Chapter 6 Plots Within Plots
For the first time in her life, Babs Hayes didn't know what to say. Babs racked her brain for something to say. Nothing came to mind. An alien sat at her Thanksgiving dinner. For once, this politician's wife couldn't make small talk. So, she did the only thing she could. She ate. Fortunately, her husband was very animated, keeping the conversation flowing. And what conversation! They talked about running around on spaceships, visiting other planets, blowing things up, and meeting other aliens.
The whole time, Babs kept imagining purple tentacles emerging from the Lady to bring the wine glass or grab a bread roll. Lady Anna noticed and gave her a small smile. Babs felt like deer caught in the headlights. Lady Anna looked at Jack with an amused expression. Like a mantra, all Babs could think was, 'There's an alien at my table.'
"Ma'am, we should adjourn to speak privately," President Hayes pushed away from the table after the pumpkin pie, an absolute must for a Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone stood up at that cue. The President guided his guest through the doors of the State Dining Room to the adjoining Red Room of the White House. In the 19th Century it was the First Lady's drawing room. The Red Room is decorated in red fabric on the walls and red French Empire style fabric on the furniture. The furniture is from 1810-1830 in the American Empire style with many curves and gilt. Motifs of dolphins, acanthus leaves, lion's heads, and sphinxes are carved into the legs and arms. Lady Anna took a seat by the fireplace where Angelica Van Buren's portrait hangs over the mantle. In contrast to the large formal East Room, the Red Room has been a place for quiet conversation throughout the years.
Lady Anna looked at it and thought it was underdone. But so much was here. These were a poor people indeed. Yes, she'd think about giving him a new palace furnished correctly. However, her face was a mask of diplomatic propriety. It wouldn't do to offend them over such trifles.
"Ma'am, I would like to thank you for your patience with us. It cannot be easy for you to be here under such trying circumstances. I hope that our unfortunate beginning can be overcome with this joint operation." President Hayes was warming up. "I confess we are curious about your perspective on this problem. Would you be kind enough to explain to us how you would like to proceed? We would like to hear your ideas before we offer our own. For example, we do not have an adequate understanding of your resources here. Yet, we are aware that you have many."
Lady Anna took a moment to compose her answer. The security here was pitiful even with all the devices she had given them. "Mr. President, I thank you for your kindness in offering to work together under difficult circumstances. I would like to ask your permission to activate my own jamming device." Hayes nodded. She placed a device on the table and activated it. Lady Anna indicated to her aide that she should leave them to speak in private.
"Mr. President, I would like to hear all your questions first so I may formulate the best response. Please, continue." Hayes was surprised. But thinking it over, maybe they could cover some ground quickly. He took out his notes and began.
"Ma'am, with all due respect, we have to wonder what you want with us." He looked up for a reaction. There was none. "You have more ability to protect yourself than we do. So why did you pick Earth? And, I must ask of you, God forbid, what will happen to us if you die here? What reprisals can we expect?" Hayes paused. She still had no reaction. "I have to consider the safety of the general populace and weigh the risk against the reward. What are you offering to us to make this all worthwhile?" Hayes removed his glasses and waited expectantly.
Well, so much for polite speeches. This man was direct. I can do direct. Lady Anna considered his questions and how to formulate a soothing response. The questions were not even remotely original. And they lacked vision. Such matters should be handled by our subordinates. At this level, our time should be spent discussing a joint vision for the future of his people.
She was disappointed in this man. He was supposed to be the great leader of O'Neill's people.
How to turn the primitives away from their fears was the problem. But primitives were always afraid. The mob was having quite a temper tantrum today. Obviously, he had to be able to produce something to show for all this turmoil. Sad, this politician had to answer to the mob. Pity, his authority was in question. Ok, I can handle this.
The one thing she had learned in her long life was not to answer the questions asked but to answer the ones you wish had been asked.
"Mr. President, you are indeed wise to consider the implications of my presence among you. I would not expect you to agree lightly to this endeavor. Like you, we understand that the safety and security of our people is our first duty." Anna gave him a smile. He returned it. Diplomacy was a dance.
"I would like to reassure you concerning my intentions. It is my policy to protect Earth and to promote Earth's development." She paused to see his reaction. He looked confused.
"Your policy, ma'am? I thought you are an ambassador."
"Sir, I am the only person in our government willing to underwrite this effort." She sat back and watched his comprehension grow.
Hayes was not sure he heard correctly. She was setting Commonwealth policy? What was this about 'underwriting' development efforts here? Before he could formulate his question, she continued.
"And, in the interest of the future friendship of our peoples, I would like to work with the existing authorities on this world. Hopefully, working with local authorities and their experts will increase the effectiveness of our joint operation and provide us the basis for future understandings."
"My Lady Anna, forgive me for my confusion, but are you saying that you can make this policy independent of the Great Council and the King?" He waited for confirmation.
"I report only to His Majesty the King. While he provides our collective vision, he leaves the military details to me." Anna eyed him carefully to see if he could understand that the King didn't care one way or another what she did with Earth.
"Military? I thought when you said Earth's development it was wider in scope. But military capabilities are most welcome and needed."
Anna couldn't believe his limited ideas. He had no vision. He had no grand strategy for the development of his people let alone the whole planet. He was a provincial administrator. And here SHE was dealing with the likes of him. She was a leader of BILLIONS. She commanded resources he could not even imagine. If the situation were not so grave, this interview would be ended.
"Furthermore, Mr. President, I am expending my own resources to fund Earth's development program."
She saw him react in surprise. This meeting was so sad. What a wasted opportunity for them both. He still had no idea who or what she was. He didn't have a clue what she was offering. They should not be dealing with subjects best left to subordinates. Well, deal with what he could understand and get this over with. Fears, their fears were consuming them. Fine.
"You ask about the repercussions to your people should I have an accident here. If I die here, my heirs may not feel so inclined."
A powerful statement indeed, could she be telling the truth? President Hayes looked at her with new eyes. Those resources represented tremendous wealth and power. If she were that powerful, then why did she need this charade of Earth's protection? For that matter why did she insist on O'Neill as her personal protector? He understood plenty now about whom he was facing. The reports on her didn't do her justice. She wasn't out of power. She was making a power play.
"Ma'am, we are unfamiliar with all the nuances of your society. May I ask you for clarification about your personal interest here?" She nodded. "Ma'am, I can't help but wonder why you would go to the effort. What is so important here that is worth such an investment and so much risk to you?"
Hayes realized much more was at work here than he had previously imagined. But a person with that much wealth and power was not easily dissuaded from getting whatever she wanted.
"Mr. President, I am here to make a gesture to O'Neill's people. We are grateful for the assistance you have provided us so far. After accepting your experts' recommendations, our military actions are yielding great results. The enemy is in chaos. And we have bought more time to complete our efforts to protect ourselves. Just as importantly for me, by following your experts' advice, I have undermined my opponents. The great success and low death toll of our actions caused my opponents to lose the moral validity of their position. Support for my policies grows every moment. And that is why my opposition are acting precipitously. So, in a way, I am here as a direct result of your faith and generosity. And I would most gratefully acknowledge Lord O'Neill's most honorable assistance."
