Hi all!

It's been a while but I had a thesis to write, which deserved first priority, as I'm sure you all agree. In any case, I'm sorry for the delay. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing, I hope you guys keep it up! Enjoy the next chapter! Happy Reading!

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"In honour of our new friends, tonight we will all share a meal, as a symbol of our new alliance!", Tanno spoke, as he indicated a table which was loaded with bowls of food. "But first, the lovely women of our village will provide the entertainment!". Tanno smiled and bowed his head to the woman sitting beside him. She rose, and Sam saw she was wearing the green version of her dress. Looking around, she noticed that all the women were wearing her outfit, albeit in various colours. The woman in green nodded back to Tanno, who sat down. She started walking around and took the hand of two other women. All of the villagers, male and female, including Daniel, Jack and Sam, were sitting in a circle, around the campfire. The three women moved to the centre of the circle, where they started to dance. One by one, the women were taken by the hand and joined the dance, until finally Serina appeared in front of Sam, and pulled her into the circle.

Sam didn't know the dance, but she found her body moving to the music, as she followed the women's movements around the fire. Mid-twirl, she noticed Jack looking, or rather, staring, at her. Blushing, she looked away, but continued the dance. When the music stopped, she went back to her place, not realizing the other women were still standing, forming a colourful inner circle. Finally, the women bowed and returned to their places as well. The men were cheering and whistling, and Jack and Daniel looked at their colleague and friend, surprise and admiration written in their eyes. Trying not to get lost in her CO's chocolate eyes, she tried to focus on Tanno, who had stood again.

"Thank you, for that wonderful performance!", Tanno stated proudly. "And now", he continued, "we shall dine as kings and queens!". He passed several bowls filled with food to his neighbour, who took a handful and passed it on as well. Apparently this 'sharing' was to be interpreted quite literally, Jack thought. When they had tasted of too many bowls of food, and everyone seemed to have satisfied their hunger, Tanno and his wife started a chant. Soon, the others joined in, and Sam heard Daniel humming along. Throwing him a look of curiosity, she noticed Jack's grin at his friend's enthusiasm. Daniel stopped and scooted closer to whisper: "This is some sort of prayer to thank the Gods, they're vouching their gratitude for the food, their health, the climate, the na-" "Yes yes Daniel we get it!", Jack hissed back. Sam smiled and sat back to enjoy the vocal talents of the villagers.

When the praying or chanting was over, Tanno called the team over to the table which had carried all the food, to show them various canisters filled with liquid. "This is all made from plantlife which naturally occurs on our planet", he stated. "Some plants have miraculous effects, some are rather harmful, which is why we do not just trust anyone or allow them to mine our planet, or take samples with them". Daniel nodded. "We appreciate your trust, Tanno", he said respectfully. Tanno bowed and pointed at the first canister. "This is juice from our alcora plant. It calms the nerves and numbs the pain, but in high amounts, it may cause hallucinations and permanent numbness or paralysis", he said seriously. Daniel looked impressed. "We use it as a medicine, but it is dangerous in incapable or enemy hands", he continued. "We understand", Daniel reassured him. Tanno moved towards the next flask, which was very small and looked quite fragile. "This is a very rare and valuable liquid, it is collected from the petals of our gerania flower, which only grows in the highest heat of summer, it requires a very hot climate, and attracts animals as well, which is why we must carefully guard the patches", Tanno explained. "What's so unique about the liquid?", Jack asked, his curiosity peeked. "It cures any illment instantly. One drop has cured any disease or infection we have encountered", he stated proudly. "Wow", Sam said softly. Tanno smiled. "Indeed, but gathering it is quite the challenge". Daniel pointed at the third container, "What's this? It smells amazing!" Jack frowned at Daniel, disapproving the younger man's childish enthusiasm. "This liquid, called emora, is extracted from the leaves of a certain kind of tree. It is much like alcohol, in that it induces the senses. It makes the drinker less inhibited and more likely to talk freely. It is not quite a truth serum, but can be used to deduct information from an unwilling person". The three teammates frowned at that. "Can it be registered in another drink?", Jack asked, already on his toes. "It has a naturally sweet taste, so it depends on the drink", Tanno answered honestly. "But there is no need for concern, it is merely an aid, although, it cannot force the drinker to tell the truth". "But let us move on", he continued.

After looking at several more canisters, which included more healing potions, leaves that could replace a whole meal, juice made from roots that could induce love and many others, Sam, Jack, and Daniel were tired, and sent to their tent to rest and start negotiations in the morning.

o

Back at the tent, Sam remembered the romantic setting the villagers had provided for them. Daniel has a separate section, and various curtains were hung to provide privacy. Even though she has shared a tent with Jack before, she still felt quite uncomfortable. The curtains, the pillows, the soft light and the red veils set a certain atmosphere, and as their 'room' was at the entrance of the tent, she and Jack would have to sleep together in case Tanno or anyone else came in. Sam slipped behind the curtain to change out of her outfit, which was still attracting Jack's stare. Wondering what to sleep in, she saw a nightdress lying on a chair. She had to admit, these people had class… She lifted it and held it up before her body. It looked pretty decent, she wasn't planning on wearing see-through fabric while sharing a bed with her CO. Dressing quickly, she pushed aside the curtain to find Jack, already undressed, lying on a pile of pillows in what appeared to be white cotton pants… and nothing else. Swallowing heavily, she forced her beating heart to calm down, and walked towards him.

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Jack was feeling more and more uncomfortable by the minute. Every time Sam changed outfits, she looked more and more irresistible, and he wondered how much more he could take. He also wondered how much his white pants could hide… He cleared his throat as he saw the object of his thoughts walking towards him in an ivory white night dress. 'Ah for crying out loud', he thought, 'was she trying to kill him?'

"So, exciting day huh?" he asked her. "Yeah", Sam smiled, "I have to admit this mission turned out way better than I expected". Jack was relieved. Talking about the mission was something he could do. "I know, I think we might actually get away with some useful stuff, those medicines he showed us….", he trailed off. "Amazing huh?" Sam smiled. "Indeed", Jack answered. Lying back, he couldn't help but think back on the various canisters Tanno had showed them, and wonder whether they would all be as effective on earth…

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Daniel lay on his side of the curtain. He was pretty content with how everything had gone. The villagers of Eroga sure had a lot to offer them, but he wondered what they would ask in return. It seemed they had everything they needed. Although he was afraid of Sam's treatment at first, the villagers seemed to treat their women quite well. They weren't emancipated, but they weren't treated as slaves or mistreated in any way. Tanno and Deran seemed to respect their own wives as well as Sam, Daniel thought.

It sure seemed like Sam didn't mind the place either. He smiled, remembering her giggle, and Jack's look when he saw her outfit. Thinking about the many medicines and potions Tanno had showed him, he wondered if they had a plant or root that could make Jack and Sam pick up their courage and tell each other how they really felt. Then, suddenly, an idea formed in Daniel's head, and as he went to sleep, the smiling faces of Sam and Jack lingered in his mind.

TBC...

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That's chapter 3 everyone, thanks for reading and pleaaase review :). Thank you!

E.