Stargate Revealed Power & Politics, 13
by Livi2Jack

Summary: Earth discovers its true vulnerability while assassins hunt Jack. The aliens make their play. Jack's clone meets his match. Space forces ready for battle. Lady Anna's decisions threaten the whole world.

Rating: Teen
Category: Action/Adventure, Drama, Humor, Mystery, Point Of View, Other
Related SG-1 Episode(s): 703 Fragile Balance, 817 Reckoning, Part 2, 901 Avalon, Part 1, 902 Avalon, Part 2
Related Atlantis Episode(s): 101 Rising, Part 1, 201 The Siege, Part 3
Featured Character(s): Jack O'Neill, Mini-Jack, Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter, Teal'c, George Hammond. President Hayes, Hank Landry, Jack's Clone

Spoilers: Set in Season 9 with related spoilers.

NOTES: The program garbles the hyperlinks as inserted. To make them work, add another forward slash / between http: and space then add the www and they will work. These are awesome real photos of the solar system from deep space probes we have out there currently. So cool. Hope you visit the NASA site.

For the reader, I was trying to emulate Anna moving her hand and causing a visual display to appear by embedding hyperlinks in the text. On some sites, you could just click on the links and the picture would appear. Here you have to do some work to copy and paste the links.

"(http/space.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/wspace?tbody1000&vbody-82&month11&day14&year2005&hour00&minute00&rfov30&fovmul-1&bfov30&porbs1)"

And then consider the system closer in:

"(http/space.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/wspace?tbody1000&vbody-79&month11&day14&year2005&hour00&minute00&rfov30&fovmul-1&bfov30&porbs1)"

http/photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html

Feedback is requested.


Chapter 13: Unpleasant Truths


Anna observed her silver haired general cautiously. Jack's judgment was compromised. But Anna was unable to be apart from him for long. In that time she came to know him and his moods. He was a dangerous man. Jack's paranoia and double standards in her proximity were what made him dangerous. Because Anna was raised to rule, she studied human nature, as part of her training. Clearly, O'Neill was apprehensive and extremely judgmental. It irritated Anna that Jack applied a double standard to her actions. The man didn't like what was happening. From her observations of him, she knew he was considering taking extreme action against her. So far, Jack had not decided. The verdict had not come in on her.

Anna did not worry about being reproached for anything. She knew what needed to be done to save herself and her people. Jack had done the same kind of things though on a much smaller scale during his days in Special Operations. She had read his file. His hands were dirty enough and for the same reasons. Both the Lady and the General had learned something during their careers. That which looks like virtue to an ivory tower philosopher, if followed, would bring ruin. Something else, which looks to him like wickedness, would bring security and prosperity to save the lives of their people. Both the Lady and the General had done some damned distasteful things.

Anna still needed Jack. But he was a dangerous companion. With the Succession in doubt, Anna had to lay her plans carefully to create a solid future. Anyone who does not plan ahead will face worse obstacles trying to correct any oversight later. For seven years, Lady Anna planned her internal and external campaigns. After Apophis torched the Commonwealth Planet of Asher with so many of the Royal Family there on vacation, a power vacuum ensued. That vacuum created a double prize sought by many clans including the Throne itself. Even some of the Lady's own clan members were working against her. Her best friend and confidante, Lady Janelle was part of the plot to replace Lady Anna. And Lady Janelle knew Anna was on Earth with Jack. That fact made completing Anna's preparations more difficult because it shortened the timetable. But Lady Anna had intelligence sources in place to discover conspiracies and to act. Central to her plans was one very dangerous Major General Jack O'Neill.

Lady Anna's internal opposition was arrogant --dangerous too. Her own clan members were so sure of their success that they openly conducted a false betrothal. They planned to supplant Lady Anna with her body double, which they could control and then eliminate. Anna had worked to contain the assassination plots known to her. This newly discovered plot was a special twist. In the last week on Earth, several leads were trapped and followed. She believed the matter was close to conclusion. Today, she discovered that the opposition had penetrated her own close circle. If her matriarch were still on her side, then the assassins would act on the matriarch, too. The situation became more complicated. And the one person she could trust, Jack O'Neill, didn't trust or believe her.

To get Jack to cooperate with her, Anna offered Earth tantalizing opportunities for accelerated development. As Anna explained it to the President, the catch was that Earth had to help her. Here on Earth, she wanted Jack close at hand. To the President, Lady Anna explained that she was the only member of the government or society interested in a backward planet like Earth. Anna made it plain to the President that if she were eliminated, Earth could forget about ever acquiring the technology and advancement that she had promised and was delivering. The President knew her as a woman of her word. He didn't know her opposition.

The President was suspicious. So, Anna decided to alleviate his fears in a dramatic way. She offered to reveal everything to O'Neill and only to him. As a sign of honorable intentions, Anna offered to make General O'Neill the commander of the solar system's defenses for both Earth Troops and Commonwealth forces. In effect, General O'Neill would be the Allied Commander, as General Eisenhower had been during WWII. But, only five days had passed since the agreement. Jack had no time to review the situation in any depth or to formulate a plan. And that was the point. Anna had laid her plans well.

Sitting in Jack's cabin in Minnesota Monday night after dinner in O'Malley's, Anna tried to explain the situation to O'Neill. Her many arguments about who was friend and who was foe were not being well received. Jack's natural suspicions against aliens in general and Anna in particular made him reject her analysis. The one thing he did know was that Thor had come through in the past. Whatever he was up to these days, Thor would help. And now, because of Anna, no one could reach the Asgaard. Anna did not like or trust the Asgaard. She thought they considered humans to be no more than lab rats for their cloning experiments.

"Seriously, Jack. The Asgaard are in effect Earth's overlords. And yes, Jack YOU are Thor's property."

"I am nobody's property, least of all Thor's or for that matter yours." Jack retorted to Anna's analysis of why the Asgaard might not be the friends everyone assumed them to be. "Look, the Asgaard have saved Earth. That's a fact. But all that other stuff you were just saying, well, I have to wonder why you said it now." O'Neill eyed her suspiciously. "You take a set of circumstances and," Jack put two hands clutching in front of him in an angry manner, "twist it all up. I am not taking the bait, d'ya hear?" He yelled at her.

Why was he getting so angry about an intellectual discussion? She really believed the Asgaard were up to no good. He really believed she was up to no good. In fact, he reminded himself that he had no idea what either group was doing. That was a good reason to get mad and stay mad. Jack realized he focused better when he was angry. Maybe, strong emotions had some effect on the tags. He calmed down. Anna saw him work through it. That reaction was all out of proportion to the discussion at hand. She wasn't the only one acting out.

"Jack, feel better?" She gave him a concerned look. His finely chiseled features relaxed.

"No. Actually, I don't. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, Ma'am." Jack put his palm to his forehead and winced. Then he shook his head. "I don't know why I got so angry. Well, I sort of know. But, you didn't say anything to deserve that." Jack felt lightheaded. He seemed to sense that something was wrong. But he couldn't say what it was. "Ack, look at the time. We have been talking for hours." Jack stood up confused. Anna watched him wondering why she felt so confused too.

"Jack, before this night is over, I have to know if Nana is still alive and if she is part of the plot. I must contact her. The normal channels don't seem to work. Now I know why." Anna turned toward Jack with hope in her eyes. Her opposition was jamming her communications. Her eyes searched his face for an answer. "As far as most people know, I am on Cestius Three, not Earth. I sent my double there before I came here. Even my own command structure thinks I am there. The daily dispatches are routed there and diverted here."

"It's too bad you can't just tell everyone you are here and that you are not on this Uncle Festus planet." Jack had no idea what to offer.

"Cestius Three," Anna corrected.

"Can't you phone home like E.T. because you are well, you are sort of E.T.? And then just tell everyone you are on Earth with me?" Jack rubbed his head. A whopper of a headache was coming on. He got up for some aspirin in the kitchen cupboard.

"E.T.," asked Anna? This man never made complete sense. There was a saying that the line between genius and insane was difficult to distinguish. Jack was walking proof.

"Right, it was a movie. I told you about movies. See there was this story where an alien child gets left on Earth by accident. He meets an Earth boy and goes home with him. The Earth kid called the alien kid E.T. because it was an Extra Terrestrial. E.T., get it? Anyway, the little alien kid wanted to go home. He had to build a way to communicate to 'phone home" before the cops arrested him, Then he got sick." Jack saw her amazed expression. "That's why I said E.T. You are a kind of extra terrestrial, an alien, not from here. Not that you are an alien, since you are human." Jack got the impression he was making it worse not better. He grimaced and looked away.

"I've tried to 'phone home,' Jack. As you say, the line is busy." Anna turned sad eyes towards him. "They have blocked my attempts using our FTL communications and my attempts through the Stargate. If I could broadcast from here, it would have solved most of the problem my double is creating. But I can't get through. So I have sent runners on ships. It may take a few days."

"FTL, what is that?" Jack was thinking hard.

"It stands for Faster Than Light because the information travels using gravity waves in hyperspace." Anna didn't think a better explanation would help him. It was much more complicated.

