A/N: So… I don't have an excuse here. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

...

4:39

The room was dark and quiet. No voices, no movement, just the soft noises of two sets of breathing. The digital display glowed a soft red in the gloom, dutifully showing the time in the unlikely chance its owners wanted to see.

4:49

A snort, just a quiet hiccup of breath. A minor disturbance which didn't interrupt the enviable serenade of people sleeping.

4:59

There was a groan, an automatic noise made in response to someone awakening from well established habit.

5:00

Wake up time.

Shrill beeping suddenly filled the room, coming from an alarm clock on the nightstand. It was loud and annoying, wailing its baleful cry without respite or concern. Not even a rattle from a hand slamming centimeters away from its plastic shell could stop it. A second impact landing closer shook the device, with a third landing on its top facing, for just a moment muffling its screeching. The fourth succeeded, hitting the large button on top labeled "snooze."

Groaning into a pillow, the one who vanquished the noisy evil squirmed to his previous spot, attempting to return to sleep. That was until another hand entirely disconnected to the first reached over his limp body, feeling around until she located the switch.

When the light hit Pyrrha's face she squeezed her eyes shut, sluggishly wincing even with her bangs blocking most of it. Shaking her head so more red hair flopped in the way, she sent a dry glance to Jaune, who kept himself buried into a pillow to hide from the lamp. Another time she may have used care to rouse him, but at the moment such thoughts didn't cross her mind. A light sleeper she was not, and for her waking up was never an easy thing.

"Hey, time to get up." she commanded tiredly.

He dug further into the sheets. "Five more minutes."

Groaning as she stretched her arms overhead, Pyrrha sighed when she slumped, giving him a look devoid of mercy. In one sloppy motion she grabbed the edge of the blanket and ripped it away, throwing it off the bed entirely to land somewhere on the floor. He immediately curled into a fetal position.

"Do I have to?" went his muffled reply, sounding rather petulant.

"Unless you want me to drag you to the mountain." she suggested dryly.

Groaning unhappily, Jaune swung himself upright to rub at his eyes, as she watched uninterestedly beside him. When his hand dropped he grunted.

"I miss leave already." he sighed.

"Me too." Pyrrha nodded dejectedly, groaning as she crawled over him. She stumbled upon leaving the bed's comforting embrace, catching her balance before throwing her arms out to stretch, gripping one elbow after the other as she worked stiff muscles all over her body. Her grunts were somewhere between irritation and relief, letting out a sigh when both limbs fell to slap against her sides.

Jaune twisted his head to the right to deal with her distraction, reluctantly swinging his legs over the bedside next. He hesitated before dropping his feet, bracing for the mild chill that existed beyond their quilted nest, and the much greater cold waiting outside.

"I'll make coffee." she said as she walked towards the door, or rather shambled given her unsteady plodding.

"Omelette and bacon?" he asked as he slid off. Right before he stretched he remembered something important; he missed the button twice before he reset the alarm, standing up with a half hearted smile for his accomplishment.

"And jelly toast." Pyrrha agreed from out of sight.

Rubbing his shoulders, Jaune's slowly rebooting brain went over the usual recipe for breakfast. For a moment he debated on whether or not to try a new one he found, but in the end he shelved the plan, deciding that experimenting could wait for the next day off. In the meantime his stomach was rumbling, he craved a coffee fix, and there was a big event in a few hours. On top of that he involuntarily shivered from the lukewarm apartment air pressing against his skin, his boxers offering no protection; Pyrrha's cold resistance even when in underwear was a constant source of envy. Casting his gaze across the room, he snatched up a spare hoodie from an open dresser drawer, rolling his shoulders once it slipped on. With that done, he left the bedroom for his morning routine.

Placing the egg and cheese mixture onto a sizzling pan next to bacon, flicking over when the toaster popped up. Wincing at the hot coffee scalding his tongue.

A quick shower followed by teeth brushing, using the sink while distractedly helping with her unruly hair. Even as a shadow of what it once was Pyrrha's mane needed a lot of upkeep.

Putting on some nondescript clothes that served no purposes besides staying warm and blending in, making sure he had his tags and ID. Unable to resist a quick touch to his side, giggling as she slapped his hands away with a smile.

