Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter strolled along the wide avenue with Gareth, one of the twelve Chosen of the temple on P3X-539. The street was shady. The late afternoon sun had already slipped behind the stone buildings and no longer beat down directly overhead. Daniel and Teal’c were still off somewhere with Mahlia. Daniel had pestered Jack all morning to be allowed to take a camera and notebook on a jaunt through the temple grounds. Not wanting to be dragged along to look at graffiti, Jack had relented after lunch and told Teal’c to keep an eye on the archeologist.

Gareth had offered to show the other half of SG-1 around. An opportunity Jack hadn’t passed up. They’d spent the afternoon strolling through the temple grounds while Gareth explained how things functioned in the temple complex. Jack had realized quickly that the place was more like a university. Young men and women… boys and girls really… came from all over to study with one of the guilds to learn their trades. Masonry, agriculture, carpentry, weaving- all sorts of skills were taught to those who came. For those who truly excelled there was another opportunity. They could join the elite group of students who were candidates for becoming one of the Chosen, the group of twelve young men and women selected each year for both their physical and intellectual achievements. Whoever this Khonsu fellow is, Jack had thought, he only wants the best.

“Gareth!” Mahlia’s voice rang out from across the square they were crossing. She ran to greet them and Gareth hugged her tightly. Teal’c and Daniel followed behind her.

“Daniel,” said Carter, “did you have fun playing tourist?” The archeologist carried a video camera in one hand and a digital camera dangled from a strap hung around his neck. A small notebook and several pencils were sticking out of his vest pocket. The pistol tucked into a shoulder holster seemed completely out of place. Jack had insisted the team remain armed but hadn’t demanded that they carry the larger P-90’s. Teal’c, of course, had kept his staff weapon with him.

“Sam! I barely scratched the surface,” he told her. “This place is amazing!”

“Anything I need to know?” Jack asked. Daniel considered the question and shrugged.

“That depends,” he said. “Are you interested in what the Goa’uld were doing here four or five centuries ago?”

“I’m more interested in what’s heading this way right now,” answered Jack.

“I really didn’t find out much more about that,” admitted Daniel. He face brightened a moment later. “But Mahlia and I have been talking,” he said. “She explained how the Chosen learned to speak English.”

“Really?” Jack had pushed that little mystery aside for the time being. There had been too much other stuff to consider since they had been introduced to Mahlia’s group.

“Let’s talk about in our quarters,” suggested Jack. “I think Mahlia and Gareth have already spent enough time today playing tour guide.”

“Colonel, we don’t mind,” Gareth assured him.

“No Gareth, you and Mahlia have done enough for now. We’ll join you for the evening meal.”

“Can you find your way to your rooms?” Mahlia asked.

“Yes,” said Jack. The complex was huge but Jack had made it a point to keep his bearings straight. He had an accurate picture of the layout in his head. “We’ll catch up to you later.”

“Very well,” said Mahlia.

“Thank you, Colonel,” added Gareth. The couple walked away, arms around each other, talking softly.

“Jack,” said Daniel, as he watched Mahlia and Gareth disappear up a side street. “Why did you send them away?”

“Because Hammond will probably try to contact us in the next few hours. I didn’t want to have to worry about them overhearing what we discuss,” he explained. “Besides… Gareth has been moping for her all afternoon.”

“Ah,” said Daniel.

“Let’s go,” said Jack. Jack led them confidently through the maze of streets. Carter and Daniel were involved in a conversation about Daniel’s information on the Goa’uld. Jack ignored most of it, trusting Carter to let him know if there was anything requiring his immediate concern. Teal’c followed behind them keeping a protective eye on the entire group. Trust Teal’c to keep his guard up, thought Jack. He was grateful for the jaffa’s intensity and sense of duty.

Jack played out in his head the conversation he was going to have with Hammond. The question was no longer if they would interfere with things. The decision that had to be made now was just how much interference was necessary. There were too many unknown variables. Just because the Chosen have never seen the ones from the sky boat carrying any type of weapon doesn’t mean they don’t have any. The temple Chosen have always gone willingly.

