Whatever it Takes
Disclaimer: SG1 and its characters are not mine. No copyright infringment is intended and I have not received any money for this story.
A/N: This story is rated T but perhaps should be higher. Although there is nothing graphic, it does deal with adult situations.
Chapter 1
SG1 sat around the table in the conference room at the SGC while Daniel spoke excitedly about the fact the rather primitive indigenous people on P3X-071 had no use for the huge amounts of naquada on their planet and were willing to allow the Earth to have it in exchange for medicine and some agricultural equipment.
Colonel O'Neill sat in his usual place next to General Hammond with Major Carter sitting across the table from him. Jack couldn't hide his boredom. 'Just a standard meet and greet, sign some papers and come home.' He thought. Daniel would do all the work, all the diplomatic stuff, while Teal'c, Carter and himself would stand by, weapons close at hand, just in case. Nothing would happen, the papers would be signed and they would be home in time for supper. It was Friday and Jack thought they should have a team night. Any excuse to see Carter in a social setting worked for him. He glanced across the table at Carter and gave her a wicked smile. She smiled back but he knew exactly what her smile said. 'Sir, what are you thinking?'.
Daniel had finished rambling on about what a great opportunity this was and General Hammond's words, "You have a go.", brought Jack back to reality. SG1 stood up from the table and Jack said "Meet you in the gate room in 30 minutes." Everyone nodded and went to collect their gear.
SG1, wearing their olive drab BDU's, stepped through the event horizon and moments later appeared on P3X-071. The planet was lush and green, lots of trees and a temperate climate. Three men dressed in what looked like Roman togas, stood near the Stargate waiting for them. One of the men stepped forward. "Welcome back Daniel". He said.
"Thank you, Adjeck." Daniel said. "These are the others I told you about." He gestured with his right hand "This is Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, and Teal'c."
"You are welcome here." Adjeck said. "Please follow us to the High Counsel Chambers where we can finish our negotiations."
SG1 fell in step behind the welcoming party, but O'Neill, Carter, and Teal'c continuously scanned for any threats.
It was a 15 minute walk to the village and Adjeck led the team to a white marble building with classic Doric columns. The team followed him inside to what appeared to be a banquet hall. A feast was set out for them on a long low table and brightly colored pillows were spaced around the table on the floor. As SG1 entered the room so did the High Counsel members. Adjeck introduced the team to the Protectorate, the head of the High Counsel.
"This is an important occasion for our two worlds and we must celebrate with food and wine before we sign the treaty." The Protectorate said.
"We would be quite honored to join you in celebration."
"Daniel" Jack said with a warning tone.
"Jack," Daniel replied in a low voice. "This is important. We can't insult these people."
"Daniel, you know how dangerous it is to sample the food on other worlds..." Jack was thinking about a cake he ate with the end result being that he aged a lifetime in a few days.
"I know Jack, but I've spent some time with these people over the past two weeks, I've eaten their food and I 'm fine."
The Protectorate invited them to take seats at the table, indicating where he wanted each member of SG1 to sit. He split them up with two members of the High Counsel seated between each member of SG1. Daniel was at the head of the table next to the Protectorate. Sam sat next to Adjeck and across from Colonel O'Neill. The Protectorate indicated a seat at the end of the table for Teal'c.
Jack, Carter and Teal'c exchanged worried glances and then took their seats at the low table.
Servant girls, also dressed in togas, brought in trays of fruit, miniature cakes and pitchers of wine. After everyone had a full chalice of wine the Protectorate held up his goblet and said "To a long and profitable relationship between our worlds."
Each member of SG1 held up their chalice then hesitantly took a sip.
"Protectorate, this is the best wine I've ever tasted!" Major Carter enthused.
"See!" Said Daniel "I told you it would be ok."
Jack, not the biggest wine connoisseur on the planet, also agreed "Yeah, this is great!" He said as he took another sip.
"I too find this beverage most pleasing." Stated Teal'c
"Wonderful!" Said the Protectorate and he clapped his hands twice at which the servant girls returned with the pitchers to refill everyone's glasses.