Chapter Two: Honors
The Speaker banged the gavel three times. Everyone stood up. "This joint session of the Congress of the United States of America is hereby opened. Please stand for the Anthem." All the Americans did. Then, the music to "Hail to the Chief" started up. President Henry Hayes started his march down the center aisle waving and smiling big for the cameras. Applause rippled through the audience. And all eyes were expectant.
The President went up the podium and made the obligatory greetings. Even the talking heads went silent on the television screens. The President began his salutations and went into the body of his text. The next hour and a half brought total shock to everyone who wasn't previously informed. The United States had an alien device called the Stargate, which made possible interplanetary travel. This visit by aliens was a direct result of the Stargate.
The President went so far as to reveal that the United States had unilaterally conducted a secret war on other planets to defend this one. Most of the other governments knew it. Worse, they condoned it during and after the fact. Some had even participated. The American taxpayers had funded nearly all of it. The planet had almost been destroyed several times. The President cited the gains as being the new technologies garnered and the off-world allies made as the results. Which part was the most shocking was hard to say.
But the one thing made clear to everyone was the fact that the United States' military had done its job. The planet was still here in one piece. And it was largely due to the efforts of Stargate Command personnel and one Major General Jack O'Neill. The President called upon Jack to come forward to the foot of the podium. The applause and cheers were genuine. Yes, this politician knew how to manipulate the situation for maximum effect, thought Jack. As he stood there receiving the adulation, President Hayes quieted the room.
The President addressed Jack, "Come to attention, Major General Jack O'Neill. For conduct above and beyond..."he started to recite the litany of heroic deeds that had saved the planet, " we therefore award you the highest honor of our people, the Congressional Medal of Honor." Everyone shook hands. The applause and cheers were deafening. Jack stood there tall and straight, handsome, immobile, and impassive. He looked every inch a general and a hero.
"I'll say this, they do know how to put on a good show," said Admiral Zay to Lady Anna in her private sitting room on board the base ship. They had just watched the dog and pony show broadcast from the Capitol. "What I cannot understand is why they have not awarded him this medal long before this moment. What more could anyone be required to achieve in order to receive it?"
"He has enemies, Zay, powerful enemies on this world." Lady Anna looked grim. She looked at the people shaking hands and congratulating Lord O'Neill. "He hasn't smiled once, Zay. Did you notice?" Yes, this grandly dignified, handsome man did not give away much. He was keeping his thoughts closely guarded. But she was guessing he hated every minute of it. She knew she would learn his secrets, if he did not kill them all first.
"Tell Commander Derek I want to see him. I have a job for just his talents." Lady Anna rose and bowed to the Admiral in dismissal. He returned the courtesy and withdrew. The situation was getting more and more difficult.
"O'Neill," growled the elegant, finely featured man. "The name makes me sick." He turned off the TV and faced the other men in the ornate room where the remains of a large dinner sat on a baroque table. "We have an opportunity here to obtain some very impressive ships and to regain our status in the galaxy. This primitive world has just brought us more than they realize, but only for the bold who can seize it." Heads were nodding solemnly as the realization sunk in. An older man in the group raised his glass. "The time of reckoning is at hand, and only the righteous may pass. To you, my Lord Ba'al," said former Vice-President Kinsey, his eyes flashed and glowed.
Hurry up and wait. Emmett Bregman was cooling his heels in a large conference room at the Pentagon. The newsman in him was chaffing at the bit to cover any aspect of this, what, this historic event. What a colossal understatement! He was channel surfing on the TV. And, he was having his umpteenth cup of coffee in an empty room. He was beginning to suspect the military invited him here just to corral him while they decided what cover up to put in place. No, that was too paranoid. You couldn't possibly cover up that huge alien craft hovering in broad daylight over the Pentagon. And Kendall Cross had broken the story of the Stargate. His film would be shown after the commentators finished up after the President's speech. Then, his Q rating, the measure of his media renown would be astronomical. He should call his agent and alert him that his rate was going way up.
"Emmett, good to see you again," Col. Tom Rundell strode forward and offered his hand.
"Tom, nice to see you too," replied Bregman, taking the proffered hand. "I can't believe 'Heroes' will be aired tonight. This is just great. But why did you ask me here? I mean, what do you want me to do?"
