Stargate Secrets Chapter 13: Section Thirteen, a stargate: sg-1 fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of the Stargate Universe or those of the Highlander universe those belong to other entities whom I would beseech to look favorably on this humble work of mine. The concepts involved in these two separate television shows do not belong to me either. The story I have written however does. This story may not be posted on any pay site or in any way shape or form make any profit for anyone (I know I'm not making a thing from it)

Authors Note: Sorry this section took so long to write in my defense I offer that it is longer and more complex than some of the previous ones. If you want more background info about the sections involving Jonas then read my other story 'The Mighty Quinn'. I have included a set of Lyrics from a very good song I like in this section the Copywrite is listed below them. They are not mine I do not own them but as you will see they are a vital detail of my story universe esp regaurding the mindset of Jonas Quinn at the time of the building of the Mars One Base.

Review Response: I would like to thank all the people who reviewed the last section. Sorry for the cliff hanger but I felt it was a needed tension.

SG1-Fanfic … Thanks I like the idea of them finaly admitting what they were feeling Im just glad I could write it that well.

Quick-demon … I do have to admit you are right it was a bit crazy this one is not quite that crazy but still complex.

Cattibrie393 … well you get to find out whats up in this one. I do try to keep a steady pace in my writing otherwise I would simply get caught up in everything else and it would be six months before I got to writing a new section.

hdrexel … Wow. I am truly hummbled that you have spent an entire day (or close to) with my simple writings. I thank you for your high praise of my work.

Stargate Secrets

Section Thirteen

Date: 18 months prior to Day 1 Planet Langara

"Director Quinn?" a young female technician opened his office door and stuck her head in.

"Come in Kara" Jonas said absently as he was busy reading over the morning's reports.

"Sir we have a ship on radar entering the solar system. So far its unidentified" she reported.

"Notify the Prime Ministers" Jonas watched her leave his office before he opened the bottom left drawer of his desk and pulled out a medium sized rectangular box with a phone receiver attached. 'Please let it be Prometheus and not an attack' he thought fervently as he picked up the receiver and flipped a switch on the unit he had set before him. "Jonas Quinn calling Prometheus do you copy Prometheus?" he said.

Moments passed and he tried again. "Jonas Quinn to Prometheus come in over" he was beginning to get nervous. He knew that at this point he should start a call to readiness but he waited a few seconds more and hoped he was not being foolish.

"Jonas Quinn This is the Prometheus class vessel Bellerophon we are entering into orbit at this time we request a meeting with you and your government." Came the captain's voice.

"Bellerophon please Identify your self as per our code." Jonas prompted

"Affirmative Mr. Quinn it appears the only way to win is not to play" came the proper reply.

"You are cleared for orbit Bellerophon I will make the needed arrangements please stand by." Jonas placed the receiver on its cradle. He was thinking back to the movie that had caught his attention so long ago on earth 'war games' and how relevant it was for his home world since they had tested the Naquadria bomb. He picked up the Kelownan version of the Telephone referred to as a communication port located next to his desk clock and began to speak. "Yes sir they are friendly and wish a meeting."

Time: 2hrs later

"Welcome aboard the Bellerophon Prime Ministers and Director Jonas. I'm Captain Anna Blake." She said before she led them down the corridor to a small briefing room.

"Thank you Captain I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I Say we are glad you stopped by." Jonas said smiling. The unspoken 'and not someone else' was communicated by inflection. "Did any of SG-1 happen to come along with you?" he asked.

"Unfortunately not sir. In fact I would ask you to keep what we are about to discuss secret even among yourselves. Should anyone from the SGC contact you keep it from them as well this is a absolute top secret matter only the commander of the earth defense forces General Hammond and this ship know of this meeting. In addition only the other ships know some of the information I am about to tell you." She motioned for them to take a seat. "Would anyone care for some refreshments?" she indicated the tray of finger foods and the small bar of soda's and Juices at one wall. Receiving a negative response from all she continued. "Very well, I've come here to propose an alliance." She looked around the room and watched the faces go through a gambit of expressions, tightly guarded ones at that. "I realize we have been down this road in the past on both sides and things have not gone well, however I also feel as does the joint allied defense of Earth, that we have not damaged our relationship beyond repair." Her voice was very controlled her emotions hidden.

