Chapter Four: Perceptions
This fall had been exceptionally dry, in Washington, DC. The leaves finished turning and dropped early. Trees were bare. In fact, some weather pundits announced a drought. For all the wet weather and hurricanes in other parts of the country, lawns across the Capital turned brown early from lack of water. The White House had its sprinkler pipes drained for winter. The flowers in the Rose Garden were scheduled to be pruned back early if this dry spell continued. In some years, roses could bloom into early December. Yet, the forecast was for fair weather a while longer.
Flowers festooned the rooms of the White House in anticipation of the great event that evening. President Hayes surveyed the preparations for the evening's reception in the East Room of the White House. The East Room was the traditional reception hall of the White House. The room echoed the reception halls in the great palaces of Europe but flavored with American simplicity. Though the largest reception room in the White House, the East Room was a limited space. So the guest list was limited too. The guests gathered in the Center and Cross Halls of the first floor after they arrived at the East Portico of the White House. Extreme security measures meant everyone had to allow enough time to pass through all the checks. With the new alien devices, the checks were shorter. The President plucked a flower for his lapel and studied it while he waited.
The White House guest list included the highest officials of the government and important ambassadors of friendly nations. Notably, the list included the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Cabinet members, Senate and House majority and minority leaders, the Chairmen of the Armed Services Committee, the Intelligence Oversight Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. Other officials included the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who entered the room in conversation with the Attorney General. Of course, the White House Chief of Staff and White House Chief Counsel were already present. The Directors of the CIA and FBI were in line at the door. President Hayes' Off-world Affairs Advisor, George Hammond stood with Dr. Daniel Jackson in conversation. The arrival of the various ambassadors of the Gate Alliance Treaty Nations signaled that everyone was present. Noticeably absent was anyone from the United Nations. After all they could host their own shindig if the Lady would come. Hayes was still angry with the U.N. for declaring war on the United States when the secret of the Stargate was revealed. Of course, it was a momentary event, but still unforgivable. That move still stuck in his craw, as his granddaddy would have said. President Hayes wanted only friendly faces tonight.
Tonight would be the granddaddy of all parties. Lady Anna's welcoming ceremony would be the talk of the world. Well, maybe the talk of the Galaxy would be more accurate. President Hayes planned a State Dinner with music afterwards. The foods of the New World topped the menu. When 2500 years ago the Goa'uld had abducted the people of the Commonwealth from Earth, the foods of the New World were unknown. So, the chef prepared delicacies native to the Americas. Perhaps the aliens would be interested in trade as a result. Already, chocolate had made a big impression with the alien's military leader, Lady Anna. There were lots of chocolates everywhere. He wanted this party to be perfect. In fact he wanted this party to showcase all things Earth.
According to Dr. Jackson's report, all things connected with Earth were in fashion in the Capital of the Commonwealth. Mrs. Hayes joined him at the foot of the stairs to the main reception room. She wore a gown on loan from one of America's premier designers. Designers often loaned their creations to First Ladies for the publicity value. Since Nancy Reagan's time, such practices had been discouraged. But the President made an exception hoping couture would be an item for trade negotiations as well. If Earth fashion was the rage in the Commonwealth, so much the better, thought President Hayes. Lord knows Earth has very little to trade with such advanced humans.
"Henry, I just have to hear it again. The aliens are humans?" Babs, as she had been called since University days, was dubious about hosting an alien. She took her husband's arm. "It's a little frightening."
"Yes, for the last time, dear. They are human. Real aliens abducted their ancestors from Earth thousands of years ago. And from what I have seen in pictures, their leader is a very beautiful and cultured woman." He smiled at his wife. She looked doubtful. "Really. Even though they live for more than two hundred years, this one appears to be maybe 21 years old. But look at her eyes. She is probably old enough to be my grandmother."
"They live for over two hundred years? How old is she?" Mrs. Hayes asked him.