"Well, Emmett, it seems General O'Neill has something in mind. And the President agrees. We want you to be on board with this. We are all impressed with the product you produced last time. And, a lot has happened in the last two and a half years. More than you can imagine. And I am not talking about these aliens, although now that's a factor."
"Ok, I understand that you would want someone to update 'Heroes.' But, I don't need to do that today, or do I?" asked Bregman.
"Not exactly, but we need to know if you are ready to go at a moment's notice." Col. Rundell fixed a steely stare on the producer. "Is there anything, anything at all which would prevent you from putting yourself at your government's complete disposal? Any contractual obligations, personal obligations, medical problems, anything?"
"Um, no, and," the burly dark haired journalist hesitated, "not to sound unpatriotic in a crisis, but I get paid, right?" Bregman stuck his hands in his pockets and crooked his neck up. "Because I'm thinking that my rate should be slightly increased from the last time. It was some years ago, you know. I mean, we may not need money if they," he pointed upwards, "you know, boom, let us have it. But just in case, I think..."
"The President has authorized an increase of 50 percent. Will that do?" Rundell kept a level tone. "You will be covering an exclusive that, for sure, no one else will."
Bregman considered it. "Is there any danger? I mean the shooting, getting blown up kind of danger?"
"Probably not, but the situation is fluid, you understand?" Rundell replied.
"Oh, I see. OH! You're saying PROBABLY not. That means maybe, which means, oh boy!"
"Yes or no Mr. Bregman?"
Bregman closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Call me Emmett, Tom, and yes."
After the speech, the President had his own issues with the press to consider. Political careers lived and died with public opinion.
"That should steal some thunder from that circle of wolves at the U.N. tonight," chuckled President Hayes. "Give me the numbers, Frank. How did we do?" Hayes turned to his Press Secretary, Frank Court.
"We are doing well on the West Coast. The Mid-west is up. The South is, well, conservative, so down. The Northeast is about the same. But the Mid-Atlantic is way down. That's probably because they are closer to the alien ship. So I would say, overall, good, sir." Frank looked up from the report. "The O'Neill angle probably saved your bacon, if we are being honest. It appears your decision to stay in Washington also helped you. And it made the members of Congress stay too or look like cowards. That move was, all in all, a stabilizing effect. We should have revised numbers after the 'Heroes' program finishes running."
"Considering the incident with the Space Station and the call for O'Neill by name, staying seemed worth the risk." The President loosened his tie and sat back. "Poor bastard. O'Neill will never be able just to walk down the street again. He'll need the Secret Service for the rest of his life."
"Yes sir. That he will," agreed Court. "And you will have to do something for Dr. Jackson, sir. We have scheduled a presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for next week in the Rose Garden."
"Long overdue," agreed Hayes. "I wonder what the aliens thought about all this. They had to be monitoring our broadcasts."
"Can't tell you that, sir, but we shall know soon enough," replied the Jerry Wasserstein, White House Chief of Staff. "O'Neill and Dr. Jackson meet with the alien leader tomorrow morning."
"Did you tell them to say I'm a nice guy?" grinned the President.
Meanwhile back at the Pentagon, Jack and Daniel waited to be summoned to meet the alien leader. Daniel tried to coach Jack for this historic meeting. Jack wasn't pleased.
"C'mon Daniel, you and I have been through this dance before," huffed Jack. "I can be as diplomatic as the next guy."
"Well, I have never heard you described as a diplomat. I think antagonist was the word used." Daniel looked up through his glasses and pursed his lips. "Look all I am saying is that we are off to a good start with the aliens. They have said lots of nice things to you. So, you should be extra careful to be, well, charming back to them."
"Charming is good. I can be charming." Jack said innocently, "what?"
"I mean sometimes you can come off as a..." Daniel searched for the right word.
"Cynical Air Force guy?" finished Jack, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure, if that's how you want to put it." Daniel shrugged and picked up the bouquet of flowers and shoved them at Jack.
"Is this really necessary?" Jack looked doubtful.
"Focus... 'Charming', as in Prince Charming!" Daniel coaxed, waving his hands like an orchestra conductor. "We know their leader is a noble Lady. So, be a Prince...Charming that is." Jack just rolled his eyes. Daniel could be such a geek.
"Ok, I'm Prince Charming. Sure thing, you betcha. Whatever. Can we go now?" He picked up the alien's communicator and activated the signal. "Do I look fat?"
