Chapter 2: Oh we've got the right guy!
Lorne stood on the ramp, looking up at the Stargate – the commanding centrepiece of the entire room. Colonel O'Neill had made a few comments as they'd walked into the Gateroom but Evan had found it hard to pay attention. Every thought in his head ... the way his heart kicked up a notch, the weird dislocated 'unreality' feeling that washed over him, took up all of his spare capacity, and then some.
It was ... enormous ... a giant circle rising storeys high into the old missile silo. Eyes tracking over the device Lorne noticed the details – the symbols traversing the circumference, none that he recognised on first glance; the metallic, shimmery quality of its composition, again, a substance he didn't recognise which given his geology background was more than a little interesting. It was all very alien to him and if nothing else had convinced him of the truth of Colonel O'Neill's story, this alone would have done it.
Lorne was so captivated by his first sight of the Stargate that it actually took a few moments for him to notice the recognisable touches – clamps holding the gate up, cables connecting the whole thing to power and to computer systems.
"Major?" Colonel O'Neill's voice drew his attention, his tone making it clear it wasn't the first time he'd tried to get Lorne's attention.
"Sorry Sir," Evan apologised. Gesturing to the gate he continued. "This is ... a little overwhelming."
"That it is," Jack agreed. Nodding behind them he stuck his hands in his pockets, rocking backwards on his heels. "Looks impressive from the control room too but nothing beats seeing it up close and personal."
Looking up, Lorne noticed the large window – and the figure standing there watching them.
"The base commander," O'Neill explained. "Ready for a briefing?"
"I guess so Sir," Evan felt apprehensive for the first time in living memory. He wasn't one to stick to his comfort zone but he couldn't help but wonder what they had in store for him and whether he was up to the task.
Colonel O'Neill led them to a large briefing room, most of the space taken up by a rectangular table and a number of seats, only two of them occupied. One by Colonel Edwards, the other at the head of the table by a somewhat rotund older man, bald and with that air of comfortable command sitting firmly on his shoulders.
"General George Hammond, Major Evan Lorne," Jack introduced him, sounding for once completely serious.
"Sir," Lorne said respectfully, standing to attention.
"At ease Major," the General's Texas twang was evident as he waved Lorne to one of the vacant chairs. "Now that you've seen the Stargate let's get down to business. Colonel," he motioned for Edwards to take the running.
"Thank you Sir," Edwards pushed a button and the display screen lit up. An image appeared and Lorne looked at it closely, eyes narrowed as he absorbed some of the familiar aspects of its design. "SG-11 are being assigned long term to P3X-403 because we recently discovered evidence of the presence of a substance called naquadah. Ultimately we need it for this," he gestured to the diagram on display. "Any ideas on what this is?" he looked at Lorne expectantly.
"I'm unfamiliar with this design Sir but if I had to guess I'd say it's some kind of power generator," Lorne returned, well aware that he was being tested. "The X-302's fourth 'engine' looks a lot like this – not that the research guys ever let on about its purpose."
"Very good Major," General Hammond said with a slight smile.
"You're observant," Colonel Edwards agreed.
"So this naquadah," Evan said the unfamiliar word carefully, "it's the source of power for these generators?"
"Amongst other things," Edwards clarified. "We also use it as a building material – it's tougher than anything we have on Earth."
"Is that what the Stargate's made of?" Lorne asked curiously, drawing the connection instinctively.
"Yes Major," General Hammond replied with a faint smile. "The air force currently has a project to build interstellar ships," he continued. "Naquadah will both power those ships and make them as strong as humanly possible."
"My team is charged with mining the naquadah on P3X-403," Colonel Edwards concluded. "Another team discovered a number of abandoned mine entrances on the planet – we don't know how big the network is or whether there's even any naquadah deposits remaining, but if it's there, it's our job to find it. That's where you come in Major."
"This is all ... beyond impressive Sir," Lorne told Hammond. "I just have to ask one thing," he said simply. "Why me?"
"We're glad you asked," Colonel O'Neill smirked.
"Colonel," General Hammond's tone had a well worn quality that suggested he'd often had to reign in the other man's irreverent attitude. "Your record stands for itself Major," Hammond explained. "That would have been enough to draw our attention but your actions in Afghanistan last May are the reason we're calling you in now. We need someone military who'll have at least a chance of understanding the scientific aspects of SG-11s mission. And as of now that puts you in the prime seat."
"You need a geologist," Lorne concluded.
"A geologist capable of thinking on his feet, who's not afraid of getting a little dirty," O'Neill clarified. "And it has to be military, for obvious reasons."
