"By Her Judgment - 1/4" by moonshayde

Title: By Her Judgment
Author: moonshayde
Rating/Warning: PG-13/minor language, violence
Spoilers: Non-specific spoilers up to and including Season 5
Your recipient: kellifer_fic
Request details: Who wants: "Sam being protective of the boys,
something unusual being used as a weapon and SG-1 dealing with an
offworld matriarchal society."
And doesn't want: "Pregnancy or marriage or gender bending ."


Her first clue that there was something different about this planet
should have come when the rider concentrated on her and not Daniel.

Sam kept her finger on the trigger of her P-90 as she eyed the locals
on P2A-504. The woman who continued to stare at her sat atop an animal
that was akin to a horse or a camel but didn't appear to be either.
Behind her lay a small contingent of several more women, completely
decked in battle garb, all sitting on the foreign-looking animals. All
had strange sword-like weapons drawn.

She stiffened. Sam felt as uncomfortable as she had been with the
Shavadai people only a few years back. When she stole a glance to
either side, Sam could see the rest of her team felt the same. In
particular, she noticed Teal'c had become more wary, tightening his
hold on his staff weapon.

By now, Daniel was speaking again, his tone softer but sounding
vaguely more urgent. She couldn't understand what he was saying, as he
had switched over into another tongue. Yet, it seemed that no matter
what he tried, the woman atop her horse paid him no mind. In fact, Sam
thought she was becoming more annoyed, possibly even upset.

She scooted over to him, keeping her weapon ready, just in case. Sam
could also see Colonel O'Neill starting to get impatient, his grip on
his weapon tightening, the lines of his face deepening. She began to
wonder if suggesting trade with these people was worth it. They could
try for more naquadah elsewhere.

"You continue to insult me by not speaking," the woman said, her voice
thick with anger. "State your purpose or we shall be forced to remove
you from our land."

Sam blinked, suddenly realizing that the comments were directed at her
and no one else. Daniel was staring at her with his mouth open, a
slightly befuddled look crossing his face, while Teal'c remained
impassive but cautious. Colonel O'Neill didn't look pleased, but he
gestured with his hand, urging her to speak up.

"Major Samantha Carter of SG-1," she said, taking a tentative step
forward. "This is Doctor Daniel Jackson, Colonel Jack O'Neill, and
Teal'c. We've come to talk and trade." She tried to put on her best
smile.

"Hi there," O'Neill said, offering a small wave. "You heard the lady.
Now, why don't you put down your weapons so we can get down to
business?"

Apparently, it was the wrong thing to say. The women behind the lead
rider raised their swords and started to shout in the language that
Daniel had muttered only a few moments ago.

"Kima Parsi Labiruti!" they shouted again.

Daniel quickly turned to Sam, lowering his voice as he whispered into
her ear. "Do whatever she says."

"Why?" Sam asked, trying to match his tone. "What are they saying?"

"I can't be certain since it's an extinct language that hasn't been
used in millennia, but I think they're saying, 'Treat Her in
accordance with the Ancient Rites.'" When she shook her head, he
continued. "I think there must be some rules governing communication
on this planet. You should step forward and engage with the leader.
I'll talk to Jack and Teal'c."

Sam frowned, not liking his suggestion at all. She wasn't a
negotiator. She was a soldier and a scientist. "Why?" she asked.

"Obviously, they only want to speak with you."

Sam didn't miss the annoyance in his voice. Inwardly, she cringed, but
outwardly she felt her cheeks blush with indignation. She hadn't asked
for this role.

"Kima Parsi Labiruti!"

Despite her misgivings, Sam took a step forward and greeted the rider.
She could sense Teal'c and Colonel O'Neill tense behind her, but she
knew that Daniel would be there to help smooth things over and explain
to them what was happening. She just hoped he'd get done fast so that
he could assist her in the event she needed him.

"Sorry about the miscommunication," Sam said. "We do things a little
differently where I'm from."

The rider didn't reply, taking her time as she appraised Sam, studying
her from head to toe. After she let out a loud grunt, the women behind
her lowered their weapons. The leader forced a thin smile at Sam.

"I am Anu of the South," she proclaimed. "You have entered my domain."

Sam didn't need to be a negotiator to understand that Anu was
asserting her power. But it was hard for Sam to play by the rules if
she didn't know what the rules were to begin with.

"Then, we'd like to be sure we honor your domain," Sam said, glancing
back toward Daniel. He stood there, soundless, appearing to pout along
with O'Neill and Teal'c. With a sigh, she turned back to Anu. "We
would like to discuss trade."

"We of the Sinnu are hardy traders," Anu said, this time with a
brighter smile. She snapped her fingers, heralding in another group of
women. They brought with them two more beasts as well as a small
wooden chariot. "Come, Major Samantha Carter of SG-1. You shall ride
with me."

She hesitated, glancing back toward Daniel, Teal'c, and Colonel
O'Neill. But before she could protest, she felt Anu's sturdy hand on
her shoulder.

"Do not worry about your men," Anu said softly. "They shall ride in
the chariot behind us as to not tire their feet."

"My men?" Sam asked, uncertain that she heard correctly.

Again, she glanced behind her. Some of the women had dismounted and
were helping the rest of SG-1 into the small chariot. The wooden cart
was then affixed to the creatures that Sam and Anu would be riding.
Daniel, Teal'c, and especially Colonel O'Neill appeared absolutely
baffled by the process.

