as a symbol. Richard had made it clear to him, that as the heirs to their families legacy. It would be good to show, that they would risk their own closest kin. He had pointed out that Rachael was as a sister to him and her son the closest thing he would ever have, to a child of his own. His cousin had changed since he had returned home a cripple. He was still the same person but he was more focused than before and he made sure he got his own way now. He was a carefree sole as a youth, that loved to fight and hunt without a care in the world. Marcus would even say idealistic or naive but now he was more like a politician. Pragmatic as far as his methods were concerned and the moral implications they entailed. He was however, the man in charge, so whether he liked it or not she would be going with them.
Although he called Richard cousin and shared his last name, in truth they were far removed and probably shared little blood. Their bloodlines had branched off in the thirteenth century but their family allegiances had stayed aligned. There were three brothers in that century, who decided that three families, each with their own duties to perform. Would be far more efficient than one single entity and decided to branch off in specific directions.
Richard was descended from the eldest brother, Marcus from the youngest and Richard Kinsey from the middle brother. It was the descendants of the middle brother, who were meant to operate around the world. The damage those traitors had done to the families long term goals, would never have truly been rectified but for the discovery of the Stargate. The stain of blood on the family, is the reason the Kinsey's hated them so much and he would be very surprised, if that family had not been culled again but as they always had in the past, they would be back one day.
The others going with them were Bishop, Jacob Turner and the man his cousin had informed him, would be commanding all off world operations. That was if he accepted but who would not? The chance to go to another world and then be a big part of humanities future. Marcus knew he would accept the position. At least he has a choice, he thought to himself. Marcus did not begrudge the legacy that had been bestowed upon him, he saw himself as lucky. To have had the choice would have been nice though.
Up on the command level, the three hour mark was fast approaching. Richard Hastings was awaiting the activation of the Stargate and eagerly awaiting the report from the other side. If he reported that the structure was too unstable, then only Bishop and Jacob would be going. They would arrive and then immediately return through the gate with Martin Turner.
When the time came he indicated to Steven, that it was time. The order for the shield door to be opened was issued and then the gate started spinning, then the vortex of energy heralded its activation. Steven then gave the report. "No sign of hostiles. Building became unstable when gate was activated. But otherwise stable. Found something but need experts. Standing by.".
"Take this down to your father and inform him that the decision is his". Richard said to Steven Hastings.
He did as he was ordered and went down to the gate room. His father read the report he had just given his Lord and then said to his son. "Say a few words to your sister son, we are leaving". He nodded to his father, then left to give his little sister a hug and a few words of encouragement, not that she would need them. Before heading back up to report to his Lord.
Bishop and Jacob started heading up the ramp toward the Stargate, as soon as Marcus had indicated they were leaving. Before entering the pool of energy that was now in the centre of the Stargate, Bishop turned and in a raised voice said. "Before you enter the pool of energy, exhale the air from your lungs. It will be your first instinct to breath in, when you reach the other side. Is that understood?". He asked them all.
Marcus made sure every one of his people answered Bishop, then he approached Joseph Hammond. "This is the first time through that thing, for all of us". He was trying to ease the mans nerves but he did not look nervous. Marcus thought that it was his own nerves, that needed calming. He had served but his service was more a symbolic one. He had seen little action but when he had, he had done his duty and was no coward.
Joseph looked at the man and honestly replied, "I am actually a little exited, I have not felt like this in years". Joseph Hammond felt twenty years younger somehow, he just put it down to adrenaline but he was certain that he could not refuse the position. What he had just witnessed, was something out of the science fiction novels, he used to read to his son George and now grandson Joseph Jr. He had probably enjoyed them more himself, than they had and would continue reading them, long after either had fallen sleep. This would be a tale his grandson would never believe but he would tell him it anyway one day.
Marcus smiled at the mans attitude and felt a little excitement himself for a moment. He was not an excitable person as a rule and preferred cold logic, to raw emotion but he was right. They were about to travel to an alien world, that should at least make you feel something. He looked to Joseph and asked "Shall we?".
Joseph did not answer him, instead he walked towards the shimmering pool of energy. He remembered what the man with the wild white hair had told him and blew out his breath, before passing over the fresh hold. Marcus watched him vanish into the water like pool of energy and mustered up the courage to follow his lead. He looked to his right and saw his daughter smiling back at him. "Relax dad, it will all be over soon". While holding her fathers hand she walked into the unknown, pulling her father along for the ride.
