"You know, Sir, you didn't need to come with us," Sam said as she noticed Jack struggling to get through the rough terrain. They had been walking towards their goal for over an hour. Teal'C and Daniel led the way as Jack and Sam kept up the rear.

"This was too important to pass up." Jack was somewhat happy to be going off world after months of being behind a desk, but his knees were starting to complain. Jack had been promoted to Brigadier General just four months ago. He enjoyed his new job, but sometimes he missed all the fun that came along with going on missions. His orders were clear, too: get better defense weapons and make strong allies. A recon drone they had sent out yesterday came back with vital information. This planet contained a supply of naquadah. In fact, it was a huge supply!

This new discovery made Sam ecstatic! Her newest inventions required a lot more naquadah than their current supplier could provide. This planet could change the future of the SGC.

Daniel was also happy to be going to this planet. The drone sent back images of a village at the base of the mineral rich mountain. The village appeared to be stuck in the middle ages. No visible signs of modern machinery or inventions were seen on the pictures. Daniel couldn't wait to meet whoever lived there.

Jack was less than enthusiastic to meet the inhabitants. After he had talked to Hammond about what could be here Washington had ordered them to make a deal with the inhabitants at all costs. These people could ask for the moon and Jack would have to hand it over on a silver platter.

Another hour passed before they came across the first person. It was a kid about 10 years old. Daniel made a weak attempt to make contact, but as usual the kid ran off. They all knew the locals would be coming out soon. As they neared the edge of the village the team saw some buildings lining it. Buildings was hardly a description. They looked more like huts. Some were larger than others, though usually the larger ones were located closer to the center of the villages they encountered.

The team came to a halt as a group of about 30 people, mostly men, emerged from between the buildings. They were all carrying weapons. Axes, swords, spears, and shields were held firmly in their hands. The large group stopped but 6 individuals continued walking toward SG-1 until they were about 10 yards away. The 5 men and 1 woman probably had no fear of the newcomers since they outnumbered them, but they acted like it was their job to look intimidating. They were all wearing similar clothing, too. From head to toe they were covered in thick leather. Some had metallic breastplates and helmets, but most of them were less protected.

Jack certainly felt intimidated, but Daniel was preparing to make first contact and took a couple of steps forward. "Hello," he said. He did it every time, as though the entire galaxy spoke English. "Uh," he said, looking more closely at their appearance. He noticed a hammer on one of their shields. He gave a small smile, relieved that he recognized it. "Heill."

This elicited a response from the group. "Velkomin." One of them said.

Jack had no idea what was being said, but knew from experience it was probably a good thing. Daniel and the one that spoke moved closer to each other. SG-1 stood still, but the locals tensed slightly. After a few minutes Daniel held his arm out for the other to shake. A moment passed before the man grasped Daniel's arm similarly to the way Teal'C greets Bratac. Both men returned to their respective groups.

"They're Norsemen, Vikings," Daniel said.

"Vikings? Really?" Sam was astonished.

"I can't believe it, either. They've agreed to begin trading negotiations, but I haven't told them what for, yet. They invited us to their great hall for a feast tonight."

"Wonderful!" Jack said. "I'm famished." As SG-1 moved toward the village the larger group of Vikings surrounded them. Jack didn't feel threatened, but he stayed alert. They walked through a bustling town with every imaginable thing in sight. Animals roamed freely, children were sword fighting with wooden sticks, women milked goat-like animals, and nearly everyone froze when they saw the strangers coming.

They arrived at the largest building in the village. Jack estimated that 200 people could fit inside, maybe more if they squished. It didn't smell all that pleasant, but the warmth of the fires and the animal skins lining the floors made it feel cozy and inviting. They made small talk as best as was possible. Daniel did most of the talking. Soon the room became quiet as a man, a woman, and a younger man around 16 came through the rear door. All the Vikings watched as the 3 new comers sat in the large chairs at the front of the hall. The older man was wearing a large furry animal skin draped over his shoulders. His golden crown wasn't very ornate, but there was no mistaking he was the man in charge. The woman wore a long flowing dress and had more jewelry on than the man. The younger man's clothes were simpler, but they still gave off a look that said he was important. Once they were seated the man gave a small wave and everyone resumed their talking.

The man that had escorted the team stepped up to the one in the chair. When he came back down he spoke with Daniel.

"Erik wants to introduce us." Daniel led his team to stand in front of the chairs.

Erik stood to the side and began speaking to the people in the chairs. The only words Jack understood were Tau'ri, Thor, and Odin. Some of the other villagers nodded. Then Daniel bowed. Jack and the rest of the team quickly followed suit. It wasn't very often that Daniel actually bowed, so they made sure to copy him when he did. He spoke to the man in the chair then turned to the team. "This is King Orlan, his wife, Queen Astrid, and their son Prince Leif. I told them we've come to trade with them and to be allies."

Jack said, "Tell them we are honored to be received so warmly and that we hope our future together will be filled with wonderful things."

Daniel looked back to the King and introduced SG-1 before relaying the message.

King Orlan nodded his head to Jack. He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear. The room filled with grunts and shouts. "Let the feast begin," Daniel translated. Erik guided them to the seats closest to the King and his family.

