Chapter 4

The Ole Switcheroo

The second day of negotiations were tedious for many involved, except Jack and Abby who were having a blast as Jack introduced the true Queen to Earth and American culture.

Daniel assumed Monique was the true Queen along with Sam, General Hammond and Teal'c. It was only Jack who suspected otherwise. He figured if the Queen and her companion had switched places it must be for security sake and thus he wanted to ensure Abby that she was safe and could trust them as allies.

As Jack worked to win Abby's trust, Teal'c found himself torn. He liked Monique but she was a Queen as far as he knew. She was not even Jaffa but human. Though they got along rather well he figured a Queen was out of his league. He would be mocked by the Jaffa behind his back if he was to be with a Queen and human no less. He already suffered the humiliation after his father was left to die for being a traitor to the Goa'uld. To be with a ruling Queen would be seen as shameful to the Free Jaffa who strived for independence. Had Monique been the companion to the Queen and her bodyguard that would have been perfectly fine in the eyes of the other Jaffa. She would have been seen as a warrior and not as a ruler. The mere title tormented the Jaffa even though his heart pulled him towards the assumed Queen.

Sam and Daniel were both growing frustrated with the lack of progress. It seemed Monique would not commit to a deal and they couldn't understand why. They did not understand that she lacked the authority to make the deals, that Abby was the true Queen and she was too busy being entertained by one Jack O'Neill.

Upon watching every episode of the 3 Stooges, Abby found a book on ancient Greece and Rome. She was amazed at the similar cultures and wanted to see the ruins for herself. She held up the book before Jack in the recreation room and stated, "I want to see it!" She wore green battle dress with no insignia.

Jack replied, "That's on the other side of the globe. I can't just take you there. I would need to get permission and plan the trip and all that."

She didn't understand how difficult it would be. "Then do it." she replied bewildered why it would be such a hassle.

"I would be denied permission." he insisted.

"Why?" she wondered.

He explained, "You're not from Earth. You would need a passport. There would have to be an actual reason to go and just wanting to go is not reason enough." He then decided to test his theory, "Now if you were say the a leader of your people and were making a trade deal and that might make a difference."

"How would that make a difference?" she wondered.

"If you were…say…the queen…and you wanted to see it for possible trade deals…they might consider that." he told her.

She narrowed her eyes, "If I was the queen then I would be more privileged than say the queen's companion and aid."

He winced, "Well, yeah…I suppose if the queen wanted to go then she could bring her companion."

"But not if her companion wanted to go!" she sounded upset. It didn't seem fair for he admitted she as queen could go but only due to her title.

"Companions don't make trade deals." he reminded her. He waited to see if she would confirm his suspicion.

She would not break her cover. "I see! Thank you for explaining that."

Darn, she didn't confess. He would have to look for another way to get the truth.

Abby placed the book back. "Maybe some other time."

He picked the book up and handed it to her, "Keep it."

"You mean that?" she asked grasping the book.

"Yeah," he gave a soft smile. "It's yours."

"Thank you, Colonel." she replied pleased. "I can't wait to take it back home show everyone and tell them all about your planet."

Jack added, "And the 3 Stooges too."

"Do those televisions come in a larger size?" she wondered.

"Jumbo!" he nodded.

"Can I get one to set up in the city and let my people see your entertainment. Some would enjoy the 3 Stooges." she figured.

'My people' the term rang through Jack's mind. She didn't call them the Queen's people or subjects or even my fellow Olympians but her people. He wondered if perhaps she did slip even just a little. He agreed, "I can pull a few strings."

Meanwhile

Monique sat at the table in a long blue gown feeling rather tired and frustrated. She could not completely agree or sign any agreement for she was not the Queen. She had to stall for time so she could debrief Queen Abigail and give her recommendations.

Daniel assured, "We can have the trade agreement drawn up in both our languages. General Hammond has full authority to sign on behalf of the US Government. We can make a broad stated agreement that covers technology, military aid, medical aid, agriculture and anything else your people may need." For Daniel the offer was the most generous offer the S.G.C. ever made with any ally.

"I must think about the agreement." Monique replied. She added, "One mustn't rush into such agreements without thoroughly vetting such an agreement."

Teal'c agreed, "It's wise to not rush into any such agreement." He wanted Monique to take her time to not only assured that she felt the agreement was fair but also give himself time to cultivate a friendship with her.

Daniel stated, "Out of all the trade agreements we have made this one is the most generous. Your people will benefit more than ours." He glanced about the table frustrated for to him Monique seemed to be stalling but he wasn't sure why.

The door opened and Jack led Abby into the briefing room. "Hey Campers," he cheered. He then addressed the General, "George." He came to a stop before them and clapped his hands together as he mustered the courage to ask General Hammond for a jumbo TV screen. "I was talking with Abby here and she has this idea to bring some good ole American icon-a to Olympia. We're thinking one of those big jumbo T.V. screens and the 3 Stooges…" he could see the look on Hammond's displeased face. He glanced at Daniel who was rolling back his head in disbelief. Sam was covering her mouth with her hand to hide the smile. Teal'c sat beside himself wondering why Jack wanted a jumbo T.V. screen in the first place. He then looked at Monique was looking curiously at Abby. She didn't seem angry or annoyed at all.

