o0o
The Middle
Cold, tired, sore and completely frustrated, Sam called out for help as she strained futilely against the restraints which bound her. Her ankles were anchored down and her arms chained to her sides. After several minutes without response, her voice was hoarse from use and her body weary from the exertion.
She stopped her efforts, and instead focused on replaying the past week in her mind like an episode of some strange television show. What had originally been a simple 'meet and greet' had become a wicked game of teeter-totter. In less than seven days, her entire world had been turned upside-down.
Literally. Her current position was precarious at best, lying face up on a wooden table to which her chains were fastened. The foot of the table was elevated in the air and if she thought about it too much, she could feel the pounding of her head from the blood that rushed there. The painful ache in her neck was nothing compared to the intense vertigo that came from staring at the stark white tiled floor.
o0o
The BeginningArriving through the Stargate with skilled ease, Jack adjusted his sunglasses while Teal'c surveyed the perimeter.
"So, how far did you say this town was?" Jack asked impatiently.
"Approximately three klicks, sir." Sam answered, relaxing the grip on her P90.
"Oh, goody." Jack grumbled and with a nod of his head, motioned for Teal'c to lead the way.
As the team journeyed to the village, Sam and Daniel discussed the UAV findings. Commenting on the possible reasons for the ruined buildings seen by the probe just outside of the town itself, when the rest of the community appeared to be well-kept. Jack had his money on slums. Every community had it's share of undesirables to which the rest turned an oblivious eye. But he kept silent and let them speculate. No point bursting their bubble without a valid reason.
The first few inhabitants greeted them shyly and led them into the center of town. The architecture was reminiscent of 17th century England, including a building with a similar construction to that of the Tower of London.
Several people came out from their homes and followed them into the town square. A regal man wearing priestly robes announced a welcome to SG-1.
"Salutations! I am Friador the Elder of Aileron. I govern this town. What is your purpose here?"
Daniel stepped forward. "Uh, salutations. I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson of Earth and our purpose is to seek friendship. We came through the Stargate and wish to know more of your culture."
He went on to introduce the rest of the team, before asking the Elder for permission to explore the dilapidated structures on the outskirts of the town.
"You may, but a layman must accompany you. He will instruct you on the dangers certain areas pose."
The Elder motioned to his aide, who went to stand by Daniel.
After the introductions were concluded, Colonel O'Neill insisted that Teal'c accompany the archeologist and his guide to the ruins.
Just in case.
o0o
The village leaders invited Jack and Sam to their meeting hall to exchange information and possibly negotiate an alliance. The modern clothing and military vests they wore intrigued the locals, who appeared eager to trade a few herbs which seemed to have unique medicinal properties. Since Sam was considered the 'medical' expert on the team, she accepted the samples that the healers brought to her and sealed them carefully in the airtight containers she kept in her pack.
Noticing the stares that seemed to be directed at his 2IC, Jack asked curiously, "so, Friador, any strange customs we should know about? There any laws or rules we should be sure not to break?"
"Why do you ask such?"
The man fixed his gaze on Jack as if to ascertain whether the visitor before him were honorable.
Jack shrugged his shoulders and answered honestly.
"We don't wish to offend you fine folks. We came here to get to know you and wouldn't want to do anything to warrant any trouble."
With a nod, the Elder stated, "That is most wise."
He glanced at Sam quickly and continued, "It is not our custom to dress our wives in attire befitting her husband, but you are not from our world and grace will be granted you."
"Ah, well…"
Jack sent an unspoken message to Sam for compliance before he replied.
"Things are very different were we come from, our, uh, 'wives' are free to wear whatever they want."
The Elder shook his head slightly in disbelief before responding.
"This practice would not be accepted here. Women are to be revered. Our wives are upheld as beacons of esteem and beauty. To permit them to deny themselves the honor is unfathomable. Do you not love and respect your wives as equals?"
Sam cleared her throat and with her head held high, intercepted the question.
"Friador, if I may be so bold…the freedom of choosing this attire allows me to be seen as an equal. My place on this team is not dependant on my being a woman. I have earned this position by serving my country and home world without regard to gender. It is unlawful to discriminate against those who are of a different race or sex."
Stunned, the leader asked shakily, "You wish to be seen as a man?"
"Not to sound ungrateful, but in a way, yes. To be equal with men is very important on our world. I have worked just as hard as any man to be here, and I do not feel the need to be seen as inferior because I happen to be a woman."
"But do you not wish to bear children? The honor that comes with being a mother and matriarch is one to be reverenced."
The Elder's furrowed brow began to nag at the Colonel's sixth sense.
Sitting forward in his seat, Jack leaned his elbows on the table and coughed quietly to regain control of the situation.
"Excuse me, I hate to interrupt this enlightening conversation, but in all honesty, is that really relevant to our negotiations?"
He gave a quick glare at Carter before adding, "I'm sure we can find a way around our differences in order to reach a mutual understanding. I know for a fact we try not to judge another culture by their beliefs, so why don't we try to focus on what really matters?"
Daniel would be proud.
"Yes, sir." Sam uttered quietly, accepting the reproach.
"Yes, of course. Forgive me, Major. I have always been a curious sort by nature and have not yet learned how to curb my inquisitiveness."
Friador tilted his head in apology.
"Yeah, well…now that that's settled…how about we discuss a trade?"
Jack settled back in the wooden chair and began to feel the tension leave his shoulders. He only hoped Daniel was staying out of trouble. The last thing he needed was to be worrying about the two members of his team not under his scrutiny, as well.
o0o
As the remaining half of SG1 were returning from the ruins after several hours of study, Daniel was in deep discussion with the layman, Eli, about the history that had evolved into their current belief system. Teal'c followed just behind them, surveying the perimeter for sign of possible threat.
"I must confess, Dr. Jackson, I find your leader's wife to be a strange sort. Her manner of dress is unusual and I do not understand why she would wish to travel so far from her home. Does she not have children to attend?"
Daniel stopped walking, and stared dumbfounded at the native.
"Huh?"
"I believe Eli is referring to MajorCarter." Teal'c stated calmly.
"Oh! Right! Um…no. she doesn't have any children. She is an officer in the military on our world. Exploration is a part of her job. A job which I know for a fact she loves very much."
Eli glanced at the two visitors for a moment before asking, "does she not love her husband more?"
Teal'c tilted his head and parried the question with one of his one, effectively cutting off Daniel's response.
"Why do you ask such things?"
"Forgive me, but I only wish to know more of your people. It is rare on our world for a woman to choose work over family. To be childless is to be seen as deprived of a fulfilled life."
"Do you force your women into subservience?"
Teal'c clearly recalled the Shavadai and their treatment of women in their village.
Stunned, Eli sputtered emphatically, "no, of course not! Women choose their husbands and also deem how many children to bear. We reverence our wives above all else."
He straightened his shoulders and answered proudly, "I myself am honored to have two women asking for my hand. They must decide amongst themselves which one will have me. I hold the utmost respect for all women."
Daniel nodded and stated calmly, "so do we."
With a look to Teal'c, he began walking back to the center of town.
o0o