[Matthew Oxford]

1356
Gateroom

Challanges, my foot, Matthew mused as he was ready to depart the gateroom when the device started to spin again. A part of him wondered which team was returning, It would be surprising if it was SV-1. They had only left not long ago. Changes were that Bobby failed or someone was injured. But to his surprise it was a 4 ft all man and with a very round belly that sticking out. The man's appearance seemed to be a mystery at best. If this was one of Indra's challenge, Matt knew it was best not to laugh at the choice. Who knew what type of personality he had.

Walking back, "Welcome to the Vedic Base Command," Matt greeted the man, "I'm Admir-" he was cut off when the man nodded and walked along.

Dhatri stopped at the doorway and faced the Tau'ri. He didn't really understand Indra's challenge for them. He partly knew what his role was, "Admiral Matthew Oxford. Your and your expedition's name is spoke among the gods. An impression not seen around here in years. I'm Dhatri, a Solar deity." For a short person his voice was strong as he spoke. He looked at few people with him and asserted.

<<Tag: Marah Law , Patrick "Razor" Stonebridge , James Calmara , Justin Anderson , Victoria Palmazio , Rachana Roshanara and Olivia Walker >>

[Patrick "Razor" Stonebridge]

Various times
Various places, Infirmary-Gateroom

Patrick had been wounded in the last battle for the base, and was sat in the base's medical area. He hated hospitals. Had done so ever since his youth. Pat was happy that he had been able to avoid hospitals by and large, only having to visit one no more than a handful times. Though there was one instance he had wanted to go to hospital, and that was the birth of his daughter. Right now, he'd give almost anything to spend just a few minutes with her. The Lieutenant knew what he had signed up for, however. Like the Atlantis expedition in its early stages, there was no contact with Earth -there wasn't enough power-, so he had to make do with photos.

After a nurse checked up on him, and then left, Pat took his chance. He escaped. He was fully dressed, and didn't go out of his way to sneak around. He pretended to be a man with a mission --which he was... Except it wasn't an official mission. If he looked busy, and like he had a job to do, people wouldn't bother him, he reasoned. And with that he walked right out of there. He went straight to the armoury to pick up his sidearm. He'd gotten a special permission to carry the British standard-issue Glock-17 on him. 

Following that, he had gotten something to eat, but didn't finish it before the alarms sounded, indicating something was up in the gateroom. While not needed, the Englishman decided to take a chance and check it out. Maybe someone would see him and suddenly need him, for all he knew. And if not, it was a nice way to get more info on how things rolled under this commander. 

[Vanessa Collins]

1356
Gateroom

Vanessa was sure that after this she was going to be busy as they came when it came to poking minds. The two who were under her leadership with it came to dealing with base personnel's stress and whatnot; would have a ball in trying to get them in the offices. The idea that Indra had set forth challenges didn't sit right with her. Then again most things when it came to her people in the expedition never did. At least not since Pooja Garcia. Since then Vans had been come very cautious of those who did come seeking the expedition's aide. It was something she had warned Matthew Oxford about. If Travis wanted to explain the why's to his older brother, he was welcome to, but Collin's wasn't going to bring up memories.

When the man cut Matthew off, the only thing she could do was raise her eyebrow at the motion. So far not many dared to cut the man off. If her experience with him was any indication, she knew he wouldn't have liked it, "Well our rep does exceed our expectations," she spoke as she noticed Stonebridge joining them. Like most she was sure even he had made a jailbreak from the Med bay or was actually let go. The latter seemed rare. She threw him a knowing look that spoke volumes., then faced their visitor, "We are after all the Tau'ri." Vanessa added, with a grin.

The newest trouble makers on the block. Their skills and knowldge was still behind than the ones who were here, but they weren't rookies when it came to dealing with foes in another galaxy. Quite a few members had been part of Delta.

"Lt," she turned back to face Patrick, "nice of you to join us." And just in time to see things unfold.

