The negotiations had dragged on for more than an hour and Sheppard began to worry that his knees would never recover. The stone floor was covered by a thickly woven carpet but even that was small comfort. He shifted trying to find a more comfortable position.

"A moment, please," said the Queen.

"Of course," said Weir amiably, her hands clasped behind her back. She took the opportunity to shoot Sheppard a disapproving glance for his fidgeting.

Gwledig motioned to Hailea who leaned in closely. "A compromise with this Weir might be useful. She has many technical people under her command."

"Send the one called Kavanagh back," the vizor said without hesitation

"Are you sure?"

"He is not interested in participating," she said disgusted.

"He prefers boys?"

She shrugged. "Either way, I have no doubt he would make an exceptionally selfish companion."

"Very well." She straightened back up. "Dr. Weir, you may have the Kavanagh back for the price you have offered."

"I am very happy to hear that Your Majesty, thank you. What about Dr. Zelenaka?"

"Ah yes, that is a different matter entirely." She waved her hand indicating the women lining the throne room. "He has become a favorite among my courtiers. I would be risking a riot if I allowed him to leave," she said lightly.

"Really?" said Weir, somewhat surprised. "I had no idea he was so…beloved... by your court. Surely we can work something out?"

Gwledig seemed to pause to consider. Several of the courtiers made small hisses of dismay. "No," she said, making a decision. "I really do not think I can afford to let him go."

"There is nothing I can do to change your mind?"

"No."

Women throughout the room breathed an audible sigh of relief.

"Very well, Your Highness. I accept your gracious offer of Kavanagh. I have left my own people too long and must return soon," she hinted.

"I will have him brought to you immediately. Hailea will show you where you may wait." She waved her hand at her vizor.

"Thank you," said Weir, accepting the dismissal. She sensed that any further argument on Zelenka's behalf would only make the situation worse, and perhaps cause the offer of Kavanagh to be withdrawn as well. Her team had discussed this outcome previously and followed her lead without comment. Bowing slightly from the waist she turned and followed the vizor out of the throne room and back to the room where Sheppard's team had been held originally. The rest of the team filed in behind her. Kavanagh soon appeared, led in by a collar around his neck, meek as a lamb. He was wearing some sort of leather loin cloth but that was his only clothing. His eyes were glazed and he drooled slightly.

"What's wrong with him," asked Weir.

"Aside from the way he's dressed?" asked McKay.

"It is only the Lamella," she said. He is far more pleasant this way, don't you agree?"

"She's got a point," said Sheppard. When Weir shot him an angry look, he added, "Except for the drool."

"We don't drug our people into submission," she said, though she held her outrage firmly in check, well aware they were outnumbered.

"It has caused him no permanent damage," the Hailea assured her. "It will wear completely off within a few days." She bowed to Weir, "Pleasant journey."

Weir responded to the bow with a nod of her head. They were escorted to the front door by the guards and sent on their way.

"So, Plan B then?" asked Sheppard, once they were out of earshot.

"You have a go," agreed Weir.