Title: Reap What is Sown

By Karibou

Disclaimer: Not my characters. SG-1 belongs to Gecko and MGM. Don't sue me, etc.

Summary – When General O'Neill and SG-1 go offworld for a diplomatic mission, an unexpected encounter with alien customs leads to a crisis that could shake the foundations of SGC leadership. Sam/Jack angst/romance. Language is suitable for primetime, content matter is mature but not graphic.

Rating: PG-13

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A/N: This is my first fan fic, so be gentle with me! I do, however, appreciate any and all reviews.

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Chapter One

"If I didn't know better, I'd say Jack is actually giddy to be getting out of SGC headquarters." Daniel gestured toward the door to the gate room, where General Jack O'Neill was entering at a brisk pace.

Sam followed Daniel's gaze and smiled. "You know, I think you're right. There's almost a bounce in his step."

Standing beside Sam and Daniel in front of the embarkation platform, Teal'c nodded and smiled sagely. "Indeed. When I spoke to him earlier, General O'Neill seemed most eager to be stepping through the stargate again."

Daniel chuckled. "I get the feeling that going on any mission would seem like a vacation to Jack these days. The fact that this is a friendly, diplomatic assignment is just icing on the cake."

As the object of their conversation approached, Sam pulled herself up and smartly saluted. "General. We were just saying how nice it must be for you to get away for awhile."

Jack took a long, sweeping look around the gate room. "What? You think I won't miss all this?" Flashing his trademark sarcastic smile, he nodded towards the command center. "Just today, I had to approve new floor wax for the facility. Seems people were sliding around the operations room every time maintenance did the floors." Blinking, he shook his head. "It's going to be really heartbreaking, tearing myself away for a few days."

Daniel cleared his throat. "So, would you like me to fill you in on the mission? I know we didn't get much of a chance to talk about it before –"

Jack waved dismissively. "Nah. How hard can this be? We're heading to P6Y-441 for their harvest party. After that, we'll chat with the natives about swapping technology. You really think I can't handle this?"

"Well, being that you're the least diplomatic person on Earth, I thought a few pointers couldn't hurt." Daniel smiled cheerfully, taking the sting out of his less-than-flattering words.

Jack shrugged. "Why do you think I'm bringing you along?"

"Oh. Well." Daniel nodded, accepting the logic of Jack's statement. "I guess we're ready, then."

O'Neill gestured to the operations crew through the large observatory window, and immediately, the familiar cacophony of stargate activation filled the room. In moments, the event horizon splashed over the platform before receding into the confines of the gate. Without a moment's hesitation, Jack swiftly strode up the platform and into the shimmering surface.

Sam turned to Daniel and smiled. "Yes, he's definitely bouncing. This should be an interesting trip."

Daniel just laughed. "Aren't they all?"

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"General O'Neill, it is our great pleasure to have you and your colleagues here for our annual Harvest Celebration. This event is the highlight of our social calendar, and is observed by all members of our world in one way or another. Here, in the Founding Colony, the festivities are sure to be among the grandest on the planet. We sincerely hope you enjoy yourselves while you are with us." High Councilor Shinsall was a tall, elegantly-dressed woman with silver hair and a distinguished face. She smiled warmly at the delegation before her.

"Well, thanks for having us. We're looking forward to the party." Jack cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Daniel.

Sensing Jack's discomfort at speaking in any official diplomatic capacity, Daniel smoothly stepped in. "High Councilor, my name is Daniel Jackson, and I wanted to thank you personally for allowing us to attend your festival."

"Doctor Jackson," Shinsall formally bowed her head in Daniel's direction. "Your reputation as a scholar and a diplomat precede you. Some of my advisors were very excited when they discovered you would be attending The Harvest. I'm afraid your visit with us will be more work than festivity. My advisors were told to allow you time to absorb the festival, but I fear their enthusiasm may keep you quite busy."

Daniel nodded happily. "In truth, I very much look forward to speaking with them, as well. I think our people will have much to learn from each other. I'm sure I'll enjoy working with your advisors nearly as much as I would enjoy your celebration."

"He doesn't get out much." Jack smiled and shrugged.

