SG-1 huddled damply in the meagre shelter provided by a relatively sturdy section of the ruined Ancient city they were exploring. A fire would have been welcome, the wind whipping across the open ground had a bite to it, but what little fuel they’d been able to gather was too wet to burn.

“Alien planets get more like home every day,” O’Neill grumbled, poking at the bare, dry earth in their small shelter with a wet stick.

“Life can’t exist without water,” Carter pointed out. “If it didn’t rain, everywhere would be barren.”

“Doesn’t mean I haveta like it.”

“No, Sir.”

Teal’c sat cross-legged, looking out into the downpour. “Rain is both cleansing and refreshing.”

“It’s also cold and wet.” O’Neill looked around. “Where’s Daniel?”

“Out there, Sir.” Carter pointed, and when O’Neill peered through the pouring rain, he could just make out the fourth member of the team poking about in another section of the ruins some hundred yards away.

“Dammit, he knows he’s not supposed to wander off without backup! Anything could be out here!” O’Neill stood up. “Daniel!”

“Daniel Jackson is safe, O’Neill,” Teal’c said quietly. “He is remaining within view.”

“He’s getting soaked to the skin, is what he’s doing.” O’Neill looked down at Teal’c. “You’re keeping an eye on him, right, T?”

“Indeed, I am observing with both of my eyes.”

“Okay, good, but if he catches pneumonia, that’s on him.” O’Neill settled back on the ground, picking up his stick again and resuming poking at the dirt. “When we get back to the SGC, I’m having umbrellas added to our field kits. No, rain capes.” He frowned. “How come we don’t have those already? We’ve got gas masks, for cryin’ out loud, but nothing to keep the rain off!”

Carter hid a smile. “I’m sure it’s just an oversight, Sir. Conditions on the planets we visit are still largely unknown.”

“You’d think someone would have realised it might occasionally rain.”

“Apparently not, Sir. It wasn’t raining when the MALP came through.” Carter turned in the direction of the Stargate, far enough away that it was barely visible. “Maybe there’s rain gear in the packs.”

“Not much use to us there, is it? And don’t even think about going out there to check; it’s not worth it. You’d be drenched before you got ten yards.” O’Neill sighed. “When it comes time to head back, we’re gonna need to wring Daniel out first.”


The End