Locking the door behind him, and when Jaune looked up he found an elderly bespectacled woman slowly ambling past them without a glance. He still greeted, "Morning Misses Leah." to their neighbor, though she didn't acknowledge him. Ever since they moved in, he wondered if she suspected they weren't from Earth.

A cheap car purring to life in the February chill, its interior freezing despite the heaters valiantly blowing at max; the price of living in Colorado Springs, the town slowly coming to life as they pulled out onto the nearly empty streets. Something about operating a couple tons of metal that he controlled with two pedals and a wheel always set him on edge, although the irony of how ridiculously beloved cars were on this planet wasn't lost on him.

"Morning Greg."

"Good morning sir." the sergeant on duty greeted while he ran their IDs, looming out of his post booth only as much as he absolutely had to. From the passenger seat came a deep yawn, a symptom of why he was stuck driving in the mornings.

Waiting for the rifle toting guards to pass, he found them a parking spot, then he had to run their IDs again for another post. Rubbing his brow as they entered Cheyenne Mountain's well heated interior, Jaune didn't let himself bump into anyone as he muffled his yawn. Down one hallway, a left at the next intersection, and then an elevator down to floor twenty eight. It was only when he stepped out that he realized something; his expression went white as he patted at his pocket, fumbling until he felt a wad of paper nestled inside. Upon feeling his overnight report he sighed in relief, just in time for a vicious predator to pounce.

Gasping reflexively, Jaune stumbled from the massive weight slamming into his back, as well as a pair of powerful limbs latching around his thorax. Scraping off a wall, he slapped at the unbreakable grip in a vain attempt to save himself, heaving for air under its unyielding hold. Its deep cry went off in his ear, spelling his doom.

"You're late!"

He nearly face planted when the predator swung around, almost tripping him when she finally let go to skip. Coughing, Jaune grimaced as he steadied himself, slowly rising to meet his glaring attacker.

"Mor-ah, ow, morning guys." He practically hacked out the greeting, catching Pyrrha watch the brutal mauling without batting an eye. Movement caught his gaze before he spoke, discovering another base resident seemingly appear from nowhere.

"You're late, again." Nora stabbed a finger at him, pouting as she then planted both fists on her waist. "I was so worried you two got into a wreck. If you guys died who would've taken me to Wally's Diner? Huh? I told you that apartment was a bad influence."

"They're five minutes early today." Ren observed, arms crossed as he stared impassively. Both of them were in olive green slacks and black undershirts; they had normal clothes in their quarters, but he knew as a rule they stuck to uniforms in Cheyenne Mountain, just as he used to do when he still lived here. It made getting along with the personnel easier, they dealt with fewer questions.

She opened her mouth to protest, closed it, and then she stomped on the cold floor. "This sucks. Ever since you guys moved out this place has been so boring!"

"Nora, volume." Pyrrha gently chided with a raised hand, before her expression softened. "You know that you don't have to stay in the Mountain."

She winced immediately when Nora hopped in place, fists coming together as she beamed, eyes practically sparkling in delight. "You'll let us move in with you guys?"

"Ah, she meant you could rent your own apartment. Somewhere else." Jaune hurriedly stepped in, but even as he waved his hands placatingly, he saw her enthusiasm turn to vexation.

"But they're so expensive, and I hate those security checks. Why should I have to make a list of where I like to eat? Its dumb." she grumbled with a narrowed brow.

"Maybe Ren can move in with you? Share the costs?" Pyrrha tried pensively, exchanging a worried look with Jaune.

"But I'd still be under watch. Although…" Nora turned away thoughtfully.

Ren cleared his throat. "Guys, that briefing from yesterday's notice is in thirty minutes. You should get around."

"Yeah sure." Jaune whirled around and powered off to the men's lockers with Ren at his heels, barely catching Nora hounding Pyrrha as they headed to the women's. He was glad for the save, dodging the issue that bothered Nora more than any petty nonsense; when he first told them about the apartment she claimed this would divide them even more, and to this day he still wondered if there wasn't a sliver of truth to her words.

