The episodes opens with a shot of a rather crowded Stargate room. The SG personal is assembled in dress uniform, looking expectantly at the ramp, where SG-1, General Hammond and the Secretary of Defense are positioned. The Secretary of Defense is holding a speech about the successful rescue of Sg-1 ( see Into the Fire) and the death of Harthor. He finishes by saying how proud he is of them and that they have every reason to be proud of themselves, too. General Hammond steps forward, announcing that before they're going to finish, there is one more thing for him to do. He asks the soldiers to come to attention and they do so. Then he continues announcing Samantha Carter's promotion to Major. Jack O'Neill is smiling, while Sam looks totally surprised, but pleased. She heads up to the General, and he and Jack attach the leaves to her uniform. Sam then salutes the General and Jack right afterwards. She goes back to her former place beside Teal'c and we see the smiling faces of the Jaffa and Daniel. Next General Hammond announces that Colonel O'Neill would like to say something. Jack steps to the podium and starts by saying. "Normally, I'm a man of few words...." Suddenly a bright, blue and white light appears above him and he disappears. Daniel and Teal'c step forward, as if to prevent it, while Sam looks confused. General Hammond orders an airman to announce '˜Code 9'. The airman hits hits a red button on the wall and we hear sirens going off.

Next we see a beautiful shot of earth, through a window of a ship in it's orbit and Jack finishing his speech with: "....and in conclusion '˜d like to say...." he stops talking when he realizes that he's no longer on earth. When he turn around we see a room decorated in Asgardian style. He walks further into the room and suddenly Thor appears in a chair that is situated in the middle of the room. They exchange greetings and Thor has to reintroduce himself, since Jack doesn't remember meeting him before. (His memory of the Asgard was erased during '˜Fifth Race')

The episode continues with a shot of Thor's ship in orbit. Jack is studying the planet through the window. His back is turned towards Thor. Thor starts to explain his presents, but Jack cuts him of pointing out that they have satellites that will detect Thor's ship. The Asgardian is not particularly worried, since his ship had never been detected before and Jack tells him to go on with his explanation. Thor explains that because of Harthor's death, the system Lord have decided that the Tau'ri are a threat that the must deal with (a.k.a. destroy) immediately. The attack, they would launch at earth would be "100 times worse than what you previously withstood by the hands of Apophis". Jack admits that this could be a problem and Thor tells him that the Asgard are offering their assistance with negotiations. Jack would rather shoot the Gua'uld out of the sky, than negotiate, but he agrees. Thor tells him to return to earth and that he will provide further information about the negotiations soon. He then vanishes in another flash of light. Jack is turning around, not knowing what to do. "Uh...excuse me. I assume someone is going to show me the way back?" He hasn't even finished when the transporter beam returns, snatching him back to earth.

Cheyenne Mountain. General Hammond is walking upstairs to the conference room, Teal'c, Daniel, Sam and Jack right behind him respectively. He is curious as to why the Gua'uld would be willing to negotiate in the first place. Teal'c tells him that they are afraid of the Asgard and Daniel points out that the Gua'uld are going to expect something in return. They take seats around the table and Hammond broaches the subject about trusting the Asgard. Sam, Daniel and Jack, defend them, mentioning the times they've met the aliens and the positive experiences they made by that encounter. Just then Thor appears. Hammond isn't sure if security is needed, but Jack vouches for him and introduces Thor to the rest of the people in the room. Thor brings news that the Gua'uld agree to the negotiation. They will take place in four days. The negotiation will be done on earth since it is customary to do so on the planet in question. Jack is not very happy about this but has no choice but to agree. Three representatives will arrive via Stargate. Jack is chosen as rep. for earth, although he points out that Daniel would be more qualified. Thor then vanishes, promising to give them more information bout the Gua'uld that will attend the negotiations.

