Jack entered the hub a boulder in the pit of his stomach, his legs felt like lead as he walked slowly in not really sure what to expect. He shifted his duffle around uncomfortably. As he entered he looked around the hub and suddenly he was overpowered with the urge to run, he just had to run to get away and he would have if someone hadn't nailed his shoes to the floor. Panic set in the room became a blur, then out of no where he felt someone next to him and a hand gripped his tightly. This was all he needed to relax a little but he still wasn't able to breathe, he felt as if he was going to black out but before he did he came to the realization that the reason he couldn't breathe was because he was still holding his breath. He took in a big gulp of air coughed a couple times, then was able to relax a bit more and take in his surroundings. As he looked around he saw some things that were familiar and some that were not. There were crews of people working everywhere, walking around with wires, pipes and conduit. It looked to him like bees at a busy hive. Construction was on each level, he could see catwalks, platforms, planks, ramps and a set of stairs that led below. The walls were black and there was a silver tower in the middle that wept water into the the bowels below. Until now Martha and Mickey just watched as Jack went through dozens of emotions. Martha clearly saw confusion take over and stepped up next to him.
"How you doing Jack?" She asked quietly.
"I'm doing good, a little strange seeing all these people here." He paused and tried to swallow.
Seeing Jack a little taken aback Martha interjects. "Don't worry Jack the plan is to retcon them all claiming memory loss due to a construction accident."
At this moment Mickey piped in. "Yeah the buggers won't remember a thing," Mickey slapped Jack on the back as he walked over to the first set of platforms and plopped down on a very comfortable looking couch.
"Mickey there is plenty to be done , I'm sure there's something else you could be doing." Martha sounded a little aggravated.
"Aww come on, we've been chasing around weird aliens all week, bringing supplies, and... overseeing the construction, you could at least give me a couple minutes."
Jack stepped up to the platform where Mickey was sitting. "So I take it the rift is still very active." He looked around, Mickey was still seated on one of the couches. There was a second couch there as well. A few feet in front of them dark metal railings trimmed out the walkways. It all looked so industrial to him, clean dark metallic, yet there was something that caught his eye. Mounted in several areas on the railings where long glass window like panes with a few wires coming out of the bottoms of them. A group of men passed in front of him carrying several boxes and headed down a flight of stairs to his left.
"To answer your question Jack yes it has been busy this past week, more than usual." She looked at Mickey. "How many this week so far Mick?"
Mickey stood walked over to one of the glass panes and as his fingers tapped on it the pane flickered to life, several screens appeared and Mickey manipulated them until he found what he was looking for. "Including the disturbance Jack caused... 17."
Jack looked at the screen. "Well that's new."
"Yes it is, we are making a few improvements to the hub as well. That's just one of them." Martha gestured to the left and then to the right. "Let me give you a tour of the new place."
While she spoke Alonso walked up next to Mickey. "Mind if I have a go."
Mickey grinned at him and stepped aside. " Be my guest."
Alonso dropped his duffle to the floor, then gently put his hands on the glass and started flying through the screens. Screen after screen popped up as his hands glided across the pane. Lights flashed across his face as he smiled and continued to move through each one. Everyone else watched in amazement till Jack finally decided to ask the question everyone else wanted to know.
"Uh Alonso, how did you learn to do that?"
"Actually this is fairly simple, but I gained most of my knowledge when I was in military school. The reason I was chosen to be a member of the crew was in part due to my complete knowledge of how the ship worked. I must admit though I was still a little surprised I was chosen given the caliber of the rest of the crew. It was my first and last voyage. "Alonso frowned and looked at Jack who squeezed his arm and nodded his head.
"Martha I'm assuming I will be rebuilding the team." Jacks eyes sparkled as he looked at Alonso.
"Yes Jack you'll be in charge of that task." Martha smiled.
"Then Alonso is officially the first team member, he seems to be pretty good with the tech."
"I agree Jack, I will have my people start working with him to get him up to par on how things run around here." Martha thought it strange that Jack knew so little about Alonso, she would have to ask him later why that was.
