TWO WEEKS LATER
During the last few weeks SG-9 had been there, they had established a basic relationship with the King and his people. They were allowed to walk most of the town freely except the areas designated for women only. The King had been more than keen to set up an alliance. However, the negotiations for Major Carter were not going well.
�You wish to steal one of our women?� the King demanded, getting red in the face.
�No. You see she initially belonged to us. Would you consider returning her to us as a gesture of good faith?�
�My rules forbid stealing of all things, including women.�
�Did you not �steal� Major Carter from us initially?� Teal�c said. Major Thornberg gave him a look, then sighed and rubbed his forehead.
�Perhaps a trade then?� he suggested.
�You have nothing I need.�
�Guns? These,� a Lieutenant said, indicating to his gun.
The King looked puzzled. Major Thornberg nodded, giving him the go-ahead to demonstrate. He took aim and fired at a cushion across the room. The cushion burst, feathers flying everywhere
.
The King looked surprisingly unimpressed.
�I have no use for these.�
�What if your world is attacked.�
�The gods have forgotten about us. Five years ago, one of my favourites stood against them. She lost much, disgraced herself, but insured our safety. No god knows of us.�
�Could we meet this priestess?�
�No. First, she died in protecting us. Second, I no longer trust you.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sam chewed her bottom lip as she got to the part in the dance routine she always made a mistake. It was hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago that she had been a member of the SGC, just about to head out for a mission. She had adopted her role as a dancer here out of sheer boredom and a desire to learn more about the people. She had hoped the information might provide her with an escape plan. However, two weeks had gone by and still she had found no one who knew the location of her original belongings.
She cursed as she missed the beat again.
�Sorry,� she said to Lila who was head dancer at the moment.
�It�s ok. You�ve caught on extremely fast. It normally takes people two weeks.�
�Really?�
�Yeah. You�re doing great. In fact your only problem is that move you just missed.�
�I miss it every time!�
�Well the move before is the inside twirl. When you come out of that, put your weight on your right foot. That way it�s easier to stamp your left foot when you get to this move.�
�So I�m spinning out on my right foot?�
�Yes but keep some weight on your left till the last minute or the twirl will throw you off balance.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�The alliance is terminated. I no longer wish to form a treaty with those who would propose to steal from me.�
�But your Highness��
�Leave immediately. Guards!�
Major Thornberg sighed when a few seconds later four guards appeared by their side.
�These visitors have thoroughly irritated me. Escort them to the perimeter,� King Talus demanded.
Deciding a peaceful exit would be preferable SG-9 walked willingly. Teal�c held his position for a second but then followed orders and fell into formation with them.
�What would you like my Lord?� a young woman asked the King after they had left. He considered the question.
�My dancers. Send for my dancers.�
�It will be done immediately,� she said.
�And send a message to my Law writer. Women can no longer be purchased, only joined.�
�Yes, My Lord,� the woman said, leaving the Lunas at a quick pace. A few moments later he heard the call for his dancers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Dancers are called into King Talus�s presence. The new routine is expected,� a voice shouted in the distance.
�We�re up,� smiled Anya.
�What? Now?� Sam exclaimed.
�Don�t worry, you�ll do fine,� Rana grinned, patting her on the back.
�You�ve had fifteen days to prepare. That�s more than usual.�
�Plus, you�re a natural!�
�We�ve got ten minutes to change first while the musicians warm up,� added Tia.
Sam followed them out and into a small room where clothes were laid out.
�We have to wear these?� Sam asked, looking less than pleased at the bikini style.
�We have these wraps around our waist too,� Lila said handing her one. It was transparent.
�That�s great,� she muttered, taking it from her and changing into it. �That�s just great.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Incoming Traveller,� boomed through the SGC speakers. Jack stood up, ignoring the chair he knocked over and jogged to the gate room. SG-9 and Teal stepped through the wormhole, Sam wasn�t with them.
�What happened?� Jack asked, catching up with them and falling into step with Teal�c.
�It did not go well, O�Neill,� Teal�c stated simply.
Jack sighed and stopped walking. Teal�c had a knack of stating the obvious. Jack fell behind as they went into the changing room. He changed his mind and instead made his way to the briefing room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The dance came to an end and following everyone else, she stood in a line facing King Talus, head down.
�I see you have been allocated the Dancer Lobar�Ayliah.�
Rana nudged her. �He�s just given you you�re name. Look up�
�Yes, King Talus,� she said, still refusing to call him �My Lord�.
�You have learnt very fast. Possibly a favourite soon.�
All the girls let out little gasp and had huge smiles on their faces.
