Hammond looked down the table in the briefing room to the large guest sat at the opposite end. Zzzig sat beside Granta and now Hammond really did feel that the SGC had descended into the realms of science fiction fantasy. He was trying to have a strategic conversation with a large bear with a spider as an interpreter. He shook his head and chewed his lip as he waited for SG1 to put in an appearance. In a few hours they would be returning to this planet to battle Goa'uld yet again. They needed to know what kind of forces they would be facing and which Goa'uld.

Everyone but Jack O'Neill arrived together and slid into seats around the table. "The Colonel will be here in just a few moments Sir," Sam told her Hammond apologetically.

He frowned briefly and then stared back down at the table again. Sam wondered what was occupying his mind because he looked unusually distracted. Jack sauntered into the room and took his place at the table. "The Stargate is still operational at their end but it now has a Jaffa guard," he told the group. Zzzig relayed the information to Granta who growled his anger. No one looked frightened or took it personally. They were finally beginning to notice the different tones in the noises he made and knew that was definitely not directed at them. "It's not heavily guarded but they may reinforce the guard now we have taken a peek at them. I vote we send a flash-bang through and follow it guns blazing."

A smile attempted to force its way onto Hammond's face but he suppressed it. "How much time is that likely to give you to clear the area and secure it?"

"Enough to get the equipment through and everyone away from the Stargate. We may have to fight our way back if the plan for getting this Goa'uld does not work," Jack answered seriously. "If we are going to do this we will need at least one other team with us."

"I agree you can take Colonel Masters and his team, they have had nearly as much experience dealing with the enemy as your team. You will need to kit… Granta out with weaponry, I should think he will be quite formidable. Zzzig, ask Granta what happened to his own weapons," Hammond looked at the spider who had been busily telling the Salvaje what was being planned.

Granta growled at Zzzig and she turned and answered in a surprised voice. "He came through the Stargate unarmed asss a sssign of trust. What weaponsss they have were being used to… clear a path for him and ensure no one sssaw where he went."

"We appreciate the consideration Granta," Jack responded. "Well General?"

"Yes, it has been agreed for you to try, but Colonel," Hammond began as Jack started to rise."

"Sir," Jack responded stopping half out of his seat.

"Try to bring everyone back in one piece this time."

OK. I know this chapter is short for me but I need to get this out of the way so I can concentrate on the storyline.