High Councilor Shinsall chuckled. "Then it will be a pleasant visit for you, after all." Gesturing toward the rest of the party, she once again bowed her head. "I assume, then, that you must be Colonel Samantha Carter and Teal'c. I have also heard much about both of you. Colonel Carter, your knowledge of stargate technology is legendary among your people. The members of your SG-10 team spoke very highly of you. And you, Teal'c," she smiled warmly at him. "You have become a source of great curiosity among my people. I'm afraid my advisors may command as much of your time as Doctor Jackson's."

Teal'c merely inclined his head. "If my knowledge can help your people defend themselves against the Goa'uld, then it is my pleasure to share it."

Jack shrugged again. "He doesn't get out much, either." Sam looked at him and rolled her eyes. "Well, he doesn't," Jack insisted quietly.

Shinsall turned and gestured toward a pair of liveried young men standing a few feet from her. They immediately approached and bowed deeply. "Calthor and Catall will show you to your quarters. If you have need of anything while you are here, please don't hesitate to ask. Both will assist you in any way they are able. If you would like to get settled and refresh yourselves, we will meet back here in an hour for the festivities. It is my understanding that the Advisory Council would like to speak with Doctor Jackson and Teal'c at that time, but I can certainly hold them off for a few hours, if you would prefer to enjoy the celebration first."

Glancing at Jack with a raised eyebrow, Daniel spoke quickly. "If it's acceptable to General O'Neill, Teal'c and I will gladly forgo the festival and get right down to business."

Jack shrugged yet again. "If Daniel and Teal'c want to talk shop with your advisors, then I'm all for it. Colonel Carter and I will just have to take in your party without them."

Shinsall nodded, looking very pleased. "Then it's settled. We shall meet back here in an hour. I've taken the liberty of providing local clothing for you and your party, General. I thought you might feel more comfortable if you were dressed like everyone else."

Glancing around at the kimono-like robes and loose, silk pants worn by men and women alike, Jack suppressed a wince. Smiling a little too brightly, he tried to sound enthusiastic. "Great! We'll all feel like part of the family."

Sam, who had also made a quick study of the local dress, had to bite her lip to keep from smiling. She caught Jack's eye and nearly laughed out loud. His discomfort was clearly etched upon his face, at least to those who knew him well. He shot her a dark, "don't smirk at me," look before returning his attention to the High Councilor.

"Wonderful," she said. "Then I shall see you in an hour." Shinsall bowed briefly as Calthor and Catall led the group away.

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"I feel like I should have a cigar and a pair of tasseled loafers." Jack stood in the common room of the SGC's guest suite in the Council Palace, looking down at the vivid purple robe and matching silk pants provided by the High Councilor.

Sam just laughed. "Come on, Sir. You look very… distinguished."

O'Neill glared at her. "Easy for you to say. Yours looks nice."

Glancing at the powder-blue ensemble that she wore, Sam quickly adjusted the plunging neckline of her robe. "Thanks, Sir. But I do feel a bit like I forgot to take off my pajamas this morning."

From across the room, Teal'c chimed in. "I do not believe General O'Neill owns a pair of satin pajamas. Perhaps that adds to his discomfort." Standing tall and proud as ever, he looked quite regal in robes of midnight blue silk.

"If it makes you feel any better, Jack, I feel like an idiot, too." Daniel's robes were a rich, chocolate brown.

"Yeah, but why'd they make me wear the purple ones?" Jack wrinkled his nose as he looked down at himself again.

"In medieval Europe, purple clothing was reserved for royalty, because purple dye was so expensive that only rulers could afford it. Maybe it's their way of acknowledging your leadership." Daniel shrugged. "Besides, we couldn't turn really them down. It's my understanding that the High Council is pretty hung up on custom."

Jack sighed. "Yeah, well, I still don't like purple."

Reaching up to adjust his glasses, Daniel began to speak hesitantly. "Not to, ah, question your competence, Jack, but are you going to be all right tonight? I'd hate for you to say something…" Daniel paused, searching for the right word, "insensitive and start an interplanetary incident."

Jack raised his eyebrows, taking offense. "Would I do that?"

All three members of SG-1 stared pointedly at him.

"Yeah, okay, I would do that." He smiled. "But that's why I have Carter with me. Right Carter?"