"Carter?" O'Neill called out to her as he was locked into the chariot.

"Sir?"

He batted one of the women's hands away as he glared at Sam. "When we
get to town, we're having a little chat."

She turned her head so that he couldn't see her smile. Once she
realized that the three of them were both safe and secure, she climbed
onto her own beast and started to ride alongside Anu. It was a
surprisingly comfortable and leisurely ride. Anu seemed much more
relaxed.

"Your men fascinate me," Anu said at last, glancing back once to the
chariot before focusing her gaze forward. "They are a healthy, strong
bunch. Are all your men the same?"

"It varies," Sam replied, remaining guarded. She wasn't sure just what
kind of society they had stumbled across - they could be slave traders
or worse. Sam didn't want to excite them too much. "What about your
men?"

"Our men know their place," Anu said, raising her eyebrow. Sam
couldn't help but feel it was a gentle chide. "But they are a
beautiful, kind race. We are good to them."

Race? Sam bristled. The language Anu was using set off a dozen warning
bells in her mind. Yet, Sam was beginning to warm up to the stately
woman. She didn't get the impression that Anu was lying to her or that
she meant any harm to Sam and the others. Nonetheless, Sam would feel
much more comfortable once she arrived at their destination and had
Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c, and Daniel by her side.

"It is not long now," Anu said, pointing to the hilltop. She reached
into her sash and held up a small remote, something that seemed
strangely amiss given the technology level these people had previously
displayed. But Sam remained silent as Anu pressed the device. "We are
home," Anu said triumphantly.

Sam could only gape in amazement. The façade of the hilltop
evaporated, revealing a towering ziggurat that overlooked a vast city.
The site was truly amazing - a huge archaeological discovery.

She knew that Daniel would be in heaven.

"Come," Anu said proudly. "And we will show you the greatness and
hospitality of the Sinnu."

------------------------------

Greatness might be an understatement when discussing the Sinnu. Sam
stared with wonder at the ornate decorations inside the walls of the
ziggurat. There were bright colors and tapestries and artwork the
likes of which Sam had never seen before. But more importantly, she
could discern hints of technology everywhere she looked. There were
devices embedded in the walls and in the ceilings, little trinkets
dashing the tops of stone tables that she was certain held dual
purposes. She figured some were part of the network that kept the city
invisible, but she could feel anticipation rising as she wondered what
other secrets the small devices and mechanisms within the ziggurat
held.

She turned to the rest of her team, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Sir, we have to honor their ways and join the feast."

Colonel O'Neill looked less than impressed as he stood in the middle
of the waiting room, one of his hands resting on his P-90. His eyes
may have been hidden beneath his sunglasses, but she could see the
irritability resting in his frown. She knew what was coming.

"Your men?" he asked.

"I think it's a matriarchal society," Daniel answered for her. He had
already disentangled himself from the group, having begun to study
some of the sculptures that lined the small but lavish room. He picked
up a small bronze statue. "Sam's right. You have no idea how important
this is."

O'Neill didn't move. "Enlighten me."

"We've never encountered a true matriarchal society on Earth," Daniel
said, still studying the bronze. "There are goddess worship cults and
ancient societies that have more of a female consciousness to them,
but society and culture itself has always been patriarchal, at least
to our knowledge in both recorded history and the archaeological
record." He put the statue down and picked up another. "Even
off-world, we haven't encountered anything like it before. This is a
rare find, Jack. It's worth exploring."

"For what?" he asked impatiently.

"For the sake of finding out why and how they became a matriarchal
society. The implications..."

"Are squat," O'Neill finished for him. "Teal'c?"

"I do not see any reason for us to engage in trade."

"What?" Daniel asked.

Sam had to agree. She didn't think that Teal'c and Colonel O'Neill
were thinking this through enough. "Sir, we've seen in the past that
we can't judge a people based on first impressions alone."

"Look at the Nox," Daniel said.

"This has nothing to do with how primitive or how advanced they are,"
O'Neill said. He shrugged. "I just think it's a bad idea."

"And I concur," Teal'c added.

"Because women are in charge and men aren't?" Daniel asked, beating
her to the punch.

"Oh, please, Daniel." O'Neill muttered. "You complained all the way to
the city about the injustice of this place and how no one would talk
to you."

Sam raised her eyebrows at that remark, but Daniel refused to look at her.

"Fine, look," Daniel said, tapping his finger on the statue. "No, I'm
not happy about it. But it's still an amazing find. Maybe Sam can talk
Anu into letting us have some privileges and extra freedoms as
guests."

She knew Daniel was itching to explore the ziggurat and the temples on
the higher levels. However, Sam knew that wouldn't be enough for
O'Neill. She needed something to convince Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c
that this was a worthwhile cause. She needed something more enticing
than just culture alone.

"On our way into the city, I noticed an abundance of strategically
placed alien technological devices throughout the ziggurat and
associated buildings. I'd like the opportunity to discuss them with
Anu to better understand their function and see if they would be
offered in trade," she told them. "They could be a form of advanced
defense shield technology: something that we could use in our fight
against the Goa'uld."

O'Neill exchanged a contemplative look with Teal'c. Teal'c didn't say
a word, but any misgivings he had before seemed to have been wiped
clean by Sam's plea.