Small, dark room (briefing room?). Daniel is showing dias to various SGC personal, SG-1, General Hammond and the SoD. He explains the Cronos, one of the Gua'uld, who will participate in the negotiation, has roots in earth's greek mythology, where he was described as one of the twelve titans, who later became father to all the major gods, Zeus, Hades, Hera, and Poseidon. Teal'c elaborates tat Cronos is the most influential among the system lords and an enemy of Apophis, who is also responsible for the banishing of Sokar, which lead to Daniels assumption as to why the Gua'uld did not join Aphopis in his attack on earth last year. Teal'c points out that although the system lord will unite in a war against outside threats, they battle among themselves for superiority and power. The second Gua'uld that will arrive shortly is named Yu, who was, according to history, the first chinese emperor, who is, even though his rule was harsh and merciless, also responsible for a lot of positive influence concerning culture and advancement. Daniel believes that Yu will be the one most likely to agree with the treaty, they are aiming to achieve, since he is no longer interested in this part of the universe. Hammond asks about the third Gua'uld and Daniels expression turns grim as he states, that even though they never met her in person, before, they do know her. Her name is Ni`irti and she was the Gua'uld, who wiped out a whole planet except one person, whom she used as a trojan horse in order to destroy the SGC. Sam says quietly: "Cassandra's planet!" In Hindu mythology, Ni'irti is the goddess of destruction and darkness. Sam objects to letting the enemy just walk in here, but Hammond, although less than enthusiastic, tell her that they don't have much of a choice in the matter considering the alternative. Next General Hammond steps up to the front addressing the assembly, while Daniel takes his place. He wants Teal'c to act as liaison to the Gua'uld, but the former Jaffe refuses, saying that he did not join their fight against the system lords to having to see to the Gua'uld's petty needs, now. Daniel agrees to do it instead, and Hammond resumes to give instructions, pointing out the information in the folders, as well as that there will be no weapons allowed on the base, while the Gua'uld are there. Jack objects, but Hammond reminds him that they are trusting the Asgards's guidelines, because of Jack's advise, assuring him that the system lords will also be unarmed. The SoD will stay at the base, which will be sealed off during the negotiations, acting as rep. for the President. He then dismisses the group.

A safe is opened by a woman wearing a white lab coat. Sam is with her and extracts a Gua'uld hand devise from a grey case. She hands it over to a soldier, who asks her about the other devise that's in the case. Sam explains that it is not a weapon, but a healing devise. (see Thor's chariot).

Cheyenne Mountain at night. Hammond is walking down the hallway. Jack catches up with him, remarking sarcastically about the excitement of diplomacy. Hammond was called down, because Teal'c is refusing to give up his staff weapon. Jack sympathizes, but reminds him of the rules and Teal'c reluctantly hands the staff weapon to an airman.

Suddenly, the sirens go off and we see and armed team running through the stargate room and exiting on the other side, heavy blast doors closing behind them to seal the base off. The Stargate is dialed up from outside. Hammond is in dress uniform standing at the bottom of the ramp. Jack and Sam enter, also in dress uniform with Daniel in tow, who is wearing a formal suit. The Stargate engages and three Gua'uld appear shortly afterwards.

Daniel opens the door to an antiquely furnished room (greek design ?). Cronos is right behind him and discards Daniel's explanation of the VIP-quarters, saying that the accommodations are pitiful. Cronos apparently hears something and rushes outside into the corridor to find Ni'irti holding a surveillance camera in her hand. Yu is also present and they are not pleased about being spied on. Teal'c, who was arguing with Nirti, has a verbal clash with Cronos. Daniel assures the system lords that the security cameras are merely for their own safety, but agrees to have them removed from the quarters, if those in the hallway can remain. The Gua'uld agree.

In the briefing room Daniel asks Teal'c what his issues with Cronos are and the Jaffa explains, that his father was first prime of Cronos. Because he had failed to carry out on of his orders, he had been killed and his family had been banished. They'd fled to Chulak, where Teal'c vowed to become Apophis' first prime, so he would one day be able to avenge his father, since Apophis and Cronos are enemies. Hammond enters, asking if everything is going as planed and Daniel informs him about the security cameras. Hammond is not happy, but trust Daniel's judgment. He leaves and Daniel asks Teal'c if he's going to be all right, to which the Jaffa responds positively.