"This mission will test those skills Major," Hammond continued.
"With all respect Sir, I'm a pilot, not a scientist," Evan pointed out carefully. "Not to mention that I have no experience mining anything, let alone a substance I'm completely unfamiliar with."
"That may be the case and if you were only a pilot we wouldn't be having this conversation," Hammond replied. "You've proven you can use what you know out in the field and right now that's as good as we can hope for. The rest you'll learn as you go."
"I've read your file Lorne," Jack broke in. "You applied to NASA ... twice. I'm guessing because you wanted to be an astronaut." Evan nodded. "Trust me when I say that going through the gate beats anything you could have done for NASA if you'd been successful. If you think the X-302 was a dream to fly in the air, try flying it in space."
"The Colonel's right," Hammond took over again. "This mission to P3X-403 is expected to be long term but it's not forever. When operations have been set up there you'll join the SGC program and be assigned to an off-world exploration team."
"The universe is a big place Major," O'Neill concluded with a smirk, watching Evan. He could almost see the wheels turning in the other man's head.
Lorne nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities and the drawbacks, too fast for him to grab on to any one thought. He was aware that all three men were waiting for his reaction - he just wasn't sure he had one he was willing to let show.
"I'm not going to force you to take this post Major," Hammond said after a few moments of silence. "If you're going to do this it needs your full commitment. You'd be second in command to Colonel Edwards as well as taking the lead on the geological aspects of the mission. We have mining experts for consultation here but recommendations in the field on where to direct our efforts will fall to you, as will interpreting the science so that Colonel Edwards can act on it." He looked at Evan expectantly. "So, what do you say Son?"
"You can sign me up Sir," Evan decided abruptly. He couldn't have said anything else really, not after Colonel O'Neill had pointed out the full scope of what would be available to him in the future. Ultimately it came down to one thing ... space. He'd do just about anything for the chance to get out there. It was a dream he'd put away years ago and now, suddenly, it was back on the table and the thought of that alone had his heart rate kicking up a notch.
"Well done Son," Hammond nodded approvingly. "I'm sure you have questions, and Colonel Edwards will be happy to answer them. Once we've got the paperwork signed off we'll fast track you through the standard training program. The need for a large, reliable source of naquadah is our primary focus right now – for the expansion of our defensive capabilities. It's priority one on the agenda of some of the key supporters of the Stargate program. Buckle in Major," he added with a smile. "You're about to get a crash course in everything Stargate related."
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir," Lorne stood when the General did, nodding to him and Colonel O'Neill as both took their leave. "See you out there Major," Jack added, giving Evan a cavalier salute delivered with a smirk.
"So ... questions Major?" Colonel Edwards got down to business once they were alone.
"Too many to cover in one go Sir," Lorne said ruefully. "There is one thing I'm wondering though. If we're expected to be on this planet long term, what kind of contact will we have with home?"
"You've got family here Major?" Edwards asked. He'd read Lorne's file before they'd beamed into Kandahar but hadn't seen mention of a wife or children. That might complicate things for Lorne somewhat.
"It's just my Mom and my sister's family Sir," Lorne replied, "including a five month old nephew. They're used to me being able to keep in touch pretty regularly, one way or another."
"We'll be reporting in on a weekly basis Major," Edwards explained. "You'll get to include personal communications then. Depending on how long we end up needing to stay on P3X-403 some leave back on Earth might be possible as well."
"Thank you Sir," Lorne nodded. It wasn't as good as he would have liked but nowhere near as bad as the 'no contact' he'd almost been expecting.
"Anything else bugging you Major?" Edwards said purposefully.
"My command at Kandahar Sir," Lorne began. "Colonel O'Neill mentioned having a replacement in mind. I left pretty abruptly and I'd hate for my teams to be left in the dark or put under additional pressure because of my departure."
"All taken care of Major," Edwards replied. "Your replacement is already on the way with the cover story of a family situation back home to explain your departure. Any other burning issues?"
"Ah ... no Sir, that's it," Lorne replied.
"Good ... let's get down to briefing you on the Stargate program then," Colonel Edwards proposed.
They assigned Evan to quarters on base, and when he retired there late in the evening Lorne's mind was buzzing dizzily. There was too much to absorb – details and history on what the SGC had already achieved through the Stargate. That and the grim truth about the enemies they'd found out there – enemies who'd already attempted to get a foothold on Earth in the past.