She grinned in triumph.

"All right. Let's make this quick," O'Neill said at last, much to both
Sam and Daniel's delight. "But if I have to wear a dress, we are so
out of here."

--------------------------------

Fortunately - or unfortunately - Colonel O'Neill would not be wearing
a dress. He was lucky that he was sitting at the main table at all.
Sam had learned that the men in this society virtually lived in
second-class status, and therefore didn't eat with the women in public
spaces, delegated to their own special table for feasting. She knew
that Colonel O'Neill would not buy that for any reason, so she had
spoken to Anu earlier to plead their case and ask for some leniency.
It seemed to have worked.

"It's amazing," Daniel said from his seat beside her. He looked like
he was studying the china. "Most scholars have theorized that
societies that are matriarchal in composition would be more
egalitarian, but here it seems the women are completely in charge. I
haven't seen a man in any positions of authority."

It was a fact that Sam couldn't ignore and one that bothered her
immensely. She had been given the short end of the stick on the planet
with the Shavadai and didn't wish that kind of life on anyone. Just
because the roles were reversed with the Sinnu didn't make the issue
justified. Sam was concerned that someone could make a move on her
friends at any time, leaving her powerless to stop it. Not that
Daniel, Colonel O'Neill, or Teal'c couldn't take care of themselves,
but they weren't doing anything to help their cause.

"It's not amazing. It's a pain in the ass," O'Neill mumbled. He leaned
past Daniel so he could catch a glimpse of Sam. "Did you see the damn
rule book?"

"Indeed," Teal'c said, calling out from the furthest point to her
left. "I am not fond of the Sinnu's ways."

Neither was Sam. Daniel had since informed them that the Sinnu were an
amalgamation of Sumerian and Babylonian cultures. Sam wasn't so
interested in hearing his theories of Babylonians carrying the
Sumerian culture through the Stargate. Her concern remained with the
pages and pages of rules on male behavior and how men and women should
act in public and private settings.

With direct access to the text, Daniel had translated what he could.
He hadn't given her a lot of hope for smooth negotiations with the
Sinnu. There was something...off. And she couldn't figure out just
what it was.

"As long as you let me handle the discussions and don't speak out,
we'll be fine," Sam said. She just wished she felt as confident as she
sounded.

"Make sure you ask about their weapons," O'Neill said. "And the
naquadah on this planet."

"I know, sir." Sam knew more than well just how important it was to
forge new alliances that would pay off. General Hammond was under a
lot of pressure to show results. She hated to think what would happen
if they kept failing him.

"Oh, and books," Daniel said. "I'd like to learn more about their
history. Maybe figure out how they grew to be such a strong society."

"You mean sexist," Colonel O'Neill said.

Daniel glared at him.

"How long will this take, Major Carter?" Teal'c asked, raising his
voice over Daniel and O'Neill's little squabble.

"It shouldn't take long," she said.

At least she hoped not.

As they waited for Anu to arrive, Sam studied the archway to the
banquet room. It wasn't golden, but glinted with a metallic sheen. The
longer she sat there, gazing at it, the more she felt a distinctive
pull to be near it.

It was a sensation she knew all too well.

"Naquadah," she said.

The three of them turned to her. "Excuse me?" O'Neill asked.

"They use naquadah in some of their supports," she said, her eyes
still on the archway.

"Like Tonane's people with trinium," Daniel said, nodding.

Her eyes fell to a couple of serving girls who were setting the
utensils on the table. One of the girls stopped to smile at her,
placing the knife down beside her.

Sam fingered it with interest. Underneath the shiny silver setting,
she could feel the pulse of naquadah beneath its surface. She wondered
how many other items had naquadah in them.

Sam let the thought go when she heard the fanfare signaling Anu's
arrival. She placed the knife down and watched Anu, her daughter, and
their serving maids enter the room. Sam stood, followed by Daniel, and
then the colonel and Teal'c.

"Just remember the rules," she told them.

Anu led the graceful procession down the steps, entering the banquet
hall. She approached the table slowly, nodding for her daughter to
move on ahead of her. The two of them reached Sam, the maidservants
hanging back silently.

"This is my daughter, Aya." The girl dipped her head to Sam. "Aya,
this is Major Samantha Carter of SG-1. She has come through the Apsu."

Sam forced a smile, eyeing the young dark-haired girl. "You can call
me Sam," she said to them both.

"Hello, Sam," Aya said. But her eyes were not on Sam at all. She
bypassed her and walked to meet the rest of SG-1. "You are the men
from the Apsu?"

"Yes," Daniel said, offering a small smile and his patented awkward
charm. "We are honored to meet you."

Aya grinned, pleased with the response. She nodded to Colonel O'Neill,
but her full attention stopped on Teal'c. "Your men are so big, Irnini
Sam."

Sam frowned and shot a confused look to Daniel. He leaned into her.
"It's a complimentary title used between the women here, I'm guessing.
It means 'sweet smelling lady.'"

Sam nodded. Okay, she would have to remember that.

Aya continued to ogle Teal'c. The young girl placed her hand on
Teal'c's chest. From where Sam was standing, she couldn't tell if he
were put off by the movement or enjoying the attention. When she saw
his lips start to curl into a knowing smile, she guessed the latter.