"Nobody knows. Once General O'Neill asked her and never made the same mistake again." Hayes grinned. "You women are the same vain creatures all over the galaxy." He waited for her reaction to that. Yes, there it was. And then she laughed. "Good girl." He kissed her. Keep it light. "I'm told she is very polite. So stop worrying."
Anxiety mounted as the guests waited for the arrival of the Commonwealth's new Ambassador to Earth. Earth representatives felt both curious and fearful of the advanced human aliens from the Commonwealth. The Star Commonwealth of Planets was a union of 24 planets across 26 star systems containing 38 billion advanced human beings. Unlike other advanced races, the Commonwealth was willing to share knowledge. They offered accelerated scientific and medical advancement as part of an alliance.
But they wanted many things in return. Some demands were usual and expected. Others were just plain weird. First and foremost, they wanted Jack O'Neill along with access to his military's leadership and experts. That demand had been satisfied. They established an Embassy on Earth and had built one for Earth in their Capital. So far so good. The Commonwealth wanted to conduct scientific research on Earth. That was understandable. They wanted to take samples of flora and fauna for propagation. That too was understandable. But other demands were weird and some were dangerous. They wanted access to study Ancient technology at the Ancient Outpost in Antarctica and on Atlantis. That could be done in time, but they could have ulterior motives. The aliens believed that any alliance had to be secured through marriage. The weird part was the tremendous numbers involved. The dangerous requests involved excavations under religious ruins, building orbital docking stations, and constructing solar system defense networks. And no one could stop them. In truth, the alien leader held the fate of the planet in her hands.
At tonight's gathering, worries about threats to personal safety were useless. But, the crowd's excitement and fear were palpable. Earth authorities could not contain these folks. The aliens could come and go at will. They had bugged everything worthwhile on the planet. And they made it clear they had read anything and everything stored electronically. The aliens had demonstrated that they could take anyone from Earth at any time. In fact, the aliens had abducted many people they found infested by Goa'uld symbiotes. They could determine from orbit that specific individuals on the planet were infested. It was frightening yet awe-inspiring. To their credit, the Commonwealth forces had released those persons as soon as the symbiotes were removed. This night, Secret Service Agents and Special Forces troops took positions around the perimeter of the room. More were outside. Defense forces stood at the ready all over Washington. Everyone had seen too many science fiction movies about treacherous aliens. In reality, Earth-based terrorist threats were more worrisome. Whether there was any greater threat tonight than usual was debatable.
It was time to receive Lady Anna. President Hayes gave the order for the assembly to move into the East Room from the Center and Cross Halls. President Hayes stood beneath the portrait of George Washington. Secret Service men stood around him ready to pull him out the door if trouble ensued. A signal to the President told him the aliens wished to arrive. He looked around at the tense faces. "Listen up, everyone. I want to thank you all for coming tonight. Normally, I would not want so many of us here in one spot. However, you all know it's useless to worry about it with these folks. I just got the signal. General O'Neill has just told us everything is in order."
President Hayes took a deep breath. "Tell them to come." Gun bolts slammed, zats were readied, and sharpshooters took aim. A bright light deposited Lord Aaron, the current Ambassador to Earth. The crowd gasped. Most of them had only heard of this transporter in science fiction shows. The Ambassador bowed to the President and intoned the introduction. All the titles, honors, and heritage of Lady Anna were announced. He bowed and stood aside awaiting her arrival. The President gave his permission. In all her regal splendor, Lady Anna arrived on the arm of Major General Jack O'Neill, standing tall in all his decorated glory.
Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter sat in the living room of her brother's house in San Diego, California. His family gathered around the television set for the President's broadcast of the momentous event. Ever since the Stargate became public, Mark had a special pride in his sister. And he had new appreciation for his father's courage to become a Tok'ra. It was sad that Jacob wasn't here tonight. It was almost too much to comprehend. Mark continued to marvel that his very own sister traveled the stars. He kept stealing glances at her. Apparently, she was transfixed by something on the screen.
"Are you sorry you didn't go, Sam?" Mark wondered at her intense focus. "Sam? Is something wrong?"