Mahlia, Gareth and a few of the others had been willing to express their uncertainty but the majority of the Chosen had been shocked at even the suggestion that they might refuse to leave. Mahlia and Gareth would be key factors in the final decisions made by any of the Chosen. As First, Mahlia commanded a lot of respect and authority for the temple residents. She and Gareth were well liked and their opinions held a lot of weight with the rest of the Chosen. I’m just not sure if it will be enough to counter a few centuries of tradition.

Jack led them into one of the buildings that housed the residents. Young people were coming and going. Several called out a greeting to the team as they made their way to their suite of rooms. Jack recognized a few faces from the previous night’s party but most of the names escaped him. There had been too many of them. Reaching their quarters was a relief.

They piled into the central common room and found an array of fruits and snacks waiting for them. Jack helped himself to some sort of sweet-smelling fuzzy-skinned fruit that reminded him of a peach. Daniel shucked his equipment, piling cameras and hastily scribbled notes on a low table. Teal’c actually leaned his staff weapon against the wall and poured himself a cup of water from a wooden pitcher. Teal’c buddy, thought Jack in amusement, you’re positively relaxed!

“Carter?” Jack asked, holding another ‘peach’ up for her to see. She’d been the one who had told him to try them in the first place. She nodded and he tossed it to her. She caught it one-handed and grinned at him as she settled on the low couch. “So Daniel,” Jack said as he too sat down, “how did English 101 make the course list at Khonsu Temple High School?”

“Ah, yes,” said Daniel, thumbing through his notebook. “It seems that Khonsu brought the language with him when he returned in his sky boat.”

“You mean after the Goa’uld had been gone for quite some time, right Daniel?” Carter asked.

“Yes,” said Daniel, “and that’s another reason for why I think Teal’c is right about Khonsu not being a Goa’uld. I mean… there’s a huge gap in the timeline! The records of the Goa’uld end and there’s nothing for centuries… then all of a sudden the temple records pick up the history. This wasn’t a place of learning when the Goa’uld were in control. That didn’t happen until after Khonsu first came in the sky boat.”

“So Khonsu himself is supposed to actually come here to take the Chosen away?” Carter sounded skeptical.

“Uh… no,” said Daniel.

“I figured as much,” said Jack.

“Apparently, Khonsu sends his representatives… disciples if you will.”

“Right,” said Jack. “Showing up yourself takes all the mystery out of things.”
“Anyway…” continued Daniel. “ After that first visit, Khonsu sent a group to teach some of the people here how to speak the language. After they trained a small group they left again, taking the first twelve Chosen with them. The tradition has continued ever since, but the only time Khonsu’s representatives make an appearance is when they come to collect the new group.”

“So Khonsu founded this uh… school?” Jack asked. It really is amazing, thought Jack. He’d never seen anything like on any of the worlds they had visited. If they didn’t make a habit of sending their best people off each year the people on this planet could be making huge advances.

“Not exactly…” Daniel said slowly.

“Of course not,” said Jack. Carter looked at him, the question clear in her eyes. “Why would they be interested in giving these people the opportunity to learn skills. Educated people ask questions, they have doubts. They don’t want these people thinking for themselves.”

“Ah, actually… he’s right,” said Daniel.

“I have my moments,” Jack said. I have been known to notice a thing or two in my time.

“The system of education here at the temple is something they came up with themselves,” continued Daniel. “It’s really quite remarkable. Khonsu gets the credit for beginning the whole thing but most of it started decades later. The only thing the original Chosen were taught was how to speak English. They don’t learn the written form even today.”

“So everything else,” said Carter, “the guild classes, instruction in their art and history- all of that is their own idea?”

“Yes,” said Daniel. “The only thing Khonsu does for these people is to show up every year and take the Chosen away to Ipet-isut.”

“This does not sound like the work of the Goa’uld,” said Teal’c. “The System Lords would not allow such advancement to take place.”

