Chapter 2
Greatness might be an understatement when discussing the Sinnu. Sam stared with wonder at the ornate decorations inside the walls of the ziggurat. There were bright colors and tapestries and artwork the likes of which Sam had never seen before. But more importantly, she could discern hints of technology everywhere she looked. There were devices embedded in the walls and in the ceilings, little trinkets dashing the tops of stone tables that she was certain held dual purposes. She figured some were part of the network that kept the city invisible, but she could feel anticipation rising as she wondered what other secrets the small devices and mechanisms within the ziggurat held.
She turned to the rest of her team, her eyes shining with excitement. "Sir, we have to honor their ways and join the feast."
Colonel O'Neill looked less than impressed as he stood in the middle of the waiting room, one of his hands resting on his P-90. His eyes may have been hidden beneath his sunglasses, but she could see the irritability resting in his frown. She knew what was coming.
"Your men?" he asked.
"I think it's a matriarchal society," Daniel answered for her. He had already disentangled himself from the group, having begun to study some of the sculptures that lined the small but lavish room. He picked up a small bronze statue. "Sam's right. You have no idea how important this is."
O'Neill didn't move. "Enlighten me."
"We've never encountered a true matriarchal society on Earth," Daniel said, still studying the bronze. "There are goddess worship cults and ancient societies that have more of a female consciousness to them, but society and culture itself has always been patriarchal, at least to our knowledge in both recorded history and the archaeological record." He put the statue down and picked up another. "Even off-world, we haven't encountered anything like it before. This is a rare find, Jack. It's worth exploring."
"For what?" he asked impatiently.
"For the sake of finding out why and how they became a matriarchal society. The implications…"
"Are squat," O'Neill finished for him. "Teal'c?"
"I do not see any reason for us to engage in trade."
"What?" Daniel asked.
Sam had to agree. She didn't think that Teal'c and Colonel O'Neill were thinking this through enough. "Sir, we've seen in the past that we can't judge a people based on first impressions alone."
"Look at the Nox," Daniel said.
"This has nothing to do with how primitive or how advanced they are," O'Neill said. He shrugged. "I just think it's a bad idea."
"And I concur," Teal'c added.
"Because women are in charge and men aren't?" Daniel asked, beating her to the punch.
"Oh, please, Daniel." O'Neill muttered. "You complained all the way to the city about the injustice of this place and how no one would talk to you."
Sam raised her eyebrows at that remark, but Daniel refused to look at her.
"Fine, look," Daniel said, tapping his finger on the statue. "No, I'm not happy about it. But it's still an amazing find. Maybe Sam can talk Anu into letting us have some privileges and extra freedoms as guests."
She knew Daniel was itching to explore the ziggurat and the temples on the higher levels. However, Sam knew that wouldn't be enough for O'Neill. She needed something to convince Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c that this was a worthwhile cause. She needed something more enticing than just culture alone.
"On our way into the city, I noticed an abundance of strategically placed alien technological devices throughout the ziggurat and associated buildings. I'd like the opportunity to discuss them with Anu to better understand their function and see if they would be offered in trade," she told them. "They could be a form of advanced defense shield technology: something that we could use in our fight against the Goa'uld."
O'Neill exchanged a contemplative look with Teal'c. Teal'c didn't say a word, but any misgivings he had before seemed to have been wiped clean by Sam's plea.
She grinned in triumph.
"All right. Let's make this quick," O'Neill said at last, much to both Sam and Daniel's delight. "But if I have to wear a dress, we are so out of here."
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Fortunately – or unfortunately – Colonel O'Neill would not be wearing a dress. He was lucky that he was sitting at the main table at all. Sam had learned that the men in this society virtually lived in second-class status, and therefore didn't eat with the women in public spaces, delegated to their own special table for feasting. She knew that Colonel O'Neill would not buy that for any reason, so she had spoken to Anu earlier to plead their case and ask for some leniency. It seemed to have worked.
"It's amazing," Daniel said from his seat beside her. He looked like he was studying the china. "Most scholars have theorized that societies that are matriarchal in composition would be more egalitarian, but here it seems the women are completely in charge. I haven't seen a man in any positions of authority."
It was a fact that Sam couldn't ignore and one that bothered her immensely. She had been given the short end of the stick on the planet with the Shavadai and didn't wish that kind of life on anyone. Just because the roles were reversed with the Sinnu didn't make the issue justified. Sam was concerned that someone could make a move on her friends at any time, leaving her powerless to stop it. Not that Daniel, Colonel O'Neill, or Teal'c couldn't take care of themselves, but they weren't doing anything to help their cause.
"It's not amazing. It's a pain in the ass," O'Neill mumbled. He leaned past Daniel so he could catch a glimpse of Sam. "Did you see the damn rule book?"
