Summary – The Ancient Greeks used to have rules about guest/host relations. Ficlet
Rating – G
Disclaimer – I don't own SGA nor the concept of Xenia
Xenia
"You know," Rodney said suddenly from his little corner of the cell. "In Ancient Greece there were rules about guest/host relations. The hosts were obligated to provide the guests with a certain level of hospitality, supplying them with food and drink and presenting them with a gift when they left. In return the guest was required to be courteous to the host and a violation of the rules would supposedly bring forth the wrath of the Gods."
Ford, Teyla and Sheppard exchanged glances.
"Why are you telling us this?" Sheppard asked eventually, shifting his legs as he spoke, trying to get the feeling back into them, despite the chains.
Rodney shrugged. "Just trying to rationalise our constant string of bad luck compared to SG1's far more successful experiences in the Milky Way galaxy. There the cultures are far more influenced by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians."
There was a long silence.
"So, what you're saying," Ford ventured finally, "is that, if the Goa'uld and not the Ancients had controlled Pegasus, people would be nicer to us?"
Rodney shrugged again but his expression said everything.
Ford blinked. "Huh."