I'm obsessed with early SG-1 lately... I have no idea why. Thanks to Amara for the beta!
Daniel had too many books. He crouched in the Gate Room, shoving one after the other into the tiny bit of extra space in his pack as the Stargate dialed up with a disembodied voice from the Control Room narrating its progress.
"Pretty sure you don't need your entire library," Jack told his friend dryly.
"Ah, I think I might," the younger man answered from the floor. "If all those pillars are in Goa'uld, I'm sure Teal'c can translate in half the time. But we know there are other languages out there, Jack, and I want to be prepared." He stared at the last book – which absolutely would not fit – until Captain Carter took pity on him and held out a hand for it to add it to her gear.
"You gonna be a walking bookshelf for the rest of our lives?" the team leader asked. "Or just until the first rain storm soaks them all?"
He hadn't thought of that, clearly – ah, scientists in the field – and sheer horror crossed his features. "I don't... I mean, I can't..."
"Our data shows a relatively low level of humidity, Doctor Jackson," the captain offered. "I think you're probably safe." At her CO's betrayed look, she added, "This time."
"Oh. Good."
The Gate wooshed to life, and General Hammond's voice echoed, "SG-1, you have a go."
Teal'c led the way, his staff weapon firmly in hand. Daniel, eager, trailed just behind him. With an intentionally patronizing smile, Jack held out an arm. "Ladies first."
She responded in kind. "I was thinking age before beauty, sir, but if you insist."
She took the first step up the ramp, but he didn't miss the tiny wince as she hit the second. "Issues, Captain?" he said. "What was that crack about my age?"
She paused a second before offering, "Sorry, sir." And she stepped through the wormhole.