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When the three friends emerged through the gate, they had to agree it was nothing like they had encountered before. The land was barren, a few rock formations here and there, no vegetation, or what little there

was, had dried up long ago. It was neither light nor dark. The sky was grey; in fact everywhere was or seemed to be grey.

“I thought this was the darkness.” Said Sam.

“They didn't call this the darkness because it was dark.” Said Daniel. “Think of it in more sinister terms.”

The figure emerged from the gate; they could now see what he looked like. He was a tall man, thick black hair, fair skinned and clean-shaven. His clothes were rags, but he still gave out the impression that he had

once held a position of power.

“My name is Month, also I am known as Montu. Thank you for helping us.”

Daniel looked at this once Royal god. “Montu, god of war, but and correct me if I am wrong, wasn't your

father Ra, and he, if I remember, was a pretty nasty guy.”

Montu smiled at Daniel. “Yes, you are correct Daniel, he was my father, and I slew many opponents of his, but as time went on, I became older and wiser. I realised that what my father was trying to achieve was wrong, but by that time it was too late. I and some loyal followers of mine, who felt as I did, tried to help the people of Abydos.”

Daniel stared at him open mouthed. “Yes Daniel I was there, I saw how you defeated Ra. Those of us that managed to escape through the Chapa'i were captured, and the priests tried to banish us to the darkness, but they were not trained in the ritual and we were sent here.”

“But this is Kek's world, I mean that was Kek right?”

“Yes Daniel, it is part of Kek's world, this is the place where the lost go to. Here the people are neither dead nor alive. Please follow me.”

He walked on ahead, Sam turned to Daniel. “The son of Ra. He was also once a Royal god, but was overthrown in favour of Amun, who by the way is a much more powerful god, more than Ra ever was. Montu was/is also the god of war, he also fought the enemies of all the gods.”

“A powerful ally to have, if we can trust him Daniel Jackson.”

Daniel looked at the once god walking in front of them. “I think he realised that his father was evil and is now trying to make up for it, so in answer to your question, yes I think we can trust him. And I agree a very powerful ally to have, he was once a very powerful god.”

Montu led them towards a huge cliff face, he pressed his hand against some of the smaller rocks, and an opening appeared. Figures approached from inside, “We knew you had returned Ipuia told us.”

Montu greeted the two men warmly; they were dressed in similar clothing. “And I have bought the help that she saw.”

“You have found the chosen one and his followers?”

Daniel couldn't hide the smile, he looked at the other two, Teal'c raised an eyebrow, Sam nudged him. “Followers.” She whispered.

“Oh yea, you better believe it,” grinned Daniel.

“Allow me to introduce Daniel and his followers, Samantha the Powerful and Teal'c the Strength.”

“'Welcome.” The taller of the two men said .“I am Sabef and this is Joe.” The smaller younger man stepped forward, they could see him clearly now, Sam gasped, the resemblance was clear.

“'Joe as in Dixon?” She said.

“Yes, oh my god you're from Earth.” He run back into the cave.

Daniel turned to Montu “We get that sometimes.”

“Please follow me.” Said Sabef.

They followed Sabef into the cave; torches gave out a little light to the grey interior.

“Have you noticed there is no change in the lighting of this place, everything is grey, inside and outside the cave, also no wind, no heat or cold, nothing.'“ Sam said to Daniel and Teal'c.

“Yes it is most strange, never before have I witnessed anything like this.”

“Well Montu did say it was nothing like we have ever encountered before, and he was right.”

Sabef led them to a large cavern, the people stopped and looked towards them.

Montu approached them. “My friends, the prophecy that Ipuia saw is coming true, I have bought the chosen one and his followers to help us.'“ He turned towards Daniel and the others. “Please step forward.” They came and stood next to Montu. The people at first were silent, then they started to talk at once, ask questions, shouting and cheering. Montu held up his hands, “please let them speak.”

Sam and Teal'c looked at Daniel. “What?”

“You're our leader.” Sam said

“Er, yea thanks for reminding me. Hi there, I'm Daniel, and this is Sam and Teal'c.”