Sam enters the negotiation room and walks over to Jack, who is standing in front of a banner, adjusting his dress uniform. He acknowledges her presents, by calling her Captain, but quickly corrects himself with a smile. Sam wants to know if he's nervous, to which he replies that he's more confused than nervous, because he has no idea what he's supposed to do. Sam tries to assure him and confesses that she couldn't do it since she believes Cronos to be the one who send the Ashrak (sp?) to kill Jolinar. Daniel enters with the System lords right behind him and offers them seats. Jack greets them rather awkwardly, looking at his watch, because Thor isn't there yet. Seconds later the Asgard arrives and Jack is visibly relieved. Thor greets the Gua'uld to which Yu replies with a curt nod. Nirti says something in Gua'uld to which Cronos replies with an angry look. Yu hits the table with his fist, rising his voice in anger. Confused, Jack reminds them that they were agreeing to all speak the same language and Cronos angrily replies in Gua'uld. The system lords storm out of the negotiation room, leaving an irritated Jack and Thor behind. To Jack's question about what happened, Thor replies that he insulted them by speaking out of turn, which confuses Jack even more. Thor explains that "the system lord have a fragile relationship with each other. As do we with them." Daniel enters, wondering what happened. Jack is sarcastic. "Apparently we said hello, insulted each other and broke for recess." Jack then asks, why the Asgard let the Gua'uld gain so much power in the first place, since they are obviously far more advanced and had the means to stop them. Thor explains that the Asgard are not proud of the development, but they are currently battling an enemy far worse than the Gua'uld, that's why the majority of the Asgard fleet is unavailable to stop them from spreading throughout the galaxy. Daniel is shocked at the prospect and asked what would happen if one Gua'uld would try to attack earth, if they would be successful with the treaty. Thor tells him that the system lords would protect earth, according to treaty law. It has been the Asgard's worst fear that one of the system lords would rise to supreme power, because with the current premise the Asgards are in, they might not be able to defeat them. Jack is astonished to find out that the Asgard are basically just bluffing, using the Gua'ulds internal struggle to their advantage. Thor confirms his assumption and returns to his chip, promising to return later and reminding them that in order to accomplish the treaty the Asgard as well as the Gua'uld will have to make great sacrifices.

Conference room. Jack enters, opening his jacket on the way. General Hammond, the SoD, Sam and Teal'c are present, but Jack walks right past them to the big window, looking out at the stargate. "Fate of the world in my hands, and I screw it up!" he says.Hammond asks him to apologize to the System lords, but Jack already tried and was denied. Now Daniel is writing a formal letter, which he will sign. The SoD points out that their behavior might just be their negotiation strategy. Jack mentions Thor's reminder about sacrifices, to which Sam rises the discussion about host, which would unacceptable in Jack's opinion, but Hammond reminds them to think about the alternative, which would be war. Just then Daniel enters, telling them that the System lords are ready to resume the negotiation.

Negotiation room. The System lords and Thor are already seated when Jack arrives. Yu accepts his apology. Thor and Yu start discussing the treaty, quoting various paragraphs out of the treaty law. Confused, Jack tries to keep tabs, using the written copy of the laws in front of him. Thor is willing to grant the Gua'uld passage of Nilor, if earth will be included in the Protected Planets Treaty. Yu states that humans are not to be allowed to advance to a point, where they would pose a threat to the Gua'uld. Jack is torn between being outraged and laughing at the absurdity of the statement and asks to speak. Thor recognises him and Jack asks if they're serious about that, to which Cronos responds, stating that human are merle existing to be hosts for the Gua'uld. Thor asks if the system lords will approve of his proposition and YU agrees under the condition that the Ta'uri forfeit both gates immediately

Conference room. SG-1, the SoD and General Hammond discuss their options. Jack doesn't want to give up the gate, since it could be their only means of surviving, if the Gua'uld should break the treaty, while Sam supports him pointing out that the Gua'uld aren't the only threat, by making a reference to the enemy Thor mentioned. The SoD assures them, that if they have valid reasons against giving up the gate, the president will give them serious consideration.

Thor's ship in orbit. Jack tells Thor that they haven't decided yet and request advise. Thor tells him that it is not his decision but expresses his faith in Jack. Thor has been asked to return to the fleet soon, which frustrates Jack to no end.

Cheyenne Mountain. General Hammond's Office. Jack and Daniel are sitting in a chair, watching the SoD talk to the President. Finishing the call, he informs him and General Hammond that he's been given the order to forfeit the gates. Daniel leaves to tell the System lords that they're ready.

Daniel walks down the corridor, when an alert claxton echos through the base. After listening to the information that comes over the speakers, he runs for Cronos' quarters to find him and Teal'c unconscious and injured on the floor.

Infirmary. Janet is checking Teal'c injuries, telling Jack and General Hammond, that he's going to be all right. Cronos, however is severely injured. Sam arrives with the tape from the security cameras in her hand, telling them that they should look at it.