"Your praise is overwhelming, ma'am. We are pleased to receive such appreciation and gratitude. You are kind to tell me so." Hayes realized she was quite the politician. "But what I still don't understand, My Lady Anna, is what is so special about O'Neill? We have many military men who have a similar background. Forgive my directness, but he is just a man not the icon you have built."
Good heavens, these people were direct. But, it did save time. And she wanted an end to this tedious little man's impertinence. Anna smiled a knowing smile.
"Of course you are correct, My Lord President. Originally, I believed he gave me a psychological advantage and so did others." Anna lowered her eyes so he could not read her. No one here could know just how important O'Neill really was. "Now, after three months, I have learned to trust him. I trust him to act honorably. From my position, that trust is probably the most important issue." She raised her eyes to meet his gaze. Hiding behind the truth had always served her well. "For that reason, I most humbly thank you for allowing him to grant me his personal protection while I am here."
While Lady Anna had her meeting with the President, Jack took the opportunity to go back to his apartment in Virginia. He hadn't been home for three months. His mail went to a Pentagon address. The junk among it promptly went to a burn box. A courier had brought the important stuff to him while he was away. Most of his finances were paid by automatic payments by the bank. There wasn't much he had to do here. Jack had the urge just to stay. But, time was short on this visit. Jack had to return to the White House. From the briefing on the way over, he knew he would not be spending any time in his apartment for a long while. The Lady asked him to keep it because someone would check it out. That visit would be an enemy's first and last mistake. Anyway, the place was paid up for a year in advance, courtesy of the Pentagon. After all, it was part of a military op.
Jack opened a beer and surveyed the scene. He knew he could not take anything with him. But did he want to keep anything in storage, just in case the place had an accident? Interesting question. So he called in the aide and ordered all the personal mementos boxed up. The clothes had already been duplicated. So it was just the furniture and household goods. He decided he would be entitled to new things if the place went up in flames. Jack gave instructions to sell the truck and the furniture. Then he told the aide to rent furnishings and bill the Pentagon. The aide gave him the truck's pink slip to sign and that was the end of it. It was useless to him now. He'd probably just get blown up in it if he kept it. Jack wondered fleetingly what would happen to his cabin in Minnesota. No doubt she had it booby trapped too. In disgust, Jack finished the beer and left.
On the ride back to the White House, Jack pondered where they could start her defenses. Moving their location several times was a given. Her transporter simplified changing locations. Maybe she had something up her sleeve. She usually did. The enemy might know her well. They certainly didn't know him. Probably, the best place to hide was in the open. Interesting. He had a pretty good idea how to do that. With her 'toys' he should be able to construct a good defense. But making her take his lead would be another matter. Jack wondered how her meeting with the President was progressing.
Many people all over the world wondered the same thing. In town, the internet cafe was crowded as usual. The woman went to the desk and paid for an hour. She probably only needed twenty minutes, but you never knew. Every day she checked several online bulletin boards, porn sites, and various fan fiction websites. Losing oneself in cyberspace was a great tool. Today she found what she was looking for. With the clues in hand, she pieced together which places to find the rest. The woman logged off to use another location with a different anonymous server. If she stayed here, it would be too easy to connect the dots. At an internet cafe overseas, a serious young man saw the picture he needed. Embedded in the pixels of the picture was an encrypted message. He used his equipment to decode the message and receive his instructions. After he had logged off, he proceeded to buy a 'handy' and a calling card, as cell phones and the minutes to use them were known in Europe. The new cell phone would be used once and discarded. But then, that's all it took. He made his call and moved on. He had his work to do to take care of the problem posed by that American general and his alien whore.
At C.I.A. Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, the signals desk was extra busy. Traffic on the usual internet sites was way up after the White House disaster last night. But, NSA computers were able to correlate some special internet activity to other communications traffic. Something was on the move. Money moved. People moved. Spy satellites had their orbits adjusted. Move and countermove. It was time to use HumInt or rather Human Intelligence Assets. The Director was permanently on-call. Today, he knew several factions around the world were unhappy. Everyone expected traffic to be up after the debacle at the White House last night. Hate groups worked overtime in these situations. The usual terrorists worked their contacts as well. Some of them were real amateurs. They had no idea how easy it was to find their communications between the anonymous servers, which routed their messages. Others were more sophisticated. In those cases, Human Intel resources had to supplement counter-terrorism efforts. But the C.I.A. had problems attracting linguists from the right regions. That problem tended to slow things down. The call from the Signals Desk told him something unusual was afoot. He hung up the phone and went back to his guests. Thanksgiving Day would be the last time for a while he would have any quality time with the family.
In the White House, the meeting with Lady Anna continued. President Hayes realized that Lady Anna was a pro. She was also an incredibly intelligent and focused individual. Well she would have to be to survive in politics no matter her connections. Hayes had read how these people were much older than they appeared. It was just so disconcerting to see so young an appearance and remember to react appropriately to the reality of longevity. He wondered how old she really was. She probably came by her smarts because she lived and learned. He had to play catch up.
This was President Hayes' first opportunity to speak directly to a member of the ruling class of these aliens. He needed more clarification. What was her time frame, her purpose, her program, her resources to accomplish all that was promised? Or more correctly, what she demanded.
As Ambassador, her presence on Earth created civil unrest. All over the world, riots and demonstrations were causing casualties. People were not taking the presence of the aliens well. Since American had the opportunity to control the situation, he had better try. Somehow, he had to quell the chaos. Here and abroad, the media was roasting him alive. This meeting had to produce something he could present to the world, something tangible.
"Ma'am, as you are no doubt aware, the populace is agitated wondering what you are here to do. Please would you to define your mission? For example, at what point will you consider this operation ready for closure?" President Hayes knew plans change, but she must have a game plan. She did not answer. "Ma'am, can you give me an idea of a best-case/worst-case scenario?" Hayes pressed for information that had not been forthcoming in the meetings with her subordinates. They only had four days to plan all this.
"Mr. President, please forgive my bluntness, but your questions suggest you are having political difficulties. Are you truly able to give me your support?" Lady Anna was responding to his concerns about the unrest all over the world that day. "I need to know that you can survive your own opposition."
"Ma'am, if you are truly committed to protecting and advancing our planet, then yes, I am able to handle the politics here." Hayes was pretty sure she was in earnest. "Ma'am please, understand I mean no disrespect, but, I must have some idea about your plans. And, forgive me, but I must bring up the matter of your original list of, well, unusual demands on Earth. When you were here last, you made some unsettling requests. I need to know what you plan to do about them. Specifically, what is your intention about recovering the Ark of the Covenant from under the Temple Mount?" Ok, so he stepped into the fire with that one.
