Commander Arnold Leonson nervously tried to stop himself from fidgeting as the gate technicians worked silently. Today was inspection day and that meant that any moment now, that great ring would flare and reveal the officer to do the inspection.
Speak of the Devil, the circuitry along the ring lit brightly as the center warped with the familiar distortion of a GATE. The Terran snapped to attention as the distortion enlarged and then retreated, leaving behind a duo of figures.
The male Terran was obviously the leader. Hands folded behind his back as dark murky blue eyes gave a brief sweep of the room. Short cropped dark hair was neatly pressed underneath a officer's cap to match with the rest of the officer's uniform. His rank indicator marked him a Major. At his sides, a Technoar technician peered through his visor at the room and made a few quick notes into his tablet.
"Major Morgan, welcome to the Z'ar base" Leonson's clipped greeting was met with a penetrating stare from the now identified Morgan, who then gave an approving nod.
"At ease Commander, let's try to make this as brief and painless as possible." Morgan's thick Irish accented English was even and measured. Leonson immediately fell in step with the Major as the three of them exited the GATE room, the doors hissing shut behind them.
"Yes sir. I am pleased to report that so far everything is on schedule here at the colony," Leonson found himself having a little trouble keeping up with the longer strides of his superior.
"Good, we need more good news. And how are the greens doing here at the base," Morgan returned, staring straight ahead.
"There have been some skirmishes with some gutsy pirates, but nothing they could not handle. Some of the wildlife as well." Leonson turned a corner with the Major as the three of them emerged onto a balcony overlooking a general training room.
Morgan's assistant had still said nothing, still carefully taking notes. Morgan himself gave a sweep of the room, watching fresh young recruits of various species training. From hand to hand combat, to marksmen training, he was pleased to see the youngsters working so hard.
"They should count their blessings. A lull should be appreciated considering what happened so recently." The Irishman pondered before looking to Leonson, who was giving him a carefully hidden nervous gaze. "Come then, we don't want to waste time."