"Is it anything like the Goa'uld communications balls they used to talk to one another through space?" He knew that Earth had some of those.

"Only in the sense that the information travels so quickly. The Goa'uld system is easy to compromise. Anyone can listen and alter the information." She shook her head. Anna despaired that he could not help her. "Our own countermeasures prevent the use of the 'balls' anywhere near our planets. I have been working on ways to disrupt their communication lines from the beginning."

"Sweet. It makes sense. But if you had something else, not yours and not one of the usual balls, do you think you could get through?" Jack was fishing. If she said no, he wasn't going to tell her.

"Probably, depends on how it works."

"I may have something." Jack picked up the phone and called Sam. He gave her instructions to talk to Commonwealth technicians. If they thought it could work, then he wanted Teal'c to get the devices from Dakara. "Don't be so down." Jack smiled. "What?"

What indeed?

In military terms, Anna's people were a peaceful collection of 26 star systems with 38 billion human beings who could be confused for sheep. Having suffered the ravages of the Goa'uld, Anna's people were demoralized and yet reluctant to change their ways. But the King bore the brunt of the dissatisfaction. The King was the most despised ruler ever in their history for being unprepared. He had done nothing to prevent the disaster of losing a whole planet. As a result, the King had his hands full keeping his throne. Were it not for Lady Anna, he would have been deposed. So he made her his supreme military commander and sent her out to deal with the problem. Lady Anna learned a few things from the experience. For one thing, she was not a sheep.

Lady Anna was a fox among the sheep and a lion among wolves. Whatever Anna's opposition thought of her, she was clever enough to get the mob to adore her. Although Lady Anna was a beginner at war, she knew simple truths. A wise ruler ought never in peaceful times stand idle. And a ruler must study war. For seven years, the Lady sought to increase her resources with frantic purpose. She knew those resources would then be available to her when adversity came. That adversity was coming in the form of the Goa'uld and their henchmen, the Wannabes. Lady Anna intended to be a lion prepared to resist the Goa'uld. That Monday night, she was as ready as she would ever be. But the opposition was a pack of hungry wolves scenting an easy prey. Lady Anna chose to be the fox and the lion, because the lion cannot defend himself against snares and the fox cannot defend himself against wolves. Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves.

The snares and the wolves were many. Complicating the whole situation was the discovery of subatomic particle tags on Anna's crew, herself, Jack, the President, and most people involved in the Stargate Program. The tags gave away crucial information about the location of each person. A side effect appeared to affect Jack and Anna's judgment. They were making poor decisions that affected so many.

The tags enabled the perpetrators to locate individuals anywhere in the galaxy. Even Anna's specialists didn't know how to defeat them. No one knew if the opposition had accomplished this extraordinary feat of engineering or what else they might possess. It seemed to be beyond Anna's most advanced research. But, the possibility that the opposition made it, stole it, or bought it elsewhere could not be disregarded. Worse, the Goa'uld might have done this as well. If so, they would know how to target their Ashrak assassins against the two leaders. The tags were snares. The ashraks and the opposition were the wolves.


On Dakara, the newly formed Free Jaffa Nation had its fledgling government. There on the site of their first enslavement to the Goa'uld it was fitting that the High Council should meet and lead the new nation. But politics and intrigue ruled the day. Too many Jaffa encountered those who had recently been their enemies for thousands of years. It was difficult to trust one another. The meeting about the Commonwealth's advanced humans had the council split.

"What makes you believe that the Hak'taur are not setting a trap for us, Teal'c?" Ka'lel the Hak'tyl representative on the Jaffa High Council was suspicious. The women Jaffa of the Hak'tyl or sanctuary had ties to Teal'c and to the SGC. Their leader was Teal'c's lover. Teal'c and his friends at the SGC had come to their aid many times. But, everyone was cautious about the new human threat from the advanced humans of the Commonwealth.

"Even if they are, helping Lady Anna would help us. She would owe us for her survival. In that, we may find the means to secure the peace. I have met her. She is a formidable intelligence and a great warrior." Teal'c patiently accepted the reluctance of the council members. "We have accused them of plotting genocide against us. She is offering to disclose her activities. My pretext for going is to escort senior officers with their assigned ambassador, here to Dakara. She has previously agreed to give the High Council a briefing on her activities. As an ambassador from the Jaffa High Council, I shall be inviolate and the risk is minimal. No one would dare to touch me without incurring serious reprisals."

"What makes you believe they who hate us so much would admit us into the presence of their most powerful leaders?" Another council member joined the discussion. "And what would you say to this Hak'taur Matriarch?"

"As a member of the High Council representing the Free Jaffa Nation, I would be entitled to a meeting with their Matriarch, even the King. However, meetings with the King are staged carefully. A meeting with the Matriarch is not public. I would be privately received at the Matriarch's palace. Once there, I shall endeavor to determine if she is still alive and not part of the conspiracy."

"This plan is complicated. Are you certain you understand just what we are agreeing to do? And are you willing to accept the risks to us if her opposition succeeds and decides to come after us?" Ka'lel sided with Teal'c but her loyalties were well known. She had to be the one to ask the difficult questions.

"We have no choice. It is a certainty that Lady Anna's opposition will come against us, no matter what. Lady Anna has more vision. She has worked with us and has come to know our honor. She is satisfied." Teal'c observed the faces deep in consideration. "I cannot be refused. The Matriarch knows who I am. She will grant this request if she is still alive. If she is part of the conspiracy, then when I ask for the General's invitation to the fake wedding, we shall know. If she invites him, we are in terrible trouble. Indeed, we have no choice but to help the Hak'taur woman." Teal'c looked around the Council chamber at the solemn faces and the doubts in each one. "Here me Jaffa. We cannot expect to stand alone. We need friends, powerful friends. The Goa'uld are rising again. They must never be able to oppress us again. These Hak'taur would join us in battle. I have seen their capabilities, and I tell you now, they are more advanced than the Goa'uld. Let them be our friends, not our enemies."

"Teal'c take the communications equipment, which has been recovered from one of Anubis' secret labs. This previously unknown form of long-range communications could penetrate the jamming. And, Teal'c take a complete Jaffa escort. We can send a similar set of equipment to the Tau'ri. But understand that our cooperation has a price."


Meanwhile, on Earth, Anna and Jack relaxed after dinner at O'Malley's. The phone ringing jarred Anna from her reverie. Jack reached into his pocket to answer. "Yes, sir. She's here. No we're fine, sir. Thank you." He listened intently to the caller. "Oy. Ok, I understand. I'll ask her." Jack handed the phone to the Lady. "The President for you, ma'am." Anna took the phone and held it to her ear as Jack had done. She could not tear her eyes away from him. He was unhappy about something.

"Yes?" Anna waited. She had never used one of these things. Although she ordered her technicians to provide these special secure cell phone communicators to Jack, his Team, General Landry, the President and his advisors, she lost patience with the device. "Thank you, Mr. President." Ann waved her hand over the coffee table/console and activated the hologram communicator.

"Oh, there you are, Ma'am. Heh, heh, I just forget you can do that." Hayes motioned the Secret Service Agents to stand down. By previous agreement, Anna made her holograms glowy so the Agents would not open fire. The President was tired of repairing the plaster in the Oval Office. "How can we help ma'am?" Anna wanted his cooperation. The information leaks in his organization made the request complex. Partly she wanted to convey information to the enemy to trap them. Partly, she really wanted his assistance.

"Mr. President, thank you for agreeing to my request for a joint statement. I have sent word to the King but have not yet been able to open communications with him or our clan Matriarch. The conspirators seem to have the upper hand. But with your help we can stop them quickly and without bloodshed." Hayes indicated she should continue. "I have asked Lord O'Neill to send Teal'c as a member of the Jaffa High Council to a meeting with our Matriarch."

"We are trying to make an end run against the other team, sir." O'Neill knew that time was of the essence. "With your permission, we would like to broadcast the fact that the Lady is here with us. If the new system works, it will cut into their regularly scheduled programming, so to speak. The bad guys will never get the chance to announce the wedding."

"Mr. President, I respectfully request permission to broadcast our meeting with Lord O'Neill from your palace, the White House. When people who think I am on Cestius Three see me here, they will have no alternative to believing that I am on Earth with Lord O'Neill and not engaged. My double is on Cestius Three. I cannot be at two places at once. To demonstrate that we are making a live broadcast, I shall consent to receive questions real time from people in your Capital. Lord O'Neill and I will laughingly dismiss the rumors of my engagement in the broadcast. The populace would never question the word of the most honorable man in the galaxy. If Our Lord General says I am on Earth and not engaged, that is enough." Anna waited for him to reply.

"I am gratified by your confidence in …our lord general…ma'am." Hayes stumbled over the designation. This cult of O'Neill was difficult to believe. She really had it bad for the general. Just look at the way she looked at him.

