The guards at the outpost security checkpoint were now the ones eyeing Jon.
"Yes, he looks like General O'Neill and yes I will explain why." Alexander told the guards. "Pass the word that there'll be a briefing in an hour. I need to take these two to medical, make sure Dr. Weir and Dr. McKay hear about the briefing, please."
"Yes, sir." The guard answered and finished checking their ID's and clearances.
"Damn, needles." Jon muttered.
"No need for them. I'm sure Dr. Beckett will welcome the chance to use the scanner in the medbay."
"You sure?"
"The scanner can tell when people are lying, changes in body chemistry and different areas of the brain working when you lie verses when you tell the truth. Trust me, it can tell the state of your health very easily."
"Good. Breaking doctor's out of using needles is reason enough to take this job."
"I wholeheartedly agree." Alec said, he hadn't said much on the trip here, too stunned over recent events.
"Dr. Beckett, I bring you two guinea pigs to use the scanner on." Alexander announced once they reached the medbay. "This is Alec Colson, he's a scientist and this is Jon O'Neill. Jon's unique, he's a clone. A clone of Jack O'Neill to be precise."
"Thank you for telling me. He aging factors would have been off. How old are you exactly, Mr. O'Neill?"
"About six months."
"Physically, he appeared about sixteen. We aged him to his present appearance. He was having difficulty with seeing a face thirty years too young every time he looked in the mirror. He's stable, according our diagnostic, but I know you'll need to do your own check. I promised them no needles."
"Now why did you do that?"
"Because the scanner will tell you more then a vile of blood would and it's time you started learning how to use it and interpret the information. And by the way, there's a briefing in an hour so I can introduce these two to everyone."
"Aye, thank you. I'll let my staff know."
"Doctor, the gene therapy will not be going forward. And although you will be staying on as a staff member, because of your Alteran ancestry, a new Chief of Medicine will be chosen. We need someone with a broader base to oversee everyone."
"I understand. I thank you for telling me in person."
"You deserve the courtesy."
And Alexander left Alec and Jon in Dr. Beckett's eager to try out the scanner hands and headed out to talk to some of the other personal. Everyone was going to have be interviewed so he could decide who went with and who stayed at the outpost. Of those who decided they didn't want to go after all, some might end up being Altimah Project employees at some point. But that wasn't his decision. If Corda caught wind of talent she thought would suit the company, she'd pursue them herself.
An hour later, everyone was gathered to hear his announcement.
"I want to introduce two new members of the expedition. This is Alec Colson of Colson Industries. Yes, the Alec Colson who tried to go public with proof of alien life. And despite what the media is saying, he didn't do what the FTC is accusing him of, an employee did; at the behest of a group of businessmen who have also become aware of alien information. Only they want exclusive rights to getting rich off of it. They destroyed the plane Alec would have been on and are gunning for him. He has to disappear. Other circumstances and I'd be looking to recruit him anyway, now that he understands the need for secrecy. He's the new Interim Chief Scientist and may be the permanent one if my first choice falls though, she's hasn't made up her mind yet. Any questions?"
"Colson Industries worked on the fighter inceptors, didn't they?" One of the scientists asked.
"Yes, we did." Alec said. "I was personally involved in that project."
"Then I don't have any objections, those are sweet."
"Thank you."
"And that brings us to the new expedition leader, Jon O'Neill. If Jon looks familiar, that's because he is. Jon is a clone, specifically, a clone of General O'Neill. Jon is a civilian with all the knowledge of Jack O'Neill. He was created by an Asgard, who wanted to understand how General O'Neill was able to access and utilize the Repository. They didn't know about his genetic connection to the Alterans. That particular so called scientist has been reprimanded by the High Council. They really don't like scientists who let their curiosity overcome their common sense, but then, neither do we." Yes, that was a dig at McKay, so he was feeling slightly petty, he was human.
And oh, there was the look he and Jon had been looking for. Stunned disbelief. So satisfyingly sweet. 'Take that McKay. Ok, so that thought was slightly more then petty, rein it in, Alexander, you don't need to be acting like a child yourself. Stupid inner voice reminding me to be mature.'