"Indeed," Teal'c said, calling out from the furthest point to her left. "I am not fond of the Sinnu's ways."
Neither was Sam. Daniel had since informed them that the Sinnu were an amalgamation of Sumerian and Babylonian cultures. Sam wasn't so interested in hearing his theories of Babylonians carrying the Sumerian culture through the Stargate. Her concern remained with the pages and pages of rules on male behavior and how men and women should act in public and private settings.
With direct access to the text, Daniel had translated what he could. He hadn't given her a lot of hope for smooth negotiations with the Sinnu. There was something…off. And she couldn't figure out just what it was.
"As long as you let me handle the discussions and don't speak out, we'll be fine," Sam said. She just wished she felt as confident as she sounded.
"Make sure you ask about their weapons," O'Neill said. "And the naquadah on this planet."
"I know, sir." Sam knew more than well just how important it was to forge new alliances that would pay off. General Hammond was under a lot of pressure to show results. She hated to think what would happen if they kept failing him.
"Oh, and books," Daniel said. "I'd like to learn more about their history. Maybe figure out how they grew to be such a strong society."
"You mean sexist," Colonel O'Neill said.
Daniel glared at him.
"How long will this take, Major Carter?" Teal'c asked, raising his voice over Daniel and O'Neill's little squabble.
"It shouldn't take long," she said.
At least she hoped not.
As they waited for Anu to arrive, Sam studied the archway to the banquet room. It wasn't golden, but glinted with a metallic sheen. The longer she sat there, gazing at it, the more she felt a distinctive pull to be near it.
It was a sensation she knew all too well.
"Naquadah," she said.
The three of them turned to her. "Excuse me?" O'Neill asked.
"They use naquadah in some of their supports," she said, her eyes still on the archway.
"Like Tonane's people with trinium," Daniel said, nodding.
Her eyes fell to a couple of serving girls who were setting the utensils on the table. One of the girls stopped to smile at her, placing the knife down beside her.
Sam fingered it with interest. Underneath the shiny silver setting, she could feel the pulse of naquadah beneath its surface. She wondered how many other items had naquadah in them.
Sam let the thought go when she heard the fanfare signaling Anu's arrival. She placed the knife down and watched Anu, her daughter, and their serving maids enter the room. Sam stood, followed by Daniel, and then the colonel and Teal'c.
"Just remember the rules," she told them.
Anu led the graceful procession down the steps, entering the banquet hall. She approached the table slowly, nodding for her daughter to move on ahead of her. The two of them reached Sam, the maidservants hanging back silently.
"This is my daughter, Aya." The girl dipped her head to Sam. "Aya, this is Major Samantha Carter of SG-1. She has come through the Apsu."
Sam forced a smile, eyeing the young dark-haired girl. "You can call me Sam," she said to them both.
"Hello, Sam," Aya said. But her eyes were not on Sam at all. She bypassed her and walked to meet the rest of SG-1. "You are the men from the Apsu?"
"Yes," Daniel said, offering a small smile and his patented awkward charm. "We are honored to meet you."
Aya grinned, pleased with the response. She nodded to Colonel O'Neill, but her full attention stopped on Teal'c. "Your men are so big, Irnini Sam."
Sam frowned and shot a confused look to Daniel. He leaned into her. "It's a complimentary title used between the women here, I'm guessing. It means 'sweet smelling lady.'"
Sam nodded. Okay, she would have to remember that.
Aya continued to ogle Teal'c. The young girl placed her hand on Teal'c's chest. From where Sam was standing, she couldn't tell if he were put off by the movement or enjoying the attention. When she saw his lips start to curl into a knowing smile, she guessed the latter.
"He is very strong and very beautiful. I have never seen a man like him," Aya said.
"I am honored that you believe this to be so," Teal'c said, bowing his head.
Oh, brother, Sam thought. She was about to dismiss the entire incident and call for some order, when movement from Colonel O'Neill and Daniel caught her eye. She frowned, staring at them. The both of them fidgeted, puffing out their chests as they rolled their shoulders back. Sam fought back the urge to roll her eyes.
It was going to be a long night.
"We should begin," Anu said, beckoning her daughter to her side. "We have many things to discuss and empty bellies to fill."
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Soon the room was filled with the clang of metal against metal and the hearty laughter of inebriated celebrants. Sam found herself cheering along with them, drinking and eating to her heart's content. She was unaware of the scowling threesome by her side. That is, until they made themselves known.
"Are you almost done?" Colonel O'Neill asked.
"Oh," Sam said, wiping her mouth as some of the wine dribbled down her chin. "Yes, you can go ahead."