"Mr. President, we have already accomplished so much in such a short time. I am content that our friendship is mutually desired. Yet, we have no formal treaty." She let that fact sink in. At this point, she was not under any obligation past what she had done. And the Lady reminded him she had consistently kept her word to him. An oral agreement with her was binding. Hadn't he figured that out yet? "These matters are on the table and will not be removed before we do have one." Hayes did not like that answer and she knew it.
"However, my people's lives are long. And, we are patient." Anna decided to reinforce the idea that time was on their side. And she meant that the Commonwealth was not going away anytime soon. With meetings like this one, it would be many decades before these people could benefit from what she was offering. "Knowing now more about the situation on this world, I would like to assure you that we have no intention of doing anything to destabilize Lord O'Neill's people or incurring his wrath. Quite the contrary, we intend to make certain that O'Neill's people remain powerful and secure."
Now let's see if he understands my message.
Hayes was stunned. She specifically repeated the phrase, 'O'Neill's people.' In his book that mean the good old U.S. of A. What did she want to make such a desperate appeal to him? Again, The Lady was offering vital technology as bait again and he understood it. And she had evaded nearly every question. President Hayes took many minutes to respond. He had the impression that he could be agreeing to a pact with the Devil in a blue dress. Oh yes, she was really dangerous. Hayes reviewed what he knew before answering.
Would the powerful people of her opposition be any better? So far, this alien had spoken the truth. In every instance so far, Lady Anna had acted honorably. In addition, this powerful leader of so many seemed to have high regard for O'Neill, all out of proportion to the man. Earth had no way back on anyone else in her government. Nor did they have any contacts with other factions. She was a member of the legitimate government. If she were telling the truth, then she was the only member of that government who was interested in protecting the planet or willing to develop Earth. Hayes considered the bait. The woman knew how to go fishing in this pond.
Would any of Earth's other allies help if the Commonwealth invaded? The Asgaard made it clear they would not interfere in the affairs between human beings. For that matter, the Asgaard were unreliable allies on a good day. The Jaffa could not care less. And the Tok'ra had no ability or desire to intervene. Hayes went with his gut instinct. He decided to support her.
"Ma'am, I can see we shall be great friends and loyal allies."
In the asteroid belt of the Earth solar system, Lady Anna's construction crews worked overtime to finish the third delivery of system markers. The commander of the primary array detail checked the status of each subunit. Everything was on schedule. He sat back from his console. Unexpectedly, his assistant entered. He looked up in surprise. She held a special communication packet. He signed for it and waited until she left.
The commander expected the packet, just not this soon. Reaching in, he stopped before he pulled out his hand. Instead, he decided to leave it. Carrying the packet out of the office, he walked confidently to the shuttle pod he had prepared for this day. The Commander had personally "cleaned" this ship from any unwanted surveillance devices. Special equipment provided to him by his Lady assured the most advanced tools possible. He knew it was essential to keep the arrival of this message secret. Safely inside, the commander opened the paper note. VERY interesting, he thought. A little early, but, it could be done. Then he destroyed the note. The commander left the shuttle bay and casually went to check on the new shipments. There was work to do on the transporters. He would not sleep tonight.
While enjoying his time off on his homeworld of Chulak, Teal'c rose to give a hearty greeting to his friend, Rak'nor. The feast tonight for Teal'c was wonderful. It was good to be home. Chulak would always be home. The men here tonight had a special friendship. Talk of great deeds brought back exciting memories and bonded the men together again. For all the troubles forming the new Jaffa Nation, there was the immense satisfaction it had finally happened. That fact was due largely to Teal'c and Bra'tac.
"Tec Ma'te, my old friend. It is good to see you well." Teal'c was more relaxed than he had been in months. Instantly, he became aware that Rak'nor was there for a purpose.
"Teal'c we received word from the Tau'ri. Ba'al tried to kill O'Neill in his leader's palace." Rak'nor paused. "And that's not the worst of it. O'Neill's leader was injured. Teal'c, the Hak'taur leader was attacked at the same time." Teal'c and Bra'tac exchanged looks.
"O'Neill?" Teal'c asked immediately.
"He survived because the Hak'taur woman protected him. She threw herself between the assassin and O'Neill. She had some kind of shield. It was close. But they ask that you return. More assassins are on their way." Rak'nor looked at Bra'tac. "O'Neill asks us if we have any more information about ashraks on their way to Earth and Chulak. We know Ba'al has ordered ashraks to come against Teal'c. He knows Chulak is Teal'c's home. O'Neill asks that we use our contacts to find out anything we can about what Ba'al left on Earth. They think there are zatarcs among them." Rak'nor looked around the group. He knew most of these men. "Teal'c is at risk. Do this as much for him. We owe him everything." With that, the party was over. Teal'c gathered his things and departed under escort from the entire group.
Deception and dissembling were part of Lady Anna's plans for her opposition. Captain Amos, commander of Lady Anna's personal yacht the 'Benjamin,' opened another secured paper order. This much paper intrigued him. He knew that paper was untraceable. Lady Anna's note ordered him to take the yacht to a new set of coordinates. He was to make sure he was followed. And, he was to make certain that an innocuous shipment was sent to the planet at those coordinates. It should appear that it was to pass through that planet's Gate. There, others would demand to board the ship and search the record for where he had been and what was sent the planet. Amos was commanded to allow them to examine whatever they wished to see. During the search, Amos was to make sure that DNA samples of the search party were captured. The identification of the vessels involved should be a priority. He was to fix tracking devices to the outer hull of the ships in question. And he was to inject markers into the boarding party without their knowledge. How he managed to do it was left to him. Then, he was to send a trusted courier to another Gate address as written in the note with the results and the samples collected.
Afterwards, he was to take the ship to the wormhole Junction and meet a ship inside the wormhole. In the other ship, he would receive another set of paper instructions. The natural wormhole was a stable occurrence in that sector of the galaxy. It had several points of entry and exit. And it allowed a ship to traverse great distances in a short time. But unlike the Stargate wormhole, it was not an instantaneous journey. Inside the wormhole gravitational waves existed to ferry a ship, which if properly equipped, traveled rapidly through another dimension. The journey was usually untraceable. But, in that dimension, it was possible to meet another ship.
"Helm, set course to the following coordinates. Amos entered the destination. This should be interesting, thought the Captain. How did she know people would want to search the ship at that place? Amos sat taller with pride in his Lady. She must really trust him to assign him this task.
General Landry was back at the base after his Thanksgiving meal. Dr. Lam, his daughter, would not celebrate with him, so he went to the Officer's Club. It was a shame she still blamed him for her unhappy childhood. Well, Landry couldn't change her, so he pleased himself. With nothing else to do, he decided to see what new crisis awaited him. He was not disappointed.
Beaming into the base were the Commonwealth Embassy staff. The Lady was sending them elsewhere after the fiasco last night. Lady Anna was known for her swift actions against failure. So, there they were, baggage floating next to them. The unhappy lot shuffled and said little.