"What? Oh, no Mark. Everything is fine. General O'Neill wants to protect me by keeping me away from the cameras. He says someone should still have a life." Sam watched Jack escort that woman before the whole world. Jack was right not to trust her. She was more dangerous than anyone knew. And he seemed to be getting wrapped up in her act. This one was worse than Hathor. Not just the men were overcome with her. Sam looked over at her sister-in-law gaping at the proceedings. Judging by her reaction, Earth was in a heap of trouble.
In one voice, the crowd in the East Room of the White House gasped, then murmured. All their fears seemed so silly looking at that frail and beautiful woman standing with a distinguished, handsome, and tall Air Force general. The Lady was gorgeous. Clearly, she was wary about them. She leaned closer to General O'Neill. His finely chiseled features were a stoic mask. But, his expression softened as he looked down and said something softly to her. Then he indicated she should walk with him towards the President. She hesitated, looking up at him for reassurance. In that moment, the crowd fell in love with her.
President Hayes seized the moment to greet Lady Anna by moving swiftly past his guards. The two regarded each other. Then, the President held out his hand. By previous agreement through ambassadors, Lady Anna agreed to be touched by the President on the hand to accommodate local customs. Up to this point, Lady Anna had permitted only O'Neill to touch her. She looked at the hand and steeled herself mentally. Normally, no one offered to touch a royal person. But Jack had prepared her. Still it took an effort. She offered her right hand without taking her left from Jack's arm. The President had been warned to be very gentle with her. So he held his hand steady and waited. She placed it lightly in his and met his gaze. The crowd burst into applause. Everyone laughed a little in relief. Hayes gave his best campaign smile for the cameras. The moment was recorded for history. President Hayes went down in history as the first President to publicly greet people from another world. That ought to be good for a second term, he thought.
"She doesn't look like an alien." Mrs. Kinsey said to her husband the former Vice-President. Kinsey resigned under pressure during Anubis' attack two years ago. Publicly he cited health reasons. She knew he had been infested with some parasite. And now he was fine. So, Bob Kinsey wanted to return to government service. "She's really quite pretty. And so delicate, too, my, my." Mrs. Kinsey was fascinated with the fabulous jewels Lady Anna wore. "She looks like a human being, Bob."
"Don't kid yourself. She is an alien. And she is a very dangerous alien, my dear. Don't let her act fool you." Kinsey sipped his scotch and brooded. He had not been invited for obvious reasons. But what really angered him was seeing O'Neill standing there receiving the glory. That man had proceeded recklessly against all his best advice. O'Neill nearly got Earth destroyed several times. He had unleashed powerful enemies against this planet. And now, that fool was consorting with a much more insidious enemy. The writing was on the wall. O'Neill was compromised, again. It was obvious to Kinsey. That woman wanted to conquer Earth. The Stargate should have been buried and now it was out in the open. Well, we'll see about that, thought Kinsey. We'll see about that. He downed his drink.
Lady Anna regarded the old man standing before her, speaking the formal words of greeting. She wanted to run. How could it be possible that this was the leader of the planet? He was a shabby spectacle in one of those awful black and white suits. And he smelled like an old man. Didn't these primitives all know about hygiene? Lord O'Neill did. And this reception was little better than something she once attended in a dirty old castle on that world where she learned how to shoot a bow and arrow. Anna could taste the dust and mold in the air along with the phenomenal dampness. How did people live like this? Thank goodness her ambassador warned her to take nasal desensitizers. But she kept her gaze fixed at the man greeting her and managed a smile.
President Hayes knew how to press the flesh and when not to. From the moment he saw Lady Anna's eyes, he knew she expected to be treated as a royal person without any excuses. So he switched into his most formal behavior. He spoke softly to Lady Anna so only she and O'Neill could hear.
"My Lady, I would like to ask you to receive our most important visitors, now. While they do not represent all the peoples you do, here they are important. Will you consent to accept their greetings?" President Hayes saw her thaw a bit. Good. She would be reasonable.