"Why do you wish this alliance now? In the past you have repeatedly informed us that our planets governments were to petty and at each others throats." First Minister Thomas Garin of Kelowna said.

"As blunt as My Kelownan counterpart is I have to agree with his sentiment. Why now? The Teranian minister jumped in quickly.

"On several occasions with your joint permission I believe, Mr. Quinn has contacted his friends at the SGC to keep in touch as he promised." She paused for effect "He has never divulged any of your classified or secret information he has however kept us appraised of your three governments continuing advancements in diplomacy and cooperation." Captain Blake informed them. "We of Earth's United Defense feel that the time has come when we could be mutually beneficial to each other without either taking advantage. Also we feel that your current situation would ensure that all advancements shared with you from Earth would at this time be shared equally and fairly." She waited for their reactions.

"As Much as I believe it is you who is just now becoming ready to share what we would give you I find that irrelevant. What I do find relevant is what you propose to offer and what you wish to receive as a starting point in our proposed alliance" Minister Cidia Malon from the Andari Federation said

"Well one thing we were hoping to Acquire is." Jonas Cut her off. He had been concentrating on her for quite some time she noted.

"They want me, isn't that true Captain?" He concluded. Jonas looked like he didn't know whether to be happy or depressed.

"What? Where do you come up with that Mr. Quinn?" the Kelownan minister asked

"That's irrelevant, is it true?" Regia asked cutting off Thomas and turning her eyes back to the Captain.

"Well Mr. Quinn they told me your were good. I am very impressed." Anna said to Jonas. "Yes that is one thing. Please allow me to inform you as to why." 'Now I know how General O'Niell feels after dealing with these people.' She thought

"You want us to give you our most knowledgeable man in the field of galactic information?" the minister form Terania asked none to pleased and his tone reflected it.

"Do I have any say in this?" Jonas asked all present. He looked as if he would rather be somewhere else at the moment.

"Both Yes and No Mr. Quinn. As a citizen of Kelowna yes you are free to leave at any time provided you oaths are upheld. As a citizen of our world however No I do not believe that to be the wisest allowance on our part. We need you where you are. Your people need you." The minister form Kelowna tried to be diplomatic as he could.

"Please everyone let me tell you what you would get in return and also Mr. Quinn what you would be doing for us should you choose and be able to come." Captain Blake interjected as quickly and smoothly as she could. 'This could all go to hell any second' she thought.

"I believe that is only fair, let us hear what they offer." Minister Gersin Homet of Terania implored his colleges.

Anna waited for them to agree and continued. "For the services of Mr. Quinn as not only a member of the Earth defense force but also primarily as the Liaison between Langara and Earth the united defense force of earth would like to offer to you the following, 2 Prometheus class vessels, crewed by us until such time as your people are trained in their use at which point they are yours no questions asked, and the plans for the Prometheus class ship."

"But we don't have the technical knowledge to achieve much of what you have" the minister form the Andari Federation interjected pointedly.

"I am not done yet." Anna saw her nod splaying her hands in a defensive 'sorry' posture that seemed to be if not universal at least galactic in its use. "Further more Earth would like to send to Langara on a exchange bases two teams of scientist. We would also like to send a mixed team of experts in the fields of Earth history, Cultures, Religions, and other informative and teaching capacities. Our scientist would be as I said in two teams one team to bring you up to date where we are ahead of you and one to be brought up to date where we are behind." She paused "we would also like to exchange resources and samples. I Believe you do not have many of the heavier elements that we poses on our world and we do not have many you poses here also our building materials differ greatly from yours. In this area I believe we are more advanced but you have your own different techniques to make your materials work. I believe it would be beneficial for all if we attempt to combine these separate processes."

"You are Serious?" the Kelownan minister said shocked.