“Yeah,” said Jack, “they are a kind of hands-on group. It’s not really like them to turn a blind eye to things.”

“Well, I think it’s about to backfire on Khonsu,” said Daniel. “Mahlia tells me some of the Chosen have started to realize just how much they’ve accomplished on their own.”

“Perhaps they are ready to consider the idea that their god is not what he appears,” said Teal’c.

“Some of them maybe,” added Jack. “Give Mahlia and the others enough time and they might be able to convince the hold-outs. I just don’t think some of them are gonna be swayed in the short time we have before the time comes.”

“What are we going to do?” Carter asked.

“We wait and see what happens,” Jack told her. “They have to decide for themselves. But…” he added. “If anyone wants to stay… they stay. We won’t stand by and let them be dragged off unwillingly.”

“O’Neill, we do not know if we will face resistance from Khonsu’s representatives. We may also find that many of the Chosen and other natives are in opposition as well. How do you propose that the four of us ensure the safety of those who wish to remain as well as our own lives?”

“We’re gonna even up the odds a bit,” Jack explained. “I’m going to ask Hammond to send us some backup.”

* * * * *

“Colonel, the Marine units will deploy ASAP,” said General Hammond, his voice sounding tinny over the radio. “Do you have any further recommendations for the teams?”

“Just tell them to keep the pace picked up,” replied O’Neill. “It took us a day and a half to make it here but we weren’t exactly trying to set any records. They should be able to reach us before nightfall tomorrow with no problem.”

“Understood Colonel,” said Hammond, “try not to do anything rash until then.”

“We’ll try General,” replied Jack, grinning at his team. “I think we can manage until the reinforcements arrive,” he added. “The only thing on our agenda tonight is another big bash for the Chosen. It’ll give us a chance to talk to some of them again to try and convince them to join Mahlia and the others.”

“Good luck,” offered Hammond. “The Marines will contact you as soon as they’ve gated over.”

“Yes Sir, thank you.” Jack released his radio and glanced at his team. Teal’c sat rigidly on the opposite couch and Daniel was pacing the floor behind him. Carter was perched on the edge of the bench next to Jack.

“Marines?” Daniel’s sounded apprehensive.

“Don’t worry, Daniel,” Jack told him. “They’re well trained. They won’t come in guns blazing or anything.”

“It just seems rather drastic, don’t you think?”

“We do not know what we will be facing Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c reminded him patiently.

“If we’re gonna do this we need to be prepared,” said Jack, his tone indicating that there was no room for further discussion. “It’s this or nothing,” he added more gently. I’m not willing to take any chances.

“Sir we should get going,” said Carter checking her watch. “We’re supposed to meet the Chosen in twenty minutes.

“Alright,” said Jack. About an hour earlier, Mahlia had sent word that the remaining Chosen had agreed to meet with SG-1 before the evening’s gathering so they could speak privately with the group. Jack had agreed because it had seemed easier than worrying about how the rest of the temple residents would react to what amounted to heresy. “Daniel… weapon?” Jack questioned.

“Is that really necessary?”

“Yes, it’s necessary.” The younger man grimaced but went to his room and retrieved his pistol. Jack waited until Daniel had it in place before he led his team out of the room and into the corridor.

* * * * *

“Khonsu will abandon our people if we do as they ask!” Brannan shouted at the other Chosen, his tone angry and defiant.

“You can’t mean to do this,” argued Lirta, her voice pleading.

“We should think about what they are saying,” replied Mahlia. “Lirta, I know you’ve had doubts too sometimes.” Lirta frowned and glanced at Brannan worriedly.

“We were young and foolish,” she said. “Nearly all of us have those thoughts occasionally but we put them aside when we grow older and accept our responsibilities.”

“This just proves that she should never have been named First!” Brannan snapped, standing up and stepping away from the table. “Her pretty voice and friendly nature blinded all of you to the fact that she wasn’t worthy of the honor!”

“Are you going to bring that up again?” asked Gareth. “You could never have made First!”