"Mr. President, I am grateful for your kind consideration in asking me. I would be honored to meet your important persons." She hesitated. A look at her ambassador reassured her. He had handled the arrangements for this audience. "Please, Mr. President, I would prefer not to shake hands with so many men." She used her eyes to indicate the crowd.
"I understand. Ma'am, would you consent to sit with me while we receive our guests?" The President received a small smile and a nod for that one. Good. He was on the right track. From that point on, President Hayes played the diplomat extraordinaire.
Lady Anna was a diplomat too. After three months dealing with General O'Neill, her expectations of his people were lowered. So long as anyone made an attempt at courtesy, she was content. Looking around the room, Anna felt sorry for these people. According to Jack, this was the President's palace. It was a Spartan dilapidated room. The furnishings were few. And those were shabby and old. It had no charm. Maybe she could give them a new palace. If they didn't have the ability to do better, there was no sense in beating a dead issue. She resigned herself to whatever would happen tonight. If my king only knew what I did to serve him, she thought to herself. Mentally, she sighed. Outwardly, she beamed a smile at Lord O'Neill.
The Secretary General of the United Nations watched the event in his New York penthouse. He was not invited. The obvious insult made bile rise in his throat. The doorbell rang again. More delegates and ambassadors arrived. Something had to be done about this situation. The great powers could not be expected to share. Even on the Atlantis expedition, only select nations were invited to participate. The International Oversight Committee was a paper tiger. It had no real power anymore, not since these aliens arrived. The Secretary shared the opinions of the rest of the men in this room. The aliens had to be stopped.
The men sitting around the television watched the events in disgust and alarm. The aliens had compromised the Americans. Just look at that fool general posturing with that unholy creature. It looked like a woman. Who knew what it really was? They did know one thing. The aliens showed up in impossibly advanced and tremendously large space ships. Now why would anyone do that if they were not scouting the situation as a prelude to invasion? No one could see those ships anymore. The President said they had gone away. But look at how that creature just appeared. Something was in orbit. Which was more disturbing, knowing where they were or knowing where they probably weren't? Or maybe the most disturbing aspect was the simple fact the aliens were here. All of them agreed on one point, the aliens should be encouraged to leave, before it was too late. Pressuring the Americans would be the most expedient route. The question tonight was how extreme should be the pressure.
Lady Anna forced herself to sit through the interminable introductions. At least the handshaking was not required. Allowing men to grasp her hand was a great torture to her. So many men before, and one in particular, had broken her bones in the process. After the President presented his minions, he made a welcoming speech. Then, he asked Lady Anna to make a statement. Lady Anna rose and thanked him and each of his officials for their kind greetings and warm welcome. She praised Lord O'Neill for having the courage and foresight to go forth into the unknown. She thanked the President for trusting her with his people. Her speech spoke of the future and her hope for humanity's progress. She thanked the President for his hospitality. Then she said the unexpected.
"Mr. President, I wish to apologize to you." The crowd murmured in surprise.
President Hayes smiled at her. "For what, My Lady?"
"Mr. President, we did your world an injury when we arrived. We did not know that your Stargate was a secret. In our haste to find our great hero, General O'Neill, it never occurred to us his great deeds were not known to your peoples. We should have been more cautious and circumspect. For this we offer our apology and ask for forgiveness." Lady Anna spoke softly and humbly. Jack was surprised by her sincerity. He did not expect this from her. Just when he thought he had her pegged, she amazed him again.
"Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate your understanding of our situation." President Hayes wondered where this was heading. "It wasn't your fault."
"Mr. President, thank you for your forgiveness." She nodded thoughtfully. "We shall strive to understand more about your great peoples. Let us come to know each other as friends." Everyone applauded. Lady Anna waited for the crowd to settle down. Anna spoke again. "Mr. President, we would like to ask you for permission to present to you His Majesty's gifts. May I send for them?" Even though this presentation had been cleared in advance, President Hayes hesitated. It would not do to let the world think he wasn't concerned about the aliens. "I would ask My Lord General to stand close to me that he might guard your own honored self. For I would not want my host to think I planned something untoward."