"What?" Daniel looked away distracted.
"What?" said Jack. The transporter beam began.
People on the ground started to shout and point. The great alien ship was moving off. It rose at an incredible rate. And then it was gone. The newsies were having a bonanza. What could it mean?
Once the ship moved off, it was time for a Pentagon press conference. Col. Tom Rundell stood at the podium for the press conference. It was a real media circus today. Considering the President's speech the night before, the information was almost too much to digest. Again, the United Nations was in session in New York. They were throwing accusations at each other, in long-winded speeches couched in diplomatic speak. They were all pointing fingers and trying to take the credit simultaneously.
Col. Rundell tapped the microphone and began the briefing. "At approximately 8 AM, Eastern Daylight Time, Major General Jack O'Neill boarded the alien ship that has been resting above this facility. Apparently, the ship was intended to shuttle the General to the base ship. His aide, Dr. Daniel Jackson, accompanies him. They are scheduled to meet with the alien leader on board the base ship in orbit above this planet. We do not know how long this meeting will last. That is all we know at this time. No questions, now." Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted questions. But Col. Rundell simply turned and exited the room.
On board the alien transport ship Jack took in his surroundings. Sweet, some ride they have here. He looked around at the plush compartment containing four anxious young attendants and an officious looking officer.
"Howdy, folks. General Jack O'Neill. Nice to meet ya." He waved his hand in greeting. Everyone bowed low. Jack had managed a small head nod, when he looked over at Daniel imitating the bows he had just witnessed. Jack did a double take. Wow, that man could grovel with the best of them. "And this is Dr. Daniel Jackson, of SG-1."
One of the attendants fainted. "Oops," said Jack making no move to help the unfortunate boy. Daniel's eyebrows tried to crawl off his face. They just looked at each other, shrugged, and looked around.
"Welcome, to Our Great Lady's personal pinnace," said the officer. "On behalf of the captain, we hope your flight will be pleasant. The Captain asked me to enquire if you would like a tour of the bridge?"
"Cool! I mean, yes, that would be nice," agreed Jack.
Daniel looked confused. "So, where are we? And what are we flying?"
"We are on the ship that we sent to greet you. The pinnace, which rested above the Pentagon, was always intended to shuttle you topside. Now we are on the way to the base ship." The officer indicated that they should follow him. "After you, My Lord," said Jack to Daniel, who just looked at him in disbelief. Some things never changed.
Jack stepped off the lift or whatever you could call it. The thing went sideways as well as up and down. Someone called the crew to attention. The guiding officer requested permission to enter. Officiously, he announced, "Our Lord, Major General Jack O'Neill, the Great and Dr. Daniel Jackson, of SG-1. A tall young man in a well-decorated dress uniform granted that permission. He could not have been older than 25 years old. The man came forward and offered a slightly less severe bow. "Captain Amos, at your service My Lord General." He bowed to Dr. Jackson.
Jack managed a head nod and then stuck out his hand. "General Jack O'Neill, nice to meet you." The young man stared at the hand and then awkwardly offered his own. "Firm grip. I like that. So, this is your ship?"
"Yes, My Lord. I am in command. If I may show you around?" Captain Amos indicated the center consoles with data streaming above them in mid-air. Holographic displays showed the ship in relation to the planet and to the other ships. Young crewmembers bustled at their duties, trying not to stare.
The view screen came on. Both Jack and Daniel stopped in their tracks and exchanged concerned glances. Before them was a fleet of large ships. Some ships were larger than Goa'uld mother ships and most were larger than hatak class ships. There were ships of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Smaller ones darted to and fro. But one ship of gargantuan proportions filled the view screen as the pinnace approached it. The docking bay was large enough to hold dozens of these aircraft carrier sized shuttles. Jack looked over at Daniel and mouthed the words, 'holy crap.'
Finally, the SGC managed to dial out. The inability to get a lock on known addresses remained a mystery. General Landry was heartily put out with his situation. Standing in the Control Room, he waited for the Tok'ra to answer.
"This is Thoran of the Tok'ra High Council. To whom am I speaking?" The voice of the contentious Tok'ra was not the one General Landry wanted to hear. Thoran was never very sympathetic to Earth.
"This is General Landry, commander of the SGC. Thank you for responding Councilor. We have a situation here on Earth. An alien fleet of massive proportions has assumed orbit and we can not raise the Asgaard."
