Just as the sun began sinking into the ocean, painting the water with brilliant reds, pinks and purples, Lopaka came to escort SG1 to the luau.
There was a huge bonfire on the beach and a whole pig was on a spit, being turned over the fire. The party area was lit up with, what Sam thought, looked like dozens of Tiki Torches stuck in the sand. Terra cotta cups were being handed out and filled with a sweet, tropical wine.
Many curious natives came up to the members of SG1, introduced themselves and asked the strangers questions of where they came from and what the Goa'uld were like.
SG1 were given seats in the sand where they could watch the entertainment and not miss a moment of the revelry. Young ladies continued to fill their cups with wine and they were brought huge plates of roasted pork and fresh fruit.
Drums began to pound and a dozen male dancers with large bamboo poles began a ritualist dance that included a mock battle with the poles. Next shakers, bells and flutes were added to the drums and several young women wearing flowers in their hair and around their wrists and ankles began a dance very reminiscent of the hula.
When the entertainment was over, Lopaka announced that they had gifts for the visitors. Nika came forward and handed a polished stone the color of the sea to Daniel Jackson. "This stone is called Hale Moana Kai. It means light of the ocean and it will increase your intelligence."
Daniel bowed his head slightly and thanked her.
Nika then handed a polished golden brown stone to Teal'c. "This stone is called Maka 'ekolu. It means third eye." She pointed to her forehead indicating the place where Teal'c's gold tattoo was on his forehead. "This stone will increase your awareness and intuitiveness."
Teal'c bowed as he accepted the stone from the young Polynesian woman.
Next she handed a deep red stone to Major Carter. "This stone is called Hale Ula Ahi. It means fire light. It will help you find that which you truly desire."
"Thank you, Nika," Sam said.
Finally she handed a pale pink stone to Colonel O'Neill. "This stone is called 'Akala Pua. It means pink flower." Jack grimaced slightly and Nika continued "This stone will balance your emotions and redirect them in the way they should go."
After Colonel O'Neill accepted the stone from Nika the crowd cheered and Lopaka announced that the activation ceremony would now begin.
Nika brought out a very small terra cotta pitcher and signaled to Palaki who brought a tray with four hollowed out coconut cups. Nika poured approximately one ounce of a dark red liquid into each of their cups.
"Now," she instructed "you must each hold your stone tightly in your left hand as you drink the entire contents of your cup in one swallow."
The members of SG1 looked cautiously at each other until Colonel O'Neill gave a slight nod to indicate that he felt it was safe.
"You must all drink at the same time!" Lailene added hastily.
"Ok, on three," said Jack "One, two three."
All the Earth visitors drank from their cups simultaneously.
"Eww! It reminds me of the Blood of Sokar!" Complained Sam.
"As I no longer posses a symbiote, I will not be immune to its effects, O'Neill."
"I agree with Sam, Jack. It tastes like the Blood of Sokar" Daniel added.
The crowd was cheering loudly. All except for Palaki who had moved away and stood in the shadows watching everything the strangers did.
"Uh, Sir, I don't feel so good..." Carter managed to say just before she fell to the sand and passed out.
"Carter!" The concern and fear was evident in Jack's voice, but before he could get to her, he too, passed out.
Teal'c was the last to lose consciousness.
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