"Please, go ahead, ma'am. No one thinks such a thing." In fact, everyone thought exactly that. Hammond had personally overseen security preparations. He knew what to expect. President Hayes had been briefed that these people set a great importance to giving gifts. He was uneasy anyway. Lady Anna returned to her seat next to the President. O'Neill took his position behind her and to her right. The crowd became restless. Each person imagined the worst.
Lady Anna nodded to her Ambassador. A flash of light deposited a floating pillow with a tiny, jeweled box on top. One of her ladies arrived next to it. "Mr. President, we would like to express our appreciation of the gentle arts to you. We would like to offer to you a music box." Anna nodded to her attendant. The box and pillow floated forward to the Lady. The crowd murmured loudly in agitation. Anna opened the tiny box to display its contents. An even smaller cube barely 4mm across resided in a mount. She made the presentation saying, "this box is from a talented people who have researched music from across the galaxy. We have included 500 million selections from ancient to modern masters for your contemplation."
Everyone in the room wondered if it were really a delayed reaction bomb. But, President Hayes smiled and accepted the box. "How does it work, ma'am?" He saw no switches. "Did you say 500 million selections, in this little thing?" He was amazed. Even the Goa'uld used large crystals to store data. The science involved with this offering was mind blowing.
"Mr. President, speak gently and kindly to the box. For if you shout or are rude, then it will not play. Sometimes, if you offend it, you will have to apologize until it decides to accept." There were general murmurs of disbelief and amusement. "Ask it politely for the type of music, with or without lyrics, specify tempo, or any other description you would care to make. It can sort according to your parameters. Shall I demonstrate?" Lady Anna waited for his permission. Everyone in the room was curious. "Gentle Music Box, please play for me a happy song with lyrics about love, in an average volume adjusting for the contour of this room. Select one of your short selections in the modern category, with full orchestra and display to the audience the notes with the words and related images as you progress, placing the title, name of the vocalist, and author where all can read it in English. Begin, please."
The box began to play a delightful song about three minutes long. The entire room could hear and see each note from any location. Colorful images danced around the room in three dimensions. When it ended, no one spoke. Anna looked around wondering what had happened. She looked at the President who sat there staring at it then her. So she looked up at Jack who was hovering on her right.
Jack smiled back at her. In his best Homer Simpson voice, Jack exclaimed, "Exxxxcellent! We'll take a dozen." And then he looked around in satisfaction. No one reacted. "What?" Applause came hesitantly and then enthusiastically.
On Lady Anna's world, there was less enthusiasm among the noble clan for Lord O'Neill's arrival. His three months with Lady Anna in plain view had shaken the status quo. But the ploy worked. Now they had to deal with the situation of the imminent attack by the Goa'uld and their allies the Wannabes. Now the tide was turning and they didn't like it one bit.
"With respect, Princess, I must disagree." Duchess Leah, the Matriarch of the Bright Water Clan sat opposite Princess Ellen, the Matriarch of the Royal Family's clan. "Our understanding of the Holy Writings differs from your own honored opinion." The use of the word opinion questioned Ellen's authority but only just to the line. The Duchess was too careful to cross the line.
"Then, what would you have from me this day, Duchess?" Ellen was tired. This interview was not about reasoning out a solution.
"Most Royal Princess, pardon me for my straightforward answer. I see you are tired. So I shall attempt to plead my case concisely to your wisdom." Duchess Leah knew nothing would be settled today. "We seek to accommodate His Majesty, the King, in all things. Yet, we lack the understanding to know just what he would permit." There, that left the door open for a proposal.
"Your quest is less about what he will permit, I fear, than what you desire." Ellen had had enough. "Why come to me when you know your course?"
"But that is just the problem. We all seek the King's wisdom so we may set our course to do our duty." Duchess Leah was fishing. So far, she had caught nothing, not even a nibble. Ellen was asserting her own authority today. Another demonstration would change her attitude.