But whatever he felt on the matter, shaking off his musings while he put on his drab olive pants, he still had a job to do. As he tunneled his arms through his jacket's sleeves, he took a breath and promised to treat Nora to sweets later.

Ten minutes, a quick polish of his boots, and a bathroom visit later Jaune stepped out from the lockers in a solid walk, idly checking to make sure his silver bars were in the right spot. Ren was a couple paces behind him, the two of them linking up with Nora and Pyrrha heading towards the conference room, all of them outfitted in the same outfits. Along the way Nora twisted around after she overtook him, showing an uncertain look.

"So, whaddya you think this ones about?" she asked with her arms at her sides. Her gaze made him uncomfortable, but it was better than seeing her upset he decided.

"No idea sorry." he apologized with a small wave. "But I think its just a normal briefing, like what O'Neill used to do." he tried, shrugging to appear at ease.

"Before or after he had Harriman do the planning?" Ren asked dryly. At that Jaune groaned, remembering the time they took desert fatigues to an ice planet, and especially the way O'Neill went 'Oops' after they returned shivering and clattering.

"Say, you don't think…" Pyrrha trailed off, frowning as three sets of eyes fell on her.

"Think what?" Nora prompted, weaving around an Airman on their way to the mess.

"Its… its nothing." she shook her head.

"Spill it." Ren stepped in with his usual bland tone, checking his watch as he did so.

She wrinkled her features while she sighed. "I was just thinking, about what Jaune said after meeting with Landry the other day, and… I haven't spoken to him. Have any of you?"

"Nope." Nora shook her head while falling behind the others. Her posture and walk were straightening up, steeling herself for official business.

"I haven't no." Ren need only slow down enough to take the rear, showing no sign of his own unease. Only a flicker of his brow showed what he really felt.

"Same, but…" Jaune scrunched up his features as he sent her a puzzled look. "Hang on, you're not thinking he's gonna fire us, are you?"

"It's a possibility isn't it? I mean, we don't exactly fit the mold here." she defended anxiously, joining the others behind him as they neared the conference room.

"No way, we're too awesome to can." Nora pumped both her fists with her declaration, right before her grin faded. "Right?"

"It'd be madness to throw us out. Landry doesn't strike me as being that foolish." Ren offered. However, the way he pursed his lips was a bad sign.

Jaune twisted around to offer a hopeful look. "Cmon, we're getting worked up over nothing. I'm betting this is a standard exploration mission, Landry just wants to get a feel for running this place, maybe shuffle the schedule around. It'll be fine."

"If you say so, but I trust you." Pyrrha nodded. Showing through her uncertainty was an expression that wasn't entirely professional, making Ren and Nora sent her one of 'those' looks, a subtle reminder to stay behind their established lines.

With the stairs right in front of him, Jaune had no choice but to release a breath and ascend, forcing his pose into the usual disciplined stance the military demanded. He had only enough time to check on the others, giving a small conciliatory smile before facing forward with a blank expression. He trusted the uncertain frowns they had would vanish when the briefing started.

Coming out the top, he glanced to find the conference room the same as the last time he was here, acting as extra security to that Vala woman. But to his surprise he wasn't the first to arrive: six people were already present, clustered around the glass panes overlooking the Stargate. Though oddly the usual security guards were absent. A pair were in long ivory robes, both turning upon hearing his team's arrival. One look at the closest and he blinked in astonishment.

Tall, solid, and possessing a golden emblem which gleamed in the light, he put on a small smile as he tipped his head. "Greetings young warriors."

"Master Teal'c, its an honor." Pyrrha said first, sheepishly bowing her head. Nora and Ren copied her, while Jaune curtsied himself in a way that he hoped conveyed his respects.

"Likewise. It is good to see you." Teal'c replied in his familiar basso tone. The SGC's first ally appeared much better off than he expected him to be, with his stubbled forehead showing no grey hairs and his thick features displaying only a few new wrinkles. Flowing around him, his robes concealed his powerful bulk, giving him an almost scholarly air. The only thing missing was a weapon, either a holstered Zat or a Staff acting as a cane.

