"So let me get this right Rodney this new minion of yours that's arriving next week is a possibility for Lorne's team" John called as he finished pitching the tents for his Rodney's and Ronan's overnight recon.
Lorne had lost his entire team 6 weeks earlier when Michael's lab on M2S-445 exploded.
Rodney snorted "you kidding me. An ATA positive mechanical engineer, scientist and programmer, she's the perfect fit".
"Sounds like your kind of women".
Rodney offered him a death glare "I'm happy with Jennifer thank you".
"Touchy" John replied rolling his eyes at Ronan who'd just returned from collecting fire wood.
Lorne didn't know what to expect from the scientist completing his new team but the woman who beamed down wasn't it. She was an athletic 5'10 with hazel eyes, shoulder length layered black hair and left helix ear piercing dressed in converses, black cargo pants, khaki tank and leather jacket.
"Riley I'm glad you finally accepted" Sam greeted the scientist who'd she'd being trying to recruit full time for years.
"Another galaxy couldn't resist". Alongside running R&D at area 51 Riley Taylor had done part time work for the SGC.
"This is Major Lorne your team leader, I'm sure he'll be happy to get you settled" Sam introduced them.
"Nice to meet you Doctor and off course I am" he greeted her with a smile, hardly surprised at her firm handshake.
"It's nice to meet you too Major and its Riley" she replied as they started walking towards the transporter.
"Riley got it and it's Lorne" he replied as they stepped inside selecting the transporter nearest to their quarters "so how do you know Carter".
"Work".
He decided to drop the subject as he could practically hear her mental defences slamming into place. Stepping out they walked side by side finally stopping outside a door near the atrium.
"So these are your quarters, I'm next door" he said pointing to the left.
Riley looked at her door and then at the one he'd pointed to "cool I'll unpack later, how about you give me the grand tour".
On a phased return with no paperwork he didn't have anything urgent to do so he nodded " this way then" he said heading off down the corridor we weren't expecting you till next week".
"I didn't have many loose ends".
"So how'd you find out that you're ATA positive" he asked curiosity getting to him.
A smile flickered across her face "I tripped over a tool box and grabbed the ancient chair to steady myself managing to activate it. Apparently my test results show I've got one of the strongest genes known. By the way I don't like to talk about my past".
He nodded not surprised after her earlier reaction "join the club".
"I understand that your CO went from screw up to golden boy because of his super gene. That must be difficult for a dedicated officer with a clean record?" she asked remembering the gossip.
He was about to jump to John's defence when he noticed the mischievous smirk spreading across her face "you're screwing with me aren't you".
The smirk turned into a full on grin "what gave me away" she asked laughing .
"The colonel gets a similar look when he's teasing Doctor McKay" laughter laced his own response.
Stopping in the armory Lorne gave her a safety tutorial before heading onto the range where she provided herself more than comfortable with weapons.
Riley woke early the next morning and donned her trainers, yoga pants, and 'PHD' tank before heading out for a run. No matter what was going on, she never missed her morning exercise as she used it as time to think.
After a while the rhythmic beating of her USAF dog tag locket had her thinking about her brother and how little she'd seen him over the last 4 years.
Rounding a corner, she realized she wasn't the only one who liked to run before breakfast, slowing Riley debated whether to continue the way she'd been going or take a different route. She decided to stick to the route she'd planned not wanting to be late for breakfast with her new team.
"Morning Lorne" she greeted drawing level with him she altered her pace slightly to match his.
"Urm morning Riley, I didn't hear you approach" he stumbled startled at her sudden appearance, after all you could hear most of the civilians coming a mile off.
"Childhood gymnastics has left me with a soft step".
"A handy skill to have here as is weapons competency" he asked digging.
"There handy skills to have on Earth" was the only answer she offered.
"Knowles, have you seen Riley " Lorne asked one of the Lieutenant's on his team as he joined him at the buffet table.
Edward Knowles was a 5'11 muscular marine with grey eyes and cropped blonde hair, the 22 year old Texan was an expert marksmen.
"The new scientist with the crazy hair, I think she took her food back to her lab" Knowles said looking at the options.
Lorne sighed grabbing a sandwich and a bottle of water he turned to the exit just as his other Lieutenant walked in.
Brandon Marshall was a 5'10 muscular flyboy with green eyes and short red hair, the 23 year old Irishman was an expert in most terrains.
"I thought the Major liked us to eat as a team" Marshall said as he took Lorne's vacated spot.
"We still can eat as a team and wind up Doctor McKay in the process" Knowles smiled grabbing a sandwich guessing what his superior was doing.
The pair set of at a light jog and quickly managed to catch up with Lorne as he reached the transporter.
"What you doing" he asked noticing their trays.
"Same as you by the looks of it sir" Marshall replied as they piled into the transporter.
It wasn't long before they'd reached Rodney and Riley's Personal lab a floor above the other science labs.
"Coffee's still hot" Lorne observed when they found the lab empty laying his hand against the 'I tried to act normal. Worst 5 minutes of my life' mug sat beside one of the laptops.
No sooner had he spoken than one of the side doors opened and Riley walked in carrying several books.
"To what do I owe this pleasure" she asked depositing the books on her workbench.
"We figured we'd keep you company" Lorne said as they all dragged chairs up.
The team talked and laughed while they ate quickly warming to each other.
"Anyone want the last Jell-O" Riley asked eyeing the pot.
"Yes" Knowles announced moving to grab it.
Marshall however was slightly quicker swiping it he placed it in front of Riley.
"Thank you" she replied offering Knowles a mischievous smirk.
Lorne smiled glad that everyone was getting along so well.
