Chapter Three: Reinforcements

The next morning, Clark used one of the facilities phones; calling his parents to reassure them that the military didn't know anything about his origins, and that he didn't know when the next time he'd be able to talk to them would be.

He'd decided, later the night before, that he was going accept the position, whatever that was, and help wherever he could. The only thing that worried him was that he wasn't sure if his powers would work in the Pegasus Galaxy, as he wasn't sure if they had a yellow sun.

Once he'd finished his call, promising to come and see them the next time he could, he looked beside him. There was a Marine standing behind him, to the right, as his guide.

"Mr. Kent to the briefing room please, Mr. Kent to the briefing room." Came a voice over the speaker system.

The Marine behind him stood to attention, glancing at Clark. Clark just nodded, before following the man through the maze that was the base towards the briefing room.

Before he entered, the Marine opened the door and walked a few metres down the hall to where he stood guard against the wall. Clark watched him go before walking into the room.

In the room was a round table with two chairs. Carter was the only other person who was in there.

"Are we expecting anyone else?" Clark asked, from the door.

She turned to look at him for a second, before shaking her head, no. "Just us." She said, before walking towards the chair closest to her and taking a seat. She waved her hand to the other. "Please..."

He nodded, before closing the door and taking the offered seat.

Carter stayed silent for a few minutes, staring at Clark. Finally breaking the silence, she asked; "So, have you decided yet? Because if you haven't, we've run out of time...The reinforcements will be going through later today, we can't waste anymore time sitting here when they have no hope without us!"

Clark nodded again. "I'll go. But am I going Military or Civilian?" He asked, confused.

Sam thought about it for a moment, before coming to a decision. "Military. Your now officially Lieutenant Kent, Atlantis Armed Forces." She said with a smile. "And also, a member of the SG-1. There are a list of people that we have already in the team.

I am going to be the in General Command of the Expedition. Dr. Weir, who I've already mentioned was heading this expeditions, will be standing down when I arrive; I'm not sure how she'll take it.

We have Major John Sheppard, who, If I have to become a Civilian to take charge from Weir, which is a possibility I'm fine with, would be heading Atlantis' Military Contingent. John is a very capable Major, and I can tell already you two will get on like a house on fire." She said with a smile.

"Rodney Mckay is the head of the Science and Research Departments and has agreed to join SG-1.

We also have Teyla Emmagon, she's the leader of Athosians, human natives to the Pegasus Galaxy. Her people are now residents on the mainland near Atlantis.

We also have Lieutenant Aiden Ford, I'm sure you'll be working closely with him.

Last but not least Dr. Beckett, he's Head of Medicine. He doesn't like going off word, but he has agreed to do so if need arises.

All of these people are members of SG-1, who are the only team who go out and explore different planets unless we need back-up."

Clark nodded slightly, trying to take in all of the things she's just told him. He was now a Lieutenant in a Military that didn't really exist...He was going to a world/galaxy no one knew about to fight an enemy that we have only just got the power the fight...sounded to him like this was some story written by an author who had plot wholes the size of Kansas.

"Right...But before we go off-world we need to fight off three hive ships?" He asked, disbelievingly, before sarcastically adding, "Piece of cake, we'll be off-world before midnight."

Sam laughed lightly. "Hmm, so it would seem. The armed personnel we're sending through should be ready to fight as soon as we get to the other side; so your equipment and rifle are waiting for you in the room you stayed in last night."

"Hang on! Don't I need training before handling a gun like that?" He asked, worriedly.

Sam nodded slightly again, thinking. "Right, I'll let Sergeant Brennan, you're guide, give you a crash course on how to use it, before he shows you to the Stargate..."

Clark sighed, before shrugging. "Fine. Is that all?"

Carter stared at him for a few seconds, before nodding. "For now. I'll meet you at the Stargate with everyone else in half an hour." She said, before standing up and walking to the door. "And by the way, Congratulations, Lieutenant." She said smiling, before walking out.

He followed her out the door, before going over to the Sergeant, who nodded as he was given to commands to instruct Clark in 'the way of the rifle'. Smiling, he led Clark back to his room where he gave him brief instructions before gearing the newly promoted Lieutenant up in body armour, his bag pack, rifle clicked into the carrying position, and a microphone placed into his ear.

Sergeant Brennan stepped back to survey his work, before nodding. "That's it. Your already, now, Sir." He stepped back, before saluting Clark.

He blinked for a few seconds, before giving off a brief salute back. Readjusting his pack, Clark gave his first command.

"Ok, to the Stargate, Sergeant."

Brennan smiled, before replying "Yes, Sir. This way, Sir."

When they arrived at the Stargate the chamber was crammed full with armed, medical, and storage personnel. He walked up to Carter and saluted her.

She smiled at him before saluting back. "Lieutenant..."

"Ma'am." He replied with a grin.

She laughed, shaking her head. "Don't do it, Clark." She then pressed her vest, where her communicator button was. "Dial it in, we're all set."

A brief "Yes, Colonel." Came back over the communicator, before a the speaker system emitted.

"Chevron One, Encoding."

As this was said, the ring on the outside went around and was clamped down on one of the symbols by a glowing fastener.

"Chevron Two, Encoding."

The process repeated itself, landing on another symbol. After another six repeats, the gate opened.

Clark watched it in slow motion as the worm hole exploded to fill the gates frame. He blinked, thinking it was one hell of a site.

Carter moved forward and started heading towards the Gate.

"Armed Personnel on me!" She shouted.

Instantly around half the room went moving forward at once. Carter was the first there, and raising her rifle to eye level, she walked straight through the Stargate. Clark imitated her, and walked through with the rest.