Jack eyed the large rack of ribs placed before him. He poked Daniel's side silently questioning if these people happened to be cannibals. (You never know.) Daniel gave him the usual look, don't be rude. Jack only hesitated long enough for King Orlan to take the first bite of his food.

Sam sat to Jack's left. She made sure she mimicked the way the other women were eating. They had slightly better manners than the men, but still ate with their hands while trying to not wear their dinner. She paused to chew a mouthful of food and noticed Prince Leif was eying her. Careful not to look too friendly or interested in him Sam addressed the Queen. "Your jewelry is beautiful." Daniel translated. "Is it old?"

"No," Daniel said. "She acquired it in their most recent raid on their nearest enemy."

"Will this enemy hinder our mission?" Jack asked.

Daniel knew the question wasn't really supposed to be for their new friends' ears, but he didn't want them to think his team was being secretive so he tried to think of a different way to ask. He took a moment to speak to the King again. "Their nearest enemy is a 5 day boat ride up the river which is a day's walk around the mountain."

"So, no." Jack said. Daniel nodded. "Excellent! Ask them about the Goa'uld."

Daniel turned again to the King. They spoke for some time before he translated. "They said many generations ago their people were visited by strange beings with metal heads. They fought one battle with these beings and lost most of their villagers. When their people thought all hope was lost Thor came and fire rained from the sky. The fire only attacked the enemy and in the blink of an eye the battle was over. No one else has been through the Ring of the Devils since."

"Sounds about right. We've seen what Thor can do," Sam said.

This time Jack noticed the prince watching Sam, but chose to ignore it.

"The King wants to begin the trade negotiations," Daniel said.

"Oh boy," Jack exclaimed. "You know what to do, Danny, boy."

Daniel, the King, Queen, and Erik began speaking to each other. It seemed to go on and on. This was the part Jack hated most. It was especially more difficult since there was a language barrier. Occasionally Daniel would turn back to Jack and Sam for bits of details, but they were left to wait until the others were finished.

Throughout the whole dinner Teal'C remained silent. During the trade talks, a young boy came up to him and began touching his dark skin. The last time Jack looked over Teal'C was entertaining 3 more kids with his magic tricks. Sam smiled as he pulled item out of item from one of their ears.

Jack once again saw the prince watching Sam. The prince's face was tense and it was starting to make Jack nervous. Finally Daniel turned back to his team.

"They did not know the naquadah's potential. They had deemed it useless to them, preferring iron and wood. I told them we would require their villagers to help mine it. Their biggest need is crops and defense against their enemies. I told them we could certainly help with that. They were apprehensive at first, thinking we would take advantage of them and not tell them everything the naquadah was used for. I told them we would share the things we have learned and provide them with the necessary tools for whatever they needed."

"That sounds like a great start, Daniel. Good job!"

At that moment Jack saw the prince lean over to speak to his father. They both looked at Sam and nodded back and forth. The King looked at Jack before speaking with Daniel.

"What?" Daniel said somewhat shocked.

"What is it," Jack asked suddenly very worried.

"Uh, he wants to know if Sam has been, uh, claimed."

"Claimed? What does he mean by that?" Jack asked.

"I don't know, but I'm starting to think this might be kinda bad. Vikings aren't really known for their chivalry. Hang on." Daniel turned back to the King and they talked for a few more minutes. Daniel's face wasn't getting any more reassuring. "Oh, no." He looked back to Sam and Jack. "The prince wants to know if Sam is married. If she's not he wants her put into the negotiations."

"For what?" She tried to sound normal, but was pretty sure she had failed.

"For his wife," Daniel said apprehensively. "They think she's like an offering."

"Tell her she's taken," Jack said immediately.

"Well, I tried. But they want to know to whom."

"Just tell them it's someone back home."

"I can't. You see, in their culture the women travel with their husbands or not at all."

"Tell them she's your wife, or Teal'C's." Jack was not liking this conversation.

"They already suspect someone."

Jack knew what he meant. Sam spoke with Jack more than she had with the other two. "Alright, just tell them she's my wife."

"General?" Sam was worried about the rules.

"Don't worry, they won't know the difference. Neither of us will ever come back. We'll send others to finish the details."

Daniel turned back to the King. They spoke even longer this time. As each second passed Jack grew more anxious. When Daniel turned around his face was pale. "What? What did he say?"

Daniel swallowed hard before answering. "They want you to prove it."

Jack threw his arm over Sam's shoulders.

Daniel shook his head. "No, they want to…watch."

"Huh?"

"What does that mean?" Sam asked. Suddenly it dawned on Jack, Sam, and Teal'C who had turned his attention away from the children.

"No! Tell them our culture doesn't do that. That's not ok!" Jack said a little too loudly.

"I tried, Jack. King Orlan says if she's not claimed then she's part of the deal. If you claim her then you have to prove it. If you refuse, then all negotiations are off!"

"That's absurd!" Sam said.

"This is highly unusual, O'Neill," Teal'C finally said.

"I agree. Look, Daniel. They are going to have to take Sam off the table. Completely."

"I'll try, Jack, but I don't think they will budge on this one."

Daniel tried with all his abilities to convince King Orlan to take Sam off the deal, but they were adamant. In the end, the King stood and announced (through Daniel) that SG-1 had until sundown tomorrow to make a decision then the royal family left. Erik was told to find them accommodations and Jack made sure the 4 of them would sleep in the same place as close as possible.