“You…” hissed Brannan, “have always been unable to see her faults because you share her bed! You would do anything she asked as long as she continues to show you her favor.”

“I’m quite capable of thinking for myself,” retorted Gareth. “At least I haven’t forced Mahlia to become something she isn’t to suit my own needs. Lirta barely breathes without asking your approval first!”

Brannan scowled and Jack saw his entire body tense, his hands clenched in tight fists. Okay, Jack thought, that’s about enough of that.

“Alright!” He bellowed in his best command voice. “Kids, this isn’t helping.” He had gotten their attention. Maybe these kids aren’t as smart as I thought they were, he wondered as he looked at the group of young men and women. Who would have figured they would have their own brand of politics in place?

“We don’t need or even want your help!” Brannan said angrily. Jack nodded and glanced at Carter, remembering his own words to her in the garden the previous evening. ‘They don’t want our help,’ he had told her. Well, maybe not all of them, he admitted, but some of them do.

“And you speak for everybody here?” Jack asked. Brannan flushed. That’s a real sore spot ain’t it kid?

“Neither does she!” Brannan jabbed an accusatory finger at Mahlia. “She has no right to make this decision for all of us!”

“We won’t force anyone to stay who wishes to leave,” Daniel cut in.

“And we won’t allow anyone to be forced to go if they wish to stay,” added Jack.

“It’s our duty serve Khonsu,” said another young man quietly. “We shouldn’t risk angering the Provider with disobedience.”

“Niander…” said Mahlia sadly.

“All I’ve ever wanted was the honor of serving as Chosen,” Niander told her.

“See?” Brannan snapped. “Niander knows I speak the truth…”

“You have not influenced my view Brannan,” Niander said calmly. “Unlike you, I did not make this decision to simply contradict Mahlia.” Niander looked at Mahlia in apology. She smiled briefly at him nodded.

“I understand Niander,” she assured him.

“You accuse me…” sputtered Brannan. Niander ignored him. “Very well,” said Brannan tightly. “Whatever your opinion of me… it’s of no importance. What is important is how many of you are prepared to risk everything on the word of these strangers!”

“Brannan, what if they are right?” The girl who spoke sounded afraid.

“Indria! If they were, wouldn’t we have known it before now? How can you turn your back on our history?”

“Things change,” said another boy. “Maybe it’s time we considered a new tradition?”

“Medreth, what they are proposing is more than a change!”

“I’m just saying that maybe we should think about…”

“Think? You shouldn’t have to think about this,” said Brannan. “I’ve made my decision and I’m through with this discussion. Who is with me?” He demanded.

The Chosen stirred restlessly. Jack watched, observing faces, averted glances, and body language. A pretty even split, he guessed. Brannan moved toward the doorway. Lirta rose to join him. No surprise there. A moment later, Niander also stood.

“My reasons are my own,” he reminded everyone. That one’s a true believer, Jack thought. Another girl stood up.

“I should have known how you felt Kalith,” said Espeth viciously. “You’ve always wanted Brannan’s attention!” The girl didn’t reply to the barb. Brannan glared at the remaining Chosen.

“Anyone else?” He demanded.

“I need more time to consider things,” said another young man who had not yet spoken.

“I agree with Marlan,” said Indria. “I just don’t know yet.”

“I don’t need any more time. I know,” said another girl. “The strangers are right. It’s time we realized we are the ones who are responsible for our lives. Look at the things we accomplish without Khonsu’s assistance!”

“Allieth… I’m surprised at you,” said Kalith slowly. “I thought…”

“That I’d follow your lead?” Allieth said. “Just because we’ve been friends doesn’t mean I agree with everything you say or do.”

“Very well,” said Brannan. “I will leave you to your discussions.” He turned and left the room. Lirta and Kalith followed behind him.