Jaune nodded again, swiveling towards the rest. Beside Teal'c was another Jaffa with wiry hair, this one he recognized thanks to a patch of mangled scar tissue where his allegiance mark should be; his name was Rak'nor, a pillar of the Free Jaffa resistance for many years, and for the past two an influential member of the new Jaffa nation, born from the ashes of the Goa'uld empire.

While not as inviting as his companion, Rak'nor still offered a polite nod. "Greetings."

It was then that Jaune realized who the others were, and with clenched nerves he snapped off a quick salute, with his team copying him a heartbeat later. The sight of them nixed his optimism in no time flat.

"Colonel sir." he acknowledged, receiving a blasé nod which lowered their arms. On his end the man in dark green camouflage and a blue beret stepped away to roam his eyes over the young team, making no effort to disguise his quiet disdain.

"Captain Arc." greeted the heavily accented voice of Colonel Mel'nikov, leader of SG-20. The greying man was the Russian Federation's envoy to Stargate Command, and a consummate professional in every aspect of this job. Plus he was a runner up for the most frightening individual Jaune had ever met. "I see you're early today."

"Yes sir." he nodded, eyes flicking at his companions; the other Russians were much friendlier, though none as much as the long gone Kozak. At the very least they smiled once in a while, one offering a discreet wave out of his leader's sight. Though he didn't get the chance to interact with that team often, he gathered that they were strict yet easygoing, causing very few problems compared to other personnel on base. Nothing like what happened when a few new Airmen tried flirting with his friends, culminating in Nora punching a few new holes in a training room wall one morning. By an odd and completely unrelated coincidence, after that day hassling from two Marines and an Air Force unit ceased entirely.

Teal'c observed the display without reacting, though Rak'nor sent a puzzled look at the newcomers. "I can assume you are here for this mission as well?"

"Yes Master Teal'c, I think so anyway." Jaune said, reining in a wince at seeing Mel'nikov giving him an unwelcoming stare. Thanks to rumors of his old posting under the VDV, he had plenty of reason to be wary of him.

The sound of a door opening put a stop to that mercifully enough. But when Jaune and his friends switched to the source, the small office at the room's far side, his unease was instead magnified. While the Jaffa didn't outwardly react, all the humans present first brought their hands up in salutes, with the younger segment of the group looking distinctly uneasy.

General Landry halted at the head of the table and errantly waved a hand. "Colonel Mel'nikov, Captain Arc. At ease."

Arms collectively lowered at the order, but nobody relaxed a bit. With his expression cooly going over his guests, he gestured at the table, locking onto Teal'c as they subsequently moved. By choice Jaune led his friends to the far side, quietly fearing retribution from Mel'nikov should he be forced to walk further. Not even Ren appeared fully anxiety free in their presence, although a tingle at the edge of his mind acted as a welcome stabilizer, no matter how little his semblance actually did.

Landry waited until everyone was seated, with Mel'nikov himself being the closest while Rak'nor took a chair at their far end, leaving JNPR alone on the table's other half. Teal'c however remained standing at his flank, arms crossed and features as blank as a statue's. Once everyone was stilled he nodded.

"Alright, I'm gonna skip the small talk and get right down to business. This isn't an exploration mission anymore boys and girls." Landry explained, quite deliberately flicking his gaze towards Jaune's team. A low sigh at his flank made him briefly squirm in his chair. "Master Teal'c came here at Doctor Jackson's request to help with a new problem, but as it turns out there's something else going on. You have the floor."

With a wave he turned towards Teal'c, who crossed his arms in front of himself.

"I am always willing to offer aid to Stargate Command, but today it is I who seek your assistance." he paused for a moment to let the words sink in, eyes roaming over the two teams exchanging looks with one another. "The Free Jaffa Nation is facing a new foe."

"What happened?" Mel'nikov bluntly questioned.

"Over the past two months five Jaffa worlds have been raided. The method of attack was identical for each one, so we believe the same party is responsible for each one. I seek your assistance in stopping them." Teal'c explained grimly.

"And by order of General O'Neill we're giving it." Landry added for him.

"Correct. However, the High Council is unaware of my presence here. They are… mistrustful, of the level of Tau'ri influence in our affairs. I wish to keep your involvement as limited, and discreet, as possible." he finished.