"Mr. President, the equipment is enroute to you. As soon as it is in place, we would like to come." Anna gathered her thoughts. "I must act immediately. Sir, with your kind cooperation, I would like to announce that an understanding has been reached with the Holy Mother Planet, Earth. And the efforts of Lord O'Neill are to be rewarded at a great event in the Capital. We had plans in the works to anoint the Lord General as a member of the Royal Family. The King wishes to grant him a noble title. It has always been his intention. We can use these plans as an excuse for the broadcast and as the means to return inviolate to the Capital." Anna neglected to add the immense significance of this ceremony. She realized O'Neill was a modest individual. If he knew how important his role would be, he would never agree. And, the mob would go crazy over the news about the anointing of Lord O'Neill. The celebrations would last for days. She could return triumphant to make her move.

"Ma'am, that is most generous of the king to want to honor Gen, um…our lord general with such a profound honor. We are impressed." Hayes had to tell her O'Neill could not accept. "Ma'am, I don't wish to offend the king or yourself, but according to our laws, none of our citizens can accept a position as a member of another government or accept titles because it would compromise that person's loyalty." Anna was truly offended. Everyone could see it. "Ma'am, the way we usually handle it is to make that title 'honorary' whereby the holder is not really loyal to another government. General, um, Lord General O'Neill would be able to use the title, but not have the privileges or the obligations. And he cannot swear any oaths to the King, yourself, or your government." Phew, he hoped that would work. She hesitated, considering his meaning.

"I understand, Mr. President. We shall do as you say." Anna couldn't care less what the people here did. Among her people, O'Neill would be royalty. The people already worshipped him.

"Ma'am, it would be our pleasure to help you. But as you say it is not obvious you will be able to broadcast. Then what?"

"Then Mr. President, I will have to act."

"Act, as in how?" Jack demanded.

"I have plans in the ready. Some will be activated to deal with the situations where they are. As for Earth, I want to secure the solar system and the planet as best I can. Mr. President, I would like to send our technicians to examine a drone from the Antarctic chair. Maybe we can rig something or even get lucky and fabricate something that will be close enough." Jack frowned at that request. He wasn't too sure he wanted them examining anything like that. On the other hand, if they could refill the chair, it might be worth the risk.

"Ma'am, I realize you could help with the refill problem. Of course, it is our most secure facility." Hayes really hesitated. Wasn't Earth doing enough to help her? "What do you think General?"

Jack considered the matter while scratching the back of his neck. This was a tough call. Her discussion about the Asgaard's potential duplicity played in his head. And if these people had the solution to the drone problem would they even use it to defend her or would they sell her out to avoid a confrontation? That decision would be the worst choice Earth ever made. Anna made it clear to him, her opponents would declare Earth under their jurisdiction and go from there. Anna turned to O'Neill for an answer. Jack cocked his head as if considering.

"Ma'am, we have to consider the reaction to us if your opponents arrive and we fight them." Hayes filled the gap while Jack considered. "So far, all we have done was harboring you. The broadcast is innocuous. But fighting is a whole other matter." Anna understood his position. She would think the same way.

"Mr. President, you are wise. I completely understand your position. I hope that whatever the outcome, you will remember that I always acted honorably." Anna turned to Jack. "I am grateful for all your assistance and patience. But time is short, sir."

"Ma'am, even if you did procure drones, we have a power problem with the chair." Jack felt awkward and tried to clarify the situation, maybe open a bargaining position. "We can activate it with modified naquadah reactors. But launching drones takes much more energy. I'm thinking we could use two more ZPMs." Jack knew a modified naquadah reactor had worked briefly on Atlantis during a Wraith attack. But in the long term, a ZPM was the power source required. This was a bargaining opportunity.

Anna considered his request. "Mr. President, I could do this but you just said you would not fight or interfere with our struggle." Anna stopped again. Her emotions were on the edge. Just being around O'Neill was more and more unsettling as the days passed. Her normal self-control and focus were not reliable. And she felt it acutely tonight in his presence. "On the other hand, Mr. President, we have to consider that these tags originated from the Goa'uld. If so, we must not waste time preparing your defenses. There are two fronts to consider."

Jack and the President looked back and forth. Jack turned to her and asked her to leave the room so they could talk in private. Anna went to the back bedroom and shut the door. While she was there she picked up her messages.


"We are in position to take back what is rightfully ours. No longer will the scourge of the Tau'ri stand in our way." The operative knelt before Lord Ba'al. "Our intelligence reports that the Hak'taur woman is with O'Neill on Earth. Her defenses are weak. If we act now, she will be outnumbered. Moreover, the Ancient weapon on Earth is not operational. Our sources in their government report they are out of ammunition."

Ba'al just chuckled an evil laugh. Sometimes, biding ones time works miracles. But then working miracles is what a god does. "Launch our forces immediately. Dial the Tau'ri Stargate when we are in position and keep it active at all costs. Send the signal to the ashraks on the planet to act. Take their leaders hostage and demand O'Neill be sacrificed. The rest will follow. Dial into their Alpha Site and into all their allies, including the Asgaard. Throw our weapons through the gates. Those that are open will feel my wrath. The others will have to keep their barriers closed. Launch the feint to attack other Protected Planets so the Asgaard have to disperse their forces. I want O'Neill, Teal'c, and the Hak'taur woman alive if possible. Then, we shall burn their worlds to ashes before the Asgaard know what hit them."


"My Lady, we are receiving word our operatives are in action. The first wave of conspirators are in custody." One Harry Maybourne wasn't Spec Ops for nothing. He helped plan the engagements. Anna let her most trusted commanders carried out those orders and reported back to her on separate channels. He confirmed what she knew. Keeping tabs on those like Harry was always necessary. After all, a traitor could never truly be trusted. When this was over, he would be kept on a very short leash.

"Very good, sir. Are we finished with the Earth conspiracies?"

"No, ma'am. There are those who have plans but have not acted. Do you want me to deal with those or do you want me to cause them to act and then deal with them?"

"Let the unimportant die systematically over the next several months. Make it appear to be of natural causes. I need to know which leaders can act against me here. Incite them to show they are able to come against me, now. Then you will deal with them. We must be certain we have them all and their resources. I am not convinced an ashrak is not among them coordinating this chaos. See that he is found with all speed." Maybourne bowed solemnly to her saying, "it will all be done, My Lady."


Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter gave the final approval to the team of interplanetary scientists. They began to pack up the gear. General Landry approached Sam to congratulate her.

"We did a good job here. I think that went very well." Hank Landry saw the worry on her face. "You aren't happy with something, Colonel?" She shook her head.

"I don't like showing this sort of stuff to these aliens. They don't need to know we have such capabilities. I learned my lesson with Replicator Carter. We need to have these devices for our own security, against them." She looked around to make certain no one else was around. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"In what way, Colonel?"

"It's like Hathor all over again with him, sir. I don't think he is himself."

"Jack is made of tough stuff. Do you actually know he has committed an irresponsible act, Colonel? That's a serious charge."

"No, sir. I just know the General. He is not acting like himself at all. And pardon me sir, but none of you guys are acting like yourselves. You are all so willing to help her. And we don't even know what that help will really mean to us. She just asks and everyone jumps and says, yes, Ma'am."

"We already know about the effects the tags are having on him. But they seem to work on her too. And Lt. Colonel Carter, the rest of us simple generals have our eyes on the situation. Go figure. Now move out." Landry turned and walked out without waiting for her reply.


Jack was uncomfortable. He knew she had a point about the Asgaard. In that phone call, Jack laid out the gist of her argument to the President.

"Jack, I have to admit she has a few interesting points. But I also have to believe that she may be trying to drive a wedge between a proven ally and us. I think we should contact Hermiod and ask him what the Asgaard would do and if he can call Thor." Hayes knew time was short and Thor did not always respond quickly. "And sorry to say this Jack, but we both have to admit that you are compromised concerning her." Jack frowned and looked down. He knew it too. "Are you two at your cabin again?" O'Neill said yes. Hayes shook his head. "I can't understand this whole tag attraction thing. Why would she keep exposing herself like that even with a few toys? A naquadah-enhanced nuke would still take her out there. I had our experts look into it. The kinetic energy would have to go somewhere. You can't fight the laws of physics."

"I know, sir. I don't understand why she trusts me so much, or rather us." Jack gestured with his hands back and forth to the President's image and himself. "Sir, you asked me and this is my opinion. So you must still think it is worth something. Sir, even the Asgaard have not indicated they could defeat the chair. So I am guessing her people probably can't as well. What's more, the Asgaard have not offered to refill the chair. I don't even know if they can. Let Anna's people take a look. If they can rig some similar measure, let them take a whack at it. They know how to make ZPMs, so maybe they can figure out the drones. Time is short. I doubt anything will happen tonight or tomorrow. By then, Thor will probably show up to help." Jack shrugged. "I don't think we lose too much and we could get two ZPMs."

"Okay, call her back in." Jack went and knocked on her door.

"Ma'am, we cannot and will not fight a superior force from the Commonwealth not knowing how they might retaliate. We are not prepared to take the consequences. However, in the event any arriving Commonwealth forces seek to subjugate us, I want my people in position up there to defend the installations or to try to destroy them. You must not let them fall into enemy hands." Hayes waited to see if she agreed.