"How may the Tok'ra be of assistance? You know we do not have a fleet of our own," replied Thoran.
"Aw c'mon Councilor," Gen. Landry was impatient with deception. "Ever since the Goa'uld were defeated many of their ships came into your possession. Have you got any ships that could reach the Asgaard Homeworld? And do you have any weapons that could assist us?"
"No we don't, General. Are the aliens attacking you?"
"No, not yet, but it is a possibility. We would appreciate any help you could render," Landry requested.
"We suggest that you contact your Jaffa friends. They command the most ships captured from the Goa'uld. And they have the most personnel. We cannot afford to spare the few we have. Besides, you have that advanced super-weapon which you will not show to us." Thoran sounded arrogant and intransient as usual.
"We'll remember this, Councilor. Landry out." Landry stood with his hands on his hips, looking grim. "Sergeant, contact the Jaffa Council on Dakara. Maybe some of them would be willing to help. See if Master Bratac is available. I want to talk to him or to Teal'c."
"Yes sir," replied Sgt. Harriman. "Dialing Dakara now, sir." The diminutive sergeant looked perplexed. "Sir, I can not get a lock."
"Again, why not?" queried Gen. Landry.
"I don't know sir, it just won't dial out." Sgt. Harriman looked worried. "Trying again." A few moments passed but the attempt failed. And another attempt failed as well. "Let me run a diagnostic, sir."
"Right, this is just too convenient. I am going to call the President." Landry strode out of the room in a hurry.
The crowds along the George Washington Parkway were thinning out since the alien ship departed. Besides, it was promising to be another record breaking high temperature day. The police were trying to sort out another accident involving frayed nerves and hot August sunshine. It was so hot and humid at only 9 A.M. that the news crew, by the van parked at the Navy-Marine Memorial, was actually considering a swim in the Potomac River.
"Current is too swift here, Joe," observed the driver. "C'mon, there is nothing here anymore. Let's call in and find some other location where we might get a story."
"Maybe the editor will send us to Reagan National Airport to do a story on all the flight delays. At least we would be inside with some air-conditioning." The cameraman wiped sweat from his eyes. "I've had enough of the mosquitoes, too. They are just eating me alive here. You know Washington was built on a swamp? That's why we've got so many bugs."
"Yeah, well, at least the aliens aren't bug people," joked the driver. They both had a laugh.
"Did I ever tell you about the time a mosquito here got me and flew up the river there?" The cameraman pointed to the small hill. "He met up with his friend who said, where you taking that one, pointing at me. And my bug said, over yonder. Well, said his friend, the big ones over there will steal him from you."
"You're my decoy. They don't bother me so much. Get in," chuckled the driver, as he shut his door.
Fanning themselves in the parking lot were two older tourists who had stopped to see the alien ship. "Did you hear that Ethel? Those two newsmen said the aliens were really bug people. Somebody ought to say something. The government is covering up again!" She narrowed her eyes. "Did I tell you I marched on Washington during the Vietnam War? Humph! She wagged her finger. " You just can't trust the government." The other woman nodded her head vigorously.
In the White House, the President's staff tried to manage the situation with little success. The President and his Chief of Staff frowned at the message coming from the speaker phone.
"This can't be good." The President looked at his Chief of Staff. "Jerry, the aliens just took O'Neill and Jackson. And now the Stargate can't dial out."
"Did we reach our allies?" asked Jerry Wasserstein, White House Chief of Staff.
"Some Tok'ra sonofabitch High Councilor refused to help. Told us to call the Jaffa. If that don't beat all. Landry is right. We are going to remember this. Call the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I want the military to go to DefCon Two. And call the Kremlin, I want our allies to know why."
Lord Ba'al surveyed the communications center deep under his corporate headquarters. He smiled a satisfied smile. This new situation was progressing better than he had hoped. With his surveillance of the major powers, he knew more than any of them. Soon, he would be restored to power as the most powerful System Lord ever.
The room was opulent. The greeting delegation was turned out in high court style. Anticipation was palpable. Taking one final look around the room, Lady Anna noted all the details were in place and nodded to her staff.
"I look fat," sighed Lady Anna. She looked down at herself and was not satisfied. "The dress is too full. It looks like I am hiding another person in here."