“I’m sorry Mahlia,” said Niander before he left the room as well. Well, thought Jack. That’s four definitely against and five in favor. Mahlia and Gareth, of course. Espeth and Raynar have clearly made their choices as well. The girl, Allieth, is also with us. He considered the other three who remained. Indria, Marlan, and Medreth were still undecided. Things could have gone worse, he realized. But I’m betting that Brannan isn’t finished with making trouble.
“If you will excuse me as well,” said Marlan. “I think I’d like some time to myself before we gather in the Great Hall.”

“Of course, Marlan,” said Mahlia. “I think we might all need some time.” She looked at Jack. “If that is acceptable to you,” she added.

“That’s fine,” said Jack. Medreth and Indria rose and left the room as well. Espeth and Raynar spoke quietly with Mahlia before leaving also.

“We’re sorry,” said Daniel, “to be the cause of so many problems.”

“You are the cause of none of our problems,” Mahlia said reassuringly. “They have always been present… we just haven’t had the courage to bring them into the open before now.”

“Brannan has always resented Mahlia for being named First. What I told him was true,” said Gareth, “he would have never been named even if she hadn’t been around. He’s much too controlling. Lirta and I came from the same village. She’s not the same person that she used to be.”

“He will attempt to convince the others that you are wrong,” observed Teal’c.

“Yes,” agreed Mahlia. “Most likely he’s speaking to many of the other residents right now. I’m afraid our gathering tonight will not be as enjoyable as the last.”

“Mahlia, I meant what I said. You won’t be forced to leave,” said Jack. “More of our people are coming to help us. They should be here before nightfall tomorrow.”

“Thank you Colonel,” she said. “I hope you understand, however, that if by staying we cause more problems for our people then we may have to reconsider our decision.”

“Mahlia, you can’t!” Daniel exclaimed.

“Perhaps it will not come to that,” she replied. “Brannan may find that he is not as persuasive as he believes himself to be. I’m sorry but we must leave you for now. I think it would be wise if we do some persuading of our own before the gathering in the Great Hall.”

“We understand,” Jack told her. Mahlia, Raynar and Allieth left the room together. “I hate politics,” Jack said to no one in particular.

* * * * *

The tension in the Great Hall was nearly palpable. What little laughter there was sounded forced. Hushed conversations and covert glances at the members of SG-1 seemed to be the norm. Brannan, Lirta and Kalith had been busy making the rounds, speaking softly with many of the temple residents at their tables. Niander remained apart from everyone but Brannan was obviously making the most of his break from Mahlia. Many of the young people had gone over to speak with Niander after talking to Brannan.

“Sir, maybe we should make ourselves scarce,” suggested Carter.

“No, they need to be reminded that there’s more out there than they realized,” Jack told her.

“I don’t think that’s what Brannan has in mind,” warned Carter.

“Mahlia and the others haven’t exactly been sitting on their hands. They’ve been doing some lobbying of their own in the last few hours.” Jack pointed to Espeth and Raynar who were currently conversing with about a half-dozen people in a corner of the room. Things are shaking out pretty much like I figured they would. Us and them… but they are forgetting there’s a third player who has yet to show his hand.

Jack regretted the change in mood. Last night, the temple residents had been full of happiness and hope for the future. The sense of urgency in their celebration stemmed from the idea that their lives were going to be irrevocably changed. Jack had seen it before. High school seniors who spent the last few months of their uncomplicated adolescence going from party to party and spending every free moment with friends, raw recruits full of swagger and bravado before a first mission or assignment. They are so young, he thought, or they were until we dropped in. His radio crackled to life.

“Colonel O’Neill, do you read?”

“Reading you,” he responded. “What’s your status?”

“We’ve just come through and we’re heading your way now.”

“It’s a long walk in the dark,” said Jack.

“No worries Colonel.”

“Just follow the yellow brick road boys.”

“Don’t worry Sir… the Marines are on the way.”

“Glad to have you join the party,” replied Jack. “We’ll be here waiting for you.”

“Right, Colonel. Radio checks every two hours?”

“Understood, keep me posted.”

Mahlia had overheard his conversation with the Marine commander.
“Colonel, your people are here?”