Anna could not believe the atrocious negligence and arrogance of this man. Out of ignorance he rejected her generous offer of two ZPMs and the possibility of refilling the Chair. Who was he to give her orders and make demands? And she was good and tired of his insolence. He told her to put his people on her bases? And, blow them up? Well what else would primitives imagine they could do? It only made her next decisions easier. Lady Anna knew Earth Force help could be useful and good. But there would be significant downside for her if she called in that help. Help from outside sources within ones own ranks is disadvantageous, for when losing, one is undone, and in winning, one is their captive.

"Mr. President, 'must' is not a word wisely used to princes." Anna gave him a stern look with a hard tone. Anna decided to get tougher. This little man had no idea who she was and what she commanded. "We accept your help with the broadcast and other similar efforts, which are offered host to guest. We shall arrive when all is ready." Anna was at her most regal. This unimaginative uninformed decrepit old nobody had directly challenged her in the most insolent way possible. Unbelievable the things she put up with for her people was all she could think. Instead of saying anything to offend this primitive, Lady Anna continued as if nothing had happened.

"Later, I shall evaluate the problems of joint defense with the Goa'uld threat in mind. Make no mistake, the Goa'uld are a threat. There is little time to decide what to do about the Chair in Antarctica." Lady Anna knew the wise prince always avoids outsider's arms and turns to her own. O'Neill's experts were welcome. But they did not have to do the fighting. She was willing rather to lose with her own forces than to prevail with the help of others in their midst. Neither she nor her people would deem that a real victory. Lady Anna knew she had to achieve a real victory herself without the arms of others. Lady Anna had been taught that a ruler was never esteemed more highly than when everyone saw that he was complete master of his own forces. In the final analysis, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast. The Antarctic chair would have to wait.

"I am not ready to admit you to the Antarctic base. I realize we can't stop you. You could beam out the chair and such, but I am asking you not to do it." President Hayes felt he had to draw the line.

"Mr. President, thank you for all the efforts you have taken and will take on my behalf. You have been generous to harbor me." Anna drew in her breath. She could not believe this man would take this opportunity to insult her AGAIN. "With regard to the Chair or anything else, I assure you we would never steal from you. And I protest the comment."

Anna steeled herself. Her emotions were running high and she could not afford to look weak or hysterical. But she would not accept any more insults from this little man, little in imagination and lacking vision as far as she was concerned. With her acute sense of hearing, she knew every word they had said. If he was considering how to take her out with a nuke, he could not be trusted. Moreover he had openly defied her by refusing the most generous offer an ally could make. She offered to spill the blood of her own people to defend this world. This little man was truly incompetent and unable to meet the new realities facing his planet if he thought blowing up those defenses was the right decision.

Anna already knew she could refill that chair and provide the power source. Scans from orbit and data from SGC and Pentagon files gave her engineers enough information. But why tell this impotent fool? Under the circumstances, she would never admit his personnel to her facilities. To defend Earth, O'Neill would make the Chair work for them. She never doubted him. In all this exchange, she determined that Jack really did understand what had to be done. If he was against it, he would not be with her now. Truly, he was a visionary. Her assessment of the man was correct. He would command her forces and take her direction. If he didn't kill her first.

There were other reasons not to rely on these primitives. Anna believed that no prince is secure without having her own forces. On the contrary, if Anna allowed Earth Forces at the bases, she would be entirely dependent on good fortune. She could count on having the valor of her own people, which in adversity would defend her. Beaming out all Earth personnel on the Antarctic base and substituting her own was an obvious maneuver. Why didn't either one of them think about it? If she could refill it, so could the Asgaard. It was no wonder the Asgaard did not offer to refill it. The Asgaard were afraid that one of these idiots would no doubt attack them eventually. Most probably the Asgaard had the same contingency plan on hand that she did. Jack would man the chair. He would do it to defend his world. And he would do it because he knew it was the right thing to do.

Anna made a mental note to see what could be done about the President's reelection campaign. This idiot could not be supported.


The tropical trade winds blew steadily on the sails of the modified America's Cup II yacht . It fairly flew among the waves, making the sunset cruise in the channel between Lanai and Maui. Off in the hazy distance, Jack and Anna could see Molokai, a more distant island. The afternoon sun drifted down to the horizon. Spray washed over the bow and cooled the passengers. The ship's progress through the waves was smooth from the winged keel. Jack likened the feeling to flying. His soul was finally light. He put his arm around the woman. She leaned into him. It was the first good day in his short life as a clone.

After the conversation was over, Anna realized she needed to rest. "Excuse me, I seem to need some time to lie down." Anna got up and went to the guest room, leaving the door open. She heard him thumping around banging doors and opening the cold storage container. The bottles rattled. She smiled to herself. He did love his beer. The noise was somehow comforting. It had been many years since she had a man around her living quarters. 'Strange, we are comfortable around one another. He is only a mid-level functionary in a primitive society. But, no one ever made me feel as safe or as comfortable in all these years. It's only an old bed with old coverings in a cold, musty cabin, but at this moment, I could stay there forever. Silly thought,' Anna decided. When a ruler thinks more of ease than of arms, she would deserve to lose her state. The king almost had.


In Minnesota, Jack passed her room and saw Anna's sleeping form. 'How is it possible she could just pass out like that?' Normally there were guards, attendants, assistants, and every possible kind of helper. But there she was, sleeping like a baby without a care in the world, or in the galaxy. He wondered briefly about the defenses installed in his cabin. In a strange way, this was either the ultimate compliment or the ultimate insult, thought Jack. The Lady felt safe with him to an unprecedented degree. But he could kill her at any moment. She was not afraid of him and she should be. Considering the danger she told him Earth faced tonight, he would be within his rights to take her out for causing all this trouble. Then serve her up to her adversaries as a peace gesture. But the President had not authorized it. And the Goa'uld, Jack, reminded himself, were still in the mix.


"What do you want, truly want, Jack?" The young woman walking with him in Lahaina asked in her soft soprano voice. Watching him think brought back memories of another man so long ago. "If you could have anything, do anything, go anywhere, what would you choose?"

"Choosing, choosing is good." Jack, Jr. reflected. He wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. Just being with her made him feel so good. She was such a solemn little thing. How could anyone be so young and so old all at the same time? Well, he was if he wanted to think about it, which right now he didn't. "What are my choices?"

"Choices, sometimes choice is an illusion." Anna broke away to wrap her arms around herself and continued the walk from the docks. The sun had set and the trade winds blew strongly at the shore. Her long chestnut hair blew in her face in wet tangles from the short sail.

"Oh, I don't know. Sometimes illusion is a choice too." He considered the illusion of his youth and the choices that faced him. "What would you do if you had your choice?" Funny how he had not wanted to know the other girls. He just didn't care what they wanted. He wanted what he couldn't ever have. That was the problem until he met this one.

"Oh, I have no choices." Anna turned away and walked more quickly to the lights of the main street. The tourists were just coming out to find dinner in the many restaurants. She entered Laperts ice cream parlor and ordered a chocolate macadamia nut ice cream. Jack studied her wondering what she meant. She looked up at his finely honed cheekbones, dark bushy brown hair, tall slim body, and knew he was impossible. Sadness filled her. He was truly a magnificently formed man. Her eyes raked his body. He noticed with some pride.

"Aw, sure you do. Life is just beginning. We have all the choices we want. We can be what we want, go where we want, do what we want. It's all out there." He grinned a charming boyish grin. But his eyes observed her closely. She was trying to tell him something, something important. But, she just couldn't get it out.

"Yasureyabetcha, snookums." Anna turned to go. Jack startled to hear that particular phrase. He raised an eyebrow and cocked his head. That was a surprise. Now he was curious.


In Minnesota, Jack's phone began to vibrate. "What?" Jack asked. It was Daniel.

"Is it true, Jack? You took her on a date to O'Malley's and went Dutch?" Daniel referred to the term for splitting the check at a restaurant. "Wow! That was rude even for you."

"She offered to pay but I can't accept. She has a Naquadah level credit card, so why not?" Jack checked his watch. "You heard about that already? It was just an hour or so ago." Jack tapped on the crystal face.

"No, Jack. It was more like four hours ago. It's all over the news. Congratulations. You are known as the cheapest date in the universe." Daniel was really enjoying this. "Is she still there?"

"That would be classified." He listened to Daniel's update on the progress of the broadcast preparations. Apparently, the President was using it for his own image building. The opportunity would not be wasted. He would get his interview with the Lady tonight or early this morning. So be prepared. Jack sat down on the bed listening to Daniel brief him.

"Oh and Sam is not happy about your unusual behavior. She can't understand why everyone is doing this woman's bidding." Daniel waited for the reaction. There was none.

"What's your point, Daniel?"

"My point, Jack, is this. How did the Lady get everyone to dance to her tune?"

"What?"

"Well, consider this, Jack. You, our military, our leaders, our Earth governments, our allies, our enemies, our resources, her military, and her government all revolve around Lady Anna."

"I don't see it. Enlighten me."