"Very Mr. prime minister. We want you as an ally and in light of our past attitudes and mistakes we would like to show our good faith by being totally open with you, as we would hope you are with us. We understand that this is a slow process and will take time to build trust."

"Exactly my point in this" the minister from the Andari Federation said "so far you have talked a good talk can you give us anything to show us you are truly meaning what you say?"

"Yes I believe I can if you will come with me I think we need a break." Captain Blake led them through the ship to an observation room near the hull. She waited for them to start looking intently out at the stars and then tapped her communications piece on her ear. "This is Captain Blake of the Bellerophon to package please come in."

"Captain Blake this is Package we copy permission to decloak?" came an eager male voice.

"Prime Ministers of Langara I would like to introduce to you your first Prometheus class Vessel yours to keep no matter what you decide. We would not want our brothers and sisters left defenseless hostile forces no matter if we allied or not. I give you hopefully the first of many, the ULV Joint Venture" as she finished the space field before them shimmered and suddenly a huge Prometheus class vessel bearing the Markings ULV JOINT VENTURE F303-001 in large clear Kelownan Font proudly displayed across her hull.

The Silence in the room was broken only by the joint intake of breath. The Langarans watched the battle ready warship maneuver about to give them a show.

Anna Blake surreptitiously watched the faces of the others in the room. She saw them stare with unhidden wonder and amazement at the ship before them. She noticed something deeper begin to form in the eyes of the three ruling ministers. She saw them slowly start to smile.

"And you are just going to give this ship to us?" the Kelownan ambassador said with an arched eyebrow.

"Captain Blake to Joint Venture please Identify yourself. To whom do you belong?"

"Captain Blake this is Joint Venture of Langara, our present crew is in the service of the Earth Defense Force however this ship and all else she contains is the property of the Langaran People."

"Thank you Joint Venture Blake out." She turned to look steadily at he Ministers assembled. "As you can see we are quite serious in our intent to win you over as an ally."

"You mentioned telling us why you wanted me?" Jonas inquired

"As you are aware our governments are keeping secret from our people the existence of our Stargate and anything involved with it. This is mainly due to our sociopolitical structure and our religious diversity. We have learned from experience what information that goes against a religions beliefs can do to our world." She paused and noted that Jonas nodded knowingly "We would like to ask you to help us first complete our preliminary Earth Defenses by setting up and taking command of our planned base on Mars the fourth planet of our solar system. In doing so we hope to start making the public aware in small groups of the Stargate program and our war with the Gould." Anna looked over those assembled with her.

"Why Mr. Quinn and not someone else?" the Kelownan Minister asked

"We Trust Mr. Quinn's Judgment, We Trust his ethics, and we know he will do the right thing no matter what. This coupled with the fact that he will be the liaison between Earth and Kelowna makes him the perfect choice for this position. Mars being semi neutral territory to some extent makes it even more perfect at a meeting ground for our peoples." Captain Baker could see that they needed time to digest all the new information so she led them back to the briefing room.

"I believe we will need some time to convey all this information to our governing bodies." The Prime Minister of the Andari Federation stated.

"I agree"

"Yes think that would be best." Came the replies of the other two ministers.

"I would like to take a closer look at the Joint Venture if I may" Jonas said with a smile.

"That is up to the governments of Langara as it is their ship" Captain Blake told Jonas returning his smile.

"Does anyone have a problem with that?" asked Minister Malon from the Andari Federation. "Very well then that seems to be a good idea" she finished giving Jonas Permission.

"We will remain in Orbit until you have made your decision. Either way once your people are familiar with the workings of the Joint Venture we ask that you would please use her to transport her present crew back to earth." Anna said seriously

"Very well I believe we will have an answer for you soon" Minister Garin of Kelowna informed her.

"Then before you go I would like to make a toast." Anna said as she signaled an airman at the door who brought in a tray with glasses of already poured champagne. She waited until everyone had taken a glass and began her toast "To our brothers and sisters across the galaxy."

"To our brothers and sisters across the galaxy" they all replied and drank placing their in the capable hands of the airman that had served them.

With that the three prime ministers were escorted to the air lock and boarded a transport vessel.