<<Tag: Marah Law , Patrick "Razor" Stonebridge , James Calmara , Justin Anderson , Victoria Palmazio , Rachana Roshanara and Olivia Walker >>

[Matthew Oxford]

1540
Briefing Room

It only had been few hours since their visitor had arrived. Clearly in the short time he was here, the man was already driving Oxford's people nuts. He looked at the group who was gathered outside his office and in the briefing room. Even though he could not tell what everyone was talking about, as all the voices overlapped each other. The loudness that he could hear told him everything. What awaited him was not going to be good.

Stepping out of the office and into the room, he noticed Vanessa Collins sitting on one of the chairs, making notes. Whatever she was writing was not something he wanted to know. At least not yet. The fear Matthew had earlier about her being part of the clamor; faded. He knew it was going to be more trouble than worth if his Chief Psychologist was among the people gathered in annoyance. Sighing he waited for the group to acknowledge his presences and soon realised that it was not possible without gaining their attention.

"QUITE," he bellowed, and waited till the people around him stopped talking, vending and everything in between, while they did that, he walked over to the table and took a seat, "Now, can someone care to tell me what is going on?" Even though he had heard bits and pieces, but he had nothing solid. Holding up a hand, "One person at a time."

Looking at Patrick, he had half expected to see his cousin. He could put it down to missing the baby lamb too much, "Lieutenant Stonebridge, can you start?" He noted that from the corner of his eyes, Collins had not stopped writing.

<<Tag: Marah Law , Patrick "Razor" Stonebridge , James Calmara , Justin Anderson , Victoria Palmazio and Rachana Roshanara >>

[Patrick "Razor" Stonebridge]

Patrick stood in his place, slightly in the back hoping not to really get noticed. He wore the dark blue Royal Navy shirt with his rank board -two full gold stripes and an executive curl- under his open expedition jacket. A woman joined, and halted close to him. She greeted him, and he replied. "Ma'am" he said. His British accent made it sound like he was saying 'marm'. He nodded to her, and turned back to what was happening.

The boss bellowed for quiet, and asked what was going on. Then he turned to Stonebridge and told him to start. "Sir. I haven't the foggiest, I'm afraid. I only just got here, Sir" he said in earnestly. "Though it looks like there's a wee bloke here who seems to know of you" he then added. That was all he knew. Though he was keen to learn more.  It wasn't every day that a thing like this happened. Though, he had never been on base long enough to really see much happening at all. Before he was assigned to the expedition, he'd been in an off-world team and spent most of his days away. It was a welcome change, however. 

[Matthew Oxford]

1540
Briefing Room

Most people he had asked gave him different answers. Some of them were being driven nutty, others were just plain annoyed by the guest they had. From what he could see, a lot of them had held on their composure. Closer to him was Doctor Malothra who looked annoyed and ready to take a swipe at anyone.

"He's just testing out patients," Akash mumbled to Oxford, "and the fact we took the challenge makes us bigger fools than required. That cousin of yours just might hurt Indra for this." He was still bummed about not going with SV-1 to find Shiva's bow.

At that, Collins couldn't help but snicker, "I'm in agreement, Admiral. Captain Oxford might have a very short paitences, yet I believe this might push him to limits. I don't blame him for that, since I'm ready to harm myself." Which even Troy Loveridge would be surprised by. As she was least person who would turn violent. Members of her own staff were ready to walk. "I fear we might have a strike on our hands if we don't do something."

Matt nodded. They would have to proceed with full caution. Indra did leave them with an issue that would be not be easily solved. He was still baffled as to why the expedition as a whole expected Indra's challenges. Did Shiva's bow did really even exist? What were the chances that it would have survived all this time? Sighing, "Doctor Collins, how do you suggest we proceed with this?" Matt asked.

<<Tag: Base peeps>>

[Makes-Eternal-Everlasting]

1540
Baswe Grounds

It had been twelve hours since her arrival. Twelve long hours and none still had her Crank even drinkable. Oh well, humans were weird, they called it coffee, it was weak compared to feline Crank, the caffine content alone in the crack was triple that of the strongest possible coffee. Stuff even Garfield the Cat could kill for most likely. {Imagine expresso on anabolic steroids and you have an idea of the level of Crank}

Of course if this was a test from their lord of Riddles, then it wasnt an easy one by any means, espeically for the humans of the base. Makes of course was used to the Lord of Riddles and Tests many tests and riddles. Was that why he left her and her kindred and squadmates alone ? Was that why he wanted to speak directly to her alone ?