�I think that dance will be enough for today,� he said and clapped his hands twice. Sam joined the others in kneeling, as there was applause. When it died out they got up and walked out of the ring.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�The ruler won�t give her back,� Major Thornberg concluded. �He would classify that as stealing which he does not permit.�
�Oh for crying out loud they stole her in the first place!�
�I did voice this view, O�Neill.�
�Ok, I think it�s clear now that we have to use the military method,� Jack stated. He looked at Daniel who shrugged. He didn�t like it but he was just as prepare s the others to try anything to get her home.
�You�re all dismissed from the time being,� the General said standing up. �Report here first thing tomorrow. I have a phone call to make.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Ok, so what�s a favourite?� Sam asked Kayla a little while later.
�A favourite! If you are made a favourite it is a great honour for you and your Lobar.�
�Uh-huh. So that�s it. A honour.�
�It means you are one of the King�s much-loved women, for whatever reason. Usually it is because of what they do in their Lobar. For example he thinks you are a very good dancer.�
�I see. Two weeks ago I was a Major. Next week I may be a King�s favourite. That�s great.�
�A favourite! Wow well done!� Kayla exclaimed throwing her arms around her in a fierce hug.
�Thanks. I guess,� Sam said with a sigh.
�Why aren�t you happy? You dance well enough to be Favourite and yet you�re not smiling!�
�Just because I dance well doesn�t mean I like it.�
�You don�t like dancing? I don�t understand.�
�Well I don�t mind dancing but I don�t like it here. Remember I told you about my friends. I miss them.�
�But I�m your friend now.�
�Yes, you are,� Sam smiled. �But I still want to see my other friends too.�
�Are they going to come and get you?�
�I don�t know. I thought so.�
�You�ve been here ages now though.�
�That�s true,� Sam nodded �But then again, a few years ago, a friend of mine was stuck on another planet.�
�Like you are now?�
�Yes. Anyway it seemed impossible for us to get him back and although it took us awhile, we did it.�
�I bet he was really glad to see you!�
�It�s funny, he wasn�t at the time. Daniel said it was because he hadn�t expected to get home. I was angry that he hadn�t believed in me, that he thought I�d ever give up. That *he* gave up hope.�
�Well then. You shouldn�t give up hope either.�
�I�ll try not to,� Sam said with a smile.
�But, promise me something?�
�What?�
�If you do go back, can I come too?� Kayla asked, her eyes big and round. Sam smiled at her.
�Yes. I promise.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Colonel, I have already spoken with the President on this matter and he does not believe it is necessary to start a war.�
�A member of my team has been neutralised for over two weeks! I call that an act of war!�
�Jack��
�No god damn it Daniel, I�m not gonna just leave her there!�
�No one suggested that Colonel. Now would you just sit down and let me finish.�
�As I was saying, the President does not believe it is necessary to start a war with these people. However, he realises that Major Carter is a valuable asset and that losing her would put us at a disadvantage.�
�Understatement of the century.�
�Colonel��
�I�m with him on this General� Daniel spoke up. �I�m sorry but that is blatantly undermining her importance at the SGC. If I recall correctly, she made the computer dialling system.�
�And it was due Major Carter that we met the Tok�ra and that they trusted us,� Teal�c added.
�It was Sam who figured out how to get me out of Machello�s body.�
�And was it not Major Carter who rescued the SGC from a foothold situation?� Teal�c continued.
�Twice counting Hathor,� Jack added. �Added to which she has saved all our lives on countless occasions, doing things that by all definitions were impossible. So they will *not* downplay her role here and they will *not* leave her there.�
�I�m sure the President is aware of these points and so he has authorised a covert mission to the planet.�
�Covert,� Jack echoed, narrowing his eyes and looking at him warily. Covert missions always had consequences.
�Yes. SG-9 informs me that the King of the planet receives guests regularly.�
�Indeed his people mentioned several occasions of this,� Teal�c confirmed.
�The King of this planet has not met any of SG-1 apart from Teal�c. Therefore, Colonel O�Neill you will be travelling to the planet as Prince Lien with your advisor Osaka. That will be Dr Jackson. Teal�c will accompany you but will stay out of sight, just in case anything goes wrong he can call for backup.�
Jack nodded. �Good.�
�You have two weeks to learn the customs of the place from SG-9 and Teal�c.�
�Two weeks!� Jack protested. �She�s already been there two weeks!�
�I know, but there�s no argument here Jack. I want Major Carter back as much as any of you, but the authenticity is essential if we hope to pull this off. As you heard from SG9 at the briefing, an alliance, in certain circumstances, can be formed by a visitor purchasing a woman. Dr. Jackson will teach you basic conversation and behaviour rules. If all goes well, you should be able to purchase Major Carter and leave. All clear?�
Jack nodded.