"Where are we sending them, Lieutenant?" The little sergeant was off for the holiday. His replacement looked overwhelmed.
"Sir, we are requested to send them here." The Lieutenant displayed the Gate address. "I have no idea what that means, but they are really unhappy down there. It isn't good." The seventh chevron locked and the wormhole engaged. Silently, the troop entered and was gone.
"She didn't waste any time, did she?" Landry was about to leave when the Gate activated again. "What now?"
"Probably Teal'c, sir. We have no teams off world today. Our messenger must have made contact. Here's his IDC, sir." Both men watched as Teal'c came through with Bra'tac. Landry hurried to greet the legendary old man.
"Greetings Master Bra'tac and welcome." Landry nodded to both Jaffa. "You are looking well. I didn't expect both of you. So, what can we do for you?"
"I have come to meet this Hak'taur woman. I would see for myself what kind of leader she is. For we have learned these people are no friends of the Jaffa." Bra'tac was an imposing figure of 142 years.
"We have received your message. It is most disturbing, General Landry." Teal'c acknowledged the summons. "I will show Master Bra'tac to the infirmary. While he is here, we shall re-supply him with Tretonin. When we are done, may we join you?" Landry gestured toward the door and smiled. The two Jaffa marched off.
Across the country the meeting with Lady Anna dragged on. Hayes sent for his staff as the topics became more complex. The President's Off-world Affairs Advisor, George Hammond was doing double duty today. He had his hands full with security issues and now as an advisor.
"Wait up, Jack." George Hammond strode down the Center Hall on his way to the conference in the Red Room. He wanted to speak to Jack before he got into the session. The two met outside the room. Speaking quietly, George addressed him.
"I wanted to speak to you. Jack, I don't believe her. She doesn't need us to protect her. What does she want here? I want your best opinion. And, I know it's just an opinion." He waited for Jack to formulate a response.
"I think she does want to stage a defense here. She usually says exactly what she means. And she means what she says. What we have to offer?" Jack shrugged. "Perhaps we are the wild card the other side doesn't expect. Anna thinks many moves ahead." O'Neill waited for Hammond to consider it. But Hammond shook his head, no. "I know it doesn't track. She has more toys than you would believe. And Anna has the nerve to turn and eat her opposition for lunch. I agree there is more to it. But Anna will mount a defense here."
"Anna. Do you call her that to her face?" O'Neill nodded yes. "She really has it for you. Jack, I have to ask, unofficially of course." He looked around to make certain no one was close by. Jack assumed a patient stance. "I need to know if anything has happened." Hammond left unsaid what he could not officially ask him. O'Neill gave him a dirty look. It was not an appealing prospect. She was probably old enough to be his grandmother. And there were...other reasons. "Ok, I had to ask, Jack. I don't have to tell you that it could backfire."
"Yes, sir." Jack gave the military's utilitarian response. He gave Hammond a hard look masking his emotions. But then, Hammond had a pretty good idea why Jack didn't like the question.
Together they walked towards the Red Room. General O'Neill entered the Red Room accompanied by his former boss. Glancing at the faces, Jack's attention settled on the President. The President indicated it was time to set the rules of engagement for the protection of Lady Anna. The two men accepted the invitation to sit and observe.
Normally, Hayes would leave these details to the appropriate departments. But, Lady Anna was such a special case. Diplomatic protocol demanded that the President personally interface with someone as important as the military leader of 26 star systems. Anything less would be a monumental insult. And this Lady had suffered enough insults, most recently last night at barrel end of a few dozen weapons. She had made it plain her interests were America's interests, and therefore Earth's, in that order no less. So he took charge of the meeting himself.
"Ma'am, we have had only five days to come up with a plan. But we have dealt with similar situations before. There have been other persons we have had to hide for their own protection or for ours. Our witness protection program works well for us. The key elements are total secrecy and compartmentalization of the information. So, even I will not know where you are at any given moment. But you will be in Jack's good hands. You two will leave together, blending in with the population as a couple as soon as we have finished our discussions."
"I don't understand, my lords." Lady Anna was confused. "You don't know where I am going except that I am going places with Lord O'Neill?" She looked at the President, then at Jack, then at Hammond and the other man in the suit from the foreign ministry. "This is your plan to protect me?" She was obviously dismayed. "I have been going everywhere with Lord O'Neill for three months now."
Isn't that the truth, thought Jack?
"Yes, ma'am. But by keeping where you are going a secret, you will be safer." Hayes had approved the plan earlier that day.
"But that's been the case for most of the last three months. We have been to secret places together. Most notably, we have been with your contractors on an ultra-secret military base." Lady Anna was perplexed. These statements made no sense.
"Ma'am, please hear us out. General O'Neill will be in contact with his team and they with us. When we have the situation ready, we can move you to a more stable environment."
Why was she dismayed? All she could do was shake her head no. Hayes felt this spiral out of control.
"In the meantime, you will pose as an ordinary American couple on a car trip."
"Ma'am, what is the problem? I know what I am doing. Now you wanted my personal protection, and I am giving it." Jack was irritated. "Didn't you ever go on a road trip? Well maybe not this way. Ok, it isn't going to be up to your standards, but you'll survive."
"No, sir." Anna's face was a stone mask. Of all the impertinence, these men were insane. What road trip? This whole expedition was a road trip.
"No, sir?" Jack couldn't believe his ears. "What?" She gave him a look that said be quiet. Directing her attention back to the President she continued.
"No. That is not the plan. I have no need to hide." Anna had no intention of becoming a local. Hiding was not what she would ever do. The rest of it was an unbelievable insult.
"What? I don't get it." Jack looked around for some help. "Look, if you don't want to do it, that's fine with me. I go home and watch the ball game." Then he saw her look. Uh oh. I knew it. She is such a control freak. "Ma'am, we can't be responsible for you if you don't do it our way. Now you asked for our help. You have to trust us at some point."
"Do you practice insulting me, Lord O'Neill? Or does it just come naturally?" Anna became the master strategist among them. She addressed herself to Earth's leader, President Hayes. She spoke gently and firmly. "I shall move about this world as myself for what I am. I am His Celestial Majesty's Ambassador for Earth Development. I shall meet with world leaders and important persons necessary for this program. You will assist my efforts. And, we shall deal with my opponents together."
"That will make you a target." Jack was confused and then he got it. "Oh, you WANT to be a target?"
Anna just gave him her schoolteacher's look. Jack smirked. "This is gonna be good, isn't it? Lady, you are up to something." Anna ignored him. Hayes felt a big grin spreading across his face. She was really something. He had to admire her courage. Anna just raised one eyebrow at him.
Still looking at the President, Lady Anna answered, "My Lord General, I am always up to something."
In high Earth orbit, the Daedalus continued its support operations for the moment. Soon enough it would have to depart for Atlantis in the Pegaus Galaxy. In the meantime, the Asgaard sensors were sweeping the area for any threats.
