AUTHOR'S NOTE: Rated M for some language and mature themes and some off-screen violence. My apologies to any German speakers if I got the language bits a teensy bit wrong. Google Translate is not always the best. On that note, some of the things expressed here are NOT my opinions, feelings or anything of the sort. My apologies if anyone is offended, but sometimes one needs to tell the rough stories, no?

DISCLAIMER: Stargate, Stargate SG-1, and its related characters and setting are not my property and I'm only borrowing them for a little while for some free entertainment. No infringement is intended.

Chapter One

The room itself was unusually hot, despite how far beneath the surface it was. Perhaps it was the body heat of the technicians as they scurried about in their various tasks, checking and re-checking everything. In this room, one could not afford to make mistakes. In this room, mistakes could kill. It was not the first time that General Landry had that thought. This was the first line of defense, though the world did not realize it. It had demanded a payment in blood, and that payment had been high. It had been too high, in Landry's opinion. He had to make those big decisions, and that was what this place was all about.

He stood behind Sergeant Harriman in the control room of the most important military base on the entire planet, Stargate Command. Through the window he could see his newest team gathered in a tight knot before a metal ramp. They stared in abject wonder at the circular device before them. Few could gaze upon the dark, ominous hues of the Stargate and not find their entire world had changed overnight. Landry could certainly understand. He had stood here for hours, staring in awe when he had taken over command of this base from its previous CO, General Jack O'Neill. "Jack," he had told the exiting commander, "I have no idea how you've kept this place together this past year. I only hope I can do as well."

O'Neill had only smiled at his replacement, in that lopsided little way that he had, as he answered, "These folks have been doing this for a long time. Trust them to know their jobs and you'll do just fine, Hank."

Returning his attention to the moment, Landry looked out over his team as the great circle rumbled to life. There was a deep sense of pride upon the General's face that nothing too terrible had happened on his watch this past year; not since SG-1 had finally put an end to the Ori threat once and for all. After that, the various members had slowly gone their separate ways.

Colonel Carter had, after leaving command of Atlantis to Robert Woolsey, had been given a new assignment. Colonel Mitchell, who now held the illustrious posting of base Second-in-Command, had taken on the not insignificant task of finding and training new recruits to the project. Daniel Jackson had, likewise, requested to be removed from active field duty so that he could devote more time to his research.

Then there was Teal'c. The large Jaffa who had been as much a part of this command as any member of SG-1, who had worked so very hard at attaining his place as a citizen of Earth, had said his goodbyes and departed for his home world of Chulak. General Landry and the IOA had been informed that Chulak was to be the new seat of the Nation of Free Jaffa.

It had been hell to gather and train the members of the new SG-1, but beneath the layers of gear, Landry could still pick them out. The one who caught his eye the quickest was, quite naturally, their demolitions expert. Landry was rarely certain to which of them he was speaking at any given moment, but the man certainly knew his job. He was not large, this man, but stocky and very centered. If he so chose, he could plant his feet upon the deck and not even Teal'c could move him. That was impressive, to say the least. He was engrossed with fine tuning his gear, to be sure that everything was within easy reach. The only one of the group to not carry a P-90, he instead seemed to favor the larger and slightly more powerful M-60.

Beside him stood the team's new commander. He was tall, with bleach blond hair beneath his uniform cap. The man's deep set hazel eyes regarded each member of his team carefully. His name was Allen Godfrey, a major in the United States Air Force, and well suited to the task of leading this special group of people where he was leading them.

A brilliant flash of light as the massive device whooshed to life. God, he didn't think he'd ever get tired of seeing the Stargate open! Leaning forward, Landry took hold of the microphone and spoke to the departing team, "Your mission is a go, SG-1. Have fun."

Godfrey gave Landry a perfect salute, checked his team's gear once more and then began his first live walk up the ramp. Naturally, he was scared. He'd never really done anything like this before and, for just a moment, he was not completely sure he wanted to any longer. He could feel every eye in the room boring into his back. For so many here, what he was about to do was considered old hat; but not to him. Screwing up the courage of leadership he plunged, face first, into the event horizon.

