Aboard the UNS Aurora, which was in hyperspace en route to the Gamma site, Colonel Irving Kelter sat in his office, looking over personnel reports and drinking a cup of coffee. At 0930 hours, this was his third cup. As soon as he got on duty that morning, he had been greeted by a communique from General Carter. “FAIRBAIRN, ISOLDE, SQN. LDR., RAF, TO BE RECALLED TO EARTH FOR REASSIGNMENT TO SG-24. BY ORDER OF LT. GEN. S. N. CARTER, MESSAGE ENDS 0900 ZULU.” Colonel Kelter upon acknowledgment of the message had spent the last thirty minutes reviewing her profile, gleaning some useful information to give a speech to Squadron Leader Fairbairn. At last he was ready. He pushed the intercom on his desk. “Squadron Leader Fairbairn, report to Captain’s office. Squadron Leader Fairbairn report to the Captain’s office,” he said in a New York Jewish accent. At 52 years of age Colonel Kelter was a short man with balding black to greyish hair and brown eyes. He had been command of the Aurora for the past five years having served aboard the Sun Tsu as executive officer prior to his current posting.

  Several minutes later, there was a buzz at the cabin door’s chime. “Come,” said Colonel Kelter. The door opened and a fit and average young woman of thirty-four, with googles on her dark brown hair entered. After shutting the door she approached the desk, stood at attention and saluted. Colonel Kelter stood and returned the salute.

  “Squadron Leader Isolde Fairbairn reporting as ordered, sir!” she said in a Scottish accent. A native of Tweedale, south of Edinburgh, she had left home at eighteen to see the world. After receiving a degree in Computer Science from Cambridge, Isolde, or Izzy as her friends called her, enrolled in Officer Candidate School after one of her instructors at the University Air Squadron, of which she was a member, recommended her. After Officer Candidate School she was stationed at RAF Brize Norton. While there, she developed an innovative program to significantly improve response times and efficiency at the base. Her initiative and problem solving skills caught the attention of a recruiter for the SGC.

  “At ease,” said Colonel Kelter as Squadron Leader Fairbairn did so. “Have a seat.” Once Fairbairn was seated, Colonel Kelter spoke. “I’ve been reviewing your service record. And time and time again I remind myself why I asked for you in the first place. It’s because of your exemplary work on the Apollo.” Squadron Leader remembered her time on the Apollo and the event that Colonel Kelter was referring to. She was a Flying Officer at the time and junior assistant working on the Asgard Computer and Weapon Systems. During a crucial battle with the Lucian Alliance, the Lucians with several Ha’tak vessels managed to cripple the Apollo’s Systems. It also took the life of her superior officer. With her extensive knowledge of the Asgard systems, Fairbairn was able to restore the computer in short order so that Colonel Ellis could strike back with the Asgard Beam Weapon and send the Lucians packing.

  Colonel Ellis had been impressed with Fairbairn’s work and gallant action that he gave her a field promotion to Flight Lieutenant and Senior computer technician. When the Aurora was christened in 2019, Colonel Kelter handpicked her to be his officer in charge of the Asgard Systems, a position that Fairbairn went above and beyond the call of duty to perform. She also was promoted to Squadron Leader.

  “Squadron Leader Fairbairn, I want to let you know that your work and service abord the Aurora these past five years has been exemplary. I would like to thank you for your service.”

  “Thank you, Colonel.”

  “The reason I called you is to inform you that you will be given a new assignment. Effective immediately you will be joining SG-24 as executive officer. Congratulations,” Colonel Kelter said as he extended his hand. With a large Scottish smile, Fairbairn took his hand and shook it. Ever joining the SGC, she had dreamed of joining an SG team. Now she had her chance.

  “Thank you, sir!” Fairbairn exclaimed. Colonel Kelter pressed a button on his desk.

  “Captain to bridge.”

  “Keon here.”

  “Does our current course take us near a habitable friendly planet with a Stargate?”

  “It does, sir. P6X-271 is three hours off our current heading.”

  “Have the helmsman drop out of hyperspace and have the navigator plot a new course. Engage the hyperdrive when you’re ready.

  “Aye aye, Captain. Keon out.” Colonel looked up at Squadron Leader Fairbairn and back at the intercom.

  “Keon?”

  “Yes, Sir?”

  “Have an honor guard assembled by then. Squadron Leader Fairbairn will be leaving the Aurora to return Earth for reassignment.”

  “Will do, Sir.”

  “Good. Kelter out.” To Squadron Leader Fairbairn he said, “Go pack your things. We’re going to drop you at the nearest friendly planet that contains a Stargate. I know that we’ll not get to have proper farewell party for you, but maybe when you are not busy with your missions, and we are in port, we can properly celebrate.”

  “Thank you, sir! I’d like that!”