Sam smiled. "Of course, sir." Turning to Daniel, she quirked an eyebrow. "Is there anything in particular I should be careful of?"

Daniel paused thoughtfully for a moment. "Well, from what we've seen of the Council, they put a lot of energy into upholding tradition. The diplomatic relations we've had with them so far have been very formal, almost to the point of coldness. High Councilor Shinsall seems relaxed enough, but I'd still be cautious." He glanced from Sam to Jack for a moment. "I know that it might be difficult, but I'd eat and drink whatever is offered to you without asking too many questions. Declining their hospitality could be seen as a sign of distrust. Although," he continued, "you may want to be careful of drinking too much of anything. This is, after all, their planet's biggest annual party. There's sure to be some sort of alcoholic beverage served."

Jack shook his head. "So, let me get this straight. Eat and drink everything they serve, but don't drink too much."

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, pretty much."

"But Daniel, what if they serve us too much?" O'Neill tapped his foot – a sure sign of frustration.

"Ah… Drink slowly?" Daniel's sheepish grin didn't seem to put Jack at ease. Leaning forward, he gently clapped Sam on the back. "Good luck, Carter. He's in your capable hands now."

Sam chuckled and exchanged a knowing glance with Daniel. "I'm sure I can keep him out of trouble for one night."

Teal'c raised one distinguished eyebrow. "I have heard a popular Earth saying that might fit this situation. I believe the phrase is, 'famous last words.' For your sake, Colonel Carter, I hope those are not yours."

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Sam and Jack followed Calthor into the large central hall of the Council Palace. The huge room was decorated with stalks of grain and dried branches. Long tables heavily laden with food were crowded into every corner. The loud din of conversation filled the space and added to the festive atmosphere. Calthor turned to them, speaking loudly enough to be heard over the noise. "High Councilor Shinsall would like you to dine with her this evening." He gestured to a large platform at the front of the room, upon which sat a finely decorated table.

Following Calthor's signal, the pair slowly made their way through the throng of people toward the dais. Once there, Shinsall greeted them warmly. "General O'Neill, Captain Carter! I am glad to see you looking so comfortable in our local dress."

In truth, Sam felt anything but comfortable. She kept tugging at the front of her robe and wishing she hadn't worn a black bra under her clothes for this mission. The filmy material of her gown kept threatening to drift open, and she was paranoid that she'd soon be showing off her lacy undergarment to the whole planet. Glancing at Jack, she stifled another smile. At least she looked more comfortable than him. Teal'c had pretty much summed it up. Jack O'Neill wasn't exactly a "satin pajamas" kind-of-guy. Sensing Jack's uneasiness, Sam decided to take control of the situation.

"High Councilor, we're very excited about the festival this evening. Could you tell us more about it?"

"Please, Colonel Carter, tonight you may simply call me Shinsall. Two thousand years ago, when our colony was under imperial rule, the Harvest Celebration was the one day of the year when commoners and royalty were treated exactly alike. Since the peasants were responsible for reaping the harvest, thus providing for the empire, they were honored with one day of rest and celebration. The local lord would have granted pardons for minor crimes, and provided a huge feast for all his tenants. In time, our colony gained its independence from the Empire and evolved from an agricultural society into a technological one. But the tradition of our Harvest Celebration has never died. I believe that my people simply like having one day a year when their station in life does not matter." She paused, tapping her lips. "In the Founding Colony, much attention is paid to formal customs and rituals. Observing them defines us as a society, but it also can become tiresome. Harvest is our chance to relax and ignore those rules. And so, for today, I am not 'High Councilor," but merely 'Shinsall.'" She smiled warmly at them and gestured for them to be seated at the table.

Carter did a quick mental appraisal of the situation as she took her seat. Daniel said that these people put a lot of stock in tradition. And if their tradition decreed that tonight was to be casual, then she supposed she'd better go along with it. "Please, Shinsall, call me Samantha." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jack raise an eyebrow. Sam continued, directing her words to O'Neill as much as Shinsall. "We're here to enjoy your culture. Following your customs seems like a good way to do that."