"He is very strong and very beautiful. I have never seen a man like
him," Aya said.

"I am honored that you believe this to be so," Teal'c said, bowing his head.

Oh, brother, Sam thought. She was about to dismiss the entire
incident and call for some order, when movement from Colonel O'Neill
and Daniel caught her eye. She frowned, staring at them. The both of
them fidgeted, puffing out their chests as they rolled their shoulders
back. Sam fought back the urge to roll her eyes.

It was going to be a long night.

"We should begin," Anu said, beckoning her daughter to her side. "We
have many things to discuss and empty bellies to fill."

-----------------------------

Soon the room was filled with the clang of metal against metal and the
hearty laughter of inebriated celebrants. Sam found herself cheering
along with them, drinking and eating to her heart's content. She was
unaware of the scowling threesome by her side. That is, until they
made themselves known.

"Are you almost done?" Colonel O'Neill asked.

"Oh," Sam said, wiping her mouth as some of the wine dribbled down her
chin. "Yes, you can go ahead."

O'Neill's glare lingered, giving Sam the distinct impression he was
subtly calling rank on her. The matching frowns she received from
Daniel and Teal'c didn't make her feel any better.

This wasn't her fault. She was only following the rules of the
society, just like they had wanted. She was guaranteeing their
survival. She was doing as she was told.

She tried not to consider this payback for all the times she had been
delegated to the back of the room while the men took over.

Finally, the three of them turned to eat their food, now that Sam was
done. Part of her felt a little guilty for having taken so long to
finish her own meal, but at the same time it would have seemed strange
for her to rush through her meal just so that they could begin. But
despite her rationalization, Sam felt her cheeks warm as her teammates
devoured their food.

She might as well get this over with so they could get back to the SGC.

Sam turned to Anu, putting on her best face. "I would like for us to
talk trade, if possible."

Anu nodded, bringing down her cup. "You have come far for trade."

"Yes, we have," Sam said. "We travel searching for new medicines,
technology, and defense weapons to protect ourselves. In turn, we are
willing to offer medicines and supplies of our own."

"I have noticed that you have taken interest in our defensive shields."

Anu definitely had a keen sense of observation. "That's right," Sam
said. "I'm interested in how your technology interfaces with your
city."

Anu nodded, but her gaze shifted to the rest of SG-1, where it started
to linger as she continued. "Surely, if your men are strong, your
women are stronger. Why would you need such defensive weapons?"

Sam forced a smile and snuck a peek at "her men." Colonel O'Neill and
Daniel kept shoving food into their mouths, to the point Sam thought
they would choke. Teal'c had already finished, sitting serenely by
O'Neill's side, though she thought she saw him eyeing the remains on
their plates.

Sam wanted to disappear.

"Yes, our people are strong," she said. "But we are a cautious people
and we like to take as many steps as possible to protect ourselves."

That answer seemed to appease Anu. She seemed to consider the
response, leaning back in her chair. Though, the way she kept eyeing
her teammates made Sam uneasy.

"Are all your men strong?"

"They're not for trade," Sam said quickly, placing a protective hand
on Daniel's arm. He froze and stopped chewing, his mouth still full,
as he turned to her, puzzled. She offered him a reassuring smile, even
though she was convinced he hadn't been paying attention.

Anu laughed, amused in what Sam read as a demeaning way. It was one
that Sam had come across one too many times during her basic training.
She set her jaw, keeping her gaze level with Anu, demonstrating that
she meant business. But the other woman just shook her head.

"We do not trade our men," Anu said, giving Sam the distinct feeling
she was being talked down to again. But at the same time, she felt
relieved.

"We don't trade our men, either," Sam said. "I-I just wanted to -"

Anu smiled, but this time the smile was more motherly and
affectionate. "I understand. I would be as protective as you if my men
were like yours." Anu patted her hand, the second real, informal
contact Sam had experienced with the Sinnu. "Do not worry over them.
They will be safe here. I shall guarantee it."

Sam nodded, feeling her muscles unwind. Protection by the head of
state. That sounded promising.

"I consider your request a worthy one," Anu said. "And I will agree to
allow you to study our devices. However, we of the Sinnu ask trade in
return."

"Of course," Sam said. "What are your requests?"

Anu glanced over at Teal'c and then back to Sam. "We would like the
secrets to how you make your men so strong."

Sam's cordial smile started to wane, and she felt at a loss on how to
respond. That uneasy feeling she had experienced just a little while
ago came back with a rush.

And to make matters worse, now the rest of her team decided to take an
interest in the conversation. Or maybe they had all along.

"Ever try a gym?" Colonel O'Neill said.

"Sir..."

"Right, I know. Mum's the word." He frowned, catching Teal'c taking
the last of his bread.

"Your men seem to have a great love for talking," Anu said. "It is
true your customs must be different than ours."

"Oh yeah. Our men love to talk," Sam said, forcing a quiet laugh.

"This is very good," Daniel said, his mouth full, as he used his piece
of bread like a sponge to soak up the last of the juices on his plate.
He swallowed, and then lowered his voice. "Can you ask for some books?
If they keep insisting that we're strong, that must mean that their
men are...uh, not as strong," he said, obviously choosing his words
carefully. "I'd like to see if I can figure out why."

Sam thought that might be their best bet at this point. She couldn't
agree to tell the Anu their "secrets" if she didn't have a clue what
they were talking about.