Jaune cleared his throat, catching Nora and Pyrrha offering covert yet encouraging looks. "What can you tell us about the attacks sir?"

"Each time has played out the same. The raiders arrived via Stargate under the cover of darkness, neutralizing any guards in their path. Their objectives have been stockpiles of naquadah, gold and technology, in particular Staff armories and cannons. They ignored food caches and jewelry, barring a handful of stolen items. I believe those were acts committed by individuals and not by orders." he duly explained, nodding towards his companion. "Rak'nor is responsible for driving them off from their latest target, he can explain their tactics in more detail."

Rak'nor inhaled slightly before speaking. "I admit it was good fortune for that. Rynthia had been attacked by Lucian pirates several times by that point, so I maintained constant readiness at all times. Yes?"

Nine heads glanced over, discovering Landry raising a brow. "Sorry, Lucians?"

"The Lucian Alliance General." Mel'nikov began. "Criminals, mercenaries, and other assorted scum who formerly operated under the radar as you Americans say. Since the fall of the Goa'uld they've become much bolder in the power vacuum, especially after they stole many warships. They have ambitions of becoming a galactic empire." he explained with audible contempt.

"We've had a couple run-ins with them sir, they're essentially bandits. They seem to like guns a lot though." Jaune offered as well, his friends nodding.

"Ah, must be in those unorganized reports I haven't sorted yet. Continue." Landry gestured without removing his frown.

"Right. When I heard from my scouts that the chappa-ai, the Stargate, was activating, I immediately sortied some Gliders based nearby, under the assumption they were Lucians after a naquadah shipment. Those cowards fled by the time the flyers arrived, but not before they attacked several of my men." Rak'nor outlined, clenching a fist.

"Fatalities?" Mel'nikov questioned flatly.

"None."

Jaune raised a brow, and when he flicked his eyes to the side he found Ren and Pyrrha doing the same. Across the table each Russian looked outright surprised at the answer.

"That is the common denominator with all these attacks, and the source of my suspicion. Their victims were knocked out, whether by Zat'nik'tel or blunt force, but all have lived." Teal'c outlined. "Were this group Lucians or rogue Tau'ri they would not hesitate to kill any Jaffa in their path. Yet instead they actively avoid taking lives."

Mel'nikov crossed his arms. "Is there anything else you can tell us?"

"Only that their raids number a dozen men or so. Their spoils haven't turned up in Lucian hands or any of our rivals, so we believe they're keeping it to themselves. Although the possibility exists they're supplying a party who wishes to hide their involvement. We simply don't know." only a barely audible change in tone alluded to his feelings, something that didn't escape their notice.

"From their last raid, we've found no distinguishing marks, no emblems, no bullet casings, nothing incriminating was left behind. And thus far, no one has discovered how they find out where to attack." Rak'nor folded his own arms unhappily.

"We cannot locate these raiders either, so we must draw them out." Teal'c nodded. "I acquired a small stockpile of naquadah and placed it on a remote Jaffa holding, it is the bait to lure them to us. I hid its transportation but I leaked its information in the process. I expect them to know its a trap, but a lightly defended one."

"And that's where you come in gentlemen. You're going to make sure these guys are captured or neutralized, and then find out everything you can." Landry commanded with a nod. "Teal'c has ultimate authority for this mission, he knows what he's doing if any of you want more intel. Colonel, you're in charge of all personnel involved on our side, including SG-25 here." he nodded towards the younger team. "SG-18 led by Captain Harris will be your heavy weapons backup, he'll be answering to you. I want everyone here to take Zats and flashbangs, it's hard to get dead bodies to talk."

Jaune cleared his throat, earning a flat nod. "Sir, if SG-18 is involved, why aren't they being briefed as well?"

"Because we don't know where these guys are gaining their intel. The SGC has had traitors before, so Teal'c insists we keep a lid on knowledge. He vouched for both your teams." Landry told him dryly, for some reason causing Mel'nikov to bristle. "Outside of this room, Walter is the only one who knows where you're going. As far as anyone is concerned, you're heading to P4X-727 to deal with some wildlife infesting an archeological dig."