�Good. Dismissed.�
Jack stood up and left. Daniel sighed and gathered up his stuff.
�Sam is gonna *love* this!�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Singers are called into King Talus�s presence. The new song is expected,� a voice shouted in the distance.
�Children are called to the preparation tent,� another voice shouted from a different direction.
Sam looked up in surprise. If children were needed, it could only mean visitors. Maybe from the SGC. She began walking around trying to see if anyone knew anything more.
A short while later she heard music coming from the Lunas. She tried to get closer but she knew the boundaries and couldn�t get sight of the visitors. Eventually she gave up and returned to the main area where she found Kayla waiting. She started walking over to her when another cry went up.
�Everyone is called to the Lunas to witness a Joining! Everyone to the Lunas for a Joining!�
Sam frowned and turned to Kayla.
�A Joining? What�s that?�
�Oh a Joining is where a man asks a woman to become joined to him. The women can accept at one of three levels, and then it can be updated at later stage.�
�What are these three levels?�
�Well. The first level is the basic one. The woman still lives here but is loyal to that man. Same rule as with the other women still applies though, he isn�t allowed to touch her. At the second level the woman can go with the man and he can touch her but not intimately. Then the third level is where he can, so he can kiss her and so on. Mostly women accept at first or second level, then later they upgrade when they feel ready.�
�Oh right. Is it only when we have visitors?�
�No, men from our culture ask too but when it�s a visitor then it�s usually to form an alliance. Especially since they can�t buy women anymore. Anyway come on, we�ll be late!�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jack stood on a chair with some guy trying to pin in a hem in the costume he was wearing as Daniel read out some more of his notes.
�Would you stay still please?� the person asked from beneath him.
�No, I bloody well will not,� Jack snapped.
�Jack,� Daniel said in a calm but bemused voice.
�Daniel, this isn�t funny. Sam has been on that planet for thirty-two days now. Thirty-two days! While we mess around with costumes and scripts!�
�Jack, you want her back don�t you? If we blow this we blow any chance.�
�I know, Daniel, but I�m ready!�
�What will you say if he asks how many Lobars you have?� Daniel shot. He knew Jack didn�t know.
�Three?�
�Wrong. Every city has at least five Lobars.�
�So I�ll wing it.�
�Do you really want to wing it when getting Sam back depends on it?�
Jack didn�t answer.
�That�s how I felt,� Daniel said quietly and they shared an understanding look.
�We all miss her Jack. We all feel bad. A few more days and that�s all. By then your disguise will be ready and you�ll know pretty much everything. Just a few more days.�
�Daniel�I�I know what it�s like. The first few days you�re pretty sure that you�ll get home. After that days turn into weeks and still nothing happens. Then with everyday that goes by it seems less and less likely. After awhile you give up hope. Compromise and accept that it�s your new life.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�I am in a very good mood. I will have my dancers!� King Talus announced after his guests had left. Sam sighed and walked towards the changing tent, wondering what outfit it�d be this time.
Walking in she picked it up and began to change. This time she they had cropped tops that covered the bust and shoulders, with no sleeves and came just below the bust line. She wore tight fitting trousers with a to-the-ground overskirt around the back, leaving the front open to see the trousers.
Sam took her place as the music started up. The new dance was the one she liked most so far. It was challenging involving intricate footwork, often some squats, chest lifts, drops, and shimmies. It also combined and layered several many distinct, isolated movements that added an extra something to the feel of the dance.
The dance finished with a final dramatic and sudden ending and the audience burst into applause. Sam grinned at the others, they knew they had done well with it.
�Ayliah,� King Talus said when the applause died down.
�Yes, My Lord,� she said, taking a step forward and bowing her head.
�Kneel before me,� he ordered. She walked the few steps towards him and knelt on both knees in front of him.
�By my supremacy, I entitle you a Favourite.�
Everybody present burst into applause as he draped a white, silk like scarf over her shoulders.
�Ayliah, you may stand.�
�Thank you My Lord.�
�Return to your Lobar.�
�Yes, My Lord.�
Sam returned to the line of the other dancers whose grins were infectious. Not that she cared.
�Enough for today! Bring in the Performers!�
With that the dancers left in the usual fashion as a cry for the Performers Lobar was heard.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Standing in the gate room as the fifth chevron locked, Daniel watched Jack readjust his cuff decorations.