"We would gladly share with you how we make our men strong," Sam said,
hoping the little exaggeration wouldn't be caught. "But in order for
us to be thorough, we would like access to some of your historical
documents for comparison purposes."

Anu frowned, almost appearing confused by the request. It was her
daughter that spoke.

"Why would you need to see such documents?" she asked, eyeing Sam
closely. "Our history is our life. Our tools are our protection." Aya
turned to her mother. "I do not trust the strangers."

"I promise not to exploit you or your culture," Daniel said, causing
Sam to cringe. He of all people should know not to violate one of the
most important rules of this society - speaking out to the sovereign.
"I just want to learn about your people so we can become better
friends."

But Daniel's need for knowledge could not be quelled sometimes. Sam
waited silently for any kind of rebuke from Anu or Aya, but it didn't
come. Instead of becoming outraged at his transgression, both mother
and daughter stared at Daniel and then Sam in shock. "He can read?"

Now, it was Sam's turn to be shocked. "Yes, my men can read."

"All of them?" Anu asked in disbelief.

Sam shot a worried look over to the rest of her team. O'Neill was
thankfully silent, pensive, watching the entire conversation
thoughtfully. Teal'c was also quiet, his hands folded on the table,
but everything about him told Sam he was alert and in control. It was
Daniel that concerned her the most, as he appeared ready to jump out
of his skin in his eagerness to join the conversation.

She turned back to Anu. "Yes, all of them."

The revelation stunned the Sinnu leader. She wiped her chin as she
thought. "What-what would you like for your men?" she finally asked.

The question caused near chaos by Sam's side. Daniel was nearly
bouncing in his seat, urging her to continue with wild motions of his
hands.

"Anything on your culture and history," she said. "Science. Technology."

"Weapons," O'Neill said under his breath.

"Weaponry. Anything."

Anu looked positively horrified, almost as if the thought sickened
her. She threw her napkin down and turned her head away.

The distress in their leader caused a commotion that rippled
throughout the dining hall, sending shock waves through Anu's royal
servants and other stately officials. At this point, Sam wasn't even
sure what she'd done that was wrong.

"What did we do?" O'Neill asked, leaning over Daniel's plate.

"Perhaps we have asked for too much," Teal'c said.

Sam hoped not. She had felt like maybe she had been getting somewhere
with Anu. Now, who knew? Obviously the woman was upset.

What was that word of respect Daniel had told her? There was one that
he said to use in case things got ugly. She knew it meant lady...

"Beleti Anu," Sam said, trying to sound as apologetic and submissive
as she could. "Please, we didn't - "

Anu held up her hand and shook her head, searching for consolation in
her daughter's embrace. Instead, one of her servants stood and came to
Sam's side.

"I don't mean any disrespect, Irnini," the small woman said, "but are
you certain it is wise to put such a strain on your men?"

Sam frowned. "What?"

"You trouble Beleti Anu with your words," the servant said. "She does
not wish torture on such a fair race."

Sam wasn't sure she was following. "We mean no harm. We have no desire
to hurt anyone. Not even our own."

Now, it was the aide' s turn to be confused. "I'm sorry, but how can
you say such things?"

"Carter..." O'Neill warned.

She waved her hand to stop him. She had to appear that she was in
charge, after all. "Anu, I'm sorry. I-"

"I understand that your men are strong, but they are not infallible,"
Anu said suddenly. "I am troubled you wish to push them to such
lengths. Men are of feeble minds."

Sam was speechless. She had understood that the men on this planet
were second-class citizens. She had understood that there were rules
that governed how men and women should act. She had understood that
there was the implication that men from Earth must have some kind of
physical superiority over the men here. Sam had not been prepared for
a society that thought men were mentally incompetent.

Apparently, neither had the rest of SG-1.

"What has led you to this assumption?" Teal'c asked, his voice
beginning to sound defensive.

"All men are frail beings," Aya said simply. "Everyone knows this."

"Frail?" Daniel asked.

Again, Sam laid her hand on Daniel's arm, this time to keep him in
check. She still wasn't sure of the Sinnu's sensibilities, and she
didn't want to insult them somehow.

"I believe there may be a difference in our peoples," Sam said slowly,
trying to be as careful as possible. "Most of our men - and our women
- are strong in mind and body."

Anu's gaze fell back to Colonel O'Neill, Daniel, and Teal'c. She was
studying them, no doubt, but whether she was looking for some flaw to
dispute Sam or weighing the possibility Sam could be right, she
couldn't tell.

Her roaming gaze stopped on Daniel's glasses. So, flaws were it.

She sighed. She wished Daniel could take care of this. She just wanted
to see what the Sinnu had in terms of technology at this point.

"That's not to say our men are perfect," Sam said quickly, ignoring
the mutters from beside her. "But our men do take on active roles in
our lives."

"On our world, men are soldiers and scholars," Daniel said. "Men are
involved in all industries.

Anu frowned, looking to Sam for confirmation.

"It's true," Sam said.

"I find this difficult to believe," Anu said, shaking her head.

Daniel went to open his mouth, but Sam leaned forward to block him
from view. She thought he'd spoken up enough during this meal, and she
wasn't really interested in pissing off any of the locals just yet.

"Why?" Sam asked.