"Colonel!" Hammond started to steam from the interruption. Not only did Jack disappear and not take part in the negotiations but he seemed to just be oblivious to everything he and the rest of SG-1 were trying to accomplish.

"Um…" Jack winced, "Bad time?"

Monique stated, "I would like to hear what Colonel O'Neill has to say." She gave a nod to her Queen.

Hammond back down, "What is it, Jack?" He was aware that Abby had to borrow clothes but didn't think much of the incident.

He motioned towards Abby, "My pal Abby here watched the 3 Stooges and loved it." He motioned towards her hoping she would tell everyone she was indeed the real queen and save him from being possibly demoted.

Abby smiled, "Jack told me that you have large monitors to play those…um…movies…on and I thought my people would like to watch as well. Our cultures have much in common." She held up the book, "He gave me this…book…On your ancient Greece and Rome. It's fascinating." She handed the book to Monique, "Look at this."

Monique grasped the book and began to go through it. She was rather impressed. "This is interesting." she agreed. She asked Abby, "What else have you discovered?"

She started to name off a list, "Ice cream, Jell-O, chocolate, many sweets, something you eat called Froot Loops…" she began.

Daniel huffed, "So…while we were in here trying to hammer out a trade deal Jack has been on a eating binge."

Abby defended her new friend, "He also gave me a tour of the base. I got see and talk to your doctors and learn about your medicine, went to the hangar and saw some of your aircraft and he showed me what you do for fun and recreation. He introduced me to a game called chess. We have something similar. I wasn't very good at it but Monique you would like this game. Jack has been a wonderful host."

Sam sat back in her seat thinking about what Abby said. She was defending Jack and did so in a way that didn't sound much like a servant to her. She looked to Monique for her reaction.

Monique smiled, "I'm very pleased."

Sam then noticed that Monique never gave Abby orders and she thought that was odd.

Abby took seat near Monique at the table. Jack figured he should take his seat too and did so near Daniel who was still annoyed.

Sam then watched as Monique gently slid her handwritten notes about the trade agreement to Abby who then began to quickly read those notes. She looked to Jack to see if he noticed it as well. Jack sat back and just smiled for he figured his theory was correct.

Daniel asked, "You are consulting with your assistant?"

"I like to have her input." she replied.

Daniel wondered, "Do you always consult with your assistant on such matters?"

Monique replied, "Indeed."

Abby stated, "This is very generous. More than I would have expected. What about getting an alliance with the Asgard?"

Daniel replied, "That will ultimately be up to the Asgard. We can set up a meeting with Thor, you and Queen Monique."

"If you can get the Asgard to agree to a meeting that would be very beneficial for all our peoples." Abby replied and folded up the handwritten notes and placed them in her pocket which raised Sam's suspicions of the pair.

Jack decided he needed an answer. He stated, "Can I ask you two a question?"

Abby and Monique traded glances. Abby gave a nod to Jack, "Of course."

He leaned to his side, "Is it Queen Monique or Queen Abigail?"

Daniel came to attention, "What?"

Teal'c suddenly became alarmed. He wasn't sure what Jack was getting at.

Abby looked at Monique and grinned, "I like him. He's smarter than he will let you believe."

"Wait!" Daniel gasped. "What?"

Abby explained, "We didn't know if you were going to be friendly or not. So, we switched places to find out more about you."

Jack stated, "It's ole switcheroo, Daniel. Monique is the assistant, Abby is the Queen."

Sam bit her bottom lip, "I thought something was off about this."

"What?" Daniel looked at the two women. "You two switched. You mean, Monique is not the Queen…Abby is…" He sat back, "So all this time we were making deals with the assistant while Jack was giving the Queen a tour."

"When did you figure me out, Jack?" Abby asked.

"I suspected it when we first met and Monique would not let you have the candy and would not eat it either. Then last night with the suitcase and today when you were talking about your people…I kind of just figured you were the Queen." he explained.

Monique stated, "You're right, My Queen. He is smarter than he appears." She motioned towards Jack and his displeased face.

Teal'c was ever so relieved to find out the truth. It meant he could be free to pursue a relationship with Monique. He hoped to gain her affections in the near future but he wasn't how to do such for she was not Jaffa.

General Hammond became rather humble, "You two switched and you vetted the S.G.C. through Colonel O'Neill."

"I did," she confessed. "I wanted to see who you were and what your people are about. We have much in common. I look forward to a trade agreement that will benefit both our peoples." She then continued, "I apologize for the deception but if was for safety concerns."

"I can understand you wanting to vet us first." Hammond agreed. "Will you and Monique be staying tonight as well?"

Abby looked to her friend, "What do you think?"

"I would like to stay for a few days more," she smiled and glanced at Teal'c.

Abby understood her friend found the Jaffa attractive. She agreed, "We shall stay."