"Oh stop it. You look fine Anna," whispered Admiral Zay standing next to her. "You are just begging for a compliment." Women! They were the same vain creatures everywhere. And he had been to a few places. She was one of the most beautiful court ladies, courtesy of the biosculpt procedures everyone used to augment the standard genetic manipulations.
"I don't want to look fine. I want to look great. I want to look..." She came to attention as the door opened and fixed her best smile forward.
The room was more elegant than anything he had ever seen. He glanced around the room. Nice reception, thought Jack. He observed the captain of the shuttle bowing to the young woman in front of them. The captain introduced them in stentorian tones. "His Honor, Major General Jack O'Neill, the Great, and Dr. Daniel Jackson of SG-1, Heroes of the Battle of Vorash." Jack let a small smile slip. He was wearing all his medals on his dress blues, as the aliens had requested. They said it was to honor the lady. He wished he had his P-90 and a Kevlar vest. Oh well, such was diplomacy.
The Captain turned and introduced the lovely girl as Lady Anna, Third Lord of the Admiralty, with a slew of other titles that made no sense. Jack made a full head nod, not taking his eyes off her. He just stood there like a fool and stared. She was gorgeous. The woman had perfect features. She also had long chestnut brown hair draped gracefully. She might be twenty, soon. And then he realized everyone in the room was little more than a teenager. The oldest looked about 25 years old. The Lady dipped a curtsy and smiled up at him. Everyone else offered extreme bows. The silence was deafening. No one made a move. And he just stared on. That is he did until Daniel nudged him. "Jack?"
"Right. Jack O'Neill. General. United States Air Force. Planet Earth.
Pleased to meet you, ma'am," he coughed. He was flustered. "Daniel?"
"I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson, My Lady. Welcome to our planet, Earth. Ah, these flowers are for you, My Lady. These are special flowers, given on great occasions. We call them roses." Jack quickly stuck his hand out with the red flowers.
Lady Anna hesitated, considered, and then, moved forward gracefully to accept. The girl looked up at him with sparkling deep green eyes, searching him. Finally, she decided to reach out her slender feminine hands to the flowers, just brushing his hand in the process. He could not look away. She held him in a steady gaze. It seemed as though everything stopped. Jack could hear each of his heartbeats. An eternity seemed to pass. As the woman bent her head to smell the richly scented flowers, Time resumed.
"Love what you've done with the place," declared Jack to Lady Anna. He gestured to the opulent setting where she received him. The alien base ship orbiting Earth was a marvel. The aliens had spared no effort to provide creature comforts. They even had a cake.
"We are grateful you are pleased, My Lord General. We welcome you on behalf of His Majesty King David, the Sovereign of The Commonwealth of Planets." Lady Anna continued to rattle off a lengthy list of titles belonging to the King and made effusive welcoming statements. Jack stopped listening; knowing Daniel would decipher what it all meant.
"That was nice, really, a nice greeting, ma'am. I suppose I should say something profound at this moment," Jack paused, thinking, "nothing comes to mind." He looked around. "Daniel?"
Daniel had that look that said he was on to something. "Holy Hannah," Daniel reacted with a gasp. "Jack, d-d-d-do you know who these people are? Look behind you at the wall!" He gesticulated wildly at the wall, unable to get the words out. "And, look at the door!" Daniel rushed to the door, and began reading the markings.
"What?" Jack replied. "Daniel, stop it. You are upsetting the aliens." He nodded over at the aliens, who looked at them with alarm. A few of them looked as if they were going to flee.
"Sorry about him, ma'am. He gets like this. It's what he does." Jack put on his patient voice. "Daniel, don't keep us waiting, it's rude."
Daniel whirled around to face Jack and the Lady. He spoke excitedly. "Jack, they are not aliens! They are humans like us, from Earth like us. They are descendents of the ancient people of Mesopotamia. Jack, do you realize what this says?"
"What?" Jack shook his head.
"Of course you don't. It's in a variation of Aramaic, a language from the time of Babylon." Daniel was speaking rapidly now. "The term Aramaic is derived from Aram, the fifth son of Shem, the firstborn of Noah." Jack motioned Daniel to get to the point.
"Use of the Aramaic language became common by the period of the Chaldean Empire, sometime between 626 to 539 B.C. That's Babylon. Aramaic became the official language of the Imperial government in Mesopotamia and was in common use until the spread of Greek around 331 B.C." Daniel pointed to the doorway inscriptions. "Jack, it's incredible!"