On the tape we see Teal'c entering Cronos' quarters. Sam explains that a guard heard the sound of fighting from within and initiated the alarm.No one believes that Teal'c actually did this, especially Daniel defends him, stating that the Jaffa would never endanger the negotiations to settle a personal vendetta, which prompts Jack to ask him what he's talking about.Daniel explains and Jack is non too pleased. With General Hammond permission, Jack wants to find out what really happened. They debate wether or not to tell Ni'irti and Yu, but General Hammond thinks it to be safer to do so. Janet hopes that they might be able to help him.

Infirmary. Nirti is outraged and threatens the Ta'uri with total annihilation, followed by Yu. They ask if she can help Cronos and Sam gives her the healing devise, we saw earlier. Ni'irti tries, but is unsuccessful, claiming that his injuries are to severe. Yu and Ni'irti want to take him through the Stargate to a sarcophagus, but Jack refuses.

Thor's ship. Thor advises Jack to let the System lords go, because the remaining Gua'uld will attack if they don't return. Jack is of the opinion that they will attack anyway. Upon hearing that Thor has been instructed to leave immediately, Jack gets angry and maybe even a little bit desperate. Thor tries to explain his situation and offers sympathy.

Cheyenne Mountain. General Hammond's Office. Yu and Ni'irti are determined to leave, stating that the Ta'uri broke the treaty law. Hammond denies them and Jack points out that there is one rule they haven't broken yet, refering to the no-weapons agreement. Just then an armed team appears, taking the System lords under confinement.

Conference room. SoD wants to know how much time they have before the Gua'uld are going to attack, so the President and the UN can be informed and prepare themselves. Both Jack and General hammond have no answer to the question. Hammond receives a phone call informing him that Teal'c woke up.

Infirmary. Teal'c explains that his presents had been requested by Cronos, who denied to having posed the request, when Teal'c had arrived at his quarters. An invisible force had attacked both of them, leading Sam and Jack to consider Re'eetus as possible assassins. Daniel points out that Harthor possessed stealth technology, causing Jack to start a hilarious rant on Harthor's death and the Gua'uld in general. Sam interrupts him, saying that she got an idea and walks off.

Infirmary. Sam is standing beside Cronos the healing devise strapped to her hand. Her first attempt to heal him fails, making Jack question her about a connection to Jolinar's death. Sam knows that she has the Tok'ra's memories, but they don't control her and tries again. A soft orange light falls on Cronos and seconds later he wakes up, obviously feeling a lot better. He is surprised that the Tau'ri healed him and Jack asks him what it would be worth to him, if they found out who did this to him.

Sam tells Hammond that Ni'irti lied and Jack wants to follow the Asgard example and try to bluff the two remaining System lords, so they can figure out who attacked Cronos and Teal'c.

Negotiation room. Jack confronts Ni'irti about her lie, but she insists that she tried and failed. Then Jack accuses her of having the ability to make herself invisible to which the Gua'uld reacts outraged. Initiating the bluff, Jack claims to have contacted the Tok'ra, who confirmed that she does have stealth technology. Yu buys it and turn to Ni'irti, furious that she wouldn't share this technology with the rest of the System lords and endanger the negotiation in this manner. He attacks Ni'irti, who turns invisible and grabs a gun from one of the guards, standing by the door. She fires a shot at Yu, but Jack pushes him out of the way. Ni'irti flees down the corridor, pursued by Sam, who is armed with on of the weapons that they used to render the Re'eetu visible. (see Show and Tell) Sam catches her in front of the closed blast doors, forcing her to put down the weapon.

Negotiation room. Yu inspects the torn fabric of his shirt, caused by the bullet which grazed his shoulder. Ni'irti is brought into the room and Jack tells Yu that Cronos is willing to support the treaty. He hopes further that, in the face of Ni'irti's betrayal, Yu will also agree that they don't have to give up the Stargate. Yu takes one hateful look at his fellow System lord and agrees.

The Stargate engages and Yu drags Ni'irti up the ramp, followed by Cronos, who reminds them that even though earth is now under protection, and SG-Team who will travel to other planets, will not be protected or spared by them. The Gua'uld step through the gate and the Stargate disengages. Daniel is positively gloating. "Boy, is she gonna get it." Jack replies in his usual sarcastic manner. "My heart bleeds."

The episode ends with a shot of Thor's ship as it leaves earth' orbit.

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