Ep 19. New Ground

SG-1 has found a planet with an unusual form of defense against the Goa'uld - it seems to be very difficult for them to secure a foothold. The Tok'ra have been monitoring the planet for some time and have discovered that it has a significant naquadah vein running through it. They want SG-1 to help the resisting population of the planet mine the naquadah so that the Goa'uld will be unable to get it. However, when Major Carter goes to explore the mines, she discovers an underground civilization that the Tok'ra and the people of the planet did not know existed.

The people living in the mines are distrustful of outsiders and refuse to listen to SG-1's explanations. There is a hierarchy of power within the mines that is enforced with a heavy hand, and the people there are frightened of any change. SG-1 quickly realizes that the lower caste people are mistreated and work in dangerous conditions. The mine boss abides by the old ways and is reluctant to change, despite the fact that his workforce is close to rebellion, and there is great tension within the mines. The political structure of the underground society makes it difficult for SG-1 to learn more about the people, and they must earn the trust of the citizens to better understand the situation.

Meanwhile, Teal'c and Daniel have gone to the surface to do reconnaissance of the surrounding area. They are attacked by a group of people who consider themselves traditionalists and believe in the old Goa'uld ways. They have come to the planet to offer their services to the Goa'uld, but things do not go as planned. They have underestimated SG-1, and Teal'c and Daniel are able to fight them off. However, they become trapped without communication as a result. They are forced to spend the night on the surface of the planet alone, with a team of dangerous people close by.

Back in the mines, Carter is trying to find a way to communicate with the boss and the people. She meets a child named Omac who can speak with her, and through him, she begins to learn about the people's lives and struggles. Carter has always been fascinated by cultures, so when she discovers that an auction is being held for a young girl, she is appalled. She tries to stop the auction, but she is unsuccessful. The girl is sold to a powerful family and is taken away; it is a harsh reminder of the terrible living conditions for the lowest caste in the mines.

After the auction, Carter and Omac are taken into custody, and they are separated. Carter is brought to meet the ruler, who is impressed with her intelligence and knowledge of the stars. He states that his people have legends about the "sky people," but they never expected to see a person from the stars. With the ruler of the underground society's help, SG-1 finds a technological solution to the problem of mining the naquadah. They also discover that the underground crystalline caves, which are inhabitable to humans, are compatible with the Goa'uld. They realize that the Goa'uld will come for the caves, and they must act fast to prevent them from being overtaken.

Meanwhile, Teal'c and Daniel come across a group of people who are more friendly and open to outsiders. They are shocked to learn of the existence of the underground society. They come up with a plan to send a message to SG-1, letting them know their location and that they are safe.

This episode explores the power dynamics at play in a society that is resistant to change, even when faced with horrible working conditions and societal issues. SG-1 must confront the oppressive regime of the mine boss while trying to gain the trust of the people of the underground. They also must consider the impact of their actions on the future of the society and the safety of the planet as a whole. In the end, their ingenuity and compassion make a difference and protect the people from the threat of the Goa'uld.