- - -

Both veteran field officers peered out from just inside the leafy vegetation into the clearing surrounding the 'Gate.

Alert and with weapons ready.
Neither of them spoke or made a sound.
Their experienced eyes scanning and assessing the scene before them.

- - -

- - -

Ch 24: HOPE

- - -

"Chevron Three, Engaged."

"I think this one looks good, Teal'c," Daniel stated optimistically.

The Jaffa tilted his head and looked steadily at the archeologist.

"Chevron Four, Engaged."

"Previous reconnaissance found a lack of hostile life... and a lack of any intelligent life at all. So, no angry natives to deal with. A climate similar to Earth's. Plenty of vegetation and wildlife without any apparent large or dangerous carnivores," Daniel reiterated the highlights from the reports.

"Chevron Five, Engaged."

"And," Daniel added, "This planet was on the list of candidates for the Alpha Site."

"Chevron Six, Engaged."

"I concur, DanielJackson. This planet does indeed appear promising," the Jaffa commented somberly.

"Chevron Seven, Engaged... and Locked," Sgt. Davis called out as the wormhole flushed outwards with its characteristic Kawoosh.

- - - - - -

"Send the MALP through," General Hammond ordered as he turned and sent a reassuring glance at the two members of SG-1 currently standing behind the technicians in the control room.

"Sending MALP," Sgt. Davis repeated the order back as he signaled to Sgt. Siler who was standing beside the remote-controlled machine.

Responding to the Sgt's commands, the bulky robotic vehicle lurched into movement and began slowly crawling up the ramp. A few moments later, its boxy shape silently slid into the rippling surface and disappeared from their view.

"MALP is in transit," Davis reported and then a few moments later, "MALP has arrived on planet. Receiving MALP telemetry."

Data began scrawling across the screens in front of several different technicians.

And then a video image popped up on Sgt. Davis' screen.

"Ohhkaay," Daniel breathed out as their eyes all scanned the image for information. "We have... trees..."

Sgt Davis began slowly turning the MALP while panning the remote camera for wider coverage.

The images showed the 'Gate to be in a clearing surrounded by forest.

After a few minutes of panning and scanning, Daniel commented, "No immediate signs of intelligent life – other than the 'Gate and the DHD...," and no one contradicted him.

No animals were immediately evident, but that was not unusual as the activation of the 'Gate and the appearance of the MALP tended to make most animals hide for awhile.

"SergeantDavis, please focus on the DHD," Teal'c directed intently and the Sergeant panned back over to the DHD and then zoomed in.

"Whhhoooo...," Daniel let out a breath at the image before them.

The Sergeant looked back at the men behind him.
Teal'c, as usual, showed no obvious reaction.
The General simply looked somber and concerned.
Doctor Jackson looked discouraged.

Because the DHD was heavily damaged.

"I'll bet that doesn't work anymore," Daniel finally managed.

- - -

TBC

- - -

Author's Note: These last two chapters demanded to be written this way... short and with this... errr... cliffhanger... (hides under keyboard while shoving Muse into the line of fire)...