"Understood General." Mel'nikov nodded slowly.

"Understood sir." Jaune tipped his head.

"Any more questions?" Landry inquired, seeing nobody take up the offer. "Good. Dismissed."

A quiet click announced that the orange magazine was loaded, and with a reflexive nod Jaune clipped the P90 to his chest sling, making sure the safety was on out of habit. That done, he lifted his head just in time to find his teammate arming up as well.

"All good?" he asked, testing the straps without removing his gaze.

"So far." Pyrrha replied when she slung her collapsed shield onto her back clamps, her own P90 safely hooked up already. "Personally I'm excited to work alongside Jaffa again, even in such a limited capacity."

"You mean beating up someone four times your size because he laughed at you?" Jaune smirked, grabbing Crocea Mors off the table to attach to his belt rig.

She shrugged with a tiny smile, her short ponytail flopping when she sent him an aside glance. "One time. It's wasn't my fault they thought I was too weak to pick up a training staff."

"Throwing a wooden stick so hard it punched through a tree was though." he grinned fully. "And might I say your form was excellent then. Top notch performance."

"Ah, if only my old teacher could've seen that. On the other hand your own stance was quite good, laying low three Jaffa with only a tree branch. Such skills are a pleasure to see." she smiled with a curtsy, sliding Miló under Akoúo as she spoke.

"What can I say, swordsmanship is my forte." he shrugged nonchalantly, the devious grin only grew wider.

"Indeed, you've come a long way from fumbling your way through combat." she batted an eyelash.

"Just like you've gotten better at teamwork. Dare I say you're a master at tag teaming." he winked.

A loud thump jolted the duo, sending a surprised look over to discover Nora was resting her face on the nearby wall. With her arms dangling limply she brought her head up and let it smack onto the concrete again, letting out a groan which wasn't due to hitting a hard surface.

"Listening to you two flirt hurts." went her muffled response.

Ren cleared his throat from behind them, his usually stoic expression now tinged by a visible flush. "You guys do know we are on the clock."

"Okay, it's done. Promise." Jaune waved his hands, sighing in relief when Nora staggered away with a grumble. "And please tell me you… you didn't break the wall again, great." he slumped once he was finished checking.

"Upon reflection, it may be best that we stay professional even here. We can't count on Landry being as unobservant as O'Neill." Pyrrha suggested once she straightened her posture. Even so, there was no missing the displeasure ghosting over her features.

"Good idea. It'll help our team cohesion too." Ren chimed in, holding out two Zat'nik'tel filled holsters for the pair.

He sighed at his innocuous expression when he accepted. "Fine, I'm sorry for being awkward."

"Yes, thank you, now I don't have to lock you two in a broom closet." Nora rolled her shoulders, snagging a wad of C4 to stuff in her vest pocket. Meanwhile Pyrrha turned away to attach her own hip holster, unable to fully hide her disappointment.

Rolling his eyes, Jaune went over his appearance one more time. Drab olive fatigues, black vest, cap (he debated on taking a helmet for a minute, even though he hated wearing the bulky things), and fingerless gloves made up his standard ensemble. At the moment his gear consisted of his reforged sword and collapsed shield hanging on his belt, a P90 with several spare magazines for his chest, a radio above his breast pocket, holstered Zat he strapped to his right thigh, and a handful of odds and ends stuffed into his vest pockets. A final sweep found that everything was accounted for. The others were equipped the same way, with Nora slinging Maghild over her back while Ren checked his leg clamps for Stormflower's safekeeping; he wondered what became of the arm mounts he mentioned wanting to try last week.

Upon putting on her own cap, Pyrrha glanced at him askance. "What's the matter?"

"Oh, uh, just making sure everything's okay." he replied, giving the back of his neck a quick scratch. "You know Mel'nikov is a bit of a stickler for rules, I don't wanna give him a reason to chew us out. Well, more than what's already here." he corrected himself, flashing a grimace.

"Don't think Landry isn't gonna fire us for looking sloppy." Nora said loudly, checking herself over nonetheless.

"She's right, we do our jobs well and he'll have no reason to be upset." Pyrrha assured with a hopeful shrug.