Almost as though stepping through a curtain, he found himself standing in the middle of a large forested clearing. The sun shone brightly, bathing everything in the soft glow of early evening. Wherever he might look, Godfrey saw trees. Myriad were their colors, with leaves ranging from sapphire to amethyst. In fact, gem-like hues sparkled and glinted all around him in the radiance of the sun. Even upon the hard ground, crunching beneath his boots like a thousand tiny beetles, stones lay openly as though begging to be scooped up. In the harshness of the cloudless sky Godfrey donned his sunglasses, fending off the brutality of the light.

Despite the brilliance that surrounded him, Godfrey was neither hot nor even uncomfortable. A steady breeze wafted through the clearing, bringing with it a thousand new scents. As he could only assume these scents to be normal of the planet, the major chose to ignore them for now. With great caution he advanced down the cracked and weathered stone of the Stargate's steps.

The soft slurping sound of the event horizon announced the arrival of his team behind him. Godfrey turned to look at his team, their first time off-world. Upon each of their faces he could see the wonder that he knew was echoed in his own. Each would see this new world differently, and Godfrey found himself wishing he could share those thoughts with them; to see how they see, and to show them how he sees.

But, to business. They had a set of ruins to investigate. "Finn, Durann, secure the perimeter if you would. Wally, double-check the MALP readings." After a hail of 'yes sir', each set about their tasks with an almost practiced ease. Finn confused him a bit as he watched her flanking the left side of the 'Gate. Lovely girl, he thought, but rough around the edges.

She was small, only five-foot-five and, at a meager nineteen years old, she was the youngest member of the team. He had recruited her straight out of Pararescue school and she had jumped at the chance for adventure. "Clear!" she called. Yes, Ashley Finn knew her job. They all did or they wouldn't be here now.

A second voice echoed Finn's, a deep and rumbling voice. Nor was that was not the most unusual thing about that voice; no, it was the buzzing, dual quality of the voice which called Godfrey's attention. It was Durann, or more correctly, it was Keltit, the Tok'ra symbiote he carried in his head. Godfrey shivered at the thought. He'd read the reports on the Goa'uld and the Tok'ra, of course. Having a snake around seemed like a good idea to Godfrey.

It was a fact, Godfrey had not really had a chance to figure out just how to use pronouns in reference to Durann and Keltit. Him? Her? They? It could surely drive him mad if he let it. Keltit had made no bones whatsoever in her first physical exam that she was quite female, thank you very much. Though when asked why she was residing in a male host, Keltit would only smile and change the subject. Allen figured it would all smooth out in time.

Meanwhile Wally, his second in command, was busy pouring over the wheeled probe's latest data collection cycle. Captain Wallace Tenbaum was regular Air Force and every bit as smart as the astrophysicist he was replacing. Sure, Samantha Carter was a legend now, but there was always room for another, and Wally was the one. Through and through, Godfrey knew this to be so.

Then, there was his little linguist. Godfrey chuckled to himself as he thought of her. Doctor Monroe. Her parents must have had a rather wicked sense of humor to name her Marilyn, which she rightly hated. So, the pretty Englishwoman went by Lynn. He had to agree that was a much nicer name anyway. Barely an inch taller than Finn, and much more fragile by the look of her, Monroe approached her superior cautiously. "I do hate to be a bother, sir," she began in her sweet lilting accent. "but we are loosing the light. The briefing claims that it will be night here in only a few hours. We should be going."

Sighing heavily, Godfrey nodded as he held up a hand. "Hold your horses, Doc. I know you brainy types like to get right down to it, but I've got a job to do here too, you know."

Sparkling green eyes twinkled at him from beneath the brim of her ghillie hat. "Of course you do, Major. I'm only reminding you of our imposed time-table." With that, Monroe pointed to the west, where the planet's sun was beginning to sink. "It will take almost two hours to walk to the site from here."

"She's right, Major," came Keltit's opinion. "The faster we begin, the sooner we may leave."

"Getting a feeling, Kel?" Godfrey smiled wide, enjoying how they were already beginning to gel as a group.

Taking her commander's bait, the symbiote replied with a soft grin. "Call it woman's intuition, if you like." Keltit laughed then, a deeply disturbing sound, as she toyed with these Tau'ri. They were not used to her. Indeed, she was not yet used to herself any more. Durann was fine company to be sure but he was, after all, still a he. It had not been entirely her choice to take him as a host. No, Keltit much preferred the female of the species. Perhaps, one of these young women would allow her...No, she thought.