O'Neill's glare lingered, giving Sam the distinct impression he was subtly calling rank on her. The matching frowns she received from Daniel and Teal'c didn't make her feel any better.
This wasn't her fault. She was only following the rules of the society, just like they had wanted. She was guaranteeing their survival. She was doing as she was told.
She tried not to consider this payback for all the times she had been delegated to the back of the room while the men took over.
Finally, the three of them turned to eat their food, now that Sam was done. Part of her felt a little guilty for having taken so long to finish her own meal, but at the same time it would have seemed strange for her to rush through her meal just so that they could begin. But despite her rationalization, Sam felt her cheeks warm as her teammates devoured their food.
She might as well get this over with so they could get back to the SGC.
Sam turned to Anu, putting on her best face. "I would like for us to talk trade, if possible."
Anu nodded, bringing down her cup. "You have come far for trade."
"Yes, we have," Sam said. "We travel searching for new medicines, technology, and defense weapons to protect ourselves. In turn, we are willing to offer medicines and supplies of our own."
"I have noticed that you have taken interest in our defensive shields."
Anu definitely had a keen sense of observation. "That's right," Sam said. "I'm interested in how your technology interfaces with your city."
Anu nodded, but her gaze shifted to the rest of SG-1, where it started to linger as she continued. "Surely, if your men are strong, your women are stronger. Why would you need such defensive weapons?"
Sam forced a smile and snuck a peek at "her men." Colonel O'Neill and Daniel kept shoving food into their mouths, to the point Sam thought they would choke. Teal'c had already finished, sitting serenely by O'Neill's side, though she thought she saw him eyeing the remains on their plates.
Sam wanted to disappear.
"Yes, our people are strong," she said. "But we are a cautious people and we like to take as many steps as possible to protect ourselves."
That answer seemed to appease Anu. She seemed to consider the response, leaning back in her chair. Though, the way she kept eyeing her teammates made Sam uneasy.
"Are all your men strong?"
"They're not for trade," Sam said quickly, placing a protective hand on Daniel's arm. He froze and stopped chewing, his mouth still full, as he turned to her, puzzled. She offered him a reassuring smile, even though she was convinced he hadn't been paying attention.
Anu laughed, amused in what Sam read as a demeaning way. It was one that Sam had come across one too many times during her basic training. She set her jaw, keeping her gaze level with Anu, demonstrating that she meant business. But the other woman just shook her head.
"We do not trade our men," Anu said, giving Sam the distinct feeling she was being talked down to again. But at the same time, she felt relieved.
"We don't trade our men, either," Sam said. "I-I just wanted to –"
Anu smiled, but this time the smile was more motherly and affectionate. "I understand. I would be as protective as you if my men were like yours." Anu patted her hand, the second real, informal contact Sam had experienced with the Sinnu. "Do not worry over them. They will be safe here. I shall guarantee it."
Sam nodded, feeling her muscles unwind. Protection by the head of state. That sounded promising.
"I consider your request a worthy one," Anu said. "And I will agree to allow you to study our devices. However, we of the Sinnu ask trade in return."
"Of course," Sam said. "What are your requests?"
Anu glanced over at Teal'c and then back to Sam. "We would like the secrets to how you make your men so strong."
Sam's cordial smile started to wane, and she felt at a loss on how to respond. That uneasy feeling she had experienced just a little while ago came back with a rush.
And to make matters worse, now the rest of her team decided to take an interest in the conversation. Or maybe they had all along.
"Ever try a gym?" Colonel O'Neill said.
"Sir…"
"Right, I know. Mum's the word." He frowned, catching Teal'c taking the last of his bread.
"Your men seem to have a great love for talking," Anu said. "It is true your customs must be different than ours."
"Oh yeah. Our men love to talk," Sam said, forcing a quiet laugh.
"This is very good," Daniel said, his mouth full, as he used his piece of bread like a sponge to soak up the last of the juices on his plate. He swallowed, and then lowered his voice. "Can you ask for some books? If they keep insisting that we're strong, that must mean that their men are…uh, not as strong," he said, obviously choosing his words carefully. "I'd like to see if I can figure out why."
Sam thought that might be their best bet at this point. She couldn't agree to tell the Anu their "secrets" if she didn't have a clue what they were talking about.
"We would gladly share with you how we make our men strong," Sam said, hoping the little exaggeration wouldn't be caught. "But in order for us to be thorough, we would like access to some of your historical documents for comparison purposes."
Anu frowned, almost appearing confused by the request. It was her daughter that spoke.
"Why would you need to see such documents?" she asked, eyeing Sam closely. "Our history is our life. Our tools are our protection." Aya turned to her mother. "I do not trust the strangers."