"We all know our duty to our King, Your Grace." Ellen gave the duchess a stern look. "Perhaps you would care to withdraw to consider your duty further." The Duchess rose and bowed to the Princess. Ellen did not acknowledge the gesture, but turned back to the fireplace in contemplation. Things were worse than she had realized. This woman was actually insolent to her. Anna was in even more danger. The Duchess would act precipitously, now.
Meanwhile, on Earth, the President's reception for Lady Anna had the guests stumped. The advancements, the knowledge, the power exhibited under the guise of presents wasn't missed by anyone. It was exciting, awe inspiring, and downright scary. President Hayes looked at the innocuous gift of a tiny music box and understood perfectly the message it sent. It said, we are way way smarter than you are. Watch out! But to Lady Anna is was a rare and priceless gift befitting an exchange between extremely important people. She was mystified by his reaction. First contact could be so problematic.
"Mr. President, this gift, it is pleasing?" The Lady wondered if he understood the significance of such a rare gift. Ah, she thought, they just want weapons. Too bad they cannot be happy with our gentle sentiments tonight. She kept a pleasant expression on her face. Inside, she wondered what she was doing with these dolts. That box was exquisite and rare. "Mr. President, I would like to describe this box. Only the people who made it know how it was done. And they rarely let one out of their possession. They wanted to give it to our Lord General Jack O'Neill in appreciation for all he has done. But when they learned he does not accept any gifts at all, they asked to send it to his people of the Holy Mother Planet. My Lord President, they offered their very best example."
"Oh, um, we are just so overwhelmed, ma'am." The President began. "We've never seen anything like it. I mean we have the beginnings of voice recognition, but that was, it was, so much more. It has compositions from all over the Galaxy? Your knowledge is impressive." President Hayes shook his head and took the box in his hands carefully. "Thank you. On behalf of the citizens of this country, we accept." Applause was perfunctory. Very few realized what had been offered. Only a few considered the new possibilities for Earth. Most were disappointed.
"May I proceed, Mr. President?" He agreed. Lady Anna clapped her hands. A bright light brought three of her ladies who stood next to a large ornately carved container. The crowd shuffled to accommodate the ladies in the center of the room. Anxiety levels came down as the women bowed to Lady Anna and the President. These were not the actions of an aggressor. Still, they were aliens.
"Mr. President, we would continue to express our appreciation of the human imagination. The first gift was music. This one is art. We have a fondness for something we call 'motion art.' With your kind permission, Lady Elizabeth will demonstrate. She is quite adept."
The young woman bowed to the President and her Lady. She took up two gloves from the front and back of the box. Then she opened the container. Out flew many colorful pieces in different shapes. The crowd became alarmed. Lady Anna smiled reassuringly at her host. He managed a weak smile back. The lights dimmed and the woman began conducting the pieces into various formations. She added variations in light and color. Then music started from nowhere. It was beautiful. One of the pieces came close enough for O'Neill to reach for it. But it fluttered away and teasingly came back to him. He was entranced. Everyone chuckled as it continued to tease him. Actually, Lady Elizabeth was controlling it. Jack smiled and said, "Ok, I give up." Everyone had a good laugh. At the end of the performance, the objects returned themselves into the box. Lady Elizabeth replaced the gloves and floated the present forward for inspection.
"Whoa, there! That's close enough." The President approached the box cautiously. "How do you do that? The floating trick?" He grinned and touched it gingerly.
"Magnets, sir. They use magnets." Jack opined knowingly. "They put magnets on the box and..." He ran out of explanation. Jack glanced over at Daniel, his eyes pleading for Daniel to say something. Daniel put his hand to his eyes and thought. Before he could answer, the Lady interjected.
"Well, you are correct, My Lord General." Lady Anna rescued him. His eyes danced and he preened. "The anti-gravitation units are a form of magnet." She beamed a smile at him.