"Okay, think about all the people involved with Lady Anna from our side. You are standing guard over her personally. The President is arranging a broadcast to her homeworld and staying up all night to do it. Carter is supervising Area 51 efforts to arrange the technical end of that broadcast and interfacing with Lady Anna's technicians. The White House Staff have been running interference all day with other Earth powers for her and straightening out her messes. The SGC is no more than a transit hub for her activities. She gets her mail and her operatives through the Gate. The Pentagon has every resource imaginable directed at the task of securing the planet with her defense systems. As we speak, they are trying to develop a defense plan. That's just the military and the President for one thing."

"Two, our allies are all working on her problems. The British, the French, the Chinese, and the Russians are working on the terrorist threat problems. Oh and Colonel Chekov arrived at the Pentagon with his staff. There's too much ground we need to cover ourselves on such short notice. Every intelligence service is working exclusively to root out the terrorists involved. Bra'tac is running interference for her with the Jaffa High Council preventing them from declaring war on her. General Landry and SG-7 went to convince the Jaffa High Council to send emissaries to help Teal'c as an act of good faith. Teal'c is risking his life to contact Lady Anna's allies on her homeworld. The Jaffa High Council continues to engage in joint military and intelligence actions with Lady Anna's forces against the System Lords and their allies, the Wannabes. SG-3 contacted the Nox with one of those Tollan devices. Lya showed up to help with the particle tags. It's a non-violent issue. The Tok'ra are working on modifying the zatarc detector and analyzing the tags. They are also involved in espionage support with Lady Anna's forces against the new System Lords. And the Asgaard paid us a visit to check her out and keep up their end of our alliance. All this is going on because of her presence."

Speaking more rapidly before Jack lost his patience, Daniel continued. "And that's just for starters. Consider all the resources she is tying up. Atlantis has to wait out the delay of the Daedalus' return. The ship is standing by to monitor the situation and provide technical support. The little Asgaard crewmember of the Daedalus is using the ship's transporters to support SGC personnel working on her problems and to monitor her activity in the solar system. Hermiod is standing by to call Thor for help. The Prometheus is in orbit to monitor her in system activities and to act as another transporter hub. The entire list of Gamma Site scientists and doctors is working on a cure for the tags. The Gamma and Alpha sites are now other transportation hubs for people going to and from the Commonwealth, like that delegation today. They worked to screen the aliens and pass them along to the SGC. Both sites worked to help Teal'c wash his trail. The SGC is providing medical support to her technicians screening our people for tags. The Air Force Hospital helped out. Ft. Carson AF base stopped everything today to provide her security and to host her meeting with that captain. The Colorado Springs police blocked traffic so you could take her to Ft. Carson and the captain to the AF Hospital. The Earth based intelligence agencies; NSA, DHS, DISA, CIA, NID, and FBI are all working on cleaning up the assassination conspiracies on you and her. They are all looking for ashraks with help from the Tok'ra. And the Metropolitan DC Police are processing the captured Earth conspirators of your assailants. Even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs had to deal with the criminals landing trussed up in his office. And all of our allies went on alert. All sorts of military assets are deployed."

"The Lady isn't just tying up military and law enforcement assets, Jack. Did you know that Congress has started legislation to deal with her antics? They want to prevent future legal battles over jurisdiction and terrorism in Outer Space. The Senate Intelligence Oversight Committee has called for a hearing on the failure of our intelligence services. The GAO has started an audit of government resources allocated to all this. And several European Union presidents and influential leaders are trying to sit on their own agencies and courts to make her legal problems go away. Leaders from around the world are trying to make the United Nations back down in the Court at The Hague. They realize she could freeze them out of their share of her goodies. An emergency session of the General Assembly has been called for two days from now. To demonstrate that the U.N. is not irrelevant, U.N. Peacekeepers have been deployed to the most troubled regions. The President had to hire outside consulting firms to track down her holdings on Earth. The SEC had an emergency session to deny her Tender Offer filing for control of a major defense contractor. And the courts are getting legal filings by the minute all over the world. Anyone who even suspects they have been damaged by her presence has filed lawsuits. The legal system will work on this for the next decade."

"Lady Anna's interests have taken over the financial markets worldwide impacting other countries. Her company had its IPO, initial public offering today. The price was readjusted eleven times before the opening bell. She took in $17 trillion dollars for 15 percent of the shares of her company. After that the price went into orbit. Everyone wants to get some. The trading volume of only her shares collapsed the computers and shut down markets from the NYSE here to the Hang Seng in Hong Kong. The Dow Jones just listed her company, Star Commonwealth Planets Enterprises, (SCPE) to be one of the Dow 30 Industrials booting off Coca Cola from the Industrial Index."

"Worldwide, the best financial minds are meeting to decide how to handle the financial crisis. The Federal Reserve Board is meeting tomorrow to address the sudden lack of currency available. OPEC is meeting tomorrow to determine their future. Now that they know naquadah is a safe source of energy. The price of oil fell by 90 percent and several oil companies have announced that they are considering bankruptcy. We are getting word that insurgents are acting in some of the more conservative oil rich countries around the world. And several exchanges will not open tomorrow because trading has been suspended. So much money flowed into her company that there may be deflation of all currencies. If she offers more shares, the world's economy could collapse because she is sucking up all the money on the planet. The financial markets all around the world are effectively shut down."

"Jack, that's just what's going on with the good guys. Remember the System Lords are trying to find a way to defeat her efforts to tie up their resources. Apparently, her efforts have them stymied. They have devoted themselves to counter espionage and sabotage in an effort to divert her attention and tie up her resources. Ba'al and the rest are doing everything they can to get their ship production back in operation. According to the Tok'ra that's the most important matter the System Lords decided at last weekend's summit which they held just because of her activities against them. Their inability to control the situation made the Wannabes kill a number of Goa'uld in their midst and kick their Jaffa off Wannabe shipping and off Wannabe worlds. Those actions got the bad guys working against her in full swing."

"But it doesn't stop there. The Lady's own people are rioting. From the highest echelons down, her government is paralyzed according to reports just received at the SGC. By leaving and coming back to Earth, the populace thinks you have abandoned them, yeah YOU, Jack. Most people did not show up to work today. Mass prayers are being said to ask God for you to return." Daniel waited for a grunt from Jack to indicate he was still listening. There it was. "And the icing on the cake, Maybourne is doing her bidding."

"She's been here less than a week. Do you see what's going on here?" Daniel finished his diatribe. What he couldn't see was Jack's grin. What he couldn't hear was Jack thinking, 'damn, I'm good. I'm the lynchpin in this deal. The whole thing could not have happened without me.'

Jack let Anna sleep for another couple of hours. She needed it. He needed it. At three AM his alarm went off. Grudgingly, Jack got up. At least the cabin was warm now. Anna had the computer get space heaters in every room. He went into her bedroom to wake her up. They had to get to the White House soon for the broadcast. He still had questions for her. Alone like this she talked frankly with him. It might be the last time for a long time.

"So, what are you going to do?" Jack regarded Anna warily. He sat on the edge of the bed in the guest room where she was lying down to rest. Both of them had to take a break. "After the broadcast, will you return to the Capital?"

"Right now, the people involved think that I am contained on Earth and will try to say that I am the double. If I step through the Stargate I doubt I would reappear on the other side in one piece. Our security measures are probably compromised. I could be sent to any or no gate if I stepped through."

Then Jack remembered Anubis set a type of call forward device to his secret lab when the Gate on that world was dialed without the right signal. Anna gave him a tired expression.

"Right, of course it would. Does our Gate do it now too with all the gizmos you gave us?" She nodded. "Oy. When were you going to tell me?"

"I just did, Jack." Anna smiled up. "But seriously, our technicians have only had a week to teach your people how to operate the new safeguards." Anna sighed. He was so suspicious. "How do you always manage to assume the worst, Jack?"

"I practice, Ma'am." Each gave the other appraising looks. Anna was disgusted. Jack frowned and looked away. Lying here next to him was the promise to fulfill everything he had worked to achieve for the past ten years. Would the price be too high? Clearly, she was using him, the President, heck the whole planet to stay in power among her own people. But what if she fell from power? Then what? And why was she ok with being alone with him in his cabin again? Was there some kind of offer he was missing? Ugh.

"Ma'am, I have a question. What are you going to do with all the money you have just accumulated? And, what do your people think about all the wealth you have spent building the facilities here? Such an extravagance has to hurt somewhere." Jack kept thinking of the fabulous wealth he had seen in her palaces and on her ships. Now he had seen what she had built in his own solar system. It took money, lots of money. And what she just did today in the financial markets could not pay for what was out there.

"Jack, the secret to the expense is simple. I am generous towards all from whom I do not take who are numberless; and stingy towards those to whom I do not give, who are few." She wondered if he could understand. "Because my predecessors' practiced economy, our people are content knowing my revenues are enough. I can defend us against all attacks, And still, I am able to engage in enterprises without burdening my people."

"You mean you financed all of this here out of your own pocket?" Jack whistled as she nodded. "So why go after our money in the financial markets here today?"

