Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot and the OC's and the planet involved - please don't sue me as I have no money!


Chapter Two

Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter was engrossed. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, punching out algorithms as if her life depended on it. Which, considering that she was used to saving the world, meant she wasn't working as fast as she probably could, just fast enough to keep her occupied. She didn't look up as the large shadow loomed over her desk, nor did she respond when it quietly cleared its throat.

"Colonel Carter."

She finished tapping away, hit the 'save' button and sat back, her cropped blonde hair in disarray but her aqua eyes gleaming with glee.

"Hey Teal'c."

The Jaffa cocked his head to one side and looked at the laptop on the desk. His right eyebrow twitched and Carter grinned.

"Just some astrophysics calculations I've been working on. You know how it is – once you start a train of thought, you gotta finish it."

"Indeed." Carter was sure she spotted a moment of amusement chase across the dark features but she blinked and it was gone.

She started to shut down the computer.

"And it was really bugging me how just one figure seemed to be out…it's taken me weeks to figure where I'd gone wrong with it. I think I've finally nailed it though." She ran her hands through her hair, tousling it even more. "It's the energy crystals…we're still doing tests on them and although we've had some success with various quartz samples, we really need to find our own supply. I switch back to astrophysics for a mental break."

He stood there, silent. She looked up at him and was once again struck by how restrained he always seemed, as if he were a great predator merely at rest. His dark eyes scanned the room briefly before settling on her face once again and once more there was a little twitch from that eyebrow. Carter sighed.

"What is it?"

"I believe we are expected in the briefing room at 0930."

With a shocked gasp Carter checked her watch. It was 0929.

"Oh hell." She started searching through the mass of paperwork on her desk. "I got so caught up in my work…"

Teal'c reached out and plucked a manila folder from under a couple of physics books. He handed it to her with a slight bow. Carter smiled at him warmly.

"Thanks Teal'c. I'd have been looking for ages."

"Perhaps we should be making our way."

"Indeed." She grinned at him. "Sorry."

He merely bowed again, that momentary flicker of humour flashing in his eyes. As they made their way through the corridors, Carter flicked through the mission proposal Daniel had given her.

"Did you read this?"

"I believe Daniel Jackson has a theory concerning the ruins on PX6-W358."

Carter studied the photocopy of the language glyphs and Daniel's partial translation, oblivious to the various technicians and airmen that ducked out of the pair's way.

"The Furlings."

"Indeed." Teal'c stepped aside for a technician and trolley. Carter suddenly realised they were there and skirted round them with a smile and apology. Teal'c continued, "We have no prior knowledge of the Furlings other than they were one of the Four Races that the Ancients, Asgaard and Nox were also accounted."

Carter's face lit up.

"So, if Daniel is right…"

Teal'c caught her train of thought, inclining his head in acknowledgment as he finished, "If Daniel Jackson is correct, we may find contact with the Fourth Race."

Carter half-laughed.

"It's rare for Daniel to get these things wrong, Teal'c."

"Indeed it is, Colonel Carter. However, I would advise caution. They are an unknown and therefore unpredictable force."

"Teal'c, I'm sure it'll just be another standard re-con."

Before he could respond, Carter reached out opened the door to the briefing area.

"Sorry. Teal'c had to come drag me away from my calculations."

Daniel looked up from where he was leaning over O'Neill's shoulder and pointing at something. He grinned at them.

"That's ok. I needed the extra time to explain something to Jack."

Judging by the look on the general's face, Carter was pretty sure that O'Neill would rather have been shot. When he caught her eye and grimaced, she coughed trying not to laugh.

"Ready?" Daniel had the pointer in his hand and looked eager to get going.

"Sure." Carter slid into a chair, allowing an expression of interest to settle over her face. Teal'c sat opposite her, her features his usual schooled blankness. As the lights went down so Daniel could show his slides, she was sure she saw O'Neill put his hand to his temple and pull an imaginary trigger before assuming his attempt at being interested.