Mickey stood and walked over to Alonso. "I do believe congrats are in order so the first round is on you!" Mickey slapped his back a few times as everyone laughed.
"Come on let me show you guys around." Martha turned left and went down a flight of stairs.
Jack set his duffle down and followed, still nervous, and trying desperately not to show it as he entered into an all too familiar area. The white tiles, the smell of chemicals, he knew exactly where he was, Owens lab. He looked around and half listened as Martha talked about the improvements, not just a lab anymore, but a lab, morgue, an exam room and two patient rooms. Martha called his name. Jack heard the words but didn't respond. All he could think about was Owen in his lab. He closed his eyes tightly and just when he thought he couldn't take it any longer, again a hand found its way to his, reassuring him. He snapped back to reality. Martha was standing in front of him shaking him.
"Jack, Jack are you alright?" Jack was white as a ghost.
"Yes sorry, I guess I must be a little tired probably just need to catch up on my sleep."
Martha knew Jack doesn't need sleep, but she understood, this was a lot to take in all at once. "I'm sorry Jack I was just so excited to have you here. I am so proud of the work being done here, how silly of me to forget you two have only just arrived we can finish this tomorrow after you have had a good nights sleep."
Martha lead them back up the stairs, stopped long enough for them to retrieve their duffles and then outside to the bay. Once outside Jack felt like someone lifted a great weight from him, he breathed in deeply then smiled at Martha. "So, where too next?"
"We have set up flats for each of your team members well, future members up to six that is. Though I know you usually like to stay at the hub, since I knew it wouldn't be ready yet I made the arrangements for a flat yours is just a few blocks away." Just then a black SUV pulled up, Mickey was driving.
"Come on everyone jump in!"
Everyone loaded into the SUV and Mickey drove them to a tall building. The SUV entered a garage he parked and then they all went to an elevator and took the elevator to the top floor. As they were getting off a red beam passed over them. Martha went to the door and unlocked it.
"Another security device." Gestured to where the beam came from." Here you are Jack, your new home." She opened the door and stood back.
Jack and Alonso entered the flat, and dropped their duffels to the door, then they looked around the room. they saw a big screen tv, an audio system, and modern furniture. The main room lead to three doors, one went to the kitchen, one went to a bathroom and one to a master suite, but the most dramatic thing about the apartment was the wall of windows at the far end of the room. The flat towered above the city the view was spectacular as Jack walked over and peered out, Alonso followed and stood next to him.
"It's beautiful Jack."
"Yes it is "
Martha walked up behind Jack. " I am assuming you two would like to share the flat.
Alonso pipped up quickly, "oh yes, yes we would." Jack smiled and nodded.
Mickey walked up to the coffee table and pulled out several items from a case he carried. He laid them
neatly on the table. " Here's a iphone, ipad with blue tooth for each of you. The numbers you need are
already programmed in. You are also networked to the hub computers and the rift warning
system. All of it has been upgraded with hub technology.
" This looks great, we seem to have everything we could need." Jack casually placed his hands in his pockets.
Martha nodded and acknowledged Jack. "I'll leave you two to get settled in. It's good to have you back Jack." Jack followed her to the door.
"It's good to be back Martha, I mean that." Jack hugged Martha and shook Mickey's hand. Martha said a quick goodbye to Alonso as Mickey reminded him about the drinks. The couple turned and walked out the door and quietly closed it behind them. After they left Jack walked back over to the windows where Alonso now stood.
Alonso looked over at Jack "This is going to be a great adventure Jack, I hope I am up to it."
"You will do just fine Al but now I think we really should the christen the master suite." He grinned wickedly grabbed the back of Alonso's neck and kissed him passionately then grinned again.
Alonso smiled back at Jack but when he looked at Jack he saw a great sadness which Jack which he artfully tried to hide behind those pearly white teeth. Alonso knew much sadness as well but today was not a day for sadness this was the beginning of a new and exciting adventure. They would start by taking baby steps, get to know each other better, grow into the relationship and sooner or later those small steps could lead to a giant leap of faith.
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