They watched as the stargate opened, but nobody appeared. It closed a few seconds later. The guards eyed it suspiciously, but apparently didn’t think anything of it. Sam hoped that they would simply assume that it was an incoming wormhole, and never think to investigate it.

“Well, it works. Now, how do we actually get to and through the gate?” Daniel asked. They all shared a glance. They had no idea.

---

The sun shone brightly as they stepped through the gate. Sam admired the large meadow where the stargate sat. Daniel, on the other hand, was disappointed by the lack of ruins of any kind. Like it normally was, the gate was held by a stone stairway, but there were no markings of any kind.

“It looks like the civilization that lives here doesn’t care much about the stargate.” He commented, getting down off the steps and walking around the gate.

“Yeah, I think that’s fairly clear from the fact that we’re standing in an empty meadow with no greeting party.” Jack pointed out. Daniel frowned up at him, and Sam smothered a grin. Teal’c remained impassive.

“So, which way?” Jack commented, glancing at Daniel who was now leaning down to investigate the stone itself.

“Uh, that way.” Daniel motioned vaguely to the west, still examining the stone of the stairway.

“Come on Daniel, you’re kinda the reason we’re here.” Jack told him, starting off on the direction Daniel indicated.

“Hang on.” Daniel said, standing up and grabbing his bag. “Don’t you think this rock looks a little weird, Sam?” She glanced back at him.

“I’m not a mineralogist Daniel. I have no idea.” She informed him. He glanced at her, surprised at her tone of irritation. Jack did as well. Sam shrugged uncomfortably at the focus on her. “Sorry Daniel, there’s just something about this planet that bugs me.” Jack and Teal’c raised an eyebrow at her, and she shrugged again.

“I guess that means not to take it hard when you yell at us?” Jack teased her. Sam gave him a halfhearted glare.

“Should we not be moving on?” Teal’c asked, unconcerned by Sam’s odd mood. She herself was concerned, but said nothing.

“Yeah, probably. Let’s head out.” Jack said, starting out to the west. The other three followed silently. The meadow quickly gave way to trees, stretching far into the sky. The trees were full of small animals, non-fearing squirrels and small birds. The sun was blocked, but enough light filtered through the leaves to clearly show the way. They walked in silence, either lost in thought or admiring the warm air and cheerful sun that filtered through the trees. It didn’t take long to arrive at the ruins. They were in a clearing, allowing the sun to bathe them, as if a spotlight had been shined down on them. Sam felt a momentary fear at first sight of them, but she quickly squished it. What was wrong with her? Jack noticed her falter, and glanced at her in concern. She ignored his glance, and they walked on. Daniel got to work as soon as they arrived, taking out his tools and camera. Teal’c, Jack, and Sam fanned out to check out the perimeter. When it was clear nobody else was in the area, they returned to find Daniel rambling on excitedly about the living style of the peoples who lived on this planet. Teal’c took up point around the ruins and Sam and Jack sat in the sun on a rock pillar that had fallen over.

“Are you sure you're okay?” Jack asked Sam as they sat down next to each other. She nodded.

“I’m fine.” She assured him. He gave her a disbelieving look, but let it be. Sam relaxed against the rocks behind her, taking in the warm sun. It was December back home in Colorado, and it had been overcast and cold for quite a while. It was wonderful to be in the warmth of a spring or fall sun. (She wasn't sure which one it was) She sighed quietly in peace and listened to Daniel ramble on about this thing and then that. One moment she heard Daniel and felt the warm sun, and the next, she was asleep.

Jack smiled down at Sam in amusement, glad that she could relax enough to sleep. She’d been irritable lately, and he knew she was still upset over the whole ordeal with Orlin. He didn’t mind sitting here in the sunshine with the sleeping Sam beside him, and the rambling Daniel behind him. From all indications, this planet was uninhabited, and it was nice to have a little break from work. Teal’c, of course, was unable to just take it easy on an alien planet, but Jack was glad somebody was being duly diligent, since he was quickly relaxing.

Daniel quickly went over the little bit of interesting bit about the people having communal gardens, but when he didn’t get a response, he glanced around behind him. He trailed off when he saw that Sam was asleep, Jack looking like he would be as well shortly, and Teal’c nowhere to be seen, more than likely patrolling the perimeter. Though he didn’t know it, he agreed with Jack regarding Sam. She had confided a little in him about what she was going through with after Orlin had given himself to stop the bomb. She said the worst was not knowing whether he was dead, or simply reascention. He had tried to convince her that he had reascended, but they both knew that there was no was no way to know for sure. He was glad to see her relaxing.

Teal’c walked quietly through the trees, enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest. After the past five years of turmoil, moments like these were few and far between, and he tried to enjoy them as much as possible. He was focused on the warm sunlight touching his skin when he heard a small noise farther into the woods. He tensed, moving his staff weapon into firing position. The woods were quiet again for a few minutes, but then he heard it again, only closer. He had spent enough time in the forests to know that this wasn’t simply a wild animal. It was someone moving around out there, and quickly coming closer. Teal’c rushed back to the ruins, intent on warning the others.

Jack looked up as Teal’c rushed into the clearing, staff at the ready. Jack knew what was up—somebody was in the woods. Jack shook Sam awake and motioned to Daniel as he stood up. Daniel rushed over to them, leaving his tools behind. Sam woke slowly, but without a sound, and stood with them. They stood there, weapons at the ready, waiting for the person to come out, hopefully bringing peace, not war. Nobody came. After a few minutes, Jack glanced at Teal’c. He was still staring into the woods. Jack was sure Teal’c had heard something, but apparently it had chosen to retreat, rather than approach four fight ready people.

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AN: I know it doesn't quite fit the title yet, but it will later! That is, if I get enough reviews to write the next chapter! JK ;)