Day 7 1550 hrs

"Unscheduled Off world Activation!…" Siler's voice blared over the intercom.

"Stay right here I will be back soon." Sam said as she quickly made her way out of the infirmary leaving a confused Ling and Ritchie behind. 'Great what now' she thought as she sprinted towards the gate room.

"Colonel Carter, to the briefing room" 'Siler is doing double time today' she thought. She sifted her weight and changed her direction slightly so as to hit the stairs without losing speed. Once up the stairs she literally ran in to Jacob.

"Whoa! Hiya Kid." Jacob smiled at her "have some respect for the elderly" he said off hand like

Sam just gave him a deadpan look that said all she needed to. "Jacob what are you doing here?" she asked finding her breath.

"Waiting for you." He managed to get out before his head dipped and Selmak spoke up. "Colonel Carter I must apologize for Jacob's wise ass attitude. We are here on a matter of utmost importance." More than one eyebrow rose at Selmak's use of the vernacular.

"I would like to get to that important matter immediately if you will take a seat Colonel." General Hammond said in his no nonsense way.

"Yes sir. Sorry sir." Sam said as she made her way to an empty seat next to Jack. She watched as Jacob took a seat opposite her and traded controls with Selmak again.

"Sorry George, Sam, this is important." Jacob turned to face George "we have a new time table for you. You have two weeks."

"Are you sure?" General Hammond said in disbelief

"Sorry George I wish I had better news but all of our intelligence leads us to believe that Ba'al and Yu will strike with Chronos in two weeks. We are going to do everything we can to disrupt their plans but we can t risk endangering our people." Jacob was not any happier about the situation than General Hammond and it showed.

"Is that all?" the General asked. Sam was running through the possibilities already. They didn't look good.

"No, I would like to spend some time with my daughter if that's ok?" Jacob asked.

"That should be fine." General Hammond looked at her and she gave a slight smile in thanks. "Ok double up on your tasks and we meet tomorrow at 0500 for briefing. Dismissed"

Sam got to her feet and led Jacob through the corridors to the infirmary.

Date: 17 months 30.5 days prior to Day 1

"Well Mr. Quinn it seems you will be our guest for the journey to earth." Captain Blake smiled at him as he followed her to his temporary quarters. "I am glad that your Governments have decided to become our allies."

"As am I. Oh that reminds me they are sending up several loads of cargo via a captured Alkesh cargo ship it should arrive shortly." Jonas said as they stood before the door he was holding a green duffel bag and two suit cases one in each hand the duffel over his shoulder.

"Oh? What are they sending?" Anna hadn't expected them to be bringing anything but Mr. Quinn back this trip.

" Other than a ton of data chips. Not much just some raw materials for getting started on mars new base. Oh and some Naquada and Naquadria." He deadpanned then smiled his best boyish toothy grin. (A/N: Langaran Data Chips are much like Microphish slides but with remarkably more data)

"Wow. I'm impressed, I thought you were out of Naquadria?" Anna said lifting an eyebrow. He looked so cute standing there shifting his weight from foot to foot as he waited for her to open the door.

"Actually I think it is you who impressed them with your generosity." Jonas waved his hand arbitrarily gesturing to the new ship. "We managed to find another small pocket of it and since it hasn't' done us much good in the past we thought you might use it." he finished as the suitcase in that hand crashing in to the door effectively opening it. "Actually I insisted on them sending me with enough materials to get a head start on the base."

"Well Mr. Quinn we already have several hundred ton's of materials on the site. We have been bringing them up slowly with each launch of a Prometheus class vessel." Anna said as she watched him stow his bags on his bunk and step out to follow her further. "The construction on the core of the base is structurally complete at this time."

"Well I am thinking that since this base will symbolize the beginnings of an alliance it should contain materials from Kelowna as well." He smiled at her and then followed her down the corridors of the ship. She could feel his eyes on her as they walked. "So how long will it take us to reach Earth?" he asked suddenly getting caught staring at her well rounded backside when she turned to face him.