  “We’ll plan for that! Dismissed!” The two saluted and Squadron Leader Fairbairn left the cabin. Colonel Kelter announced over the one main circuit of Squadron Leader Fairbairn’s Departure. Izzy went to her department to tell them the news. She was greeted with cheers and applause.

  “Congratulations, Ma’am,” Peltier.

  “Good luck on your new assignment,” said Hosko.

  “Hey everyone! Three cheers for Squadron Leader Fairbairn!” Exclaimed Nguyen. “Hip Hip…”

  “Hoorah!”

  “Hip hip…

  “Hoorah!”

  “Hip hip…”

  “Hoorah!” They all sang her For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Izzy was touched by her subordinates well wishes and told them so.

  “Thank you. I don’t know who the Colonel will choose as my replacement, but for now Captain Nguyen will temporarily in charge until Colonel Kelter makes his decision.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am,” said Captain Nguyen.

  “It’s been an honor serving with you all. You’ve become my family these past few years. I will miss you all,” said Fairbairn. Her team gave her a salute, which she returned. Then after handshakes and hugs, Izzy departed for her quarters to pack.

  When the Aurora dropped out of hyperspace, and scans were made for bandits (there were none) Colonel Kelter announced on the 1MC:

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “Squadron Leader Fairbairn, report to the bridge.” She grabbed her duffle bag and her gear and exited her cabin. As she rounded the corner she saw the honor guard.

  “Honors! Hup!” announced the boatswain. The honor guard snapped to attention as Izzy made her way to the bridge. When she arrived on the bridge, Colonel Kelter and Lieutenant Colonel Keon were present.

  “Permission to disembark, Sir?” asked Fairbairn.

  “Permission granted, Squadron Leader,” Responded Colonel Kelter. He gave her a small smartphone-shaped device. “Your GDO for your trip to Earth.” He and Lieutenant Colonel Keon gave her a salute, which Izzy returned. “Good luck.” With a final handshake to both Kelter and Keon, Izzy stepped back from the two.

  “Beam her down,” Colonel Kelter said to the Helmsman. With a flash of white, Squadron Leader Isolde Fairbairn beamed down to the planet’s surface, ready to begin her new chapter of her career as Executive Officer of SG-24.

  ********************************************

  At the Alpha Site’s weapons range, a burly Norwegian man of thirty-three years of age with blonde hair in a buzz cut and brown eyes stood before a table filled with various alien weapons; Goa’uld staff weapons and Zat’nik’tels to be exact. A group of twenty men and women who were new recruits to the SGC were gathered around the Norwegian and the table.

  The instructor in question was Oversersjant Gunnar Bjornsson. He was a fourteen-year veteran in the Royal Norwegian Air Force and a seven-year veteran of the SGC, specializing in munitions. His interest in that field had been sparked as a youngster when his grandfather, a veteran of World War II, told his war stories, told of the equipment they had used in their battles with the Nazis, including the munitions. A young Gunnar, or Thorin as his family called him, would listen intently to his grandfather’s stories and would ask a myriad of questions. In addition, a trip to the National Museum when he was in middle school, where he discovered and learned about Nordic and Viking weapons, fueled his passion for the miliary even further. This made him want to study engineering in high school.

  As soon as he was able to enlist in the military, Thorin did so, enlisting in the Air Force. After basic training, Thorin took further training at munitions school. His work, expertise and excellence at various air bases around Norway awarded him a promotion and an instructorship at munitions school. Despite his foreboding and menacing appearance, Thorin was a gentle giant. He would spend extra time helping his students who were struggling to understand the concepts he was teaching. He made sure that every one of his students passed with flying colors.

  His instructing style caught the attention of a recruiter with the SGC. After training, he was assigned to the Alpha Site, training various teams and recruits there. By now, he has become a key figure at the Alpha Site, focusing on munitions and explosives as well.

  “Alright recruits, listen up!” Thorin exclaimed in a Norwegian accent. “Today we’re focusing on advanced alien weaponry. These aren’t your standard-issue firearms, so pay close attention.” He picked up a staff weapon and held it up for all to see. He demonstrated to his recruits all its features. “This is a Goa’uld staff weapon. It’s powerful but has significant recoil. Keep your stance firm and your grip steady.” Thorin took a firing stance, aiming at a target some 200 meters down range. He pressed a button and the staff weapon opened, small sparks of energy and a sound emanated from the muzzle. After taking one last aiming sight, Thorin fired the weapon; a bright energy blast emanated from the staff weapon hitting the target, a large hay bale. Thorin turned back to the class, careful to keep the weapon pointed downrange.

  “Notice the delay between pulling the trigger and the energy discharge. You need to account for that in combat. Questions?” Hearing none and after a moment of silence, Thorin motioned to the group to come up to the firing line, which they did so single file. Thorin gave the staff weapon to a athletic young man. The range technicians had already set up another hay bale.

  “Perfect stance, Nold. Fire when ready.” He did so and hit his target with accurate precision.