"They are massing in a single room" his voice murmured behind her as she watched the outside, the sun filtered through the trees

"So they have" Makes replied softly, never looking the shorter mans way

"You worry for them ?"

"...... Yes" Came the reply after a moment or six of extreme thought. "You test them, like you test me and my kindred.... why ? They are not mentally strong enough are they ? Do they interest you that much ?"

Wether or not her words stung the deitiy her people revered so revenrently didnt seem to register on his voice or his face as he stepped up next to her. "Would you rather I test them harder or easier ?"

"When they show signs of mental instablity, it may be time to withsdraw your tests.... Admiral Oxford is a capable Man" Makes said simply, it was clear she was thoughtful over the whole ordeal. She never expected her own deitiy Dhatri to showup there, hell, she never even saw him herself execept in holos and storyscreens as a kitten!

So actually speaking to him was an entirely new experience for the Snow Leopard to live through. "In truth, Lord Dhatri, I never expected for you to come here, to meet or even speak to you myself..... Why did you seek me out ? Why the Humans ?" To that the deity simply left her, letting her alone to muse upon her own questions.

For long moments she simply stood, not using her hologram desguise the Snowleopard was letting her true being be seen, built seemingly for combat the white and black markings on the thick fur that covered a strong skeltal structure seemed to ripple with muscele as she thought simply on what she heard and said to the Deitiy.

Makes-Eternal-Everlasting was unique among her people as she had first made contact with them so long ago. Putting her at the forefront of places she did not want to be. Postions of power were fought over in her world, she was not a Council caste member by blood either, but her actions dictated it to be so. Even though her family were of the Builders caste, one of the more powerful castes yet below the Councils and Nobles, she did have some natural pull among things.

But this was different, speaking to, and being asked questions from, Dhatri himself, her peoples Lord of Tests left a strange taste in her mouth, a taste of confusion, and somehow, of adventure.

[Matthew Oxford]

2117
Gate Room

He had tested them harder, notably the senior members of the group. Admiral, Dhatri mused as he asserted the man, was stronger than he looked or gave the idea. He had handled all his questions and what not, very calmly, had grunted few times, been on the short end of blowing up, but in the end maintained that calm nature of his. That alone impressed him, but he knew it won't help Indra at all. That man would not be pleased with the results.

The woman next to him, as his eyes landed on Collins. The doctor herself had showed very similar signs as the Admiral. Yet hers, he felt came from years of been in another place and studies she had done to get her there. Strong woman of that he had no doubt. During his time, there had been only few handful of females he had gotten a pleasure of meeting. This one could be added to the list as well quite few of the females that were under the Admiral's command aside from the doctor.

Even more of his team and personnel were just as capable and that gave the answers he had come to seek even when they found him annoying nor wanted to give the answers. Indra no doubt would not be pleased with his findings. The man never was pleased no matter how much one tired. Dharti suspected that the Lord of Heavens wanted to seize the base again and use it to for his own agenda. Dharti could never understand the man and his ways of workings. The Supreme Lord already knew how these people worked. A blast towards Indra was only matter of time. Clearing his throat he looked at each person, "I will apologise for my tests, they however were deemed necessary," He saw the Admiral raise an eyebrow and smiled. "Yes Admiral. However I will leave at this."

As the gate started to move to being active, "Lord Indra wants results. Next time we meet, let's hope that it will be under better circumstances."

Matthew nodded, "Let's hope." And watched the man bid all off them farewell before entering the blue waterlike wormhole. Sighing, he shook his head as Akash joined, "I'm not stopping Bobby from hurting Indra." Only have the Doctor chucking, as the flag officer walked away. When in the end he would be stopping his cousin from doing it.

END OF MISSION