"Well provided we don't get behind on anything about 4 days" she smiled knowingly at him. He wasn't the only one checking someone out. She was just better at not being so noticeable.

"So captain is there any time on this voyage when you won't be working?" he asked her, his eyebrow lifted slightly.

"Technically no, but I think I can find a bit of time here and there to show you around." She accepted his advance.

"So how about when your shift ends then?" he stepped a little closer.

"Sure that sounds good to me about 4 hours roughly. Provided we don't run in to unfriendly's" she forcefully took back control of her facial muscles which were giving away her extreme attraction to him. 'God I have got to pull myself together, sure he's a charming good looking hunk but you're a captain of a space ship responsible for your crew. Get it together girl.' She admonished herself.

"I will see you then. Right now though I would like to help with the cargo if that's possible." Jonas offered. She pointed him in the direction of the cargo bay and grabbed an airman's attention to escort him there then she quickly headed for the bridge.

Once the cargo from Langara was in the hold they set a course for Sol system and barring unforeseen delays they would arrive safely in four days.

Day 7 1745hrs

Duncan MacLeod walked the corridors of the SGC with a heavy heart. Joe had come to see him while he was in the holding cell and shoved his hypocritical self righteous actions right back in his face. Joe had pointed out none to kindly that were it another immortal that had done what he had the Duncan MacLeod Joe knew would have taken his head. That hit him hard when he finally stopped to hear what Joe was saying to him so as soon as he was released he headed straight for his former students quarters to face the music.

Duncan knocked at the door to Ritchie's quarters.

"Just a moment." Came Lings voice from the other side" 'Bloody Hell' Duncan considered leaving but for some unknown reason to even him he stayed and watched as Ling opened the door. Her expression went from congenial to ice in .002 seconds "Mr. MacLeod." She stated.

"Do you know where I can find Ritchie?" he asked hoping he didn't sound threatening.

"Yes, I do." She said her answer short and to the point.

"I just want to talk to him."

"First you need to talk to me." Ling said surprising him.

"Ok. May I come in?"

"No Mr. MacLeod you may not. What needs to be said can be said here." He nodded. "I would like you to know I was totally upfront with Ritchie regarding your interest in me. I was indeed aware of your interest. So there is no doubt I want you to know that." Lings voice softened slightly. "I admit I find you attractive and witty Duncan, and I could easily fall in love for you but for one thing."

"And that is?" Duncan asked hopefully

"You mourn your life Duncan you don't live it." ling looked him in the eye "you carry on your shoulders the rock of Gibraltar and trust no one to aid you in your burdens." Her voice was laced with sadness for him.

"And what Ritchie doesn't? Is that it?"

"No that's not it he is willing to share the load to take comfort in me and let me bear some of those burdens he carries." Ling paused. " He is also willing to shoulder mine for a bit and allow me to find solace in him. That Duncan is why I love him. I choose him and want to be with him." Lings voice was turning hard again. "It is my choice Duncan MacLeod not yours who I am with."

"Ling.." she cut him off

"And I will give you a piece of advice. Next time you have feelings for someone tell them instead of drunkenly shouting it to a bunch of people in a bar for a week."

With that she closed the door leaving him standing there speechless.

Day 7 1700hrs

Joe was just coming back to his new office after speaking with MacLeod. It wasn't a pleasant thing he had to do but it was the right thing. Mac would thank him for his efforts later when he calmed down. He was just sitting down when his eyes caught sight of the telephone on his desk.

"Shit" he said to no one. 'I have got to call Erick and check in, he must be about to go nuts by now.' Joe scolded himself for his forgetfulness. He picked up the phone and had the base operator connect him to an outside line.

Ring, Ring, "Joe's Bar, This is Erick what can I do for you?"

"Erick?"

"Joe? Where are you?" Erick was definitely worried.

"I'm fine Erick. How are things at the bar?" Joe could hear the music and people in the background.

"The bar is fine as always Joe. I was getting worried about you. Ritchie was looking for you earlier this week."

"I know we met up in Colorado. Listen Erick I need you to take over the bar for a short while. I will be out of town." Joe didn't like having to do this to Erick.