  “Excellent, shot, Nold! Good Job,” said Thorin. “Next shooter!” The recruits took their turns firing. Thorin guided each recruit through the process; he would make corrections to their stances, helping them with their aiming and offering tips.

  “Good, Morkovsky. Keep your elbows in,” he said to a nervous young recruit. “Steady your breathing. Remember, accuracy over speed.” This continued for some time. As they neared the end of a group one of the recruits, a woman named Rose Ernestes, took the staff weapon. After taking her stance and aiming, she pulled the trigger. Nothing happened, except that the staff weapon began to emit a high-pitched whine and became hot in Rose’s hands that she instinctively handed to Thorin, and quickly backed away, wringing her hands as she reacted to the burning weapon.

  Thorin, keeping his cool, sprang into action. He quickly placed the weapon on the ground. “Everyone back! He exclaimed. The weapon’s overheating!” He ushered the recruits to a safe distance. The weapon continued to whine and glow ominously. Thorin continued to keep his cool.

  “Stay calm period this can happen with alien tech. We need to let it cool down. In the meantime, let's switch to the Zat’nick’tel.” Going back to the weapons table he picked up the Zat gun and went to a different part of the weapons range, his group following behind him. Once they arrived, thorn held up the Zat gun.

  “Next we have the Goa’uld Zat’nik’tel or Zat gun. One shot stuns, two shots kill, and three shots disintegrates. It's a versatile weapon, but you need to be precise. Let's go through the firing sequence.” He pressed a button and the zat was activated in the firing position. Assuming a firing stance and aiming at a target 100 meters away, Thorn squeezed on the trigger. He fired a single shot at the target which was sparked and fell over. As he went through the motions of firing, he explained everything to the recruits. He turned to the recruits keeping the weapon pulling the downrange.

  “Alright. Let's practice. Remember to aim for the center of mass.” The recruits practiced firing the Zat gun, with Thorin providing guidance and support; all the while he kept steady eye on the malfunctioning staff weapon.

  When the recruits had finished firing the Zat gun and Thorin was satisfied with their work, he called the team to gather around him. “Excellent work, everyone. Keep practicing and these weapons will become separate nature to you. Dismissed!” As the recruits went their separate ways, Thorin pulled out his radio. “Weapons each team to the firing range,” he said. Within a few minutes, a young corporal and private came up to him and saluted.

  “Corporal, we had a weapons malfunction during training.” Thorin said as he pointed to the Staff weapon. “I need this weapon checked and repaired before the next session.”

  “Will do, sir,” the corporal replied. Thorin watched as the two placed the weapon in a containment locker. Once they were away Throrin picked up his clipboard, file folders, the Zat Gun, and after a friendly chat with the range staff, went to his office.

  After placing the Zat in the weapons locker and logging it back in, Thorin went into his office. He poured himself a cup of coffee, put on some Nordic folk music and worked on his reports.

  Hours passed. After a break for chow, and several hours more, Thorin was ready to call it an evening. As he was shutting down and tidying up his office, the Alpha Site’s commanding officer, Group Captain Davida Noble knocked on the open door.

  “Come in, ma'am,” Thorin said as he stood, coming to attention and saluted. Group Captain Noble returned to the salute. She was in her late 40s, she had an average build and height, blonde hair and brown eyes.

  “I heard we had a weapons malfunction this afternoon, Sergeant” said Group Captain Noble in Australian accent. A native of Sydney, she had served at various air bases in Australia with the RAAF and several SG teams before assigned to be the Alpha Site’s base commander.

  “We did, ma’am, Bjornson replied. Group captain noble mentioned for him to take a seat in one of the chairs that were in front of Bjornson’s desk. After sitting down Thorin spoke. “The Staff Weapon that I was using overloaded as Lieutenant Ernestes was ready to fire it. I had the weapons techs take it to be repaired and checked.

  “Any speculations on why it malfunctioned, Sergeant?”

  “My guess is that it was bought properly calibrated during the last calibration cycle. I was not happy with the last tech that we had. His work was very poor. I had to personally go over his work. I will personally calibrate the weapon tomorrow.”

  “That's not going to be possible. I've just received word from General Carter that you are being reassigned and recalled back to Earth. You are going to be joining SG-24 as the team’s tactical specialist.” She smiled and he extended her hand. “Congratulations, Sergeant!” Thorin, beaming with pride, shook her hand.

  “Thank you, ma’am!” Thorin exclaimed.

  “You’ve thoroughly earned it, Bjornson,” Group Captain Noble replied. “You’ve been a hardworking and dedicated member of my staff for seven years now. It’s time for you to put your skills out in the field. Go and pack your things. We’ll have a little farewell party for you at breakfast. You’ll leave at 0930 tomorrow.

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you!” And so Oversersjant Gunnar “Thorin” Bjornson, the pride of Norway, went forth from the Alpha Site back to Earth to take his place as Tactical Specialist of SG-24, looking forward to the challenges of working in the field for the first time.