"I promise not to exploit you or your culture," Daniel said, causing Sam to cringe. He of all people should know not to violate one of the most important rules of this society – speaking out to the sovereign. "I just want to learn about your people so we can become better friends."
But Daniel's need for knowledge could not be quelled sometimes. Sam waited silently for any kind of rebuke from Anu or Aya, but it didn't come. Instead of becoming outraged at his transgression, both mother and daughter stared at Daniel and then Sam in shock. "He can read?"
Now, it was Sam's turn to be shocked. "Yes, my men can read."
"All of them?" Anu asked in disbelief.
Sam shot a worried look over to the rest of her team. O'Neill was thankfully silent, pensive, watching the entire conversation thoughtfully. Teal'c was also quiet, his hands folded on the table, but everything about him told Sam he was alert and in control. It was Daniel that concerned her the most, as he appeared ready to jump out of his skin in his eagerness to join the conversation.
She turned back to Anu. "Yes, all of them."
The revelation stunned the Sinnu leader. She wiped her chin as she thought. "What-what would you like for your men?" she finally asked.
The question caused near chaos by Sam's side. Daniel was nearly bouncing in his seat, urging her to continue with wild motions of his hands.
"Anything on your culture and history," she said. "Science. Technology."
"Weapons," O'Neill said under his breath.
"Weaponry. Anything."
Anu looked positively horrified, almost as if the thought sickened her. She threw her napkin down and turned her head away.
The distress in their leader caused a commotion that rippled throughout the dining hall, sending shock waves through Anu's royal servants and other stately officials. At this point, Sam wasn't even sure what she'd done that was wrong.
"What did we do?" O'Neill asked, leaning over Daniel's plate.
"Perhaps we have asked for too much," Teal'c said.
Sam hoped not. She had felt like maybe she had been getting somewhere with Anu. Now, who knew? Obviously the woman was upset.
What was that word of respect Daniel had told her? There was one that he said to use in case things got ugly. She knew it meant lady…
"Beleti Anu," Sam said, trying to sound as apologetic and submissive as she could. "Please, we didn't – "
Anu held up her hand and shook her head, searching for consolation in her daughter's embrace. Instead, one of her servants stood and came to Sam's side.
"I don't mean any disrespect, Irnini," the small woman said, "but are you certain it is wise to put such a strain on your men?"
Sam frowned. "What?"
"You trouble Beleti Anu with your words," the servant said. "She does not wish torture on such a fair race."
Sam wasn't sure she was following. "We mean no harm. We have no desire to hurt anyone. Not even our own."
Now, it was the aide' s turn to be confused. "I'm sorry, but how can you say such things?"
"Carter…" O'Neill warned.
She waved her hand to stop him. She had to appear that she was in charge, after all. "Anu, I'm sorry. I—"
"I understand that your men are strong, but they are not infallible," Anu said suddenly. "I am troubled you wish to push them to such lengths. Men are of feeble minds."
Sam was speechless. She had understood that the men on this planet were second-class citizens. She had understood that there were rules that governed how men and women should act. She had understood that there was the implication that men from Earth must have some kind of physical superiority over the men here. Sam had not been prepared for a society that thought men were mentally incompetent.
Apparently, neither had the rest of SG-1.
"What has led you to this assumption?" Teal'c asked, his voice beginning to sound defensive.
"All men are frail beings," Aya said simply. "Everyone knows this."
"Frail?" Daniel asked.
Again, Sam laid her hand on Daniel's arm, this time to keep him in check. She still wasn't sure of the Sinnu's sensibilities, and she didn't want to insult them somehow.
"I believe there may be a difference in our peoples," Sam said slowly, trying to be as careful as possible. "Most of our men – and our women – are strong in mind and body."
Anu's gaze fell back to Colonel O'Neill, Daniel, and Teal'c. She was studying them, no doubt, but whether she was looking for some flaw to dispute Sam or weighing the possibility Sam could be right, she couldn't tell.
Her roaming gaze stopped on Daniel's glasses. So, flaws were it.
She sighed. She wished Daniel could take care of this. She just wanted to see what the Sinnu had in terms of technology at this point.
"That's not to say our men are perfect," Sam said quickly, ignoring the mutters from beside her. "But our men do take on active roles in our lives."
"On our world, men are soldiers and scholars," Daniel said. "Men are involved in all industries.
Anu frowned, looking to Sam for confirmation.
"It's true," Sam said.
"I find this difficult to believe," Anu said, shaking her head.
Daniel went to open his mouth, but Sam leaned forward to block him from view. She thought he'd spoken up enough during this meal, and she wasn't really interested in pissing off any of the locals just yet.
"Why?" Sam asked.
Anu sighed, hesitating, before she finally rose to her feet. She motioned for Sam and the others to follow. "Come," she said. "I will show you."