Chapter Two: The Meeting

As SG-1 stepped through the gate, General Hammond hoped his best team would come back in one piece - somehow knowing they wouldn't.

P76-943

Kantor was minding his own business when the Circle of Magic came alive. Of course, scientists had recently discovered it. He was quite surprised when four beings walked out of the strange device. He cautiously crept nearer and nearer until he could see them well. Three of the people had pale skin. The other was as dark as a chicha plant, with an oddly shaped symbol on his forehead. Their weapons, or so he thought, were odd. It didn't seem like they had anything similar to the molecular decay guns his people would carry.

Suddenly, the pale-skinned man with light hair (O'Neill) turned and pointed the weapon in Kantor's direction! The rest of the group quickly took defensive positions. Clearly, they belonged to some kind of military. Kantor was frightened, but the dark-haired man (Daniel) tried to talk to him. Carefully, Kantor came out and everyone looked amazed. Apparently, they had never seen an insect/human hybrid before.

Then, Daniel spoke up and gave his usual speech. "Hello, don't be afraid. We're explorers from a planet called Earth. I'm Daniel Jackson. This is Sam Carter, Jack O'Neill, and Teal'c. What's your name?"

Fortunately, those words were enough for Kantor to know how to speak the strange language. "I'm Kantor," he said."Welcome to Manil. May I take you to the Central City? I'm sure you would like to know more about us."

"O.K." Jack said suspiciously. "Let's go campers. By the way, how do we get there? Do we follow the yellow brick road?"

"No, actually," Kantor said. 'The one called Jack certainly has an odd sense of humor' he thought. "Since you cannot get to where we're going easily . . . for you, I will contact my government to arrange appropriate transportation."

Then, the four explorers said Thank you and patiently waited until Kantor came back.

"Sir, I wonder why he looks so odd?" Carter asked. "I wonder if there are more 'people' like him?"

"Well Carter, we'll find out soon enough, won't we," Jack replied.

"Hey, guys, do you think he can fly?" Then Jack looked at Daniel like he was crazy, but he continued anyway. "I mean, anyone who looks like a beetle would."

"Who said they all look like beetles. I've always wanted to see a human butterfly," Jack said, staring at Sam the entire time.

"I do not know Daniel Jackson. I believe if he had unique abilities, he would show us at an appropriate time and place," Teal'c said calmly.

"You're right," Daniel said with a sigh. "We'll wait for our ride to come."

Twenty minutes later, an air car of some sort landed. By the look of the design, someone was important on board. Slowly, the door dematerialized and another bug person came out, with Kantor behind him.

"Welcome, visitors from the Circle of Magic. I am Mylon, the Ambassador of Manil. We call our central city Mon. We make all important decisions there. Do you have such a place?" he asked regally.

Taken aback, Daniel said "Yes, we do. We are from an area like this. There are many others areas with their own government. Earth has an international cooperation and legal groups."

"Is your world not ruled by one person?" Kantor asked.

"Uh, no," Daniel explained. "The countries that make up Earth are not at the same technological advancement or have the same ideals."

"I see," Mylon contemplated. "We welcome you to stay and you may inform your superiors of your whereabouts."

"T. T. Thank you," Jack stammered. "We really appreciate your hospitality."

"Your welcome. We will wait for you in the air transportation vehicle."

"That was indeed strange," Teal'c said.

Sam then said "I agree. I mean, how many worlds open you with open arms. And, how did they have their gate unaccessible if it wasn't buried?"

"Carter, the only people I know of that greet you with open arms are those that will probably stab you in the back. For Pete sake's, don't try to figure it out. Wait until they decide to tell us."