Chapter Seven: Setting Up Camp

"I'm picking up some sort of energy reading," he informed his team.

"Maybe it's coming from the temple," Mahendra suggested.

Evan watched as the information on the screen located the building, which was where the energy reading was coming from. It was only a faint reading, but enough for the sensors to pick up.

"That's coming from the building," Wyatt said. "Does it say what it is?"

"No. I'm gonna park near the forest and keep the Jumper cloaked. Just remember where I parked it," Evan said seriously.

After Evan parked the Jumper somewhere he knew would be secluded and invisible to the naked eye.

"I'll take point, Wood you take rear, and Van Ingen in the middle with Mahendra and Owen," Evan ordered.

"Yes, sir," Jason and Wyatt replied.

Everyone got their packs ready and their weapons when Evan parked the Jumper. Evan headed out first and when he saw it was clear he gave the order for the others to follow him. Once outside they looked for the path that lead into the Ancient building. Astra tripped over a log and found an old path.

"I found it," she said, as Wyatt helped her up.

"Are you alright?" Evan asked her.

"I'm fine," she assured him, dusting herself off.

Evan took the lead through the forest. They could hear the calls of native wild life around them. The forest was dense with indigenous flora.

"Stay on the path," Evan commanded.

"Watch out for the plants they attack," Astra said dryly.

Evan rolled his eyes. They walked along the old trail for a good forty five minutes when they came across an overgrown garden and the team had to cut their way through there as well. Twenty minutes later Mahendra crashed into something solid.

"I think I found it," The Athosian said to Lorne.

The others joined Mahendra and crowded around him. They pulled back some of the plant life and found a door with a Celtic design carved into it.

"Yup you found it," Wyatt agreed.

"We need to do a perimeter check of the area. Wyatt stay with the civilians while Wood and I have a look around," Evan ordered.

"Yes, sir," Wyatt answered.

"We can help look around," Astra argued.

"Right now I want you and Mahendra to look for place to set up camp. I'll trust your judgment on what to look for. Wood and I will keep in radio contact. I want to make sure this place is safe before we go off and explore," Evan told her in a tone that meant no arguing.

"Fine I'll look for a place that will be our home for the next week," Astra grumbled.

"Good," Evan approved.

Evan and Jason dumped their packs and walked off. Astra glared at their disappearing backs. Wyatt went and looked for a place for them to set up camp.

"You shouldn't argue with Major Lorne. He's our leader," Mahendra scolded gently.

"Why shouldn't I? I am civilian and I don't have to answer to military grunts," Astra grouched. "Yes I am civilian but I am no damsel in distress and can take care of myself."

"Major Lorne is our team leader and guardian while we are away on missions. We know you can help and take care of yourself, but he wants us to set up camp for now. If anything was to happen to you or to me, it would fall on the Major. Please just follow his orders and not argue with them," Mahendra soothed.

Astra sighed. "Alright, let's set up camp."

"Over here!" Wyatt called. The Marine had decided not to enter their discussion and kept his distance from them, but close enough to help them if needed.

"Nice spot," Mahendra complimented, looking around him.

Wyatt and Mahendra got out their tents and started putting them up. There were only two tents; one was a three man tent and the other was a two man tent. Astra worked on getting the rest of the stuff together. Mahendra went and grabbed Lorne and Wood's packs where the two pilots had dumped them before wandering off into the forest.

"Who is going to sleep in which tent?" Mahendra questioned, holding the two bags.

"Doc will share the two man tent with me, and you three boys will share the three man tent. I couldn't get anything bigger for they were used by other teams," Evan said, walking over to them.

Mahendra put Lorne's pack in the two man tent and then took Wood's over to the three man tent. Astra glanced up from what she was doing and looked at Evan. The team leader glanced back at her, his eyebrow raised. She turned away from his bright blue eyes and continued helping the team.

"Nice place, Lieutenant," Evan approved, looking around their camping gear.

"Thanks, sir," Wyatt said pleased.