“Yes,” he told her. “They are going to push through tonight and they should make it to the temple by late afternoon tomorrow.” Mahlia nodded but Jack noted the hint of worry in her eyes. “We can have them keep a low profile,” he assured her. “They’re not here to intimidate your people. They’re here to back us up if we need help.”

“Thank you,” she said, her relief evident. “I’m afraid Brannan might use their presence as another reason to convince the others that we are wrong in this.”
“Is he having much success with that?” Carter asked. Mahlia frowned.

“More than we might have expected. He is very good at manipulating people into doing what he wants them to do. He’s accusing those of us that wish to stay of wanting to maintain our status as Chosen. He’s been talking with the candidates who are going to be replacing us.”

“Of course,” said Jack. “They are the ones who stand to lose the most if you decide to stay.”

“No Colonel, they will lose nothing. We will give up our places as Chosen if we stay.” Jack wasn’t surprised at the statement. Mahlia didn’t strike him as the power-hungry type. It’s still ‘if we stay’ not when, he noticed. Mahlia might still decide to cave if the pressure of public opinion grew too strong.

“Mahlia, you shouldn’t let Brannan worry you so much,” said Daniel, evidently picking up the same vibes as Jack. “From what I’ve overheard, most people know what he’s up to and they don’t trust his motives very much.”

“I’m more concerned with how much weight they will give Niander’s decision,” she said. She looked to where the quiet young man was sitting. He was speaking softly with two other young men. “Niander has always taken his role as Chosen very seriously.”

“So I gathered,” said Jack dryly. That boy is definitely on a spiritual high horse.

“Colonel, Niander has always been… different,” explained Mahlia. “You shouldn’t question his motives. I would never have expected him to accept the possibility that your fears might be true. Unlike Brannan, he truly believes in the rightness of his decision.”

“There’s nothing more dangerous than a true religious zealot,” muttered Jack softly. Carter frowned and Teal’c lifted a slightly disapproving eyebrow but Mahlia either didn’t hear his comment or had decided to overlook his rudeness.

“Mahlia, may we speak with you?” Jack looked up to find three of the students standing nervously near the table. “Alone,” added the girl who had spoken.

“Of course,” said Mahlia smoothly. “Colonel, if you’ll excuse me?” Jack nodded and watched silently as Mahlia herded the girls away. At least they came to talk to her, Jack observed.

“I hope Mahlia doesn’t change her mind,” said Daniel. “These people have a chance to be so much more than they are right now… if they just take advantage of the opportunity.”

“She’ll do whatever she thinks is best for her people,” Jack said. “You can bet that we won’t be finding ourselves in the middle of a civil war… even if it means she has to get on that ship.”

“She can’t!”

“She can,” said Jack, “and if she does we have to let her.”

“What?” Daniel shook his head. “Jack!”

“Daniel, did you think it was going to be easy? We might just have to accept the fact that things aren’t going to change for these people overnight.”

“Then why are we here?”

“Damn it Daniel! Do you think I’m happy with the idea that Mahlia and her friends may find in necessary to go through with this? It’s their decision… whether we agree with it or not! We’ll do everything we can but in the end… it’s up to them.”

There was a burst of noise in the room. Jack looked around thinking he’d drawn unwanted attention with his raised voice but realized the disturbance was caused by something else. People were running for the open doorway that led to the courtyard garden. Jack heard many people speak the name Khonsu and saw others making the sign of the crescent. No, no, no… this can’t be happening now!

Jack stood and headed for the doorway with a sick feeling rising in his gut. He checked to make sure his team was behind him and tried to resist the urge to pull his weapon. People spilled out into the garden, crowding the pathways and trampling the neatly trimmed grass and flowers. Everyone was looking up at the sky. Jack’s gaze followed the pointing fingers and he bit back a curse as he saw the fiery trail of a spaceship entering the atmosphere. Moments later they heard the loud sonic boom of displaced air and the low rumble of the engines.

“Ok kids,” Jack said, “It looks like our guests have arrived early.” No more time for debate, he thought. Looks like it’s time to meet the neighbors.