Sticks and Stones Chapter 2:

When they reached town, an exhausted SG-1 was lead into what appeared to be the town hall. They were tied to a podium in the middle of a large room filled with chairs. Four men were left to guard them.

"This is great. Any ideas?" Sam felt more confident speaking since most of the men had left and she was directing her comments to Daniel and Teal'c.

"Let's wait and see what they do."

"I do not currently see another option at this point however I believe we need a plan in case they decide we are a threat." Teal'c was working on loosening the rope around his wrists as he spoke.

"I agree. It'll be easy for this to go further down hill very quickly. There are doors on either side of the stage plus the one behind us where we entered. The first thing we do, if we have to make a run for it, is get some horses."

"Agreed." Teal'c hadn't made much progress on the rope while Sam was talking.

"Sam, I think it would be best if you let Teal'c and I handle everything until we get back through the gate."

"As much as I hate it, I agree with you Daniel. Just do me a favor?"

"What?"

"Gab my arm or cover my mouth if you think it looks like I'm about to explode." Sam grinned at Daniel to let him know she was kidding. It would take every ounce of her strength but she would hold her tongue and play the meek and mild woman until they were safe back on Earth.

The room began to fill with people. Each man who entered had a woman trailing several steps behind him. The women hung their heads and never attempted to make eye contact with any one in the room. Sam's heart fell. She couldn't imagine living on this world. She wasn't sure if she could survive having her spirit so broken.

The man who had spoken to them in the woods stood on the stage and looked down upon them. As all three members of SG-1 made eye contact with the man one of the guards moved up behind them and struck Sam on the back of the head with the butt of his weapon.

"Keep your head down woman or pay the price." Sam stumbled forward but she stayed on her feet this time. As her vision cleared, she stepped back towards Teal'c who stood behind her to steady her and give her a place to lean. She kept her head down and fought several successive waves of nausea. Damn, but she hated head injuries. Why couldn't these idiots be happy with hitting her on the shoulder or something!

"Tell us why you have come to our home!" Daniel took a step forward.

"We came in peace looking for allies and friends with whom we can trade."

"Trade?"

"Yes, we exchange goods with many worlds. It helps us obtain materials not found on our world and lets us share things like medicine and tools. We also exchange knowledge and help our friends in times of need."

"The stories of our ancestors describe evil beings who would kill and kidnap when they came through the ring. Our law says anyone coming through the ring is to be executed. Is there anything you can tell us to convince us to spare you?"

"There are evil beings who travel using the gate. They are called Goa'uld. We have been at war with them for eight years. Many of our allies have been fighting them for much longer. We can help you protect yourselves from the Goa'uld."

"How?"

"We have a cover for our stargate, which prevents people from traveling to our world uninvited. We can teach you how to make such a cover. We can also teach you how to recognize a Goa'uld so if one comes through the gate you will know it is time to defend yourself."

"How are we to know you are not a Goa'uld? How can we know you speak the truth?"

"We can take you through the gate and show you our world. You can meet some of our friends." Sam glared at Daniel as he spoke. She wasn't happy with the suggestion of giving these idiots passage to Earth.

"And what would stop you from holding us against our will?"

"We wouldn't do that."

"And we are suppose to trust your word?"

"Yes, it is all I have to offer."

"You have not shown yourselves to be trust worthy. "

"Then let us return home. We won't bother you again."

"Do I look stupid?" Sam would have loved to answer that one. "If we let you return home you will tell your people about the beauty of our world and they will return and destroy us and everything we love. Take them to a cell."

The guards untied the ropes from the podium and pulled the three members of SG-1 from the room. They were shown to a typical old west type cell. Sam didn't think it would be too hard to get out.

Late that night SG-1 was brought back to the large hall where they had previously been interviewed. Sam knew they had missed their scheduled check-in by at least an hour. She hoped the cavalry would ride to the rescue soon.

"Our elders have considered your words. They have decided, against my advice, to allow you to leave. Your stuff will not be returned to you. We will not be so merciful if you return through the stone ring again." Daniel saw the look Sam gave him. Leaving all the stuff behind wasn't an option. They had to have their GDOs if they were going to be able to safely return.

"We are very happy that you are allowing us to go home. We do however need one piece of our equipment."

"Did you not understand what I said? You may leave but we are keeping your possessions!"

"As I told you earlier, we have a cover over our gate to prevent unwelcome visitors from coming to our world. We need one piece of our equipment to signal our home and tell them to open the cover. If the cover isn't opened we will die when we go through the gate."

"That is not my problem. My decision stands." Sam took a step past Teal'c and reached out, touching Daniels arm. Daniel knew she had reached her limit. Daniel shook his head slightly.

There was an audible gasp in the room. All three team members instantly knew something was wrong. Daniel looked back to the stage as three guards moved forward.

"WHO'S WOMAN IS SHE?"

"What?" Daniel looked truly confused.

"In the field he picked her up and held her!" The man on stage was pointing at Teal'c. "Now she purposefully touches you! To which of you does she belong?" His anger was palpable.

"She does not belong to either of us. Our women are free." A low murmur filled the room.

"Then she doesn't belong to either of you, yet she touches you both."

"Yes, this is acceptable on our world." Daniel felt Teal'c move closer to Sam. All three members of SG-1 knew things were getting out of hand.