"Inform Colonel Caldwell I have detected sensor ghosts past Jupiter."
Hermoid, the Asgaard crewmember of the Daedalus spoke to Dr. Lindsey his human assistant. The Daedalus was the most advanced human engineered ship to date. Well, actually, it was mostly human engineered. The Asgaard helped by upgrading the shields and the transporter. But the Asgaard engine was a gift for O'Neill's help through the years. To make sure that Asgaard technology was not abused, an Asgaard crewmember had to be on board to help. The Asgaard didn't completely trust their human allies' judgment.
"Yes, Hermiod. What do you think it is?" Caldwell was on alert knowing that Commonwealth aliens were visiting the President. He knew that Lady Anna was the target of assassins from her homeworld. So, any activity in system was of concern.
"I can not be certain. It appears to be energy signatures that come and go. My sensors can not tell me anything more." Hermiod muttered and worked his console. He knew about the Commonwealth interest in Earth. What the humans here did not know was that he was monitoring the situation for the Asgaard. But they probably suspected. "If you want to investigate, you will have to get closer."
"Understood. Stand-by." Caldwell put a call to Landry at the SGC. "General, do we have your permission to investigate?"
"No. Do nothing until I can contact the President. Landry out." This holiday was certainly busy. He picked up the red phone in his office and placed the call. If it were the Commonwealth playing games, the situation was more political. Let the President make the call.
Across the Pond, as the Brits liked to call the Atlantic Ocean, the British Prime Minister hung up the phone at 10 Downing Street. The hysteria in Europe over alien conspiracies was out of control. He had to quell the media quickly. The only sure way to do that would be with the prestige and respect for the Crown. The riots in the poor sections of London had claimed eight lives and dozens of injuries. Her Majesty agreed to play her part. The P.M. had his aides contact the press to announce a speech later that evening. In the meantime, the P.M. had another call to make to that political hack in the White House. Timing was everything.
And back across the Pond, the meeting with Lady Anna took an interesting turn. With her resources, she had greater capabilities than they to protect her. Yet, she wanted their involvement.
"All right then, you have obviously decided what you want to do. How do we fit in with those plans, ma'am?" Hammond had the feeling she would never follow anyone else's lead no matter what she told Jack at the SGC.
Anna did not answer him. Her attention was for the President. This functionary should have known his place in such august company. Ignoring the interruption, Anna spoke directly to Hayes.
"Mr. President, we respectfully petition your honored self. Please, my Lord President, grant our request to have our Lord General, O'Neill the Great, assume command of my personal guard."
Lady Anna stood her ground. I'm not going to hide among these primitives. Now, they are confused. Well no wonder, they didn't think outside the box because they didn't know what the box really is for me.
"My Lord, I intend to meet with the officials of this world at my leisure and convenience. And, I intend to live as I choose. For this I need superior security and protection. There is no one I trust more on this world than General O'Neill."
"Your personal guard?" Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I am no one's personal guard. Am I, sir?" Jack was offended. Anna did not waiver her attention from the President.
"Perhaps, ma'am, you would define personal guard." Hammond wanted to broker a deal. He sensed what she wanted. "It isn't common for us to assign a Major General as a body guard."
Anna gave Hayes a look that said she would not tolerate another interruption. He motioned to Hammond to desist. Then she continued speaking only to the President.
"Mr. President, in deference to our new allies on their world, we would ask your permission to continue our Lord General O'Neill's assignment as my Earth Force Advisor. In this capacity, he can command all units from both sides." Quietly, she reminded them, "Lord O'Neill agreed to give me his personal protection even as I gave him mine when he was with me."
Anna sensed Jack was curious now. He knew command of her forces in-system was a more appropriate task for a Major General. Anna did not have to look at him to know he was pleased with the faith she displayed in him.
"Well, that's more like it, ma'am." Jack was intrigued.
Anna gave him the same look she gave Hammond. Two world leaders were on stage, not the bit players. Hayes gave him a short look that said cool it. Jack assumed a position of a military subordinate. He shut his sarcastic mouth.
Hayes understood protocol. What sort of relationship did these two have if Jack could speak to her without carefully choosing his words? Jack was such a loose cannon sometimes. Still he should know better. There was a strange relationship between them. Did she really believe her own propaganda about O'Neill?
"You trust him that much, ma'am?" Hayes was suspicious.
This woman was too shrewd to trust anyone so completely. Lady Anna simply lowered her eyelids to say yes. Jack was taken aback. Hammond didn't believe her. Something was very wrong with this situation.
"And will he be privileged to know your plans, my lady? We are concerned about your situation and how it will affect us."
"Mr. President, we would like to address your concerns to reassure you of our honorable intentions. In that spirit of cooperation, I shall disclose, only to Lord O'Neill's honored self, my plans as they affect my Earth-based security. With the greatest respect, I would like to stipulate that no one else is authorized to know what those plans may be or any particulars unless I authorize such disclosure." Anna kept her gaze fixed on the President. She had spoken her terms politely yet firmly. The men were impressed.
"My Lady Anna, you are being most generous to us. Thank you for addressing our concerns so directly, ma'am." She really was being awfully generous. Too generous maybe, thought the President. But, he didn't want to give her time to change her mind. Hayes turned to O'Neill. "General O'Neill, you are so ordered to take command of Lady Anna's security for the duration of her stay with us. This is a joint exercise. You are approved to be the allied commander of the security forces from both sides used to protect our new friend and ally. As Lady Anna's Earth Force Advisor, your interface will be the Department of Homeworld Security at the Pentagon and the SGC. But you will report to my Off-world Affairs Advisor here in the White House regularly, too. However, at the conclusion of this engagement, you will be expected to report everything." Hayes turned to an aide. "Cut the orders immediately for me to sign right here."
"No, Mr. President. If Lord O'Neill is detailed to me, then I am his commanding officer. Until and unless you recall him permanently, his chain of command must go through me." Anna saw his surprise. Let's nip this issue in the bud. "The requirement is that only Lord O'Neill will know my secrets. I respectfully request that you absolve him of the necessity to report everything." Anna lowered her voice making them focus and strain to hear her. "He has a duty to report. But I want him absolved for now until I agree otherwise. There are still serious leaks in your security structure. There are other pertinent security issues. With a view to the future, we don't know from what quarter an enemy could rise to power. In so doing, he could pressure Lord O'Neill into revealing something still necessary for our protection. I want your word and his."
The men in the Red Room silently considered the offer. She had raised the stakes asking for a blank check. Jack looked to the President for a decision. This request asked for a big leap of faith. On the other hand, O'Neill would look after Earth's interests and especially American interests. It was quite an opportunity. In reality, they couldn't stop her. If they turned her down, she would do as she pleased anyway. It was a matter of having someone on the inside or not. Obviously the woman had it big time for O'Neill. The Lady had made them a generous offer indeed to reveal her secrets to one of their own. Refusing would only insult her more, maybe enough for her to withdraw her offer to advance Earth's development. She had be horribly treated since she arrived. The insults could not continue. President Hayes agreed.