"I had to create capital here to make the changes you are asking me to do. If I bring in the money, your economy will experience tremendous inflation. So I am using what is already here. Even so, the amount today will not pay for what needs to be done. But it is a start." Anna was amused that he was so simple about economics.

"It's a lot, Anna. It scares folks." Jack spoke softly realizing that she had the power to disrupt the planet. She had disrupted the planet he corrected himself.

"Yes, I know. It is more than the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the United States this year plus most of next year's GDP." Jack looked blank. "GDP, that's the sum of the value of everything produced in your country all year." His eyes widened. "Jack, it's more than your entire national budget for the next seven years. I know how much it is." Anna looked up at him appraisingly. "Jack, just imagine what could be accomplished if all the taxes for the next seven years went to programs to improve health, fix your education system, rebuild your infrastructure, promote research and development, modernize your outdated manufacturing base, and build Earth's defenses."

"Is that what you are going to do with it?" He knew everyone wanted that answer.

"Yes, and reinvest a good deal of it as well. The enterprises must be self-sufficient. Your people cannot handle the tax burden of this effort. And I won't ask my people." Now how would he react to that? Ah, surprise. Jack thought for a moment to phrase his next statements.

"But this kind of accumulation affects everyone. Taking that much money out of the economy will destabilize us. And you said you did not want to do that." He played with his hands. What he wanted to do was strangle her.

"In the short term, yes you are correct. Soon it will be plowed back into the economy as the funds are spent. New industries will arise. New avenues of investment and opportunity will come. It's a cycle, Jack. It can't happen all at once. But this seed money will get the effort started. As it progresses, more and more changes will propel this world's development forward. Other enterprises and other people will find their way into the system. The world economy will grow in a great surge over the next several decades. Everyone will have an opportunity to participate. What they do with that opportunity is up to them." Anna rolled onto her side to face him. "I hope they do not squander this opportunity. And it is not something that can be legislated. Most of the troubles here on this world are because of too few resources to support too many people. Your people have to grow up. They have to build colonies. Jack, this day marks childhood's end."

Jack stared at her in amazement. Anna met his gaze, thinking, 'The President has other more qualified generals. You're lucky, O'Neill, that I have plans for your nasty sarcastic ass.' Once again, Anna briefly considered asking the President for an additional general. But Jack was also the one person in the universe she trusted to be honest. Even if he acted against her it would be an honest decision. At this point, an honest man was as good as it got.

"Jack, I am not sure you realize what is truly at stake here. I don't speak about my life. I am replaceable as are we all." Anna observed him calmly sitting next to her on the bed. Except for her dead husband, no one had ever been allowed such familiarity. Absently, Anna wondered, 'why do I permit him this privilege? It must be the tags that compel me to be with him.' Anna sighed, frustrated trying to reach his mind.

"Timing is the issue. This is not the time for me to be replaced. These are not the right circumstances. If I am replaced now, the consequences are deadly for hundreds of millions of people."

"Pretty impressed with your place in the scheme of things are you?"

"My death now means civil war. I am talking about the fallout from civil war among 38 billion people when the barbarians are at the gate ready to destroy us." Anna watched his face change to a mask. He looked down at his hands. "There will be a bloodbath between the clans as a result. Good people like Admiral Zay will die, as will most of his staff of our most experienced officers." Anna observed him carefully. Jack didn't give away much. Anna was desperate to reach an understanding with him. But she kept her calm exterior.

"The Goa'uld will seize the opportunity in the chaos and destroy us. What do you think will happen to Earth? You think the Asgaard will save you again? I believe they have found what they have been seeking. I mean the treasure of the Ancients in Atlantis. In the Pegasus Galaxy, they've found the most advanced human genome in the galaxy along with a previously unknown wealth of human subjects." Anna's eyes were cold and hard. She knew she was right. "Are you sure you want to roll those dice?"

Anna couldn't believe he didn't see the duplicity of the Asgaard. He was still afraid of her. That meant the rest were plotting something. Anna made her decision. Men have less scruples offending one who is beloved than one who is feared. Love is preserved by the link of obligation, which is broken at every opportunity for personal advantage. Fear preserves a ruler by a dread of punishment, which never fails. Anna was going to put the fear of God in them tonight with Jack O'Neill at her side.


A meeting convened in the Oval Office. The President gave the floor to General Hammond, his Off-world Affairs Advisor. Everyone in the room was grim. The fate of the planet would be decided tonight. They had no idea how true it was.

"We are ready to broadcast, Mr. President." His secretary announced to the meeting.

"Thank you, Karen." President Hayes turned his attention back to the group. "I think she will act tonight. She has no choice. I want us at DefCon One. Francis inform our allies why. Recommend they go on alert, too. Alien military assets that have a good chance of showing up in the next 48 hours or sooner." General Francis Maynard, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff nodded his agreement with a grim countenance. "I want people standing by with zat guns to take her down at the first sign of trouble. I am hoping she will make her statement and then leave. Oh, and double the guards around the Chair. She will make a play for it probably on site. If she beams it out, we can't stop her. But if she could I think she would have already."

"Sir, if I may, I think the bigger problem is the solar system defense installations." General Maynard zeroed in on the problem. "General O'Neill reports that we have no hope of mastering them in a small amount of time. I recommend that we have naquadah-enhanced nukes sent to the Daedalus. Hermiod can use the transporters to place them. Whether he will I am not sure. But I don't think the Asgaard will mind blowing up alien installations in our solar system."

Hammond looked around the room and added. "We have asked Hermiod to call Thor but once again Thor is AWOL. I have to admit that Lady Anna's analysis of our relationship with the Asgaard has some good points. In fact, they are downright disturbing. After this mess is over, we need to talk to the Asgaard and clarify these questions."

Heads were bobbing in agreement. The talk turned back to the pre-emptive strike they were considering.

"Sir, I recommend that we target the Commonwealth Embassy. With her shields we may not get through. But, we have to consider it." General Maynard knew blowing up an embassy was serious business. "What they have in there could compromise the planet."

"Jerry, we can't tip our hands with an outright evacuation. Can the utility company find a gas leak?" The White House Chief of Staff put his staff right on it. Hayes addressed Hammond. "Ok, tell Landry that no one comes in through the Gate for Lady Anna tonight. If she wants to leave, fine. If she needs to send or receive a message, fine. But no more personnel are to get in. If she asks why, then say we are doing it for her protection. If Teal'c is successful, he can go to the Alpha Site and pass through from there."


Teal'c stood before the ornate door of the Palace in the Commonwealth Capital. The Goa'uld could have taken aesthetic lessons from these people. He checked his escort. Clearly, they had never seen anything like the Capital of the Commonwealth. Nor had any seen the like of this palace. Clearly, they were afraid. These Hak'taur were far more advanced than any other human society these Jaffa had ever encountered. Truly, they were formidable for humans. Teal'c knew those looks. The newly freed Jaffa still had the old attitudes towards humans. Those attitudes were shaped by thousands of years holding human societies back. It would be a long while before that attitude could be changed. His task was difficult. But Teal'c knew what was at stake.

The doors opened. Teal'c and his guards examined the room. There did not seem any obvious threat. But Teal'c knew the safeguards were well hidden. Wearing full Jaffa Master Regalia, Teal'c entered softly. O'Neill briefed him about whom he would be meeting. After spending so much time among humans, Teal'c knew human females could be powerful leaders. This one was the most powerful he would ever meet.


"Jack, I just got my messages. It seems duplicity is not limited to aliens like the Goa'uld or the Asgaard." Lady Anna activated the console in O'Neill's cabin. The meeting in the President's office replayed for them. Anna looked at Jack. "In or out, Jack?" His face was made of stone. Unconsciously, he reached out to her with his hand. It was nearly an out of body experience watching himself pull her in towards him. She let him. Once again he marveled at her courage. It would be so easy to snap her neck right now. But in such close proximity all he wanted to do was protect her. It went against every fiber in his being.

"I know my duty, Anna." Jack deep brown eyes held regret. "I'm sorry."

"Me, too. We each have to do what we think is right, not what is easy." Anna melted into him. "Jack?"

"Hmm?" He was immersed in the smell of her hair.

"Just between us only, do you really believe I am a bad guy?"

"No. But it won't stop me."

"Thank you, Jack." Anna looked up at him and smiled. "That's the nicest thing you have ever said to me."


"Come forward, Master Teal'c." The old woman by the fireplace beckoned to Teal'c. Teal'c motioned to his Jaffa escort to remain by the door. He crossed the room and waited patiently for her to take her time. She was very old indeed. And she was not well. The strain had to be taking a toll on her. Anna's Matriarch, Princess Ellen considered the man before her. He was a formidable presence. Obviously, he was a leader in his own right. Very well, she could try. Teal'c saw the decision in her face. She motioned to him to be seated opposite her.

