Meanwhile, Back in the Solar System....

[sinanju]

Who: Cassandra Sugarbaker
Where: The Lifeboat
When: Wednesday, June 16th
Invited: Chloe Sullivan, Xander Harris, Faith Lehane
Status: Incomplete

Cassandra Sugarbaker looked over the controls one last time. Everything looked right. The lifeboat--they still hadn't named it and Cassandra had begun to think they never would--was in orbit

Comments

[NPC Walter Harriman]

[sinanju]

"We got an alarm from the satellite about half an hour ago, Ma'am," Walter said. "We're still working through the data but it appears to be a manned spacecraft."

"We weren't due for another data burst for a while yet, were we?" Elizabeth asked.

"No ma'am," Walter said. "Not for another seventy-two hours." The satellite recorded its observations continually but only broadcast them every few days to save on power--but the approach of a spacecraft of any sort was a top-priority event. Dr. Weir knew that as well as Walter did.

"The spacecraft was detected as it came within visual range of the satellite."

"How long has it been up there?"

"We don't know," Walter admitted. "It's in a polar orbit--probably mapping the planet. That's the fastest way to survey the entire surface. Whether by chance or intent, it's been out of range of the satellite until just a few minutes ago.

"We don't know where it came from," he said. He felt as if he ought to apologize though it was hardly his fault. Gamma Site simply didn't have the wherewithal to keep tabs on the system. They were fortunate to have the single satellite.

"What can you tell us about the vessel itself?" Weir asked.

Walter grimaced, a little embarrassed to have so little hard information to give her. "Not much so far. It's roughly the shape of a puddlejumper, though it appears to be a little larger in diameter--and rather longer."

(OOC: Details here.)

"So it can't pass through a stargate?"

"No ma'am--at least, we don't think so. We haven't been able to get a close enough look at it yet to know for sure."

"Have they tried to communicate with us?"

"No ma'am. No electronic emissions of any kind. Any sensors they're using are purely passive. They may not know we're aware of them."

[NPC Lorne]

[lost_mckay]

The calls for the team leads gave Major Evan Lorne the idea that the chances were better than even that he'd be needed at the gate area. He'd been at a debriefing with one of the 'lesser' gate teams, going over actions; what was done, what could have been done better tactically, when the call came out.

It was an orderly but very brisk move out to the gate area, those on the team stopping to pick up their flak vests and P90s before reporting in to the crew on duty, and taking up positions. He'd left the general's nephew, a newly commissioned Lieutenant, as ranking officer to those now present and ready for orders while he resumed his so-very-familiar spot beside Dr. Weir.

He incline his head ever so slightly in greeting, his manner and mien every inch the military officer; serious and attentive. The major listened to the sergeant's explanation, nodding slowly, his lips pressed together as he took everything in.

"We could take the 'jumper out, cloaked, and get a good look at it, Dr. Weir. If it's in orbit, it may not have the ability to enter the atmosphere." And there were a few people on the ground who could fly it, so there wasn't a lack of qualified pilots; including him. He didn't have to say that they still had access to a few drones, but those were the last of the real defenses they had from space.

[Elizabeth]

[wolfcat]

Elizabeth took in Walter's assessment with only the faintest frown on her face -- more a comment on her curiosity and concern than any displeasure. She nodded slowly, and then glanced to Lorne as the Major made his suggestion.

"Do it," she agreed. "But, yes, cloaked. I don't want it taking pot-shots at you. And don't fire back unless you absolutely have no other choice." She didn't want to waste the drones. Not when there was potentially something bigger out there. She turned then to Boone and Harkness, peripherally to the gate tech as well. "Set up security around the gate. I want to be ready to open a wormhole in case we need an evacuation route." To Lorne again: "If it looks like that ship's heading to the gate, you need to buy us as much time as you can. I do not want to be digging us out again for the next year and half."

She looked up at the sky, now, knowing full well she wouldn't see a polar-stationary ship given how close they were to the equator. Her lips pressed together tightly. Going to high alert wasn't her preference, but she preferred safe to sorry. In any case, she doubted Jack would given any different orders when it came down to it.

A beat. A breath. She glanced to Lorne again. "When you get close enough, I want a full assessment. If they don't look hostile, I want to try and open a channel. See if we can communicate peacefully. Otherwise... well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

For a brief second she mentally reviewed the orders she'd just given. Anything else? Nothing came immediately to mind. "Okay," she nodded, and squared her shoulders. She glanced once more to her people, confident in their abilities. "Go."

[Captain Jack Harkness]

[beccadg]

Jack stood quietly by, listening as Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman explained what had prompted him to put out an "All personnel to the Gate area" call. He watched the reactions from Doctor Weir and Major Lorne as they took in the news and acted from the instincts they'd developed during their years in Stargate Command. Jack gave Doctor Weir a small nod when she included him in those she wanted setting up security around the gate. He promised her, "The gate will be ready if it's needed."

Jack wondered how well Lorne would be able to buy them time if it was needed. They didn't have the resources to do more than use delaying tactics and run. It was a frustrating thought knowing how much they needed to be able to protect people. They only had limited knowledge of their enemies, but they did know without a doubt they had enemies. Jack remained still until Doctor Weir nodded, squared her shoulders, looked around at everyone again and gave them the order to go.

He moved.

[Teyla]

[fikgirl]

The call for 'gate teams drew Teyla. She quickly suited up in her vest, grabbed a weapon and listened to the radio chatter.

Arriving at the 'gate, she gave a nod of greeting to Captain Harkness, and joined with her team leader, Captain Boone. All around her, soldiers came to stand at ready, waiting for anything.

It was good to see that in the absence of the General, even those not associated with Atlantis responded to Dr. Weir.

"Ahoy the planet. Sorry for stomping all over your communications channel, but I don't know what other frequencies you're listening on. I'm speaking from a vessel that is currently in orbit around Gamma--I believe that's what you call the planet. We're friendly and we'd like to talk to someone in authority down there. Please respond."

The greeting came in loudly over Teyla's headset and from the subtle shifts among the marines and airmen, on theirs as well. From the sound of things, the greeter, a female, made her call on several different frequencies.

She stood loosely, and like everyone else, waited for the return greeting.