"What?" demanded Jack in exasperation. "If I have to say 'what' one more time, so help me..."
Daniel threw his hands out wide, "These are the Ten Commandments." Daniel took a breath. "And this ship is named the, 'Commonwealth Starship O'Neill, the Great!'
Jack blew out a small whistle. "Hokey smokes... Bullwinkle!"
Commander Derek hunted Goa'uld with professional vengence. The Goa'uld Apophis had wiped out Derek's entire planet, including Derek's family. Understandably, Derek hated the Goa'uld. He was ruthless conducting special operations and gathering intelligence. One thing was certain. The Goa'uld were on this planet. As Commander Derek stood before the active Stargate on board the ship, several dozen young men and women appeared through the event horizon. They had grim expressions. As a unit, they moved through the ship to the launch bay. The hunt was on.
"Base, this is Hunter. Request a go." Commander Derek sat in his ship. The team was split between several different craft of varying designs. Using the resources of the base ship, Derek had found the enemy in various sites around the planet. Some were in crowded facilities. Casualties would be heavy if things got out of hand. They would strike at the more remote sites first. His team was trained for the worst. He hoped for the best.
"Hunter this is Base. The Lady gives you her blessing. You may launch when ready. Good hunting, Commander."
Just as mysteriously as it had ceased, the Stargate became operational again at the SGC. They were hunting for their allies to come help. The Tok'ra had welched. Now they wanted to reach the Jaffa while teams on K'tau tried to reach the Asgaard.
"Sir, the Stargate is operational again," Sgt. Walter Harriman informed General Landry.
General Landry looked up, "Very well, Sgt. Call the Jaffa Council on Dakara. And call..."
"... in for updates to all the off-world teams, sir. Everyone checked in ok. Sir, Master Bratac is standing by on the com," Walter reported.
"Coming." General Landry muttered under his breath, "I'll never get to yell at anyone."
Col. Mitchell spoke through the microphone. "Master Bratac, it will only be a moment longer. Ah, here he is."
"This is General Landry. Master Bratac, I need your help."
"I have heard of the alien fleet from Colonel Mitchell," broke in Bratac. "If their ships are so formidable, I do not know what it is you plan to do, even with the largest of the mother ships we captured." Bratac paused. "Worse, the Jaffa Council is not in agreement about mounting a military expedition to Earth. They are afraid of the Ancient Weapon. I understand their concerns. It is not obvious how it would distinguish between the different ships' intentions."
"Yes, you are right. I did not think of that. Let me try to find out if there is an answer. In the meantime, have any of your people heard of an outfit called, 'The Star Commonwealth of Planets'?" Gen. Landry inquired.
"We have heard that advanced humans are scouring the Galaxy for any remaining System Lords. It is possible that they are the ones. And they have no love for the Jaffa." Bratac shook his head. "If these are the people, I should warn you. They are as relentless as they are ruthless."
"Thank you, Master Bratac. I shall inform the President. Landry out." He turned to Col. Mitchell remarking, "This just gets piled higher and deeper." With a shrug he marched into his office to make the call.
President Hayes hung up the phone, looking pensive. After a moment of thought, he lifted his eyes to his Off-world Affairs Advisor. "George, it's not what we thought. Bratac says the aliens are here to hunt Goa'uld. We know Ba'al and Kinsey are here somewhere. Bratac says the aliens are relentless. And the Jaffa are afraid to come. Between the huge fleet and the Ancient Weapon, the Jaffa think they will be killed in the cross fire."
"I'd like to know how they found out there are Goa'uld here," stated retired Lt. General Hammond. Hammond worked in the White House as a presidential advisor. After all, who would know more about off-world affairs? "For that matter, I would like to know where these aliens get all their information. We've gone to DefCon 2, as you ordered sir. The Russians have matched our readiness position. If it comes to a fight, the aliens will get one. But I think they have something else in mind. Just a gut feeling, but something tells me they want more."
President Hayes turned up the volume on the TV to hear a TV commentator saying there were reports that these aliens were hostile bug people. Charges of a government cover up ensued. He flipped to the weather channel. The forecast for the next several days was for thunderstorms, record heat near 100 degrees, and high humidity. Summer in Washington was brutal.