"I'll sign the order immediately." The President's aide handed him the paper fresh off the printer. He reached for a pen and signed Jack's new orders handing him over to the Commonwealth in the form of Lady Anna.
Lady Anna's plans were coming together off in distant space. Her cousin, Captain Amos commander of her yacht the Benjamin reached the coordinates indicated from Lady Anna's paper note. He followed her instructions to the letter. He instructed his staff to pack several crates with odds and ends combined with trash. No sooner had his team activated the transporter to the planet's surface, than an armed ship appeared off his port bow. Lady Anna's intelligence was perfect.
"Small vessel, you will heave to and be boarded." The man on the screen looked like a pirate, but had the bearing of an officer. "I am Captain Eran, sector commander of Jor. We have reason to believe you are carrying contraband. We require you to allow a full search of your ship and all cargo. Submit or be destroyed."
"This is Captain Amos of the Commonwealth Starship 'Benjamin.' We are not carrying contraband. This is the personal yacht of Our Great Lady, Anna, Third Lord of the Admiralty and Judge of All the People. Your claim is an insult to the Star Commonwealth of Planets." Amos knew he had to play his part. It would not do to give in too easily. "We carry no cargo and are on a mission of the most urgent priority."
"If we are in error, then we shall allow you to leave. But, you will submit first." Eran locked his weapons on the yacht. "We ask you once more, then we shall fire."
Captain Amos appeared to hesitate. Then he lowered his shields. "You may dock with us amidships. However, be warned. Our government will protest your actions here today. We have communicated our position and identified your vessel. If you are a legitimate authority, you will be received according to custom. God help you if you are not. Amos out." Good luck identifying us, thought Eran.
Fifteen minutes later, several shuttles approached. One docked. The boarding party came through in body armor with weapons on the ready. The leader of the team carefully surveyed the reception party. Captain Amos sent his Chief Petty Officer and some security men to escort the boarding party if they behaved as the note warned him. Otherwise, the security systems would automatically operate to vaporize the intruders. Other defense systems would act faster than a human could think about it. The intruders seemed satisfied and communicated with their fellows. Then they proceeded to ransack the ship. It was simple matter for the automated 'Benjamin' security system to isolate, inoculate, and test each member of the boarding party. They had no memory of it happening. Cloaked probes deposited the tracers on the other ship's hull. One secured itself to the outer com system. After the Jor shuttle departed, the task force commander commed the 'Benjamin' to break off. He wasn't happy, but he had to play the part of a legitimate entity. His elders in the Capital were not going to be happy she was not on board. But he had orders not to destroy the 'Benjamin.' If he did, he would not get paid.
Amos continued to follow the directions from the note. An hour later, the DNA samples had been sent ahead and the ship was ready to enter the wormhole Junction. Captain Amos surveyed the ship's crew. They had kept their heads and no one was hurt. However, the crew would be cleaning up for several days. Amos remained on the bridge until the ship made the translation into the wormhole. The translation from normal space to wormhole space was the most dangerous maneuver. He was curious to know what he would learn at the next point of the exercise.
Amos wasn't disappointed. Only six hours after the encounter with the boarding party, the 'Benjamin' received a hail from another ship inside the wormhole. Apparently, that ship knew the point of origin of the 'Benjamin' and found it inside the specific band of a pre-stated gravity wave. Knowing how to do that was a science held in the most extreme secrecy. Amos observed the giant vessel in awe. It had to have entered in the same direction or they could not have met. Wormhole travel only goes one way at a time. Otherwise, you could meet yourself before you left. It would not do to take the law of causality lightly.
Amos docked the little yacht in the launch bay assigned. After securing the ship, he exited without his senior officers. The reception party said little and marched he on to the briefing room. Amos looked around with intense curiosity. He had never seen a ship of this configuration. But he was learning a lot on this voyage. His Lady never ceased to amaze him.
The Captain entered the room alone. "Welcome Captain Amos." A voice deep with age rang out from a very old man. He turned to face him. It was all he could do to not to faint. His own Family Elder sat in a chair next to a beautiful young woman. It was Lady Janelle. This was big.
Sam, Daniel, and Cam sat in the commissary having a lousy Thanksgiving meal. Sam picked at her stuffing and disgustedly threw down her fork. Daniel looked up at her unsurprised. Cam just said, "you gonna eat those yams?" She pushed her plate towards him. He scooped them up with a big spoon and shoved them in his mouth. "Not like my grandma's but not bad." Daniel picked at the cranberries. "At least Jack will eat well," Daniel observed. He played with his turkey. "This tastes like chicken." He too pushed his tray away and started on his pumpkin pie. "What's Cassie doing for Thanksgiving?" Daniel tried to make some light conversation. This setting was just grim.
"She went to her roommate's house. She likes the roommate's brother." Sam sighed. "Where did the time go? It seems like last week that we brought her back from P8X 987." Sam referred to Cassie's homeworld where the Goa'uld Nirrti massacred everyone in Cassie's village. "Want to see a picture?" She pulled out a wallet with Cassie's picture taken in Sam's backyard. They all admired it.
A few minutes later, the P.A. system paged them to the briefing room. Daniel grabbed another slice of pie to munch on the way. The halls were fairly empty for the SGC. Most of the non-military personnel were noticeably absent for the holiday. Cam took the stairs to the briefing room two at a time. Daniel pushed his glasses back up his nose and lagged behind finishing the pie.
"Welcome back, Teal'c. Master Bra'tac." Cam came to attention as General Landry walked in. Landry motioned Cam to relax with a quick motion of his hand. Cam took his place at the table, as did the others. "Well, this beats Thanksgiving at Grandma's house with the relatives. Same old arguments with the same OLD people, thanks T. So, what's up?"
"I did not know Thanksgiving required arguments with elderly relatives." Teal'c assumed his puzzled expression. Cam had no idea how to reply. Daniel and Sam stifled their giggles. Teal'c was practicing humor. Teal'c introduced the subject. "Master Bra'tac has news."
"For the last two months, we have worked with your new friends, the Hak'taur. Although we have performed our part against the Goa'uld and their allies, they have not dealt with us as honorably." Surprised exclamations circled the table. The old man paused, rubbing his chin beard. "We have reason to believe they are no friends of the Jaffa. We have reports of their attacks on Jaffa worlds out by the rim of the Galaxy." He let the team digest that information. "The High Council will not stand for this. They want to withdraw from this new alliance. I do not I blame them. But I have managed to convince them to wait until I have your answer. What do you know of this?"
"Nothing." Came back Landry's reply.
The White House Chief of Staff, Jerry Wasserstein knew Landry's message was urgent. White House activity did not stop for the holiday. Now what, he wondered? Wasserstein entered the meeting in the Red Room where the Lady, the President, George Hammond, the Secretary of State, and Major General O'Neill were wrapping up their meeting.