It was almost more than he could take in but at the same time it made more sense than some of the conflicts he'd been involved in. Fighting a war when friend and foe were too much alike to even know who was who versus fighting an enemy totally different, hiding inside its host. And damn, wasn't that something to make your stomach drop ... the very idea of an enemy who'd literally take over your body and use it for its own purposes while you screamed impotently inside. That was the stuff of nightmares ... the kind you hoped stayed firmly in the darkness of your dreams.
Lorne was a part of something bigger now ... and it filled him with anticipation and a renewed sense of purpose. All he had to do was work out how to tell his Mom, Elaine and Drew about his new assignment and why it was he was going to be uncontactable from their end for the foreseeable future. The Cheyenne Mountain cover story was deep space radar telemetry ... who the hell ever believed that? For sure Drew and Elaine wouldn't – even knowing his fascination with space.
So what in the hell was he going to say to them?
Lying awake in the narrow bed thinking about it wasn't helping him sleep ... he'd skipped dinner and although he wasn't exactly hungry, maybe something hot from the Mess would help him feel a little more like himself.
It was late and he wasn't expecting anyone to be there ... walking in he headed for the coffee machine, making himself a mug and taking it to the far corner. Sitting, he rested his head on his hands, contemplating the depths of his beverage absently.
"It's not gonna bite you," Colonel Jack O'Neill's voice had Evan raising his head quickly.
"Sir?" he said with a confused frown.
"The coffee – it's not gonna bite you," Jack repeated. "Rot your gut, maybe, but that's about it." Watching the other man's weak smile the Colonel gestured to the vacant chair across from Lorne. "This seat taken?"
"Ah – no Sir," Evan replied.
"If you don't mind my saying Major, you're looking ... troubled," Jack opened the door for the younger man to talk, if he wanted. He wasn't usually the confiding type but Lorne had interested him since he'd first read the younger man's file and he felt responsible for bringing him into the program. If a little bit of support made a difference then Jack was willing to provide it ... besides, Evan Lorne hardly seemed the emotional type. Jack was pretty sure any confiding he did would be of the minimalist style, which suited him just fine.
"Busy day - lots to take in," Lorne returned simply. Looking up he met the other man's eyes. "You got family Sir?" he asked curiously.
"Not anymore," Jack's eyes went dark and Evan knew immediately that there was a painful story there – and a subject that was taboo. "Is that what's troubling you?" Jack asked.
"Kind of," Evan admitted. "I'm ... struggling to work out what to tell them – my Mom and my sister. Not to be disrespectful Sir, but deep space radar telemetry? They're not gonna believe I'd sign up for that."
"Hey, it wasn't my idea," Jack held up his hands innocently, amusement evident.
"I've never been posted anywhere that I couldn't at the very least tell them where I was," Lorne shared ruefully. "I know – pretty boring but it's always made a difference. Them knowing where I am kind of cushions the fact that often I can't tell them what I'm doing. I'd rather say nothing than tell them an outright lie."
"Then say nothing," O'Neill said simply. "It'll be difficult whatever you tell them Major ... there's no getting around that."
"That's what I'm getting my head around Sir," Lorne replied, smiling faintly. "I'm still not sure you've got the right guy for this."
"Oh we've got the right guy Lorne," Jack returned with certainty. "You'll be on a steep learning curve but you've got the background for it." He hesitated a moment. "One thing though ... you'll have to watch Edwards ... he's not known for his patience, or his tact. But I think you're smart enough to manage that along with everything else."
"Understood," Lorne ran a finger around the rim of his mug. "What's it like Sir – going through the Gate?"
"It'll be the wildest ride of your life," Jack was all seriousness now. "You'll wonder how you ever did without it – and you'll never want to go back. It'll make you ... if it doesn't break you first."
"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about Sir," Lorne returned feelingly.
"Relax, you'll do fine," O'Neill said, his tone blasé again. "We'll have you in training first thing tomorrow – you'll be feeling like a part of the furniture inside a week."
Nodding Evan smiled gratefully. "Thanks for your help Sir."
"Yeahsureyoubetcha," Jack returned with a casual wave of his hand. Rising he gestured towards the door. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see a man about an Egyptian artefact ... or something."
Lorne chuckled, wondering if the older man ever took anything seriously – outwardly that is. Evan was sure already that whatever thoughts went on in the Colonel's head they never showed.
Returning to his earlier thoughts and the reason he'd been unable to sleep, Evan considered O'Neill's advice. "Say nothing," he muttered under his breath, wondering how that would go down with Elaine and Drew. It was too late to call them now so it would have to wait until tomorrow.