Cabbages and Kings Part the Fifth
AN: Man, I don’t even remember how we got this one. I know I said something, and then there was a list and a lot of giggling, and some how, here we are.
Spoilers: Emancipation and Hathor, but the actual fic takes place at some point in season four. Give or take
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In which Janet is coolly efficient, Daniel is unable to offer an adequate explanation, Teal’c plays devil’s advocate and then redeems himself admirably, and Jack reopens old wounds.
“Really, Major, I think it turned out all right,” Jack said placatingly, swinging his feet back and forth off of the side of one of the examination beds as he spoke.
“Just once, I would like to materialize on a planet where it’s the men who are the second class citizens.” Sam flinched.
“Hold still, Sam.” Janet was trying valiantly not to sound too patronizing. “I’ll be done more quickly if you stop squirming.”
Sam stilled, although her fingers kept drumming on the bed, signaling that she was still very frustrated.
“You know, Sam,” Daniel began, speaking in his lecturing voice. “There’s actually no such thing as a true matriarchal society in Earth’s history. It stands to reason that we wouldn’t encounter one on our travels.”
Sam glared at him and flinched away from Janet.
“Sam! I’ll have Teal’c hold you in place if – ”
“Sorry Janet,” Sam said through clenched teeth. “I’ll be still.”
Janet rolled her eyes and continued stitching. Sam, true to her word, stopped fidgeting for the most part, though her fingers drummed on, muffled by the sheet.
“I do not understand, Major Carter,” Teal’c said. “You defended yourself with great efficiency and Daniel Jackson was able to diffuse the situation and resolve it in a way that is beneficial to both sides. Where in this is the problem?”
There were several seconds, during which Sam closed her eyes and counted to ten, Janet cut the thread, and Jack had a very suspicious fit of coughing.
“The problem,” Sam said. “Is that I was attacked with a knife because I stood on Daniel’s left instead of behind him and to the right.”
“Had you stood in that location, you would have been on my left.” Teal’c pointed out.
Janet daubed at Sam’s new stitches with rubbing alcohol. She had other things to do, of course, but this was far more entertaining.
“I think what Sam means is that she was insulted that her gender dictated where she had to stand during the negotiations,” Daniel tried.
“Are not seating plans customary when one is in talks with potential allies?”
Daniel opened and shut his mouth several times as he tried and failed to come up with an adequate answer.
“Major,” Jack broke in before Sam could launch into another tirade. “It’s another culture. They can’t help it. At least this time, I didn’t have to buy you back and no one went on trial for their life.”
“I know, sir. I just…”
“Hey, it’s not like your being a woman has never come in handy.”
“I know, sir. I just…”
“I mean, I’d have a snake in my gut right now, no offence Teal’c, if you hadn’t – ”
“Sir! I know!” Sam could feel the headache brought on by the combination of ‘Gate travel, blood loss and pure frustration take up residence behind and slightly to the right of her eyes. She looked pleadingly at Janet, hoping her friend would get the message.
“Colonel, she really needs to rest,” Janet said. Sam quietly exulted. “Why don’t you three go…somewhere else.”
“As you wish, Doctor Fraiser,” Teal’c said, inclining his head. “Major Carter, you are one of the greatest warriors with whom it has ever been my honour to serve. I hope you make a speedy recovery.”
Sam was touched, and remained so until Jack looked back over his shoulder on his way out of the infirmary.
“Hey Carter! You still owe me a hand gun.”
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fin