If it was possible, O'Neill looked even more uncomfortable. With a smile that was almost a grimace, he followed Sam's lead. "And please, call me Jack." The quick glare he tossed at Sam suggested that she had better not try doing any such thing.

Sam couldn't quite suppress a smile. In as much as Jack was the last person on Earth to put stock in fancy rituals and customs, he was first and foremost a military man – Jack O'Neill was the Air Force. Taking away those formalities, even for a night, was like taking away his security blanket. She felt a strong mix of affection and protectiveness when she looked at him, sitting in his purple robes and looking like he'd just swallowed a lemon. In many ways, he was the strongest, most capable man she'd ever known. And in other ways, he was completely clueless – a trait that always managed to endear him to her.

Shinsall gestured to the dozens of men and women circulating through the room with huge platters heaped with meats, breads and cheeses. "As you can see, there will be people bringing trays of food. Please be patient with them. Since the usual serving staff has the day off, the food will be served by Council members, who will bring in the trays before enjoying the meal themselves. In truth, I would be there with them, were it not for your presence here this evening. I suppose I should thank you for that!" She chuckled warmly.

Sam swallowed. It was very likely that the person serving their supper would also be sitting across from them at the negotiating table tomorrow. Looking at Jack, she could tell he was having the same thought. She exchanged a concerned look with him, but then shrugged. There wasn't much to be done about the situation.

Just then, a somewhat portly, middle-aged man set two goblets of a brownish liquid in front of them. Sam glanced nervously at Shinsall, who was also being served a goblet. The High Councilor took the goblet and raised it in a toast to Sam and Jack. "This beverage is called Ka'Shakk. Its recipe is as ancient as the Harvest Celebration, and is only served during these festivities. It is a blend of fermented fruit juice and a secret mix of herbs and spices that are said to fortify health, lengthen life, and promote fruitfulness." She smiled. "It is also probably the reason that nobody gets much done on the day after Harvest." She tipped her glass to Carter and O'Neill. "Be well and be fruitful. May the Harvest be rich and the winter short."

Sam picked up her goblet and joined Shinsall and Jack in the toast. Taking a careful sip, she was pleasantly surprised by the mild, sweet flavor of the drink. Judging by the taste, the beverage had little more alcohol content than a wine-cooler. Sam guessed that either the Colonists drank a lot of Ka'Shakk during Harvest, or else they didn't do much drinking during the rest of the year. She was actually quite relieved. She and Jack could certainly stay clear-headed during the celebration if this was the only alcohol being served. Smiling, she echoed Shinsall's wishes for a good Harvest, and settled in for a relaxing evening.

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"So, tell me, Advisor Noath, how long has High Councilor Shinsall been leading your Council?" Daniel sat in a dusty library, crowded with ancient texts and artifacts. Seated around a large wooden table with him were Teal'c and four members of Shinsall's advisory panel. They had been discussing the Colony's history for hours, comparing the cultures and technologies of their two worlds.

"Shinsall was named High Councilor on my forty-fifth nameday. That would mean today is the eighteenth anniversary of her installation." Noath adjusted the wire-rimmed spectacles on his nose. Pouring himself a cup of tea, he tilted his head to inquire if Daniel would also like a cup.

Daniel nodded. "Yes, please. The tea is quite good." As Noath filled both cups, Daniel collected his thoughts. "So, your nameday – is that a celebration of the day you were born?"

Noath bobbed his head. "Indeed. Unlike your society, we celebrate our namedays all at once. By Harvest Fest, almost all of us are about three months past our actual date of birth. Not accounting for latecomers and the odd exception, that is. It is therefore customary that we celebrate them all at once."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean to say that most of your people are born at the same time each year?"

Again, Noath nodded. "Yes. In ancient times, it was planned that way so babes would be born during the plenty of summer. But, as you have noted, tradition is very strong in the Colonies, and so this type of family planning has continued to the present." Clearing his throat, Noath smiled in a somewhat embarrassed manner. "It is customarily the week following Harvest when babes are conceived. As a technologically advanced society, we now have ways of, ah, ensuring this tradition. It is very rare now, that a child is born in winter."

Daniel had to fight to keep his jaw from dropping. This certainly was a society bound by tradition. Trying not to sound shocked, he shifted slightly in his seat. "Wow. I guess your Harvest really must be a big party, if all your citizens are celebrating their birthdays at once."

