Chapter Text
When they came through the Stargate, Sheppard parked the cloaked ‘jumper next to the dusty white road that began just past the DHD. Not too far down the road, they could see a large white building with people milling around it. They started off towards the building.
Sheppard stayed alert, but not truly concerned, since this so far seemed a non-threatening place. The landscape was a fairly innocuous dry rolling plain, with excellent visibility in all directions. The sky was clear, pale blue, and cloudless. The sun was bright, and the walking was hot and dusty.
Ford asked Teyla again, "You sure you've never heard of these people?"
"No, Lieutenant," responded Teyla patiently. "As I believe I mentioned at the briefing, my people have never traded with this world. I understand this 'gate address was one of those the Hoffans provided your people in exchange for your assistance in developing their serum."
"So, these guys are friends of the Hoffans?"
"Lieutenant, I could swear I saw someone just like you sitting in at the pre-mission briefing," remarked Sheppard mildly.
Ford ducked his head. "Sorry, Sir. I may have spaced out a bit during parts of the briefing."
McKay began humming a popular tune from the musical, West Side Story. Sheppard grinned, and bumped McKay's shoulder with his own. "Okay, you've got dirt! Out with it! Who's 'Maria'?"
"Doctor McKay! You promised," Ford wailed.
McKay nodded at Sheppard, "I did promise, Major. Sorry." He smirked in an 'I've got a secret' superior way, and continued to hum.
"Is this 'Maria' the Maria Alvarez from the botany department I saw you having dinner with last night?" Teyla asked, interested.
Ford didn't answer, busy glaring at the ground, grinding his teeth and trying not to blush.
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