�She�s been on that planet over a month now Daniel,� Jack said sensing Daniel�s eyes on him.
�I know.�
�I�m not coming back without her.�
�I know. Me neither,� Daniel answered.
�I will also remain until Major Carter rejoins us once more,� Teal�c added solemnly. The seventh chevron locked and the familiar whoosh of the gate leapt into action.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�King Talus we have received visitors. Prince Lien from Gelderkear and his squire Osaka.�
�Welcome, Prince Lien, to my kingdom.�
�And indeed a truly wonderful kingdom, King Talus.�
�I am delighted you think so. Tell me, what business do you have here?�
�If you will allow my squire�?� Jack asked, gesturing to Daniel. King Talus nodded and Daniel unrolled a scroll.
�Prince Lien, Future King of Gelderkear comes proposing an alliance between the people of Gelderkear and the people of King Talus. An alliance intended to benefit both parties with additional and more varied resources and resulting in a population growth of each side.� Daniel finished and rolled up the scroll once more.
�Indeed Prince Lien,� King Talus said turning his attention to Jack. �I am most happy to accept this alliance. Please come, sit besides me.� He smiled gesturing them onto the area where he sat.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�When do you wish me to make a decision on the woman I am to buy?� Jack broached a little while later. King Talus shook his head.
�Alas, this is no longer an option for an alliance.�
�Don�t panic,� Daniel muttered.
�A recent incident has required me to change the rules regarding women. You cannot buy a woman. For an alliance to be formed you must be joined to one. This will symbolise you commitment and respect.�
�This is, of course, acceptable,� Jack replied to him, and then hissed to Daniel, �What the hell!�
�I didn�t tell you about Joining because you only needed the essentials.�
�Well, it�s an essential now!�
�Well in essence it�s like a marriage��
�Oh for crying out loud! Daniel��
�Prince Lien, it is this way,� King Talus interrupted
�Yes, of course,� Jack said following him and shooting Daniel a glare.
As King Talus took them on a tour Daniel quietly muttered the details of a Joining to Jack.
�At a Joining when a man asks a woman to become joined to him she can accept at one of three levels. The first level she still lives here and is loyal to him. At the second level the woman lives with the guy. Then the third level is where he can...err�engage in martial�err...activities.�
�Ok, so I say which level I want to ask at?�
�No, she chooses.�
�And this is the tent where the Singer Lobar prepares. Tell me, how many Lobars do you have?�
�My Kingdom has seven currently, yours?�
�Nine.�
�You are indeed more diverse than us,� Jack said bowing his head.
�You can learn. Shall we return to the Lunas for some entertainment?�
�As you wish. I�m sure it will be an admirable performance.�
�I am confidant it will captivate you.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�Dancers are called into King Talus�s presence,� a voice shouted in the distance. Sam frowned. Even she knew that dancers two days running was extremely unusual.
�Children are called to the preparation tent,� another voice shouted from a different direction.
Visitors again, she thought as she walked to the dressing room. She sighed. This was the third this month and this time it was her turn to be head dancer.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The dancers walked into the Lunas area, heads down and took their positions with their backs to the King. The music started up and Jack tried to sit tall. Willing Sam to see them.
As Sam did twirl, lifting her head and arms to the sky, she caught sight of Jack and Daniel with the King. The shock made her falter and as a result the leg she supposed to land on crumbled beneath her. Immediately regaining her composure she did the twirl again onto the other leg. It was different from the others but it looked like part of the routine.
�Who is that one?� Jack asked the King from where they sat.
�Ah, I thought she would catch your eye,� he smiled. �She is one of my Favourites.�
�I see,� said Jack, racking his brains to remember what that meant. If he had touched her�
The dance came to an end and the Dancers bowed their head while everyone clapped.
�Ayliah, come.
�Yes My Lord,� she said, taking a few steps forward and kneeling before him, but finding it hard not to look at Jack.
�This is Prince Lien from Gelderkear. You may speak with him for a time.�
�Thank you my Lord.�
�Hello,� she said with a smile, watching King Talus walk a few steps off so he couldn�t hear them.
�Hey. How you holding up?�
�I�d kinda given up hope,� she said with a forced laugh. Jack looked her in the eyes.
�I know.�
She gave a little nod, looked at the ground then back up at him.
�So what�s the plan? I haven�t been able to find my equipment. P-90, GDO most importantly.�
�Not to worry, we�re doing this Daniel�s way.�
�Honesty? Prince Lien?�
�Well no, not exactly. Do you know what a Joining is?�
�Prince Lien!� King Talus called. Jack gave her a meaningful look before heading back onto the platform. He nodded to King Talus who looked back down at Sam.