On board the 'O'Neill,' a man approached and whispered something to Admiral Zay. The Admiral nodded to Lady Anna. It was time to talk business. The remains of the cake and the dignitaries in the room were cleared out.
"My Lord General," began Anna. "We have asked you for the favor of this audience to discuss matters both great and terrible." She waited for Jack to focus his attention.
"So, what's on your minds, kids?" asked Jack softly.
The Lady raised her eyebrows, paused, and then decided to ignore it. It was a different culture after all. She spoke to him gently, "We have come to you for several pressing reasons. My Lord General, your name is legendary throughout this galaxy. We never expected that your own people would not know of your great deeds, compassionate acts, and exceptional courage. But it is written that a prophet is without honor in his own land. That your people never knew about your shows your case is no exception." Anna smiled a small smile.
"Go on, ma'am. I understand. It's not your fault," said Jack quietly.
"We are a large, peaceful people, My Lord General. We have been a peaceful people for over two thousand years. In the two thousand years that we have traveled the stars, we have never made war on anyone. But the Goa'uld attacked and destroyed one of our planets. We had no fleet, as we do today. Our fleet, this force, is all the result of that attack. We must change our ways and learn to defend ourselves."
Daniel could not contain himself. "You have had interstellar travel for two thousand years?" Realization dawned upon him. "Somehow, you accessed the Goa'uld knowledge a long time ago! Why haven't you come back before now? You had the ships. You are here now."
"You are correct, Dr. Jackson. Soon after our abduction from Earth, our ancestors rose up and overthrew the System Lord Ishtar. We captured her ship. With the knowledge we could access, we taught ourselves and advanced. However, we could not locate Earth, because the memory banks on her ship were damaged in the revolt. Finally, we have found Earth, the planet we call the Holy Mother Planet. It is a joyous moment for our people. And it is a desperate one." She sat back to wait for them to process the information. O'Neill was obviously doing some heavy thinking.
"Are you thinking of moving back home?" Jack was doing threat assessment and did not like what heard.
"No, my Lord General. We are more numerous than the stars in the sky."
Jack frowned and waited for the shoe to fall.
"Now, we inhabit 21 planets and three habitable moons across 26 star systems. Our people number more than 38 billion souls." Lady Anna watched them register surprise. "We cannot 'move home' as you put it," answered the Lady.
Jack and Daniel just stared back at her; their mouths open in shock. " So, I shouldn't get the guest room ready, eh?" snarked Jack.
"This is Kendal Cross in the CNB Washington News Room bringing you this breaking news. At approximately 3 pm this afternoon here in Washington, alien ships descended over the Internal Revenue Service Headquarters on Constitution Avenue. An energy barrier was erected for approximately five minutes, trapping everyone inside. Alien assault teams entered the buildings by beaming into the Commissioner's office and abducted the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and the Director of Audits. Three people were stunned in the assault. No explanation is available."
Kendall turned to someone off camera and listened. "Excuse me, there is additional breaking news. Today in Russia, at approximately the same time, alien ships were seen outside the city of St. Petersburg. Reports are coming in that the chairman of Rostov Oil was abducted from his summer villa."
A staffer walked on the set to hand Kendall a paper. She paused to read it. "And, we have just learned that aliens are conducting summary abductions of officials and businessmen in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, London, and New York City. The same methods are reported in each case. So far, no deaths are reported. But, the bystanders stunned in the attacks are in local hospitals receiving medical care."
Kendall's face registered shock as she listened to her ear microphone. "We have more shocking news. Reports just in say that former Vice-President Kinsey was among those abducted in New York. Stay tuned to CNB for up to the minute breaking news as this story unfolds." Kendall looked at her anchor in amazement. And the show cut to commercial.
Elsewhere the hunter confronted his prey. Derek stood face to face with Ba'al. His weapon leveled upon his target at the kill setting. "You pathetic human. You can't kill a god." Ba'al smirked a satisfied grin and vanished in a beam of light. Anger flashed across Derek's face. The hunt would continue.
"Ok, let's have it. I mean why are you here?" Jack wanted to know.
"It is complicated, My Lord General." Lady Anna hesitated looking back and forth at both of them.
"Of course it is." Looking at Daniel, Jack said, "this should be good." He turned his attention back to her and composed his face.