"Jerry, what brings you here this afternoon?" President Hayes knew something important had occurred by the look on his Chief of Staff's face.
"Sir, may I speak to you a moment?" Jerry did not want to start something face to face with this alien.
Hayes excused himself and walked to another part of the room to listen. He was not pleased at all with the news. So the Asgaard did watch out for them. Hayes composed his face and turned back to Lady Anna.
"My Lady Anna, I would like to ask you a question. Are those your forces out there or somebody else?" Hayes was cold and calm. She raised an eyebrow in a question? "Out there by Saturn, the planet with the rings?"
Jack's head swiveled around to look at her.
"If you mean the sixth planet, yes." Anna replied casually. So they could detect her forces. They were more advanced than she was told. Interesting. Someone would have to answer for that oversight.
"Do you mind telling us what they are doing out there?" Hayes was all business.
"Yes. I do." Anna would not be interrogated this way.
"Ma'am, that is not an answer." Hayes never let his gaze waiver. "What are you doing out there?"
She smoothed her skirt and then just raised her eyes in displeasure. Casually she regarded him with no intention of answering. No one should be permitted to address her in that tone. For a long moment she just sat there patiently. Then she used her eyes to dismiss the question.
Oh no, thought Jack. We have a situation.
"Ma'am," Jack began. But the President interrupted.
"I'll handle this, Jack." President Hayes just sat down and waited. The silence was uncomfortable. Neither player cared. Anna would be damned if she would answer such an impertinent question in front of subordinates. "Everyone leave the room," ordered Hayes. The others filed out. "Now, I'll repeat my first thought. What are you doing out there...My Lady Anna?"
"I have no need to explain myself."
Anna answered calmly. She regarded him with meaning. Hayes understood. She had to posture after that altercation in front of the others. It was a little insulting but this was a negotiation after all. Anna thought it over for a while.
"However, you have pleased me today. For my protection, I have a reserve force in system."
"A reserve force." Said the President. "I see. That could be interpreted as a hostile move, ma'am."
Anna's face was a stone mask. Did these people have no diplomatic training? Or were they just idiots to think she wouldn't bring her own back up?
"My Lady, you want us to believe you are our friend. So, please explain why you did not inform us."
"There was no need." Lady Anna casually commented with a slight note of disdain. And that's when Hayes knew he had agreed to the rules of engagement without knowing the game.
The Secretary General of the United Nations called a General Assembly meeting to convene after the weekend. He wanted the Assembly to extend an invitation to Lady Anna. It was intolerable that she did not first address the Assembly before she spoke to the Americans. Generously, he gave interviews to the press. His message was carried on every broadcast media and later in print. It was time to assert the primacy of this body's goal. The U.N. spoke for Earth. The Secretary General's guests last night smiled when they heard the news. Of course she should make herself available to the true representatives of Earth. That she had snubbed the U.N. would only antagonize the masses even more. Nice play on the Secretary's part. Dutifully, state run media in those countries played up that angle for the rest of the day. Less responsible media continued to whip a frenzy of alien bashing. Commentators castigated the Americans for hosting the harbinger of doom. Crowds hung O'Neill's effigy in public demonstrations of hatred for the U.S. Military. And the American flag got tossed into many a bonfire. Every U.S. installation worldwide went on alert.
"Security will be tight, you know." A well-dressed man of late middle age swiveled around to face the operative. The man shrugged. Security was usually tight in these situations. He waited until the seated man made his decision. "Failure will not be tolerated. If you do not believe our goal can be achieved, do not act. Pick another moment. But make sure you do it on the first try. We shall not get a second." The man standing bowed his head accepting his orders. "Good. Then we understand each other."
"Payment?"
"Name your price."
"Triple the usual."
"Done." The assassin left knowing his contact would make good. He was probably not the real player, just an intermediary. But, no one double-crossed the operative. It was just too dangerous.
From another door, a woman entered. She stood before the grey haired man. "Did you understand?" He asked her. She nodded. "You will be back up. Leave no trail."
Lady Anna rose to signal she wished to leave. She got tired of this useless discussion. Nothing significant had been achieved. Asking for Lord O'Neill's services could have been accomplished through her ambassador. Of course they complied. The topics of discussion were incredibly provincial. Only out of respect for Lord O'Neill did she permit this interview to go this long, with such insolent interrogation. It was time to go.
"I thank you for your kind hospitality, Mr. President. I trust this interview has proved enlightening for both of us." She moved to the center of the room. "Please ask Lord O'Neill to join me." Lady Anna was in her most regal mode.
"You are going, now?" Hayes was not ready for her to go. "I had hoped to continue our discussions. Will you grant me that privilege, say tomorrow?"
"Mr. President, I am fatigued. Perhaps we can continue our discussions on some other occasion."
It was clear they were done. Anna stood waiting, impatiently. The President called in O'Neill. He gestured to the Lady. Jack understood. He took the place of honor beside her, to the right and one half step behind. The transporter activated and they were gone.
Hayes turned to Hammond, "George, we aren't even riding the tiger. We are being dragged in the dust behind. They sat down and Hayes briefed him. "I don't know what we can do about this other than call the Asgaard. See if the little fellow on the Daedalus will do something." George sighed and looked back with angry eyes. "I know, George. We are so over our heads we can't even see daylight. But, you'll think of something."
A staffer walked in with a message from the British Prime Minister. Hayes looked at it and sighed. His ribs hurt from last night and he was tired. "Ok, call him back and tell him we'll try. Let's contact her ambassador." He looked over at Hammond and had to laugh ironically. "There are riots all over London. So, the Prime Minister wants to announce that the Queen will receive the Lady to show there is no reason to be afraid. Humph. Afraid. Scared to death is more like it."
O'Neill looked around. They were inside a building. Anna had already walked behind the desk she obviously expected to find. Jack walked to the window and opened the curtains. He could see a busy street outside. He checked the GPS in his watch, then remembered a GPS doesn't work indoors. "Ma'am?" He continued trying to figure out where they were. "So, still in Washington."
"Jack, we are at the Embassy. I have a little business here, then we can go." Already her ambassador entered and bowed deeply to her. "Everyone gone?" He nodded and bowed again. "Ambassador, General O'Neill has agreed to an extension as my Earth Force Advisor. He has accepted the position as my commander of security operations. His leader has agreed." Anna held out the signed orders from the President. The Ambassador took it and read it. He was impressed.
"General O'Neill is to be given precedence over everyone but myself. He must clear anything concerning my security or welfare. He is in charge of both Earth Force security and our own personnel. I expect you to assist him in every way possible. Prepare an office for him here. New staff will be arriving shortly?" The Ambassador nodded. She paused before laying into him. "My lord ambassador, you have disappointed me. However, your mistakes were honest ones. I do not wish to replace you, because you have three months of experience here. Understand this, my security is your highest concern. There is a breach. The Earth Forces have detected our base at the sixth planet. Find out how we didn't know they could do this. And find out how to stop any future detection."
