Desert. As far as the eye could see. A barren waste land with a single lone tree on it's surface. On the entire surface of the planet. It was just SGA-2's luck that they got to come check it out. Lorne unzipped his vest a bit and glanced around at Reed and Coughlin. The two were shoving each other out of the little patch of shade the lone tree created. Parrish was trying to examine said tree while snapping at the other two. There was nothing here but that tree, and he was getting tired of frying in the scorching heat.

"The number of insects thriving on just this one tree alone is amazing," Parrish muttered, absently wiping his forehead.

"Really? Interesting," Lorne mumbled back, not at all focused on the man. He sighed and walked over to the tree and his team. "Alright. Lets pack up and get going. I'm done frying for the sake of-!" He felt a pinch on the back of his neck and smacked the offending intruder. "Damn," he frowned at his bloodied hand.

"You okay Major?" Reed asked looking over at him.

"Yeah, let's get out of here."

"Yes, sir!" Reed darted into the jumper and Coughlin snatched Parrish by the back of his shirt and was dragging the protesting man back to their transportation. Lorne followed with an amused smile.

"Hey Doc."

Carson Beckett looked up from a file he was holding. "Hello Major. Wots brought ye to the infirmary t'day?" He asked while gesturing for Lorne to sit on a vacant bed.

Lorne hopped up and looked at the Scot. "Well...you remember that weird bite I came back with last week?"

"Aye. Is et still botherin' you?" Beckett stepped up to the side of the bed after snapping a pair of gloves on. He tilted Lorne's head forward to look at the back of his neck. A large bruise had appeared that when he touched, made the major hiss. "I'll need some more blood samples from ye, son. Ice it for a bit to get the swelling down, and if ye notice anythin' else come straight here."

"Right, Doc. Thanks." Lorne sat still while Beckett drew a few vials of blood and then chuckled when the good doctor slapped a band-aid over the pinprick.

He hopped off the bed and gave a wave as he headed out. As he walked in the direction of his quarters he found his mind wandering. Not on anything in particular, it was like someone was channel surfing in his brain.

Was there something between Teyla and Sheppard? If there was then it was a- Did McKay notice he had a receding hairline? Did no one but him notice that there was an incredible amount of unecessary- He should go to the infirm- When was the last time Ronon washed his hair? He was hungry- Sparring. He really wanted to spar- Paint. Fly?

Lorne stopped in the middle of the hall, one hand over his mouth as giddy laughter threatened to bubble forth. Him? Giddy?

Lorne was never giddy.

A grinch-like smile appeared beneathe his hand...

TBC?