"The worst that can happen is he restricts our armory options." Ren said while putting on his P90, though he spared a peek at his treasured pistols. "We can live without our old weapons. Did before anyway."

Pyrrha placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder, giving him a small smile. "It'll be fine, you'll see."

"I know, just kinda nervous is all." he sighed, snatching a few clipped papers off the table. "Everyone ready?"

"I'm good, now let's go." Nora expectantly gestured, using her weapon to point.

Before they left the armory Jaune handed over their forms to a desk bound clerk, a record of what they took for the mission. That done, he led the way in a semi dignified march through Stargate Command's halls, P90 trained on the floor while a free hand tugged at his sword. The intent was just to make sure the sharp edge didn't scrape off the walls or a stray someone (with its trinium makeup such an injury was guaranteed to be nasty), but he did it so much Ren had to clear his throat to stop him, a split second glance showing he was silently offering to help. He shook his head and returned forward.

A few personnel crossed their path during the short trek, but there was no real distractions until they entered the gate room. Maintaining his easy pace inside, he swept his eyes over the space; Mel'nikov and his team were already present of course (not that he expected otherwise), the old colonel exchanging words with Teal'c and Rak'nor, the latter having taken the chance to armor himself in the looser battle armor Free Jaffa favored, a Staff's haft resting against his bicep. A sharp contrast to their polymer bodied Kalashnikovs and a lone machine gun. Right as Jaune slowed another team entered from the far side, their uniform's camo telling him they were the Marines of SG-18, sporting a mirrored version of the Russian team's armaments.

Halting a couple body's lengths away, he heard rather than saw Ren and Nora moved to his right to see, and Pyrrha stepping out of his reach to his left, giving a wide berth. Seconds later and Mel'nikov nodded, glancing first towards the Marine team halting at his flank, and then peering towards him with quiet distaste.

"Colonel Sir." Jaune saulted, as did his friends. After a moment Mel'nikov copied him.

"Captain Arc, I trust you're…" he frowned when his gaze inevitably strayed towards the sword on his belt. "Prepared for this mission."

"Yes sir. Just give the word." he nodded to ease up.

"Do not let their appearances fool you Colonel." quipped Teal'c, his robes slightly rustling from stepping closer. "Very few warriors in the galaxy are as fearsome as those from Remnant, I can attest to that."

"I've read the reports Master Teal'c, their skills aren't in question." Mel'nikov turned away instead of continuing, heading over to converse with the others.

Jaune opened his mouth to speak with him, but right as he did so Teal'c glanced at the control room's windows. "I'm afraid I must be going. Safe travels."

Without further ado he turned and strolled away, offering not even a backwards glance. Jaune watched with a frown, hearing a grunt from Nora.

"Wonder what's going on with him?" she asked softly. Flashing lights kept him or anyone else from replying, preceding the gate's inner ring starting to spin.

Yellow lights blinked on as a warning, if a wailing alarm and the gate clanking on one chevron after another failed to alert them. Pyrrha rolled her shoulders as they formed up, Jaune taking point for his team, while SG-18 took a spot at their rear, creating a semi organized line towards the clanking Stargate. There wasn't much time to speak, the most he could do was swivel his head around to glance, finding the stone faced men staring at them, with their thirties-ish Captain giving a polite nod before he turned forward, wincing slightly at the noise level.

Of course, it wasn't loud enough for him to miss a Marine mumbling, "Look out, the jedi are here." under his breath.

He caught Ren sending a look towards Nora, who simply cracked her neck instead of turning around. Jaune sent a peek at him which showed his gratitude.

When the last chevron locked in place the usual display occured; the bloom of watery power lashed out to sink back into itself, creating a rippling pool of a stable wormhole. Not one traveler in the gate room so much as flinched at the awe inspiring sight. Mel'nikov walked to the ramp with Rak'nor at his side, sweeping his gaze over them one more time before lifting a hand overhead to swipe forward.

They were the first to disappear through the gate, steadily moving the procession up the ramp. Halfway up and tracking the last Russian disappearing, Jaune made sure Ren, Nora and Pyrrha were ready, then he strode into the glowing surface without…

...hesitation...

...to pop out the other side.