Disclaimer: 'Stargate SG1' and all the characters associated with the show belong to someone who isn't me. As I doubt that the owners would be willing to trade their rights for some magic beans that aren't in any way magical, this is not going to change at any point in the foreseeable future.

Author's Note: The first chapter of "Stargate: Athena", a story I'm writing with SionnachOghma, set after the end of Season Ten, has been posted today if anybody is interested in checking it out.

Chapter Seven

"This is most unusual. Nothing like this has ever been done before." Lord Cai protested when Daniel, roped into the role of messenger, explained Sam's plans for the round table.

"The queen believes that it would be better if the people had more of a say in how Armida is run."

"Queen Samantha is our chosen ruler." The elderly Steward reproved him. "None would attempt to argue against her judgement."

"Queen Samantha is to enter into negotiations with representatives of her homeworld at the end of the week." Daniel attempted. "They wish to purchase the rights to mine some of the metals on your planet. She believes it would be better if a council, representing the interests of the people, was formed to advise her during the negotiations."

"All of Armida's resources are the queen's, to do with as she wills." The other man explained patiently. "We will not presume to challenge her rights."

"No but Sam… the queen wants you to. She doesn't want to have sole control over Armida's resources."

Lord Cai narrowed his eyes shrewdly. "Does the queen fear that the people of your planet will attempt to force her to make an agreement against her will?"

"Something like that." Daniel agreed.

"She need have no fears." Lord Cai assured him. "The warriors of Armida will defend her to the death."

"No, no, no, no." Daniel protested, half-afraid that Samuels and SG-9 would be greeted by armed knights when they arrived to discuss the treaty. "The queen doesn't want a fight. She… she doesn't want to see any of her people die, not when there is another way."

"And she believes that this council will provide this other way?" The other man asked dubiously.

"Yes. She asks that you, together with representatives of the noble houses of Armida, sit on the council and advise her, in this treaty and in other matters." Daniel wisely refrained from mentioning Sam's plans for future democratic elections for council members, correctly guessing that it was too early to broach the subject.

"If it is the queen's will, we shall obey, of course." Lord Cai vowed solemnly.

"She will be pleased to hear it."

"And Sir Jack, he too will be pleased?"

"I'm sure he will."

"He is to sit on the council." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, he's going to act as ambassador."

"The chair at the queen's right hand will be kept for him." He stated. "And his new quarters will be made ready as soon as possible."

The last caught Daniel by surprise. "New quarters?"

"Naturally."

Daniel followed Lord Cai through the corridors to Jack's room, wondering what was going on. The rooms the men of SG-1 had been provided with were comfortable and they had all been treated with respect as friends of Sam. He had not thought that Jack's knighting would merit a move to new quarters.

"So what exactly is wrong with the room I've got now?" Jack asked as soon as they arrived, watching as his pack, together with the tunics he had been provided with, were carried out of the sleeping chamber he had been assigned when SG-1 had returned to Armida for Sam to take the throne.

"I thought that you would be more comfortable there, my lord." The Steward told him. "As Queen Samantha's champion, your new rooms are nearer to her quarters."

"Her champion?" Jack looked to Daniel for help. "I thought that I was the ambassador."

"So did I."

Teal'c said nothing, though he too seemed at a loss as to what was going on.

"Sir Jack?" One of Sam's ladies in waiting, a girl who looked younger than Cassie, approached, curtseying in his direction. She carried a bundle of clothes, which she offered to the new knight. "My lady, the queen mentioned once that you did not wish to don a tunic, so I have brought you garments close in style to your own."

"Thank you…"

"Linet, my lord." The girl supplied her name.

"Thank you, Linet." Jack accepted the clothes awkwardly, half afraid to see what he was to be expected to wear. To his relief, the silk and linen shirts and the trousers of woven leather looked comfortable at least. They were definitely an improvement over a dress, at any rate.

"The smiths can begin work on your armour whenever you wish." One of the pages told him, eager to please. He looked up at Jack hopefully. "Should you require a squire, it would be my honour to serve you… unless Master Daniel has that place." He added hastily, not wanting to offend.

"If I ever need a squire, you'll be the first person I call." Jack promised, grinning when the boy's face lit up.

"Thank you, my lord, thank you!" Delighted, the boy excused himself with a low bow, beaming as he hurried back to finish his tasks.

"I think you've got yourself a fan there." Daniel commented, amused.

"Indeed."

"It would be an honour for any boy to be allowed to serve the Queen's chosen champion." Linet said sagely. "As it is an honour for me to serve the Queen."

Lord Cai nodded approval. "You speak truly, child. Could you show Sir Jack his new rooms? I hope you will find them satisfactory, my lord." He added to Jack.

"I'm sure they'll be fine." Jack followed the young girl down the hall, curious to see what kind of accommodation he was being given.

Lord Cai waited until he was out of earshot before speaking to Teal'c and Daniel in a low voice. "Naturally, Lord Gawen, Sir Arran, Sir Drustan and Sir Fionn will cease to press their suits."

"Okay." Daniel nodded absently, thinking how relieved Sam would be to hear that.

"If you will excuse me, there are things I must attend to." The Steward excused himself, heading back towards the staircase.

"I wonder what the deal is with Jack being Sam's champion." Daniel mused aloud once he and Teal'c were alone together.

"I do not think that Major Carter stands in need of a warrior to fight on her behalf." Teal'c observed. "Perhaps it is because she knighted O'Neill."

"I'm sure that rulers ended up knighting a lot of people." Daniel countered. "Although Jack was the first knight she chose… uh-oh." His eyes widened as realization dawned. "I think that the Armidans have got the wrong idea."

"In what way?" Teal'c asked.

"Have you read any of the Arthurian legends?"

"I have read some of the stories, I found them quite enjoyable. What mistaken conclusion do you believe the Armidans have drawn from Major Carter's knighting of O'Neill?"

Daniel's response was brief. "Think Lancelot and Guinevere."

"I see."

"I don't suppose you want to break the news to them?" The question was hopeful.

"I do not."

TBC.