“He is a servant of Apophis.” Someone shouted.

Teal'c stepped forward. “He is correct, I was in the service of Apophis, but I denounced him, he was a false god, and I have pledged my allegiance to the Tau'ri, and to the chosen one.” Teal'c smiled at Daniel.

“But how can we trust you?”

Daniel spoke to the people. “You trust me as your chosen one?” He looked out at the people before him, they nodded and murmured in agreement. “I have worked and fought alongside Teal'c, he has destroyed many false gods and enemies of mine. He has saved my life many times, he has helped the people of the Tau'ri. They trust him, I trust him, with my life. I would not have chosen him to help me save the people of this world if I did not. By not trusting

him you insult myself and the powerful one, and we cannot help you.” Daniel turned as if to leave.

“Hey hold on, we trust him right.” It was Joe Dixon, he turned to the man who spoke out against Teal'c. He knelt before him. “I am sorry, please forgive me, we have waited so long.”

Teal'c came forward and helped him to his feet. “What is your name?”

“Nesmont” he answered.

“Nesmont, you will be my general and guide whilst I am here.?“

“I am honoured, lord of strength, I will promise to serve you well.”

Teal'c nodded, he turned to Daniel and Sam. “Nesmont will help us great one.”

“Yes, er good, glad to have you aboard.” Daniel said to Nesmont. He turned to the people. “Now go about your daily duties, we will walk amongst you, get to know you. “

Montu took hold of Daniel's arm. “I want you to meet Ipuia, she is the wise woman who saw your victory in a vision she had.” He beckoned a beautiful woman forward; she had long dark hair, deep blue eyes, and an almost flawless face except for a small crescent shaped birthmark on her left cheek. “Allow me to introduce Ipuia, my wife.”

“You’re staring Daniel, DANIEL.” Sam nudged him, Daniel realised he was open-mouthed. “Hello, I'm Sam.” She took hold of Ipuia's hand.

“Welcome” said Ipuia, she held on to Sam's hand. “You have seen many things, you have and

will suffer great pain, but in pain triumph.” Ipuia moved towards Teal'c. “Loyal Jaffa your strength will make us

strong, your family will be proud of you..“ Ipuia turned last towards Daniel, she took hold of his hand. “Your heart was once heavy but is now light. You have chosen the right path, but there is still many ways you can travel. The knowledge you have will help and guide you; you must use it wisely. You also have much love in your heart Daniel, but it is not ready to be released yet, you have much to do before that day comes. You too will suffer great pain, but triumph.” She let go of his hand. “Please come with me, I have prepared a private place for you to rest

until this evenings meal.” She led them deeper into the cave, behind a curtain was a large alcove. “Use this as a place of sanctuary, through there.” She indicated another curtained area. “Is where you can refresh yourselves.”

She turned to go, but held back. “Many people will want to talk to you, we will not send them away, that is not our way.”

“We understand.” Said Sam.

“We want to meet everyone, talk with them, find out how we can help.” Daniel reassured her.

She nodded and turned towards Sam. “Before this evenings meal, I will come for you to prepare you.” With that she closed the curtain and was gone.

“Prepare me?” Sam turned to Daniel and Teal'c “prepare me for what?”

“I have no idea.”

“Maybe they wish to honour you in some way Major Carter.”

Sam looked at them both. “You're not helping you know.”

Daniel fell silent.

“Something troubles you Daniel Jackson.”

“What, oh no, well, I was just thinking Joe Dixon, he looks just like his photograph, he hasn't aged at all.”

“Well at least we know what happened to him, and most probably the others as well.” Sam said.

Daniel looked at Sam and Teal'c. “You haven't once questioned why they call me the chosen one.”

“Do you understand why yourself Daniel Jackson?”

“I think so, I've thought about it and the only explanation I can come up with is the knowledge of the Goa'ulds that Shifu showed me.”

“But Daniel, you know what happened, what became of you, and you said that although you knew what could happen you didn't retain the knowledge, you didn't want it to happen.”

“I know Sam, but what else could it be. These people think that we can help them, Montu said to use the knowledge I have wisely.”

“In what way.”

