In July 2005, SG-1 found itself going back in time to the building of the Pyramids.  A small tablet of unknown origin caught the eye of Archeologist Daniel Jackson.  The tablet had what appeared to be a derivative of the ancient's language.  Jackson couldn't be certain in the translation without further research, however it appeared to tell a story about a mythical island known as Lemuria.  Jackson placed the tablet in his sack for study upon return to the SGC.  During the mission, the team was able to acquire an unspent Zero Point Module (ZPM).

Back at the SGC, Dr. Jackson worked tirelessly finding the proper translation for the tablet.  Several months later, the tablet had finally revealed its secrets and Jackson shared the exciting news with General O'Neill and SG-1.

"... Jack... you don't get it!  This tells about the lost island of Lemuria.  It isn't on Earth.  Like Atlantis, it is an Ancient outpost and from my calculations of the gate symbols, it is in the Phoenix Dwarf Irregular G Galaxy!"

O'Neill shared this discovery with the President who ordered a team of Scientists to be assembled in preparation of a Lemuria mission.  A great deal of debate occurred over the intended dispatch of another team of civilians.

"... Mr. President, the data file sent back from Atlantis explains about an alien race named the Wraith.  We sent them to their deaths.  We can't just send another team of civilians to another Galaxy without considering the outcome of the Wraith attack on Atlantis!"

"... Look Jack, the Wraith are the very reason we must explore this Lemuria outpost.  We have to assume that the Wraith are going to find their way to Earth sooner or later.  There may be something on Lemuria that may help us defeat these aliens.  I don't see an option.  Send along some additional military personnel but the operation is a GO!"

The President assigned another well known Diplomat to lead the Lemuria mission.  Doctor Edward Ashkenazi (Ash-ken-ay-zee) had established a name for himself through mitigating treaties between foreign countries.  He was seen as the ideal candidate to be a representative of the people of Earth and level headed civilian leader for this mission.  The international coalition for the Lemuria mission also included Drs. Simon Coombs and Jay Felger, both of whom had served the SGC on and off world.  The total assigned included 250 civilian scientists and medical staff along with military personnel from all branches of the armed services amounting to 125.  In total, 375 souls were to call Lemuria their new home.

Jack O'Niell soon found himself leading "Homeworld Security", turning command of the SGC over to General Landry.

On April 3, 2006 the Lemuria team prepared for embarkation.  The final briefing to the Lemuria team was hosted from the Gateroom as Dr. Ashkenazi offered the members one last chance to withdraw themselves from the assignment.  No one did, even knowing the challenges ahead.

"...Godspeed, Lemuria Team!"