Anu sighed, hesitating, before she finally rose to her feet. She
motioned for Sam and the others to follow. "Come," she said. "I will
show you."

----------------------------

They were led up a flight of stairs, heading to an area that had to be
Anu's personal quarters. If Sam had considered the hallways and rooms
SG-1 had seen before to be lavish, they were nothing compared to the
corridors they were walking through now.

Gold inlays held together walls of gems of various colors, sizes, and
shapes. Sam was left wondering just how the Sinnu could afford such
extravagance, or if they had slave labor that worked in local mines.
Maybe they traded with other rich villages or neighboring worlds.

The ziggurat seemed as lush as a Goa'uld vessel.

Sam stiffened, quickly turning to Colonel O'Neill. Based on the
grimace he wore on his face, she realized he was thinking the same
thing.

"Teal'c?" she asked.

"I believe this building to be Goa'uld in nature," he said, confirming
her fears. "However, there appear to have been several modifications
made to the walls."

"The Goa'uld haven't been home for a while?" Colonel O'Neill asked.

"That may be the case, O'Neill."

"Okay, well, keep your eyes peeled." When Teal'c frowned, O'Neill
shook his head. "Let's just be careful. That means you too, Daniel."

Daniel turned away from the art he had been studying once he heard his
name. "What?"

He patted Daniel on the back before as they started around the next
corner. Sam and Teal'c moved on ahead of them, keeping close watch on
their hosts. Anu had been extremely quiet during this whole time, as
well as her daughter, Aya. There was a definite feeling of gravity in
the air, one that bothered Sam in ways she couldn't quite categorize
yet.

"Right through here," Anu said, guiding them through a set of doors.
"I ask you to keep your voices low."

Sam nodded, but kept her hand on her weapon. She and Teal'c entered
first, then Colonel O'Neill and Daniel. She stopped, surprised what
she saw.

Inside the ornate bedchamber, there was a lone man sitting in a chair.
He was seated by a small balcony, yet far enough where he would have
to walk to step out into the sunlight. He didn't make a sound as they
approached.

"This is Urshanabi of the South," Anu said. "He is my husband."

Sam wasn't sure what to say. The man looked as if he were in his
forties, but his face was worn and withered, his eyes sad and turned
inward. Sam instantly thought the man might be undernourished based on
his thinness and lack of body mass, but she knew that couldn't be
right. Serving girls slipped in and out of the chambers, bringing with
them food, water, and other supplies, leaving Urshanabi fully stocked.
Sam noticed a tall, sturdy woman and another smaller, but sculpted
woman, who stood in the back of the room, overseeing the entire
operation. They noticeably cared for the man.

"He lost the ability to speak not long ago," Anu said sadly.

"What happened?" Daniel asked.

Anu forced a smile as she came to stand beside her husband and pressed
her hand to his shoulder. "Urshanabi was always stronger than most. I
taught him to read and to manage some of the finances. But over the
past few years, he has become weaker." She looked away, her fingers
sinking deeper into her husband's shoulder. "I should not have pushed
him so hard."

"Anu," Sam said, keeping her voice gentle. "I don't think you can
blame yourself for this."

"Men are not made for this kind of stress no matter how strong they
are." She glanced at the three male members of SG-1 before returned
her attention to Sam. "I urge you to reconsider placing such pressures
on your men."

"I think we can handle it," O'Neill said. His tone was anything but
light. Sam could see the concern in his face as he studied the
withering man who should be in the prime of his political life. "Are
all your men like him?"

"No," Anu said. "But some of them succumb to the Blight more so than others."

"Blight?" Daniel asked.

Teal'c frowned. "What is this Blight of which you speak?"

"There will be no answers to your questions," Aya snapped. "You do not
follow our rules. I will not have you speak outwardly to my mother any
longer."

"Aya, child, hush," Anu said, raising her hand to quiet her daughter.
"If they are able to speak, let them speak. I will deem when they will
be silent."

"I am afraid I must agree with Aya, Beleti," the tall woman said.
"Continuous defiance of the rules shall make the goddess angry."

Goddess. The uneasy feeling tripled. She caught the heightened sense
of caution in both O'Neill's and Teal'c's postures and noticed Daniel
was already searching the room with his eyes for any hint of the
identity of this goddess.

Sam just hoped she wouldn't be coming home anytime soon.

"Ningal, I am Anu of the South," she said again, this time more
harshly. "I say who shall speak."

"Thank you, ma'am," O'Neill said, taking a step toward the couple, but
not before making a point to show his self-satisfaction to Aya and
Ningal with a smug, victorious grin. He moved to stand beside Sam and
eyed Urshanabi. "So, he's suffering from this Blight?"

Anu nodded. "Our men are weak from the Blight. Only those that are
taxed beyond their abilities become Damu."

"Damu?" Sam asked.

Daniel blinked. "Like a child."

Sam glanced over to her commanding officer. He was not pleased. Sam
could imagine the questions that were running through his mind and
couldn't help but feel nervous herself. They had no idea if they'd
walked onto a planet with an unknown contagion. They didn't know
anything at all.

She would have thought they would have learned by now.

"When does the Blight happen?" Daniel asked.

"Our men are a fragile people," Anu said sadly. "Man is born as such."

"Your males are born with this Blight," Teal'c stated.

"Yes," Anu said. "It worsens as time goes by."