There came a voice from within her mind, /Grown tired of me already, Kel?/ It was Durann, her host. His tone held a bitter-sweet humor in it. Resigned, he continued, /I'm not surprised that you're looking. Not exactly a perfect match, are we dear?/

Keltit sighed and shook her head slowly. /You know I love you, Dur, but I have needs. Unfortunately, they are needs you cannot meet. We always knew the time would come when we should part./ It saddened her greatly to think of leaving him, but he simply could not fulfill all the functions as her host. Her brothers were adamant that she wait for a proper host. That was what had led them here. Keltit was in hiding.

Surely her brethren knew where she had gone, to the Tau'ri. In time, she might return to them and fulfill her function, but for now she wanted adventure. She wanted to experience life and the struggles of those she would ask to house her children. Keltit could feel Durann deflate as he, too, considered his life without her.

He remembered how he lay dying and the old woman who came to him. She had said that she was also dying, but a part of her could live on in him; that he need not die as well. Durann had been from a rather simple world, long held under the boot heels of the System Lords. In his fear of death, Durann had agreed and became host to Keltit. That was two years ago. Okay, so you're needing to spawn. Do you really have to leave me to do it?

/Of course./ she gently chided him. /You aren't built right, silly./ It had been a rather intriguing experience for both of them, getting to explore the deepest recesses of the other's mind.

Just then, the sound of something approximating a bird let out a loud screeching howl. Those for whom military training was second-nature brought their weapons to the ready. Scanning the tree line for anything that might possibly be out of place, they were relieved to see nothing but local fauna scurrying about their own tiny concerns. "Alright people, let's move it out." Godfrey ordered. "Kel, if you'd be so kind as to take point. Finn, bring up our six. Wally and I flank the Doc."

Though all nodded and fell into position, Monroe felt a bit out of place. Patronized, more like, as though she had to be escorted around. Did she not carry a weapon as well? All indications were, this planet was devoid of habitation, only the ruins remained to tell that anyone had ever lived here. Let the men be men, she supposed, and safest in the middle.

They set out to the north-west, towards the great mystery of the ruins. Now that they were moving, Lynn could feel her excitement growing. What might they find there? Perhaps even, dare she think it, who? She watched the Tok'ra intently as they walked, and had already known which of them was in control. What she had read of Durann told the tale of a simple farmer, untrained in the ways of combat. That meant very little to her, in the long run, as Monroe had not been trained either. So it seemed that, at least for the foreseeable future, Keltit would be their companion while off-world.

Lynn found herself drawn to the Tok'ra, though she couldn't quite say why. Perhaps it was professional curiosity? She tried to imagine what it might feel like to carry a symbiote, to hear thoughts that were not her own, but she could not imagine it. It was, to put it bluntly, alien. It wasn't fair to Keltit for her to think that way, but there it was as plain as day. Glancing back, Monroe spotted Finn, holding her P-90 and looking every bit the soldier as the men. Airman, she corrected herself. These blokes called themselves airmen.

It was a long walk ahead of them all, and they proceeded in abject silence. Their orders did not specify it, but it just seemed right as each drank in the planet around them.

Klaus looked out over the ridge that hid him from view of Heaven's Gate, and saw the five strangers step through it. He was not aware that any other teams were scheduled to be sent here. Carefully he unslung his rifle from his shoulder and with a tiny click the powerful scope sprung to life. After making an adjustment or two for bearing and distance, Klaus gazed thorough his scope in astonishment. They were humans! There were rumors throughout the Reich that humans were wreaking utter havoc upon the devils and their so-called Gods.

Perhaps these were some of them? He thought perhaps not, however. As he watched the newcomers at their business, he could already tell that only three were militarily trained. He could tell by the way that they looked around them, and the way they moved. Klaus could easily kill them all from here, but what fun would that be? He was curious and wanted to know more about them.

He continued to watch them in silence. Within minutes they were forming up and moving out. Towards the ruins, that was good. His team had already explored them and found nothing of consequence. No, their prize was elsewhere. Klaus stood upon the horns of a dilemma. Should he tell his commander of the newcomers? They seemed harmless enough, he supposed, and obviously did not know what was here. They would likely investigate the ruins and return home, wherever that was. No, he would not mention them unless he had no other choice.

