A/N: Sumerian words based on: http/www.ping.de/sites/systemcoder/necro/info/sumerian.htm

Disclaimer: Stargate, Stargate SG-1 and all of its characters, titles, names, and back-story are the property of MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Productions, SciFi Channel, and Showtime/Viacom. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be printed anywhere without the sole permission of the author. Realize this is for entertainment purposes only; no financial gain or profit has been gained from this fiction. This story is not meant to be an infringement on the rights of the above-mentioned establishments

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Chapter 1

Her first clue that there was something different about this planet should have come when the rider concentrated on her and not Daniel.

Sam kept her finger on the trigger of her P-90 as she eyed the locals on P2A-504. The woman who continued to stare at her sat atop an animal that was akin to a horse or a camel but didn't appear to be either. Behind her lay a small contingent of several more women, completely decked in battle garb, all sitting on the foreign-looking animals. All had strange sword-like weapons drawn.

She stiffened. Sam felt as uncomfortable as she had been with the Shavadai people only a few years back. When she stole a glance to either side, Sam could see the rest of her team felt the same. In particular, she noticed Teal'c had become more wary, tightening his hold on his staff weapon.

By now, Daniel was speaking again, his tone softer but sounding vaguely more urgent. She couldn't understand what he was saying, as he had switched over into another tongue. Yet, it seemed that no matter what he tried, the woman atop her horse paid him no mind. In fact, Sam thought she was becoming more annoyed, possibly even upset.

She scooted over to him, keeping her weapon ready, just in case. Sam could also see Colonel O'Neill starting to get impatient, his grip on his weapon tightening, the lines of his face deepening. She began to wonder if suggesting trade with these people was worth it. They could try for more naquadah elsewhere.

"You continue to insult me by not speaking," the woman said, her voice thick with anger. "State your purpose or we shall be forced to remove you from our land."

Sam blinked, suddenly realizing that the comments were directed at her and no one else. Daniel was staring at her with his mouth open, a slightly befuddled look crossing his face, while Teal'c remained impassive but cautious. Colonel O'Neill didn't look pleased, but he gestured with his hand, urging her to speak up.

"Major Samantha Carter of SG-1," she said, taking a tentative step forward. "This is Doctor Daniel Jackson, Colonel Jack O'Neill, and Teal'c. We've come to talk and trade." She tried to put on her best smile.

"Hi there," O'Neill said, offering a small wave. "You heard the lady. Now, why don't you put down your weapons so we can get down to business?"

Apparently, it was the wrong thing to say. The women behind the lead rider raised their swords and started to shout in the language that Daniel had muttered only a few moments ago.

"Kima Parsi Labiruti!" they shouted again.

Daniel quickly turned to Sam, lowering his voice as he whispered into her ear. "Do whatever she says."

"Why?" Sam asked, trying to match his tone. "What are they saying?"

"I can't be certain since it's an extinct language that hasn't been used in millennia, but I think they're saying, 'Treat Her in accordance with the Ancient Rites.'" When she shook her head, he continued. "I think there must be some rules governing communication on this planet. You should step forward and engage with the leader. I'll talk to Jack and Teal'c."

Sam frowned, not liking his suggestion at all. She wasn't a negotiator. She was a soldier and a scientist. "Why?" she asked.

"Obviously, they only want to speak with you."

Sam didn't miss the annoyance in his voice. Inwardly, she cringed, but outwardly she felt her cheeks blush with indignation. She hadn't asked for this role.

"Kima Parsi Labiruti!"

Despite her misgivings, Sam took a step forward and greeted the rider. She could sense Teal'c and Colonel O'Neill tense behind her, but she knew that Daniel would be there to help smooth things over and explain to them what was happening. She just hoped he'd get done fast so that he could assist her in the event she needed him.

"Sorry about the miscommunication," Sam said. "We do things a little differently where I'm from."

The rider didn't reply, taking her time as she appraised Sam, studying her from head to toe. After she let out a loud grunt, the women behind her lowered their weapons. The leader forced a thin smile at Sam.

"I am Anu of the South," she proclaimed. "You have entered my domain."

Sam didn't need to be a negotiator to understand that Anu was asserting her power. But it was hard for Sam to play by the rules if she didn't know what the rules were to begin with.

"Then, we'd like to be sure we honor your domain," Sam said, glancing back toward Daniel. He stood there, soundless, appearing to pout along with O'Neill and Teal'c. With a sigh, she turned back to Anu. "We would like to discuss trade."

"We of the Sinnu are hardy traders," Anu said, this time with a brighter smile. She snapped her fingers, heralding in another group of women. They brought with them two more beasts as well as a small wooden chariot. "Come, Major Samantha Carter of SG-1. You shall ride with me."

She hesitated, glancing back toward Daniel, Teal'c, and Colonel O'Neill. But before she could protest, she felt Anu's sturdy hand on her shoulder.

"Do not worry about your men," Anu said softly. "They shall ride in the chariot behind us as to not tire their feet."

"My men?" Sam asked, uncertain that she heard correctly.

Again, she glanced behind her. Some of the women had dismounted and were helping the rest of SG-1 into the small chariot. The wooden cart was then affixed to the creatures that Sam and Anu would be riding. Daniel, Teal'c, and especially Colonel O'Neill appeared absolutely baffled by the process.

"Carter?" O'Neill called out to her as he was locked into the chariot.

"Sir?"

He batted one of the women's hands away as he glared at Sam. "When we get to town, we're having a little chat."

She turned her head so that he couldn't see her smile. Once she realized that the three of them were both safe and secure, she climbed onto her own beast and started to ride alongside Anu. It was a surprisingly comfortable and leisurely ride. Anu seemed much more relaxed.

"Your men fascinate me," Anu said at last, glancing back once to the chariot before focusing her gaze forward. "They are a healthy, strong bunch. Are all your men the same?"

"It varies," Sam replied, remaining guarded. She wasn't sure just what kind of society they had stumbled across – they could be slave traders or worse. Sam didn't want to excite them too much. "What about your men?"

"Our men know their place," Anu said, raising her eyebrow. Sam couldn't help but feel it was a gentle chide. "But they are a beautiful, kind race. We are good to them."

Race? Sam bristled. The language Anu was using set off a dozen warning bells in her mind. Yet, Sam was beginning to warm up to the stately woman. She didn't get the impression that Anu was lying to her or that she meant any harm to Sam and the others. Nonetheless, Sam would feel much more comfortable once she arrived at their destination and had Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c, and Daniel by her side.

"It is not long now," Anu said, pointing to the hilltop. She reached into her sash and held up a small remote, something that seemed strangely amiss given the technology level these people had previously displayed. But Sam remained silent as Anu pressed the device. "We are home," Anu said triumphantly.

Sam could only gape in amazement. The façade of the hilltop evaporated, revealing a towering ziggurat that overlooked a vast city. The site was truly amazing – a huge archaeological discovery.

She knew that Daniel would be in heaven.

"Come," Anu said proudly. "And we will show you the greatness and hospitality of the Sinnu."