Ari's boots made that familiar stomping sound as she walked toward the Star Gate.  Only having just seen it for the first time earlier today, it's existence still boggled her mind.  The beauty of the liquid looking doorway was seductive and almost pulled her toward it.  She had to forcibly resist the urge to keep herself from putting her hand through its gleaming existence.  Her mother had been the one to give her the tour of the base.  That her parents had worked her for almost fourteen years, well in area 51 first then here, just blew her mind.  Ari did poke her mom's side to make sure she was real as they had eaten lunch together.  She and her mom had laughed about that.  Her mother, a Lt. Col. in the Air Force, had said, "Yeah, I'm real, and don't think it was easy keeping<strong>this</strong>secret!" Her mother motioned to everything around her as she spoke.  Ari just nodded her head.  She refused to shake her head in disbelief any longer.  Besides, she was thrilled to be here.  Part of her life's dream was to travel in space, to do that whole star trek thing.  This was going to allow her to obtain her dream.  Sure, it was a lot different that she expected, but what the hell!  She sure wasn't complaining.<br/><br/>When her commander had given her the sealed orders having her come here, she had been disappointed but resolute to do her best.  If her commander were in front of her now, she would like plant a big sloppy wet kiss on his ugly mug.<br/><br/>After separating from her mother, Ari quickly made her way to the officers quarters to stow what little gear she had brought.  Always a light traveler, Ari carried fewer than one hundred items with her including clothes, computer equipment, CD's etc.  In fact, that's all the property she owned.  Stowing her prized possessions, her game balls, and quickly making up her rack, she squared up her closets and had her room right and tight in less than half an hour.<br/><br/>She had just changed into her Air Force issue BDUs when the call had come out for all personal to meet by the Star Gate.  Not hesitating, Ari closed her room, and took the shortest route to the Gate.<br/><br/>Upon arriving, she saw a woman shooting balls into the pristine glory of the gate.  Inwardly cringing, Ari knew she had to get over her infatuation with the gate and quickly.  She held herself back in the shadows waiting for the others to speak.  She had yet to receive her orders, so did not yet know to which team she was assigned.  She took that time to quietly study the people around her as she stood at ease and listened as everyone spoke.