Standing, Klaus switched off his scope and returned his rifle to his shoulder. Tapping once at his ear, he spoke softly, "Ay Gee four to Ay Gee Prime, nothing to report." A small voice crackled harshly into his ear, "Very well, Major. Return to base."

Klaus nodded, even though his Oberstleutnant could not see him. "At once, sir."

"Alright, we're here. Now what?" Godfrey asked, staring at the ruined urban sprawl before them. It was a city alright, ancient and deserted but for the odd birdlike creature. These were not ruins in the sense that he defined the word. To Allen Godfrey, ruins were built out of stone and mud, not glass and steel. But then, here it was. The five stood high upon a ridge gazing at a city that had long ago decided death was preferable to living. Its buildings jutted up from the ground like the shattered fingers of some sleeping giant's mangled hand. The streets far below them were flayed by the encroaching wild. As they stared, a flock of those bird-like creatures suddenly took wing as one ruined pinnacle let loose a horrid screeching and tumbled to the ground in a thunderous detritus filled chaos.

It was akin to seeing Manhattan or Los Angeles broken and long dead. These people must have been not too far advanced from us, Allen thought and said so. Lynn nodded her agreement. "What do you think, Major? War, or disuse?"

"I don't see a lot of bodies lying around. In fact I don't see any bodies lying around. Does that strike anyone as odd?" Major Godfrey felt a growing disquiet in the very pit of his stomach. He looked around at his team for confirmation that it was, in fact, odd.

He did not find what he was looking for. Keltit shook her head and answered first, "No, Major. The local wildlife would have devoured the corpses long ago. If there were any, that is. The path we walked was well traveled. I would guess a mass exodus or evacuation of the city." All the others seemed to agree with her.

Godfrey, however, was not so easily convinced. He turned to Finn, "You're the medic. Any chance we can get a radiation level or something?"

The girl released her grip on her weapon and unslung her pack. Once on the ground, Ashley dug through it without a word. Standing moments later, she took readings with the Geiger counter she had packed. "All levels seem to be well within acceptable limits, sir. If it was a bomb, it was dispersed a very long time ago." Satisfied that she had answered the Major's question, Finn returned the device to her pack.

Godfrey took another look around, nodding. "We've got a good defensible position. The sun's going down, so we'll camp for the night," he held up his hand to forestall Monroe's coming argument, "before heading into the city tomorrow. Look, Lynn, we've got a week to crawl all over this. We're all tired and could use the rest. That's it."

"Yes Major," was all the woman said. Instead of putting up a harder fight as she would like, Monroe dropped her pack to the ground and rummaged though it for her digital camera. While the rest of the team was setting up their camp for the night, Lynn busied herself taking images of the massive city before the light faded. Once she had a suitable collection, Monroe shut off the camera and started to help get the tents set up.

In a matter of half an hour the camp was set and a small, smokeless fire was going. The team sat around the fire and looked each at the others while they ate. "Anyone for twenty questions?" Allen asked hopefully. "I'll even go first. Lynn, ask me something."

Monroe blinked, looking up a bit startled to be called upon. "I suppose the best question would be, 'why are you out here?' Rather, what drew you to this work?"

Godfrey chuckled, "Cutting to the chase, eh Doc?" He took a small drink from his canteen and continued, "My country called and I answered. Never wanted to be anywhere but on the front lines. When I was a boy I read books like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and couldn't help but imagine myself out there fighting along side them. How about you, Ashley?"

"Me, sir?" The girl looked more surprised than Lynn. She stammered and cast about for a good answer. "Same as you, sir, I guess. You asked me and I came; simple as that."

Durann laughed, "Indeed, as simple as all that? Surely there's more to it." He resumed eating and awaited her response.

Smiling, there was a bit of color that rose into her cheeks, "Well, I wondered what it would be like to walk on another planet. You know, meet aliens and stuff."

Playfully flashing her eyes, Keltit replied softly, "And now that you have met one, what do you think?"

The color in Finn's cheeks deepened and she gazed into the bottom of her bowl, "A little strange, I guess. I mean...I don't know what I mean." She fell silent. Only when she felt Keltit's hand upon her shoulder did she even look up.