Noath smiled. "Indeed. For the Colony's families, there is no bigger celebration. It reflects the joy of reaping our crops, the thanks for another year of life, and the hope for future generations. The Harvest is, in many ways, the cornerstone upon which all our society rests."

"I'm almost sorry to be missing it," Daniel mused.

Looking quickly at the other advisors around the table, Noath appeared concerned. "If we are keeping you, please tell us, and we will gladly release you to the festivities."

Daniel swiftly shook his head. "No, no. I'm much more interested in speaking with you. It's simple curiosity, nothing more."

Noath still looked slightly anxious. "If you are certain…? We would not want to keep you from your wife and family, though we were not told you brought anyone with you." He trailed off, a question in his voice.

Suppressing a brief flash of pain, Daniel smiled sadly. "No, my wife was killed years ago. The SGC is about the only family I have left." Teal'c sent him a solemn look of understanding from across the table.

Noath sighed. "I can empathize. I, too, am a widower. Though, thankfully, I am blessed with three grown sons, one of whom was married not three weeks ago. I expect that I shall be bouncing a grandchild on my knee by next year's Harvest." His bright smile told of his joy at that prospect. Then his smile faded and he sighed again. "I'm afraid that Harvest also makes me a bit melancholy. Of course I miss Balina every day, but even more so during Harvest." His eyes grew wistful. "Ah, to be a young man again, drinking Ka'Shakk with my lovely wife, watching our sons chase each other through the Great Hall."

"Ka'Shakk?" Daniel asked, looking confused.

Noath chuckled. "Ka'Shakk is the traditional drink of Harvest. It is brewed for many months and served only during the celebration. Not only is it a fine-tasting beverage, but it is a powerful aphrodisiac and a mild sedative. Since it is only consumed during Harvest, any who want to enjoy its effects must do so today, or miss out for another year. This is why I wanted to be sure we were not keeping you. There are no obligations on Harvest day. If there is a special young lady you would like to spend time with… Perhaps your Colonel Carter?"

Daniel abruptly began choking on the sip of tea he'd just taken. Coughing violently, he wiped his eyes and tried to keep himself from spitting on any of the advisors. "Ah, no." he gasped.

"I thought not." Noath gently patted Daniel on the back until his coughing fit subsided, though he appeared oblivious to its cause. "We naturally supposed that Since Colonel Carter and General O'Neill were attending the festival together, that she must belong with him. But, since you are from another culture, we did not want to make any incorrect assumptions."

This time, it was Teal'c who began choking on his tea.

Noath looked concerned. "Is there perhaps something in the tea that is irritating to your throats?" He appeared genuinely puzzled. "It tasted fine to me, but then, I am used to drinking it."

Teal'c merely shook his head and cleared his throat. "I assure you, Advisor Noath, you tea is excellent." He looked over to Daniel, and it was obvious by the startled look on his face that they'd both had the same thought.

Jack and Sam were in big trouble.

"So, Doctor Jackson, can you tell me more about the history of your stargate…?" Noath was clearly eager to resume their discussion. And since Daniel had just reassured everyone that he had no intention of going to the festival, he supposed he'd simply have to keep his fingers crossed and hope for the best.

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Sam stretched languidly, enjoying the soft feel of fine cotton sheets on her bare skin. She lay on her side, one arm draped over the side of her bed. Lazily, she opened her eyes. Bright, early morning sunlight filtered in through the shutters of her bedchamber's windows. Smiling, she took a deep breath and allowed herself to gently drift into wakefulness.

It was then that she heard a soft, muted snore from beside her.

Sam froze. Eyes flying open, she took mental stock of herself. Trying to tamp down an overwhelming feeling of panic, she realized she was naked as the day she was born. And judging by the large, warm, snoring mass beside her, she was not alone. Swallowing hard, she took a deep breath and prepared to roll over.

Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of something that made her mouth go dry and her heart leap into her throat. Lying in a puddle on the floor beside her bed was her powder-blue outfit from the night before. And, tangled amongst her clothes, with obvious disarray, were satin robes of bright, vivid purple.