“I have no idea.”

__________________________________

Ipuia came for Sam just before the evening meal. The other two were sitting with Montu by the fire. Daniel and Teal'c looked at the food. “It's best you do not know..“ Montu told them.

“Right.” Said Daniel. “It's just this place look totally devoid of life.”

“So how do we eat, and clothe ourselves.?“ Daniel nodded. Montu smiled. “I still have some power, oh no not what

you think, but there is some plant life and animal, if you can call them animals, we survive. We have learnt to make clothes from some of the plants, the skin from the animals; the rest is food and utensils. Please

eat and drink.”

“Try this.” Joe Dixon handed Daniel a platter of meat and leaves.

Daniel always had been the first one to try anything new. “Er, it taste's like---lamb.” He said “with salad.”

Joe laughed. “Yea you're right, you just keep thinking that.”

“So, you were the one who found the gate originally?” Daniel asked him Joe nodded.

“How did you----” He stopped looked Daniel straight in the eyes “what year is it, I mean where you are, your earth?”

“2001.”

Tears welled in Joe's eyes. “2001, 84 years my doesn't time fly when your having fun.”

“Where are the others that came through with you?” Asked Teal'c

“Oh they're here, that's Chalky.” He pointed to an older man, whom both Daniel and Teal'c recognised from the photo's. He was with two other men and three women. “The others with him are Bob Wilkins and Malcolm Newbry and their wives. Fred and Frank are around as well, come on I'll take you over.”

Before they could move Ipuia arrived with Sam. Sam was dressed in similar clothes to Ipuia, but of a finer material. They sat next to Daniel and Teal'c.

“You look good.” Daniel whispered “Even in rags.”

Sam smiled at Daniel and said through gritted teeth. “Daniel if you wasn't the chosen one I'd thump you right here and now, Teal'c don't even think about it.”

“I have nothing to think about Major Carter.”

Daniel snickered. Sam gave him a sharp look. “Oh Sam, er this is Joe Dixon, Joe Sam, Sam Joe.”

“Hi.”

“Hello Sam?'

“Sam's fine.” She shook hands with him.

“Joe was going to take us to meet the others.” Daniel explained to her.

Montu held on to Daniel's arm. “We need to talk, please stay.”

“Er, ok, you two go on, I'll catch you guys later.” He watched them walk off.

“Daniel do you know why you are called the 'Chosen One'?”

“Well, I've a pretty good idea.”

“You know much about the Goa'uld, you have destroyed many false gods..“ Montu laughed. “Yes I know, I was also one of these false gods, but I had hoped to use my power for good, but alas too late I fear.”

“But you still can, we will defeat Kek and his armies.”

“You have the knowledge inside you.” Montu pointed to Daniel's forehead. “If used wisely we can be victorious, if not everything and everyone you know Daniel and care about will be gone, destroyed for ever.”

“I know, I had some sort of experience like it. But how do you know this.”

“As I said before I still retain some power, and some knowledge, that is all you need to know for now, plus Ipuia has great visions, she saw that this day would come, she saw you Daniel.”

Daniel nodded. 'Tell us how we can help, what do you want us to do? “

“To help us you have to understand us, not all these people are warriors we have learnt to defend ourselves, against many things, Kek still comes here looking for slaves, you call them hosts, and I have alluded

him thus far. Joe's wife was taken.”

Daniel looked around him. “There are no children.”

“No, our women are barren and as you see we never grow old.”

“Exactly how many people are there here?”

“Come follow me.”

Montu and Ipuia led Daniel out of the cave, Sam looked up, Daniel shook his head, he would be fine, he knew that, he didn't know how, he just knew he would.

“Where are we going exactly?”

“You will see.”

“Right.”

They walked for three miles Montu stopped in front of a ridge. “Daniel I'd like you to meet the rest of the people of this world.” Daniel stopped at the edge of the ridge and gasped, down below there had to be what seemed thousands of men and women. “Come.” Montu led the way down.

___________________________________________________

“Did we win the war?“ asked Malcolm Newbry.

Sam nodded “1945”

“Tell me again, what's it like, I mean in your world” Chalky asked.