"Sure Joe you know me I really don't have anything better to do, How about a raise?" Erick was his usually chipper self.

"It will only be for a couple of months." Joe started.

"MONTHS?" Erick repeated much louder than Joe had said it. "Joe what is going on?"

"You really really don't want to know Erick and I can't say. Just trust me, I need to do this." Joe said trying to calm him down. "Look when I get back we will work out a raise for you hell I will even make it retroactive."

"Ok Joe you've just never been gone that long before, Oh you got an important looking letter from some creepy guy yesterday. He said his name was Burnstein he said it was urgent." Erick got distracted. "Yeah sure hold on.. Joe it's getting busy call me back later ok?"

"Ok Erick and thanks." Joe hung up. His hand shook when he withdrew it from the receiver. Joe sat there for a moment and picked up the phone again. 'Might as well get this over with.' Joe decided and dialed the phone.

"Hello," came a heavily french accented voice.

"This is Joe Dawson I need to speak with Burnstein."

"Mr. Burnstein is not in at the moment, However he did leave a message for you Mr. Dawson. You are to report to the Watcher Tribunal Immediately."

"Did He say why?" Joe wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.

"No, but he did say to tell you that there is no where on earth you will be able to hide if you should choose not to appear before the tribunal." There was almost a menacing smile to the voice Joe noted.

"Very well, Tell Mr. Burnstein that I will make all haste to appear before the tribunal." Joe hung up by slamming down the phone. He wasn't really angry just annoyed. Picking up the phone again he listened for a dial tone and then punched in a four digit extension.

"Hammond,"

"George, its Joe. I've been ordered to appear immediately before the watcher council in Paris." 'This should go well' he thought sarcastically.

"What?" Joe could hear something fall in the background. "Damn it. Joe please tell me your kidding."

"I wish I was."

"You know I can't let you go at the moment."

"I'm afraid I may have to order you to George and that will put us both in awkward positions. If worse comes to worse do we have a solution?" Joe was speaking a prayer to his college and he knew George knew it.

"If necessary we can make you disappear Joe. I hope its not though." More rattling ensued before he heard George continue. "Ok, but I am sending you with protection."

"George"

"No Buts Joe."

"Alright, and thanks"

Both men hung up and prayed the shit wasn't hitting the fan this time.

Day 7 1630

Jacob walked beside Sam as they made their way down the corridors to the infirmary.

'This whole situation stinks Sel'

'We have been over this before and there are still options'

'None that she will accept and we both know that.'

"Jacob?" Sam said to break the silence

"Sorry we were talking." Jacob informed her

"Oh? What about?"

"You actually. We want you off earth if it looks like you cant hold out against the attack." He said

"You know I can't do that. I will not abandon my friends."

"We know." But we had to ask. They rounded the corner and stepped in to the infirmary just as ling was being released.

"Jacob I would like you to meet Ritchie Ryan and Ling Fong." Sam stepped further in to the room. "Ritchie, This is my… hmm. Now that does pose a problem."

"What?" Jacob asked

"Ling doesn't have full security clearance. Wait here just a sec." Sam walked over to the wall mounted phone and had a quick conversation. When she came back she started the introductions over. "Ritchie, Ling I would like you to meet My Son, Father Jacob and Selmak"

"That is quite a combination how is that possible and who is Selmak" Ling pointed out.

"I raised Jacob as a child and when he became old enough that my appearance would make me his daughter we forged some paperwork and he became my father." Sam said as Jacobs head bowed slightly

"I am Selmak. I am most pleased to meet friends of Samantha Carter."

"Whoa!" Ritchie jumped slightly "there are two people in there?" he looked at Jacob/Selmak more closely. "Are you a Goa'uld?" he asked

"We are of the same race but we are not Goa'uld." Selmak Dipped Jacobs head.

"The important difference is that the Tok'ra do not take host' by force it is a truly symbiotic relationship." Jacob added. He could see Ritchie was still slightly wary.