"I knew that," Jack delivered it with a straight face. He looked around to see if anyone bought it. Hammond just snorted and shook his head. Been there, done that, he thought. Jack was such a hot dog sometimes.
The staff in Windsor Castle had the television on for the big show at the White House. Curiosity abounded. Alien royalty would be received on Earth. Everyone wondered what this woman would be like. From all reports, this Lady Anna was descended from her reigning King. Rumor had it she was rich beyond belief. One look at her jewels confirmed it. She was gorgeous and young. The adults present exchanged knowing looks. In their estimation, it was a certainty the Queen would host the Lady. After all, their Prince William was an eligible bachelor. Who knew? If things worked out, maybe the old saying that "the Sun never sets on the British Empire" could be changed to "the Suns never set on the British Empire?"
Lady Anna continued her presentation. "Mr. President, My Lords, Gentle Folk, we wish to express our appreciation for allowing us the privilege of sojourning with you for a time. We would like to begin our exchange of knowledge. In that spirit, we would like to present to your people literature from an ancient text. We took this scroll with us from Earth so long ago. This scroll was made before the time of our people's abduction from this planet. It is fitting that we return it to you that it may be read again on the Holy Mother Planet. We believe the words are still relevant."
Lady Anna signaled the woman in the front to open the container's four sides and lid. Floating on the platform in a transparent container was a very old looking scroll, slanted upwards for better view. The container began to rotate very slowly in mid-air so all could view it. "President Hayes, it is our privilege to present to your people a gift from my personal collection. This scroll is two thousand five hundred and thirty-seven years old. We have dated it to the year we left Earth. It is opened to the Ten Commandments." The crowd ahhhed.
The Lady turned to him and bowed her head in respect. Then, she resumed her pose forward. "Our presents of music, art, and literature speak to our commitment to learning. We had the pleasure of hosting our Lord General Jack O'Neill and his staff for the last three months. Only through contact can we hope to understand and to learn from one another. It is our hope that our great peoples will find their way together peacefully for all of time. Even as we look forward, we remember the past. That which we have in common unites us. Our differences when studied give us new knowledge. Appreciating those differences is our strength. Sharing knowledge is the greatest gift of all."
Lady Anna brought to bear all her presence, her charisma, and her gravitas as a time honored leader of billions. The assembly felt her power. When she spoke every person listened. "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. We must change. Or, we shall surely be prey again for other aggressive races, such as the Goa'uld. I swear to you these words, Never Again!"
The applause was deafening.
In the alien Capital city, a group of men convened to discuss the most pressing issue of the day. The fate of society hung in the balance. These men represented the highest-ranking elders, who served in a religious capacity. The news they had received compelled them to consider how to apply The Law. They had to decide how to meet out justice to the Judge of the People. With this war she started, that abomination of a woman had challenged the Will of God. And being a woman, she had no business settling the affairs of God. It was a matter of the lesser of two evils. None of them had any doubt which one to choose.
The conclave of elders called in the man who would meet out that justice. He bowed reverently before them. They gave him their instructions. And then they asked if he had any questions. He had only one, what to do if Lord O'Neill were in the way. The answer was whatever was necessary. None of the elders wanted to know the details. They would not be the ones to commit murder. The sin was on this man before them. If their plan were successful, then God had judged it correct.
At the White House, the Ambassadors of the Gate Alliance Treaty countries exchanged worried glances at each other. The French, British, Russian, and Chinese ambassadors were upset. This gift was a declaration of intent. There was no room for interpretation. The aliens were never going to leave. And, they wanted Earth to join their union. To the Commonwealth, God's laws united humanity.
The Joint Chiefs stared in horror. The Commonwealth just declared the annexation of Earth. These officers had sworn to defend their country and now the planet. This statement of intent just threw high explosives on the fire of regional discontent. She intended more than just an alliance. She had to be stopped.
The Congressional leaders swelled with pride. These gifts and this speech served to validate the belief system of the vast majority of conservative Americans. Fundamental values just took center stage. All the 'red' states would unite behind the leaders who supported the 'moral majority.' The liberals were undermined because billions of humans across the galaxy knew the Truth. A new surge of faith would sweep the country and the rest of the world. Conservative representatives would sweep next year's elections.