�Prince Lien wishes you to be joined to him. What say you?�
�I would be honoured My Lord.�
�Wonderful. The ceremony will commence in an hour. You will go to the Joining preparation tent.�
�Yes, My Lords� she said, giving Jack a small smile as she left. He grinned but quickly hid it as King Talus turned to him.
�I believe you have made an excellent choice.�
�Thank you.�
�Ayliah joined us over a month ago. At that time she was unruly, challenged authority�dressed as a man! But now you see what our culture can do.�
Yes I see what you�ve done. You took away that spark from her eyes, that way she held herself...
�I would warn you to be wary that she does not regress back to her original state.�
�I trust your advisement,� Jack said, gritting his teeth.
She had better go back to normal, he thought inwardly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
�You�re getting joined!� Kayla exclaimed.
�Yes, I am.�
�Oh,� was all Kayla said, clearly upset but trying to hide it.
�Kayla come here,� Sam said to her as the women messed with her hair. Kayla came over and sat on her lap.
�It�s my friend,� she whispered into her ear. Kayla beamed.
�Really?!�
�Yes, and I�m going to keep my promise. Okay?�
�Okay.�
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sam walked back into the Lunas surrounded by her Lobar. As she looked around the crowd she saw everyone was there. She turned her attention to the platform and smiled at Jack.
Jack�s heart skipped a beat when she smiled at him. She looked absolutely stunning. The front part of all her hair had been put into little sections and twisted back then held with a flower clip. These clips also held the flowers woven into her hair.
She was wearing a light blue sleeveless dress, which came to her knees. The waist was adjusted perfectly by a line of gold beading and three thin gold straps intertwined themselves over her bare shoulders.
�Jack, you ok?� Daniel asked him.
�What? Oh, yeah. Fine.�
Daniel smiled at him knowingly. �It�ll be fine.�
�I know. And I know it�s not a real wedding or anything�. but I can�t help it, I�m nervous.�
�Make the most of it Jack,� Daniel said with a sad smile. Sam walked up to the platform and bowed her head.
�Daniel, I�m glad you�re here.�
�I accept on the third level,� Sam said, her voice strong and confident. A few gasps were heard throughout the crowd.
�You can accept on any level,� Daniel said quickly, and then mentally kicked himself.
�My women know this!�
�Of course My Lord. I meant no disrespect.�
�Ayliah, you know the system of Joining do you not.�
�Yes My Lord. I maintain my decision. I accept on the third level.�
Jack beamed at her.
�Ayliah, you may stand.�
�Prince Lien, place your hand onto Ayliah�s.�
Jack obliged.
�With his ribbon, I bind you to each other. Once�� he said crossing the ribbon over once.
�Twice�� Crossing it over for a second time.
�Thrice,� he concluded, tying a loose bow.
The crowd burst into applause and they grinned at each other.
�Please join me in my tent,� King Talus offered, gesturing inside. No sooner than they had sat down a young soldier entered the tent.
�King Talus, you have a new visitor,� he said.
�Excuse me for a moment. I will greet the new visitor,� King Talus said with a polite smile, exiting the tent.
�Okay, now�s the time. Let�s go,� Jack said standing up.
�Wait, I have to get Kayla.�
�Kayla? Who�s Kayla?�
�She�s a little girl�it�s a long story.�
�Sam we can�t just take a girl as well.�
�I�m *not* leaving without her. I made a promise�
�Sam� do we have the right to interfere?�
�Daniel you don�t know the whole story�� she trailed off as King Talus re-entered the room.
�I am allowing the other guest to join me. Would you stay awhile longer?�
Jack shot Daniel a look.
�Prince Lien will remain for a short while if you wish.�
�Excellent. Bring in our new guest!� King Talus called to the guards.
The guards entered escorting a woman highly decorated with rich clothing and a colourful headdress.
�Mesnah!� Sam spat leaping to her feet, her voice laced with hatred.
�Woah Sam!� Daniel said placing a hand on her arm. She ignored him and grabbed the knife from his side.
�Carter!� Jack said, standing up and holding her other arm. She struggled against him and it took both of them to hold her back as she desperately fought to get free.
�Let me go!� she yelled, trying to brake free of their grasp. �Don�t trust her! She�ll kill you all!�
�Ayliah, your recent Joining does not entitle you to insult our guests!�
�My lord, I beg your pardon, may we be granted a brief interlude?�
He nodded, looking disapprovingly at Sam as they took her from the room. The woman simply smiled.
CONTINUE...