The planet was desert-like, at least in the region surrounding the Stargate. According to research, the planet was abandoned by the Goa'uld centuries ago. The SGC sent a scientific team to study the ruins made up of Dr. Simon Coombs, Dr. Meyers, and led by Dr. Jay Felger. The team was guarded by SG-1, who were fairly bored with the assignment. Unbeknownst to the scientists, SG-1 was on standby for another covert mission, to allow themselves to be captured by Jaffa and taken to Khonsu, a Tok'ra operative, undercover as a Lieutenant of Anubis. The SGC notified SG-1 this alternate mission was now a go, but there was no time to send the scientists home first. Colonel Jack O'Neill ordered them to stay at the site of the ruins while he and Teal'c rejoined the others at the Stargate.