The legal minds of the government from the Supreme Court to the Judicial Branch to the Cabinet were uncomfortable. Separation of Church and State was basic to American thinking. Here were people who made no distinction. In fact, they had an agenda. It appeared to them that the aliens were insisting on their religion as law. Although many laws in American found their roots in the Bible, respect for other viewpoints was the bedrock of this society. Theocracy was anathema. This declaration of intent posed a fundamental problem to their legal system.
President Hayes was stunned. He understood the significance of what was offered. The Commonwealth gave the best they had to give. Instead of offering weapons, they offered the highest ideals of their society. They acknowledged common ground. These people were trying to tell them their true thoughts. They were from Earth. And they were another nation of Earth. And they would defend the Earth. Thirty-eight billion human beings just rejoined the peoples of Earth. At that moment, President Hayes knew Earth would never be the same. Only a fool would ignore the message.
Dr. Daniel Jackson could hardly contain himself. General O'Neill saw him fairly bouncing trying to see the scroll. Typical Daniel, thought Jack. Daniel couldn't wait to get his hands on the artifact and examine it for himself. His curiosity was all consuming. Lady Anna supported an entire Museum of Antiquities. She must have gotten it from there. What an interesting archaeological find. Think of the comparisons to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Think of the debates among research academics. Think of the new avenues of research to be had in the vaults of the Commonwealth museums. Wow. Scholars would be discussing this for years and years. It was a priceless artifact. This was a great present. And best of all they were offering to share their knowledge and form an alliance. This was a great evening.
Jack met Anna's eyes. She smiled at him. He saw the hope in her eyes and in her expression. She was looking to see if he approved. As smart as Anna was, she had no idea what she just started. Jack knew she had tried to give hope through a grand alliance with the Commonwealth. She wanted to join forces and share knowledge. Oy. It was gonna bite her in the ass.
Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell sat in his Grandma's house eating his second piece of apple pie. No one could cook like her. And no one's grandma could bible thump like her. She stood in front of the television quoting scripture and mocking the proceedings at the White House honoring Lady Anna, the alien.
"Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first...Book of Matthew... 19:30." Grandma Mitchell shook her fist at the officials preening before the cameras. "You say you know the alien, boy?"
Cam nodded with his mouthful. He swallowed from the glass of milk. "Yes, ma'am. I told you. I just spent three months with her and her people. Grandma, you would like her. She quotes Scripture as well as you."
The look on Grandma Mitchell's face told him he was an idiot. "Hosting an alien, well, it isn't natural. I tell you it isn't natural, and that's all I am going to say about it. It isn't natural." She turned back to the screen and was quiet for a few moments. But when she got a look at Lady Anna and her jewels she announced, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Grandma turned on Cam and challenged him to cite the chapter and verse.
"Matthew chapter 19 verse 24. See now, you thought I wouldn't know that. Gotcha, Grandma." He shoved another forkful of pie in his mouth grinning.
Grandma was appeased. That is until Lady Anna produced the Ten Commandments on an ancient scroll from the time of the Old Testament. Her jaw flopped open so hard her upper dentures dropped out and clattered away on the hardwood floor. Not a pretty sight. Grandma dropped down on her knees and praised the Lord for the signs of the Second Coming. Cam just held his head in his hands knowing he was looking at a train wreck happening right before him on the living room floor.
In that moment, one of the guards turned his assault rifle on General O'Neill screaming about his god, Ba'al ordering O'Neill's death. Bullets flew. People dived for cover. Return fire by a sharp shooter killed the assailant. But the damage was done. Lady Anna had covered herself and O'Neill with her personal shield. But the President was down. Blood drenched his clothes and the carpet. The whole thing happened in a split second on live broadcast. Chaos ensued.
Sources: http/ James Bible: Mat 19:30, Mat 19:24.
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