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The three men stood back and regarded SG-1 with some suspicion before their eyes focussed on Sam, and looked at her strangely.
"You're a woman!" They gasped.
"Yes, and?" She questioned, which only made them gasp more.
"She speaks like a man!"
"Sam, go easy, remember this culture--" Daniel started.
"The last time we followed 'this culture', I ended up separated from you guys, wearing a dress, kidnapped and fought someone to the death." Sam objected.
" Not this again ." Jack voiced before he told them. "Our woman stays with us. That's our rule. Our culture." Jack told the men still staring.
"One of you is her protector?" One asked.
SG-1 all looked at each other confused at the term.
"Um, leader, I guess?" Daniel whispered so only SG-1 could hear.
"That would be--" Jack looked at Sam who shrugged then nodded at him, hoping to clear it up. "M--me?"
"Ah, so it gives the women certain rights -- to travel in your group?" Another asked.
"Sure." Jack nodded. "All of them, in fact."
"She speaks as you do?" The first asked again.
"Well--I mean, usually with more eloquence, but yah."
"Ah, ah! Then you are udaaravaadee with your woman. Yes, we understand, come." They said.
Jack looked at Daniel who confirmed. "Liberal, you're liberal with your women."
"At least, they seem to have some concept of a free woman." Sam said quietly.
"Alright, everyone, someone always has to stay with Carter. I am not having a repeat of last time, got it?" He looked at Sam, "I don't want to lose you again, Captain."
"Understood, sir, thank you." She said, feeling slightly more at ease that he was taking this seriously this time.
They were welcomed in the village, and immediately they all felt at ease around the people. They were patriarchal in structure, the single women were not allowed out without a chaperone and the married stayed beside their husband. But they seemed friendly and even offered them beds for the night.
Daniel was chatting away to the female host who showed Teal’c and Daniel to their rooms. Teal’c was silent but Daniel continued to ask questions. But one particular question made her blush and look away as if afraid.
"It's okay, you can talk to me." He told her.
"I cannot." She whispered to him. "My Protector won't allow it." She informed him.
Daniel chuckled a little and said, "Can I ask how are you expected to find a husband if you can't talk to a man."
The woman giggled and shook her head. " Raksha karanevaala , protector, is the same as pati ."
Daniel's eyes went wide. "Protector and husband are used synonymously?" He asked to which she nodded. "Oh crap!" He whispered, "Where did your friend take Sam and Jack?"
"This place is much nicer than what we're used to off-world." Jack observed to Sam.
Sam nodded. "Daniel said despite their backwards view on women and their village mentality they're the equivalent of post-industrial Earth."
"Bricks." He nodded.
"And mattresses." Sam smiled. "I can't wait to sleep. I'm exhausted." She acknowledged.
"Joda, for you and you." Their guide opened a door and waited for Jack and Sam to enter. They stepped inside the room and stopped as their mouths dropped.
"What the--" Jack started.
"Protector means husband!" They heard Daniel yell behind them before they saw him.
Sam shut her eyes and cringed while Jack let out a huge sigh. " Not this again ." He growled.