"O'Neill," asked the Princess? Teal'c nodded assent. The old woman gave nothing away. "Humph. Humph. She closed her tired eyes. For sometime she said nothing. Teal'c was a man of infinite patience. In the silence, they were testing each other. Good, neither one was going to be hasty. A servant approached to offer refreshments. Teal'c waived her off. He is a cautious man, thought the Matriarch, a good sign in her opinion. "Humph." She looked at him with a question in her eyes. Teal'c gave a barely noticeable hand gesture, which Lady Anna told him meant yes. He knew she was asking about Lady Anna. To anyone watching, they were just staring each other down. "Humph." The old woman folded her hands in front of herself. Teal'c knew she was saying she was ready to act. He slowly lowered his eyelids up and down. "Speak, Master Teal'c, my time is short." What a powerful statement, thought Teal'c. She just admitted her assassination was imminent.

"Your Highness, I bring the greetings and friendship of my people, all my people." Teal'c bowed his head to her. That indicated he spoke for the Tau'ri too. She was avoiding mention of the wedding. This was a good sign. "My time with the Tau'ri has taught me the value of the human spirit. I wish to communicate that understanding throughout the galaxy. We should all come together to find comfort and protection from the predators who would destroy our way of life." He waited for her response. She took her time again. It could be a trap, she thought. Or, he might not understand the problem. What did he have to back up his claim? She cocked her head expectantly and indicated for him to continue.

"In that spirit, the High Council of the Free Jaffa has sent to you a great gift to offer our friendship and to open diplomatic channels between our great peoples." Teal'c waited for permission to proceed. She considered the matter and closed her eyes. One might even think she were asleep. When she opened her eyes, she was staring straight at his Jaffa escort by the door. Then she looked to him. Teal'c gestured slightly again. His team was ok. They had been briefed. She took one more look at him and decided to trust him. The princess beckoned to the Jaffa.

"Quickly. What have you brought? We must use it immediately." The Princess indicated a table console. Teal'c hesitated then drew out the communication device and the instructions from Lady Anna's technicians for the interface. Everything happened quickly from that point."


Emmett Bregman cued the cameraman and the lights. He cued the caller's question asking if Lady Anna was getting married. Then he gave her the signal to proceed.

"Marriage? How amusing." Anna lightly chuckled and smiled up at her Lord General in his full regalia. Jack played his part and snorted a laugh. He looked kindly down on her as she looked adoringly up at him. They didn't really have to pretend. He didn't mind this part. Even the President was impressed how they conveyed their feelings in a look. 'What an actress,' Jack thought behind his smile. Hammond wondered again what was going on between those two. Anna turned toward the President and offered her hand, which he took very gently. They stood in front of the White House all lit up for effect. It was cold, but everyone endured the photo opportunity before going inside. The cameramen took a wide shot for the background and then zoomed in for the close-ups. He had no idea that live meant live across the galaxy. But Emmett Bregman did. He would get his interview this morning.

"She's a clever fox in disguise." Hammond remarked to General Maynard, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. "What a great pretender and dissembler. She manipulated the situation on Earth to serve her purpose. I'm not sure the President will ever know her true purpose. She didn't care one way or the other whether he supported her or not."

"It turned out we sent some useful people to her. Mostly, she needed him to push Jack O'Neill to appear with her." Maynard gestured to O'Neill. "Somehow I don't think the new communication system was as necessary as she made out. O'Neill was."

"She's got Jack's number and we thought he had hers. Oh, there were some unexpected situations like the tags. But those actually worked in her favor. It probably felt like he was in the trenches fighting along side her. Her generosity helped too." Hammond's bald pate moved side to side. Maynard also shook his head. "I never thought she could turn his head, but look at those two, will ya?

While the technicians set up for Bregman's interview with the Lady inside the White House early Tuesday morning, President Hayes, General O'Neill, George Hammond, and Dr. Jackson gathered in the Green Room. The sun was just rising. Early December in Washington can be cold and rainy, but today it was sunny and mild. Most of the leaves were off the trees. Frost covered the ground. It was still only late Fall.

"Ma'am, we hope the broadcast will have its desired effect. How soon will you know?" President Hayes accepted a cup of coffee. Lady Anna smiled an amused grin. She shot a glance over to O'Neill. He startled and sighed.

"It already has, sir." Jack looked at her satisfied smile. Everyone else observed her demeanor and realized O'Neill was correct.

"Mr. President, one of the most effective remedies that a leader can have against conspiracies is not to be hated and despised by the people. I am fortunate to be loved by the mob. Lord O'Neill is nearly worshipped." The disbelieving looks around the room made her smile inwardly. They had no idea who or what she really was. They had no idea how important O'Neill was in this game. Perhaps she would tell them. But for a moment, let them learn. Anna sipped at her hot chocolate, infinitely better than coffee.

"Mr. President, in my study of history, one thing I have learned is that conspiracies are difficult to pull off. For they who conspire against a legitimate ruler always expect to please the mob by the leader's removal. But when the conspirator can only look forward to offending that mob, he will not have the courage to take such a course. The difficulties that confront a conspirator are infinite. And as experience shows, many have been the conspiracies, but few have been successful. That is because the conspirators cannot act alone. A conspirator must keep company with a malcontent. As soon as you have opened your mind to a malcontent you have given him the material with which to content himself. For by denouncing you, he can look for every advantage. Seeing the gain from this course to be assured, and seeing the other to be doubtful and full of dangers, he must be a very rare friend, or a thoroughly obstinate enemy of the ruler, to keep faith with you."

Hayes nodded in agreement. She was very shrewd. Interesting that human affairs were so similar all over the Galaxy. He waited for the Lady to continue. She was on a roll.

"After the broadcast, Princess Ellen, the Matriarch of the Royal Clan, went to work with a vengeance. The riots over O'Neill's departure were her doing. It demonstrated how loved he was and how the people revered him. His departure caused great unrest among the people. During the broadcast this morning from the Holy Mother Planet, Lord O'Neill's performance toward me was his seal of approval. My high regard and adoration of him reassured the people. I was already popular with the mob. Now I am gold. From all over the Commonwealth, the conspirators were given up by their own malcontents. No one wanted to go against a beloved and rightful ruler. By mid-day today, the Royal Matriarch will have everyone, including Lady Janelle and the clan elder involved brought before her. The rest of the pack is meeting their fate as well."

"So, does this mean, Ma'am, that you are some little way indebted to us for helping you?" Jack smiled his charming boyish smile.

"I suppose I am, My Lord General." Anna smiled back. Everyone grinned a little as the tension was released by her remark. Jack preened at the acknowledgement. "And, yes, My Lord, I shall express that gratitude shortly." Everyone seemed a little happier. The Lady was very generous. Lady Anna received one of her aides bearing a message, smiled, and dismissed him. She smiled again at the gathering.

Breakfast was announced and served in the State Dining Room. The President ushered in to breakfast Her Most Royal Highness, Lady Anna, the Judge of All the People and her honored Lord General O'Neill. From her bearing, something profound had occurred from that broadcast. Something happened much more than just doing an end run around some amateurs in her opposition. She wasn't bothering to pretend the President was her equal anymore. Her first move was to be seated before him by giving him a smart glance, which stopped him in his tracks. The second indication was the presence of her retainers and staff who served her directly after examining the food. There were others in the kitchen supervising the Chef's preparations. No doubt about it, the Lady believed she took precedence here. 'Well, that's ok,' Hayes decided. He had seen it all before. Now let's see what this is all about, the President thought to himself.

"Mr. President, I must say that the variety and quality of the foods of this world are most astonishing. Perhaps, we have the opportunity to engage in trade for these goods between our peoples. As I have previously requested, we should like to acquire various edible plants and animals to propagate among our own peoples." Lady Anna examined a slice of pineapple. "Never have I tasted such fabulous foods." She took a bite from her fork. Her DNA manipulations had increased her sense of smell and taste. She enjoyed her meal in obvious satisfaction.

"Yes, about those other 'requests,' Ma'am," began the President. "We are still concerned how you view the situation. After yesterday's adventure on the financial markets, we have to wonder how you plan to proceed. I confess to being baffled why you would want to acquire such a huge fortune on this backwater planet." Hayes put down his fork and eyed her.

"Mr. President, I have previously briefed Our Lord General who can give you his report as soon as he has the opportunity." Lady Anna permitted her attendant to refill her cup of hot chocolate. "Afterwards, if you still have any questions, the President of Star Commonwealth Enterprises will be available at your convenience. He will be happy to give you a prospectus. The Annual Report is available through every usual source." Lady Anna poked at her fruit. "Now, Mr. President, if we are finished with this lovely repast, I would like to discuss a few matters which weigh heavily on my mind." Lady Anna rose from the table in the State Dining Room and moved gracefully into the Red Room leaving the assembly to follow her.


Out in space that Tuesday morning, Lady Anna's forces were on high alert. She wasn't leaving anything to chance. The forces in-system were the tip of the iceberg. Today she would bring to bear the truly great assets she had built. Her cousin, Admiral Zay knew his business. There was no way he would let her down.

"Admiral Zay, we have sensor indications of a large hyperspace footprint on a direct vector to the system." The Tactical Officer displayed the sensor imaging on the holoscreen in front of the Admiral and Commander Eli. The senior officers on board the Commonwealth Starship, 'O'Neill the Great' concentrated their attention on the pattern and the readings.

"Size and bearing," Commander Eli demanded?