“It's your world to you know' Sam answered him.

“No” Chalky shook his head. 'It's different now.' It was more a question than a statement.

“Yes, very, very different' Sam could only agree. Sam looked towards Joe. “You ok'

“When we were brought here, I left a family behind, wife a baby son, I thought at first we could, would get back, we all thought that, that one day we would see our families again. It took a few years to realise that it would never happen.“ Joe fell silent again.

Sam looked at Teal'c.

“I believe he should know Major Carter.' Sam nodded in agreement.

“Know what?” Joe asked.

“Joe, remember we explained to you about the army base, where the gate is now?”

Joe nodded, :yea in Yorkshire.”

“Right, well one of the sergeants was a young man by the name of Steve Dixon.”

Joe looked at Sam and Teal'c “Dixon, as in..I mean.” words failed him.

“Yes Joe, he was your grandson.”

Tears formed in Joe's eyes, “grandson, I have a grandson.” Joe stopped, 'wait you said was.”

“Joe, I'm sorry,” Sam bent towards him. “There is no easy way to tell you, he was killed, killed by whatever forces that came through the gate.”

Joe nodded; tears welled up in his eyes. “Chip of the old block eh.” Joe looked at Sam and Teal'c, “You have to know something, my wife,“ Joe grinned at the surprised look on Sam and Teal'c's faces. “No, not the one I left behind, I remarried, she was also sent through the gate, a few years after we arrived. Her name was Pia'r she was small, fair and very beautiful, we had 20 happy years together, until Kek's forces came and took her for a host, I swore then, if there was anyway I could destroy him I would.”

Sam looked at Joe, he was so like Daniel she thought, so like him in many ways, the sensitive archaeologist, who knew how to handle a gun with the best of them, but still preferred to talk his way out of a situation, and both men loosing their wives to Goa'ulds. “This is why we are here Joe” Sam looked at the others, “we will do all we can”

“Major Carter.” Teal'c indicated that Daniel was coming back.

He came over with Montu. “It will begin soon.” Montu told them.

“The others are ready?” asked Chalky

“Yes Daniel has seen and spoken with them.”

Sam and Teal'c looked at Daniel. “Er apparently we have thousands of followers.” Teal'c raised an eyebrow, Daniel knew that was a cue for him to elaborate. “These people are only a small number of the thousands that are

here, oh Sam, Teal'c I saw all the people that had been sent here, from different worlds, cultures, some I've never heard of, and different centuries as well, and they are prepared to fight with us.”

Montu looked at the sky “It is now, come we must prepare.” Montu headed off in the direction of a makeshift tent.

“Er------ I'm guessing we should follow him.”

“Please enter.” He said to the three of them when they arrived.

Ipuia was already there, “sit'“ she told them in a quite voice. “It will grow darker, the light is already changing, over the years we have seen the sky become more fierce, much darker oh the changes are very subtle, but there are here. Kek and his forces are planning a great war, his forces combined with Anubis will be more terrifying than you can imagine, the horror that it will unleash is nothing like anyone has ever seen before.”

Daniel shivered, “I think I can.” Montu looked at him. “Er I saw something, lots of things actually in a dream, well several dreams, there was an army, several really, Kek's and Anubis, and many, many more, dark evil----” Daniel's voice wavered.

Ipuia spoke, “Daniel you know you have to face these forces, you all have to, are you prepared.”

The three of them nodded.

Montu looked at them, “you know that you may never be able to return to your homes.”

“But, there is a possibility that we might, right.” Daniel ever the optimistic asked him.

Sam smiled, 'so like Daniel' she thought.

Ipuia put her hand on Daniel's arm, “you know that you have to destroy the symbols, you may have to destroy the gate, are you truly prepared for this?”

“Well that's a lot of pressure,” Sam told her, “but we understand.”

“MONTU, MONTU,“ it was Chalky. The group emerged from the tent; Chalky was running towards them. “The gate, it's started.”

Montu looked around him and the small group. “So-------now it begins.”

End Chapter Nine of
Protendore
by
G.K. Thorpe
Chapter Ten