"We are here to ask for an alliance." Lady Anna fixed a hard stare at Jack. "We intend to finish the job you started. We want the Goa'uld dead."
"The Goa'uld are defeated. They are few and the Jaffa are free. I don't understand what you want to accomplish. The Jaffa are hunting the remaining System Lords now," Daniel informed her.
"The Jaffa," sneered Lady Anna, "are violent, dangerous, warmongering fools. They cannot cooperate among themselves. Their attempts at unification will fail, for just these reasons." She leaned forward. "I cannot allow others to hold our fate in their hands, especially, not the Jaffa."
"Oh, I would not count them out just yet," countered Jack.
"Yes, you are right. We cannot count out the Jaffa. My Lord, just what do you think the Jaffa will do with themselves now that they do not fight for the Goa'uld? They know only war. Their whole society, their whole economy, their whole religion is geared to make war. They make war on each other and they make war on the human race. Worse, the symbiotes they need to survive are precious scarce. They will turn on each other. Then they will turn on us."
"While I take great pride in my title, Mr. Positive, that thought had crossed my mind." Jack debated whether or not to tell her about Tretonin, the medicine that replaced a Jaffa's need for a symbiote. Jack decided against disclosure. He wanted to hear more. Better to agree and keep her talking. He gave Daniel a look that said 'shut up.'
"The Goa'uld and the Jaffa are not the only problems out there. They had," She took a deep breath, "they had Associates, who are as bad as the Goa'uld. The bad news is that the Goa'uld are in the process of rising again. And they know about us. Given the chance, they will try to wipe us all out. My people are the most advanced humans, ever. We shall become their first priority. And make no mistake; they will come for Earth, again. They are here even now."
"How do you know all this?" Jack looked worried. "Where do you get your information?" It was time to find out just how much these people knew. Did they know Ba'al was here?
"We have been gathering intelligence on you for some time. We know you are at the nexus of events that defeated the Goa'uld. We know you destroyed Apophis at the Battle of Vorash. We know you killed many System Lords, even Ra." She fixed a hard gaze on Jack. "We have read extensive files from the SGC on all of you."
"What! How?" Jack jumped to his feet.
"We learned to read your language from the materials you left with the Enkarans. It was not difficult," answered Lady Anna evasively.
"Alien humor." Jack sat down, regaining his composure.
"It's true," countered The Lady. "Much of our information came from you. But more did not. She weighed the decision to throw him a bone. Anna could feel his anger. "The SGC is completely compromised by alien surveillance devices. And, no, they are not ours." Lady Anna waited for the reaction.
Jack glared at her. "Compromised." It explained a few things. "What do you intend to do with all this information you have gathered? Feel like sharing?" He let the question hang for a moment. She regarded him calmly. "Ok you want to be allies, what are you going to do for us, is the better question."
"We can offer your world the means to advance hundreds of years past your current level of development. We intend to forge an alliance that will allow all our people to survive and thrive." Lady Anna regarded him coldly.
Jack regarded her suspiciously. "All that, in exchange for what?"
"In exchange, we want information and knowledge. And, we want certain items unique to Earth." Lady Anna felt his resolve harden against her.
"What could we have that would interest you? You are obviously way smarter than we are," responded Jack sarcastically. "And it has been our experience that advanced societies are not willing to part with their advanced knowledge or technology. The Tollan taught us that."
"Hmm, the Tollan. We knew them. Very sad about them really," replied Lady Anna. She lifted a glass to sip some water. Her eyes watched him digest that news. His face revealed little, but his eyes could not hide his soul. "Understand this, My Lord, we are not the Tollan. We believe that the human race cannot afford to languish in ignorance or isolation. We can no longer be weak, or backward, or prey for each other."
Daniel saw the look on Jack's face and knew that resolve. "My Lady, Jack, please, it seems we want the same things. We want peace and security. I think we can agree on that." He turned to the woman," Please understand, that we are afraid of you. We don't know you. But we would like to. Tell us, what are you looking for exactly?"
"Hear me My Lord. What we want most, and this is not negotiable," the Lady looked at him squarely in the eye, "we want you, my Lord General Jack O'Neill."
Source: (F. Rosenthal, "Aramaic Studies During the Past Thirty Years", THE JOURNAL OF NEAR EASTERN STUDIES, pp 81-82, Chicago: 1978.)