"Well Lass you are free to go to your quarters now" Doctor MacDonald said as he walked over to where the small group had gathered. "Your Next Jacob/Selmak" he paused slightly between the names.

After promising to get together when they could the two couples went their separate ways Sam and Jacob to a different station in the infirmary and Ritchie and Ling to his quarters. As soon as they got there Adam caught up with them and drug Ritchie off on official business leaving ling to rest until he got back.

Date 1 year prior to Day 1

For six months give or take a few days he had worked towards this day. The cost was paid in the most precious of human currency, the lives of those who gave all to see a dream come true. Now they were here waiting silently as the Aries lowered in to the Candor Chasma at its westernmost wall right across from Ceti Mensa and began the docking process.

Aboard her were the new builders, the makers, technicians, crews, pilots, the artist', and for many the families they brought with them. These would be the citizens of Mars Base One for some time to come. They had given up almost everything to come there. Many would never return to the blue white jewel that hung in the far distance at night.

Jonas heard the docking seal activate. He took one last look around him. His command staff stood at attention. The technicians worked solemnly and without chatter. The cavernous room around him spanned six stories high with a floor of nearly a quarter mile square. The glass of the viewing ports that were placed every few metes measured ten meters to a side and were three feet thick glass polymer composite. There were three main docking ports here in what was now known as the Grand Promenade. Carved almost a foot deep in to the six story wall directly opposite the main docking port were words to attest to mankind's ability. Those words would boldly assure every single person who entered that they could accomplish anything and remind them of how far they had come to be where they stood. He didn't need to read them for he knew them by heart.

The lock opened. They came out slowly at first, testing reality. Each and every one caught sight of the huge carving ahead of them and stopped slack jawed if only for a second. They gathered in the large amphitheater type space that the guide ropes let them in to. When all one thousand souls were standing before the podium Jonas Quinn began so speak.

"Welcome, I am Director Jonas Quinn." He watched them as their attention shifted from the stone words to his. "I see you have noticed our credo, take a good look Ladies and Gentlemen." He waited a few moments. They read the words that hung before them…

Where the air is barely real on our feathertips of steel
Spreading wings of wind and fire in another kind of flight
The earth that bred and bore us like a jewel hangs before us
As we challenge more than fifty million miles of sunlit night.

There are wings of flesh and feather, there are wings of bone and leather
There are wings of painted paper pinned to polished wooden spars
But wings of force and fire never falter, never tire
And the wings of human knowledge span the void between the stars.

For Mars is rising high; our closest cousin in the sky
Where for half a billion years the restless wind has walked alone.
Where mountains rise entire past a climber's mad desire
And the canyons fracture farther than our world has ever known.

Only drifts are growing where the endless wind is blowing
Hid like gold beneath the gravel, how much ice may yet be found,
Where water that once ran it carved its name into the planet
And the banks of fossil rivers braid across the rusted ground?

When we take its measure, won't the bulk of all our treasure
Be the tools we build to get there, long before the ship arrives?
If the old Apollo marks the patterns we will follow
We will change the face of commerce and the structures of our lives.

Wings of Human Knowledge

"The Wings of Human Knowledge Have Spanned the Void Between the Stars, You are the proof. Each one of you knows the dangers you face and the rewards to be gained by your coming here. Let no one think this will be easy. Let no one think it will be completely safe. We." Jonas waved his arm to circle the room behind and to the sides of him. " Have built this." He indicated the base around him. " And you will do so much more as to make our work look small. Some of you are replacement crewmembers for the EDF, some of you are Technicians for the base and some are artist. Many of you are Family to those I just mentioned. No matter what your part be it builder, pilot, crew, tech, artist, or family. You have your place here and you are needed. I would like to lay a charge upon a few of you now. To the Builder I say make for us space to Do in." he emphasized the word Do. "To the Pilot and the Crew keep us from harm. To the Artist I lay charge on you to do the very important work of making this place pleasing to the eye, ear, and soul." Again Jonas gestured to all around him. "And To those whom I mention last who are the farthest from least Family Make for your loved ones, your children, and all the rest a HOME."