Jack interrupted at that point. "Ma'am what base?" He didn't like this at all.
"We have built a base on a moon orbiting the sixth planet of this solar system, General. And yes, the President knows I have people out there. I shall reveal all to you as promised. Be patient." Anna turned back to the Ambassador. "My lord ambassador, you will prepare a briefing for Our Lord General. Have it ready first thing Monday. Be complete. He must know our capabilities in order to direct our actions." She looked back at Jack and raised her eyebrow. "Satisfied?"
"Not really. We have to talk, ma'am."
"Yes, how did your people detect our base? Any ideas? Because if your people can, then so can others."
"I'm guessing the Asgaard on the Daedalus did it. The ship is in orbit, now. Otherwise, I couldn't say." Jack wasn't sure if any deep space tracking devices had done it. He doubted it.
"Thank you, My Lord General. Then, I wish to send technicians to the Daedalus to determine how they did it. I want that leak plugged. You will instruct the crew of the Daedalus to avoid the base. It is for their safety. If they approach, they will be vaporized by the automatic defenses." Anna gestured to a console but before she could activate the com system, Jack interrupted.
"Anna, just a moment, please."
The Ambassador sucked in some breath. O'Neill used her name without a title. He was horrified. But Anna indicated he should leave them.
"Ma'am, Anna, look we have to talk. I have to know what's going on. Feel like sharing?" He gave her the look that said nothing more would happen until she did.
"Jack, what more can I say tonight? I offered to tell you everything." She looked at him anxiously. "Jack, right now, the most important thing is to keep that ship from approaching the base. Please." He wasn't ready to give in. "Jack, I know you don't trust me, but I trust you." He couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was trying to play him.
"Oy. Fine. Start by telling me something about this base. Why?"
He moved closer to her. She understood and moved closer too. She met his gaze. He was within striking distance. He knew she knew and still offered him the opportunity to kill her right there. Jeez, what a woman, he thought. She isn't afraid.
Anna kept eye contact. He looked her over.
"Ok. I get it, Anna. You believe what you did was right." He spoke softly. "What did you do, Anna?"
"I have built defenses for this planet in this solar system without your permission. In fact, I have built many more defenses than this outpost at the sixth planet."
Jack wanted to hit her. He wanted to thank her. He didn't know what he wanted. She kept him off-balance.
"I would rather apologize and have these defenses than not build them and try to explain why I didn't do it later."
He considered killing her. He raised his hand to stroke her upturned face. She didn't waiver even one inch.
Let him kill me and get it over with, she prayed silently. Anna closed her eyes waiting for it. Let someone else carry this burden. It's too much. I miss him. I miss them. End it for me, Jack. Why do I let him come so close? I'm so tired of it all. Is he the One?
Jack touched her hair. It was silky soft. He wanted to grab a hunk and strangle her with it. This beautiful fragile woman was the most dangerous person he had ever met. She had no fear of him. Anna was begging him to do it. Even more, the Lady was offering herself as a target to her assassins.
This woman has a death wish. Why? If I do it now, then what?
"I...I don't know what to say, Anna." Jack pulled back. His physical reactions to her unsettled him, confused him. He hated second-guessing himself every time. "Get the Daedalus on the com system. I'll tell them." She touched an icon, saying something softly, then, indicating he should speak.
"Um, Daedalus, this is Major General Jack O'Neill. Acknowledge." He waited.
"Colonel Caldwell, sir. What can we do for you, sir?"
"The President has assigned me to Lady Anna as Earth Force Commander of all her security. It is imperative, I repeat, imperative that you do not approach her operations near Saturn. The safety of your ship and crew depends upon it. Do you read, over?"
"Understood, General. May I ask what is happening?"
"She has forces out there to protect her as back up. They will vaporize anything that approaches. Do you understand? Over."
"Roger that, General. May we be of any other assistance?"
Jack continued. "Yes, Colonel Caldwell, you will permit Lady Anna's technicians to discover how you knew something was out there. Those operations are part of our defenses now. If you found them, the enemy could too." He eyed Anna for anything more. She shook her head, no. "Are we clear, Colonel?" Jack waited for the response. He could picture Caldwell not believing what he had just heard. Finally, the Colonel replied in the affirmative. "O'Neill out." Anna touched the console again.
"You just saved their lives, General." The Lady smiled sadly at him. He gave her a pained look. "Come. I am tired." Anna moved closer and started to activate the transporter.
"No, ma'am. I am not going this time." Jack didn't like being dragged around this way. "We are here on my planet now. We do things my way."
"Yes, Jack. What do you want to do?" Anna asked him softly. Sometimes, avoiding an argument was as simple as being quiet. She waited quietly.
"We are going fishing." He expected her to object. Instead she smiled broadly.
"Fishing? Really? You would do that for me?" Anna was amazed. It had been years and years since she had done that. "How did you know? Thank you, Jack."
"You fish?" She smiled a yes. Now that was news. "Sweet. Did you know that in Minnesota the bass grow this big..." he held out his hands about three feet. She watched him change gears on a dime. This man was in his child at heart mode. She knew she would be fine.
Let him have his fun. He deserves it, considering what's coming.
"I know a place where we can catch the ever elusive crappie." Jack was on his favorite topic.
"I need to change. And you need to tell me where we are going." Anna walked to a closet and said something. It opened to reveal her uniforms. Jack walked over and pointed to the pants. She took those and a sweater.
While he waited, Jack called Sam to let her know where to bring the team in the morning and remembered to ask for groceries. They would use the transporter on the Daedalus. Anna reappeared in dark trousers with a jacket showing small insignia. Not bad. She was a looker in anything she wore. Anna called up a map at the terminal and asked him to indicate where. O'Neill zeroed in on his cabin. He wanted to check on it.
Might as well enjoy it before all hell breaks loose. That's what's going to happen, pal. Yesterday was just a dry run. It's coming.
"It's not what you are used to, ma'am. But no one will bother us. It's twenty miles from the nearest town."
He paused to make sure she understood. Anna nodded her consent. Jack picked up her bag of things. He touched the console as he saw her do before. They reappeared on his front lawn. November evenings were cold outside. Jack hurried to open the door and switch on the lights. He waited for her. Anna walked up to him and stopped.
"Thank you, Jack. You don't know what this means to me." She entered and sighed in delight. Benjamin would have loved this, she thought to herself. Memories of her long dead husband made tears come to her eyes.
Jack followed her inside. Yes, this was definitely better than a desk job. It was a road trip.
Source: http/www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/red.html
DISCLAIMER: "Stargate SG-1" and "Stargate Atlantis and their characters are the property of Sony Pictures, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Film Corp., Showtime/Viacom and USA Networks, Inc. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended against this or any other story in the universe. The original characters, situations and story are the property of the author(s), and may not be republished or archived elsewhere without the author's permission
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/red.html