Sam exhaled and released some of the tension in her shoulders. If the
men were born with the problem, then the chances of this being a
contagion SG-1 would bring back were slim. She could see the relief in
her teammates and couldn't agree more.

"I'd really like to read your books," Daniel said. He was nearly
bouncing again, this time not from excitement but just the need to
know. "Book, tablets, anything. Maybe we can help figure out why your
men are born with the Blight."

"We have doctors," O'Neill added. "Female ones at that. We can send
some people over here, have them take a look, and see if there's
something we can do."

"All of this in exchange for our books and some of our technology?"
Anu asked, squeezing her husband's hand.

"Heck, we'll send the docs over free of charge," O'Neill with a small
smile. "But we'd appreciate a look at your shields and any other
gizmos you might have. Oh," he said, bending the rim of his cap. "And
we'd love to have some of that." He pointed to the archway.

"You have interest in our sacred metals," Anu said.

"Sacred," O'Neill repeated. He turned to Carter and rolled his eyes.
She was sure she heard a nearly inaudible oy escape his lips.

"Yes," Sam said. "But we would only ask for the metal in ways that
would not harm you."

Anu bit her lip as she considered their offer. But even now, Sam could
see that she seemed happier. It was if a heaviness had been lifted
from Anu's shoulders. The woman looked freer, livelier. With a broad
grin that lit up her face, Anu moved away from her husband and
beckoned to the small silent woman that had been left in the corner.

"This is Siduri, our city's best healer." She clapped Siduri on the
shoulder. "She will work with you and your healers." Anu released her
hold on the doctor and stood in front of Sam. "Any books that you need
are yours. Tablets. Scrolls. I shall have all of them delivered to
your suite, including information on our shields."

The men - even Teal'c and Colonel O'Neill - looked pleased.

"Mother!" Aya shouted.

Anu ignored her. "I have set you up in my best suite. Ningal and Aya
will show you the way." When Aya sighed and turned away, Anu narrowed
her eyes and dropped her voice. "You will show them the way."

Aya didn't respond to her mother, but led Ningal to the door. "This
way," she said over her shoulder.

Sam thanked Anu for her help and exited the chambers. As she followed
Ningal and Aya down the corridor, she just hoped the fiery tempered
girl could hold it together long enough for them to finish
negotiations, maybe help these people, and go home.

-------------------------------

Sam nearly fell over when she saw the size of the suite. The Goa'uld
loved to live large, that was for sure. The suite was huge.

Instantly, Sam could sense the trace amounts of naquadah in some of
the doorways inside the suite. But for the most part, it seemed to be
constructed of stone, gold, and silver, along with some other metals
that Sam couldn't identify at the moment. It was extravagance at its
best.

The main room was the largest, filled with plush couches and chairs,
tables with bowls filled with fruit and nuts, and a beautiful rug that
accentuated the middle of the room. The main room was obviously
created with some kind of hierarchical system in place; a common room
for lounging and reading also served as a bedroom. The large bed was
situated to her left, full with a drawback curtain for privacy. There
was no doubt in Sam's mind this bed was meant for her. In fact, it was
obvious this entire room was created with a woman in mind.

The design impressed Sam. No mud hut or shanty little shack for her on
this mission. Sam wasn't sure she'd actually go with this kind of
décor in her own home, but it sure made her tempted to go
archaeological in her house.

She wouldn't tell that to Daniel, though.

Teal'c had already begun to investigate the other two rooms to her
suite. She assumed one would be her washroom and the other would be
for whoever was staying with her. In this case, the rest of her team.

Colonel O'Neill poked his head into one of the rooms. "I think I found
the ladies' room. Whoa. Talk about fancy."

"And I believe I have found the spare," Teal'c said, dipping his head
inside the room as he stood in the doorway. He straightened his back.
"And the books for Daniel Jackson."

"Oh?" Daniel squeezed between Sam and Aya to make his way to the spare
room. He stepped inside. "Oh," he said, his voice flattening.

"What's wrong?" Sam asked.

"That's...a lot of books." He came back into the main room. "How did
you get those in there so fast?"

Neither Aya nor Ningal answered.

Sam sighed. From the corner of her eye, she caught Colonel O'Neill
leaning on the bathroom doorway, now looking thoroughly amused. Sam
just ignored him.

"It might be better to answer him," Sam whispered to Aya. "He's just
going to keep asking."

Aya shot her a disgusted look, but complied anyway. "We have a rings
system in the hallway. It makes transportation of large goods easier."

Daniel nodded. "Though, that would make sense with the Goa'uld," he
said through a half closed mouth. Then, he was back to the spare room.

"You have everything that you requested," Aya said. "You should not be
in need throughout the night. But if you require assistance, there is
a communicator on the wall."

"Yes," said Ningal. "And the books are from my personal collections.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me."

Though the sentiment was nice, Sam didn't feel any warmth in Ningal's
voice. She started to think this stay was going to be a long and
grueling one.

"I have a question," Daniel said, poking his head out of the spare.

"Daniel..." O'Neill warned.

"No, no. Just a quick question." Daniel turned to Ningal. "So, what do you do?"

Ningal did not answer.

"Are you a historian?

Ningal rolled her eyes, keeping her gaze above Daniel's head. "No, I am not."