"We'll be spending a great deal of time together, do not be shy with your questions." Keltit regarded the young woman gently, as might a mother for her child. That empathy shone through, despite the body in which it was housed. "I've noticed a certain trepidation from you in reference to me. To us. That is understandable." She watched as each head bobbed in agreement. "As this is not my first male host, I am hardly offended to be called 'he'. Those who know us well, such as yourselves, will know the differences and address accordingly...in time." The Tok'ra smiled, a beautiful feminine smile as she looked around to her team-mates. "And time is something of which Durann and I have

plenty."

Getting a playful twinkle in her ice blue eyes, she asked innocently, "Unless, of course, one of you fine ladies would care to make a new best friend?"

All was silence as the enormity of Kel's question sank into each member of the team. Each one found themselves pondering the ramifications. Godfrey spoke first, "Hold on there, kid. Tell me that was a joke. That was a joke, right?" He examined the Tok'ra's face in the flickering firelight.

Keltit stared back at him, not a muscle of her face twitched. "If it were not, what then Major? You know better then these others why I am here."

For the first time in several hours, Tenbaum decided to speak, "Let's say for the moment that one of these women accepted your offer, what about Durann?"

A brief lowering of her head and Durann answered, "I would be content to return to my people, Captain, or to remain on Earth to help yours. Kel has taught me much in our brief time together, and while I would hate to lose her to another host, I can't very well hold her back." Durann turned away to look over the city once more as the rest examined his words.

"How 'bout we shelf this particular subject for when we get back, okay?" Godfrey suggested, sensing the abrupt downturn in what, he had hoped, would be a light 'getting to know you' sort of discussion. "How long are the nights here, Wally?"

Tenbaum answered slowly, his Texan drawl more pronounced in the night, "About ten hours, sir." The major nodded and began to break them into paired watches, himself and Monroe, then Tenbaum and Keltit, followed by Keltit and Finn.

The next morning found the team rested and very eager to explore. Monroe reiterated to her fellows that no one had walked these paths in a terribly long time. Almost a child she seemed in her excitement. Hurriedly Lynn had her tent broken down and stashed away. About her neck hung a small 35mm camera and there was a pen and pad jutting from the breast pocket of her tactical vest. Her weapon dangled from its clip, neglected and unwanted. Monroe decided that from here on, she would not carry one of these unless absolutely necessary.

For her part, Ashley made the most of the morning by stirring the fire to make coffee. She had heard that the Major was a right old bastard without his morning cup. He was handsome, and he was an officer. A very bad combination. But he was also kind, she could tell. Finn had the sense that Captain Tenbaum did not want her here, whether it was because she was young or because she was a woman, but Finn didn't really care.

After making coffee for her team-mates, Finn set herself to her normal morning routine of thirty push-ups and twenty-five crunches. There was more, including a run, but that was simply not feasible off-world. She would have to settle for this; at least Ashley was doing something.

Durann busied himself with checking his gear. /Is there interest, do you think?/ Keltit asked quietly. Durann only shrugged to himself in answer. A resentment began to fester in his heart towards this creature who had literally brought him back from the brink of death. She had promised him life and companionship, only now to ponder leaving at her first opportunity. /Don't be this way, Dur./ she chided him. /I'm only exploring the options./

/How else should I be, Kel?/ Dur shot back with a cold venom. /I had thought maybe you would stay with me./ His 'voice' took on the tone of a hurt and petulant child, /I need you still./

A tenderness born of ages resided in the mental caress as Keltit replied, /And I you, Durann. I'm not going anywhere, dear one. Not yet, anyway./

/I know, Kel. Why not leave this for later then? They're ready to go now./ Durann hefted his weapon into a comfortable grip and faced the group. It caught them both by surprise that everyone was looking at them, confusion and concern quite plain upon their faces. Godfrey stepped up to the stocky Tok'ra and asked if they were all right. Durann nodded slowly replying, "Just a difference of opinion." Without another word on the matter, he stalked off to assume the pointman position.

The team fell into the same positions they had occupied the day before and soon they were stepping carefully down the ridge to a nearby road. The road had, at one time, been paved. Now it lay in shattered chunks, pushed aside to be reclaimed by the wilderness. The wilderness surrounded the city not unlike a besieging army, poised to strike at any sign of weakness.