Jonas saw the determination in them. They would do just as he asked. Not because he asked it but because that is what they wished to do with all their hearts. It was what they had come to do. " There will be a feast tonight and a party here at the south end of the Promenade and all are invited. Now if you will please follow the guide with your preasigned number on the card they hold we will get you settled in and you can take a look around. I would like to caution you however that this is a military supply and mining base there are restricted areas please respect them. You will not be able to wander in to them as they are all guarded." Jonas saw a million questions on their faces. Especially the faces of the family members, which seemed to be distinguishable due to their wholesome and diverse looks. "I promise you that all your questions will be answered in due time, if you will find your numbers now. Thank you." He watched as over the next 15 moments those assembled were divided in to separate groups and lead off to be processed in to the base.

'Well that's one only 4 more to go' he thought. He turned to the COM tech nearest to him. "Give me a rundown how is everything?" he asked once he had her attention.

"Baggage is done and in the quarters, Personal cargo is almost done and in main storage, Aries is reporting restocked and ready to lift once we unload the heavy cargo bays." She paused listening to her earpiece "Sir, code 35 in section 2 group. Security is on the way and requesting instructions."

"They are to assess the situation and follow the code 35 solution list as needed. If it is a problem not covered then have them give me a call." He instructed. 'Well that had to happen sooner or later, I was hoping for later.' Domestic disturbances were among the worst types his personnel could have. In this area he took no chances and judgment was swift.

"Sir they are heading this way, Aries reports her holds empty and she's ready for a second run." The Comm. Tech said.

Jonas watched the tunnel that lead to section two and was soon watching two very upset people bound at the wrist being escorted by two of his internal security force. "Names?" Jonas asked as they drew close enough to stand before him.

"Mike and Jane Wilkerson" came the answer form the BSO on the left of him.

"What appears to be the problem?"

"Sir they began to argue with one another over every little thing they could find as soon as they were shown their quarters. Counselor Smith thought it may come to blows if it wasn't stopped." Came the answer from the other BSO

"Very well I see the appropriate actions have been taken, you may return to your duties." Jonas turned back to the comm. tech.

"hey! Where are you going take this thing off!" Mr. Wilkerson demanded. When he got no response he yelled louder. "hey!"

"Stop that right this instant!" Jonas admonished 'ok you get treated like you are acting' he decided. "Mike was it?" the man nodded "can you divide 5,000 by 15 for me please?" Mike opened his mouth to protest. "Just humor me for a moment." Jonas cut him off.

"333 and a third" came the confused reply.

"Thank you bear in mind that is the number of new personnel that my counselors have for a case load. That's each not total. Therefore they don't need any more difficulties than they have already." Jonas said eyeing the couple seriously. "What you will be going through for the next 10 hours is referred to in your Base Handbook, which you should have read already, as Administrative Discipline and it is applied to any situation that causes or could cause a catastrophic impairment to the running of this base." Jonas gave the woman a steely look when she began to open her mouth. "Don't." he admonished when that didn't faze her. "In dealing with such a unique situation and I might add a fresh opportunity to create a system by which a society is protected, we had to come up with a way to head off some of the major problems such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and various other internal disruptive events. In your case I believe the Native Americans of the North American continent had the proper solution. You will remain bound by the wrist for the next 10 hours, fight further you will be bound for 10 more, should you become violent towards each other you will be charged with a crime and sentenced appropriately by a tribunal consisting of a Martian certified judge, myself, and one peer of random selection." They were much more upset but also much more restrained now. "The objective of this treatment as I am sure you will learn is to get along with each other. If you cant then you will have to find a way to work with someone you cant get along with until such time as you are free to separate." Jonas turned back to the tech again.

"Please finish your report miss Dolen." Jonas said as he felt more than watched the couple slowly walk away towards their quarters in a strained silence. It was going to be a very long day.

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A/N: BSO stands for Base Security Officer

EDF stands for Earth Defence Fleet

Thoughts are depicted in italics

Italics is also used to depict symbiotic speech

The reader will have to use context to determine which is which.