"Daniel," O'Neill said, plopping himself down on Sam's large bed.
"Stop nagging the woman."

"Sir?" Sam asked.

"All right. All right," he said, holding his hands up in surrender.
"It's your mission." He leaned back, his smile widening.

Sam clenched her teeth, doing everything in her power to keep her
frustration at bay. Both Colonel O'Neill and Daniel were not making
her job any easier. At least she could count on Teal'c.

When she went to ask for his assistance in keeping O'Neill and Daniel
in line, she found that Teal'c was already busy. Busy eyeing the young
Aya from head to toe.

Sam's scowl deepened.

"No, I'm just curious," Daniel said, speaking to Ningal again. "These
are your books, though, right?"

"Yes," Ningal said with irritation. "I am spiritual advisor to the Beleti Anu."

"Oh, like a vizier. You would be the best one to know about customs
and rituals associated with the goddess."

For the first time since they had met her, Ningal appeared interested
in SG-1. "You seek knowledge of the ways of our goddess?"

"Indeed," Teal'c said, joining Daniel.

Ningal smiled, arching her eyebrows. "Nammu is our supreme goddess.
When she returns, you may ask her." With that, Ningal turned her back
on them and exited the room.

Aya grimaced, caught between an unspoken apology over Ningal's
behavior, and her own annoyance with Sam's team. "You have what you
need," she said quickly. "Goodnight."

Sam watched her go. As soon as the doors shut behind Aya, she turned
to the three men that were starting to make her life a living hell.
"Can you make it any more difficult for me?"

"Relax, Carter," O'Neill said. He was still on her bed.
"Everything's under control."

Sam was starting to think it wasn't. With a sigh, she ran her fingers
through her hair, taking another look around the room. She figured
that she and Daniel were going to be up all night pouring over the
information that Anu had provided for them. At the same time, she also
thought this suite might be too comfy for her own good.

"Teal'c, do you think Ningal was telling the truth?" Sam asked. "Do
you think this Nammu goddess is on her way back?"

"It is highly unlikely," he said.

"Why's that?" O'Neill asked, raising his head to catch a glimpse at Teal'c.

The corner of Teal'c's mouth twisted into a knowing smile. "Nammu was
killed in battle by Ra's forces many years ago." The smile remained as
he moved to allow Daniel access to the spare room.

"Nice," Colonel O'Neill said. After Daniel reemerged carrying an
armful of literature, he sunk back onto the bed. "That solves that
problem."

Sam glared at her commanding officer. O'Neill grinned, stretching his
sweaty body all over her freshly laid sheets. While she was glad that
she didn't have to worry about the possibility of a contagion, a
Goa'uld returning, or some slave trader coming to snatch the rest of
her team, Sam was getting annoyed that Colonel O'Neill seemed to be
making a concentrated effort to dirty her sheets. And while Sam was
used to sleeping in tents, dirt, mud, and God knows what else, there
was a perfectly good bed waiting for her right there.

He turned his head and raised his eyebrows. "Problem, Carter?"

Dammit, he knew it. "You find this amusing, sir?"

"Yup. Now you know how it feels when I'm in charge." He moved back to
face the ceiling, before he laced his fingers behind the back of his
head and closed his eyes. "This time, I have the easier job."

That was it. Sam narrowed her eyes. Teal'c and Daniel took a step back.

"You think my job is easy?" She grabbed one of the scrolls from
Daniel's hands and tossed it at O'Neill. "You read those schematics
and tell me."

Colonel O'Neill winced and rubbed his arm, despite the fact the scroll
was made out of a light, durable paper. Slowly, he unraveled it and
shook his head, tossing it aside. "Lighten up, Carter. Everything's
turned out fine."

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing you are?" Sam finally said,
again addressing all three of them. "That banquet could have been a
disaster." She stopped, finally realizing what this was about and
crossed her arms. "You're getting even with me."

"We were hungry, Carter. Hungry." Colonel O'Neill stretched his arms
over his head, his keen sense of detail coming to the fore as he
studied the room. "If you hadn't taken four hours to eat one damn
plate, maybe we would have shown some better manners."

Sam snorted. "We're trying to impress these people. Our aerial surveys
show high concentrations of naquadah in their soil."

"Right now, I'm thinking that's the least of our worries," he muttered.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think Jack's right,"
Daniel said, causing O'Neill to sit with a start. "If we're going to
go by what Anu has told us, that men on this planet are born with this
disease, one that gets worse over time, and there used to be a Goa'uld
on this planet..."

"You're thinking genetic manipulation," Sam said.

O'Neill groaned. "Please tell me Shamu isn't Nirrti."

"Nammu," Daniel corrected. "And no. I mean, I don't think so..."

"As I have said, Nammu is dead," Teal'c said. "Nirrti and Nammu are
not one and the same."

"And you're sure she - it - is dead?" O'Neill asked.

"Indeed."

Sam still was bothered by this scenario, as she knew they all were.
Her gaze fell back to the stack that Daniel was balancing in his arms.
It was possible that the answers they were looking for could be buried
in the vast amount of books and tablets that had been sent to them.
Sam knew one thing for sure; standing around arguing all night wasn't
going to find them the answer.

She sighed, giving one last longing look to her bed before she reached
over and grabbed some of the documents from Daniel. "I guess we should
start," she said.

Read Part Two