"Forty Ha'tak class vessels, at least one mothership, a few dozen Al'kesh mid-range bombers, and something very large. We can't identify it. There does not seem to be an energy reading." The officer checked the plot. "They will arrive in 36 hours."

"No energy reading? That's impossible. Run a diagnostic, and contact the ' Jericho' for confirmation. The two largest Commonwealth starships, the 'O'Neill' and the ' Jericho' were in place with the fleet above and below if those terms could apply in space relative to Earth. However, they remained in hyperspace for cover. Tracking other ships in hyperspace was an advancement even the Goa'uld could not do from this range.

"We have confirmation, Admiral," replied the Tactical Officer.

"Inform our Great Lady on the planet," commanded the Admiral. "The operation has begun."


The Lady finding herself now sufficiently powerful and partly secured from immediate dangers had pre-arranged her line of actions. At the Capital and on the various planets in the Commonwealth, her minions carried out her instructions immediately. They knew that by the time she returned, everything must be secured. Lady Anna's forces occupied the Capital. The conspirators and their families were rounded up. The King was isolated. The Religious Council was arrested. And the leading gentlemen of the realm reassured. But with regard to Earth, she decided to settle the matter herself.

"Now, My Lord General, Mr. President please be seated. I would offer my thoughts about the present situation." The men took their seats. Lady Anna eyed the other men severely. They stood up again glancing at each other and the President. He gave a nod to comply. 'This should be really interesting.' Hayes trained his attention on the regal woman before him.

"My lords, I wish to inform you that we know that the Goa'uld have decided to act in concert against us. Our intelligence assets have monitored their plans for the past week to determine where they will act. As of this morning, we have learned they did take the bait we have set. They should arrive here within two days." The gasps were audible.

"Why didn't you say anything, Ma'am?" Jack was cold as ice. "Aw crap, here it comes. I knew it."

"My Lord General, you will refrain." Anna's presence filled the room. Even the President was taken aback. "Now, here is the plan of action." Anna began to describe what she wanted the President to authorize. He objected, strenuously. "Mr. President, you don't really think I came here with the paltry force Lord O'Neill reviewed the past three days?"

Hayes knew she had been holding back. Now the game got interesting. "No, ma'am, I surely didn't. Tell me, what force did you bring?"

"Mr. President, inside the hyperspace barrier outside this solar system awaits my fleet. We always planned to lure the enemy away from his supply bases and his level of comfort. This planet is so far from Ba'al's center of operations, he will have to stretch his remaining resources to try and make a raid. Once our installations detect a large enough hyperspace footprint, they will send a message to the fleet. The enemy will be in for a small surprise." Anna smiled a predatory grin. Jack froze.

"Just say the word, sir." Jack kept his body loose. He knew how and where to strike. Anna ignored him and kept her attention on the President. Hayes shook his head no. He needed to hear this out.

"So, you were never on the run from assassins? We thought as much." Hayes kept his eyes on her exclusively.

"Yes, assassins were after me. But I was after them. It was no contest." Anna smoothed her skirt. Her eyes were hard.

"You manipulated the whole situation to happen in the first place." Hammond snorted in disgust. "This old dog has played this game before, ma'am." No one doubted she had planned everything down to this meeting. Lady Anna was always a master manipulator.

"Without a doubt leaders become great when they overcome the difficulties and obstacles to which they are confronted. For the past seven years, I have built the military against heavy opposition. My opposition had to be crushed before we fully engage the Goa'uld. I could not leave for war with dissent at home. For this reason Princess Ellen counseled me to consider the wisdom of taking advantage of opportunities to display competence. I had the opportunity and felt I ought to foster some animosity against myself. So, we caused my enemies to arise and form designs against me. In so doing, I had the opportunity to overcome my enemies. By crushing them, I rose even higher in power and prestige. After this day, the nobles and leaders of the Commonwealth know never to cross me."

"I told you she could eat their lunch, sir. None of this gambit made any sense to me." Jack's grim demeanor said it all. Anna simply shrugged nonchalantly as if to say, 'of course.'

"You who would consider my actions and my purpose will see nothing, or little, which can be attributed to fortune. I have attained pre-eminence not by the favor of anyone, but step by step in the military profession. These steps were gained with a thousand troubles and perils. I must be bold today. With many hazards and dangers facing me at this hour of battle, I have killed all the malcontents who were able to injure me. I have strengthened myself with new civil and military ordinances. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less. Benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavor of them may last longer. My ambassador will brief your ministers after we have finished." Anna paused for the full effect of her next statement. She looked at each man carefully making certain of his full attention.

"My Lords, from this day forth, I am the King's Regent, Judge of All the People, Supreme Commander of His Majesty's forces, and many other titles. In other words, the King is content to retire to a life of contemplation and prayer."

Lady Anna's speech shocked them all. Many moments of silence passed as they reeled from the news. For she had just told them that she now ruled the Commonwealth, all 26 star systems containing 38 billion human beings.

"Is that all true, Ma'am?" Jack asked softly. Anna smiled with deep affection towards him. The others saw her softer demeanor when she addressed him and felt uncomfortable. Jack understood her meaning. She had to do what she believed necessary. It was just business. Between them personally, there would always be an understanding.

"Yes, My Lord General Jack O'Neill. Without your help, it would have been a bloodbath. Had it come to civil war, hundreds of millions would have died both from internal struggles and from without by the Goa'uld." Anna spoke sincerely to him and to him alone. "And for that, I shall be eternally grateful for your assistance." Anna nodded regally to him. Hesitating, Jack gave a short head nod back.

"And to you sir," Anna addressed President Hayes in more formal tones. "I thank you for the assistance of your experts. They bought me enough time to complete my plans to consolidate power. There will be no dissent from this point onward. Today, I must be able to direct my attention to the coming battles without distraction from internal treachery."

Hayes understood the power play she just pulled off. It was a beauty. "With the utmost respect, Your Highness, what does Your Highness still want with Earth?" Clearly he had better change his approach to the most powerful human being in the galaxy.

"George, call the Daedalus. Have Hermiod call Thor, tell him we need help against the coming Goa'uld attack." The SecDef realized a message had to be sent to the Asgaard ASAP. Hammond moved to exit when a wave of Anna's hand stopped him. Her guards blocked his path. He turned, furious, back to her. The President sat back. Ok, the Lady wanted to play rough. He could do that.

"Now what, ma'am?" Hayes crossed his arms over his chest.

"Now, sir, you listen and learn. We have no time for these games. Hermiod is no longer on the Daedalus. He is in stasis. Should we require his assistance, he will be awakened. The device to call Thor has been disabled. The Stargate on K'tau is now sealed with an iris. You cannot get through without my permission. And my guards are in Freyr's Temple itself." Anna spoke calmly and with great authority. "The Tollan devices you used to call the Nox can not broadcast out of the solar system without my permission. None of the Goa'uld long-range communication 'balls' will operate inside this system or outside for a long way."

"Why," was all Jack said? Earth was locked down tight.

"I shall not permit your continuing security breaches here to compromise this operation. For all the security equipment we have provided, White House conversations are still repeated in the halls of the System Lords. And for this I say 'shame on you, sir.' My benevolence has its limits." Anna spoke with grim determination. She had had enough. "You are unable to control your personnel. No amount of equipment can defeat simple human negligence and intent."

"How is that relevant to Hermiod?" Hayes kept his cool. This situation could end very badly. He needed answers.

"We have reason to believe that his activities are not in our interest." Lady Anna regarded the grey old man intently. "In fact, we have our suspicions that the tags are connected to the Asgaard. At some point, the human race must deal with predators of every variety. Some just come in more benign packaging." Her mouth was a thin line set in determination.

"You are risking a confrontation with the Asgaard. I see no great wisdom in this." O'Neill spoke calmly. But he was ready to take action against her.

"Ma'am, our relationship with the Asgaard has been beneficial and we would like to keep it that way. I must protest your treatment of Hermiod." President Hayes was grim too. "General O'Neill has briefed me concerning your views…"

"Sir, enough. At this point, the subject is not open for debate. We waste time. Do you want a briefing or not?" His rumpled figure did not reassure her concerning his competence.

"You seem to have the floor, ma'am." Hayes gestured to her with his hand. She looked down coolly at his hand indicating he should not point, and should withdraw it. He did. And then he waited patiently for the other shoe to fall.

"Our in-system defenses are not complete. However, they are operational to 70 percent. Combined with the fleet standing ready, we have the assets necessary to guard the area away from this planet. We are aware that the Goa'uld have been working on a way to launch weapons from a greater distance than previously. The area away from Earth needs covering firepower. But, space is large. So where to place the defenses presented us with a serious challenge." Hayes nodded for her to continue. "Observe the view from one of our sensor platforms." Anna motioned her hand and an image appeared.

"(http/space.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/wspace?tbody1000&vbody-82&month11&day14&year2005&hour00&minute00&rfov30&fovmul-1&bfov30&porbs1)"

And then consider the system closer in:

"(http/space.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/wspace?tbody1000&vbody-79&month11&day14&year2005&hour00&minute00&rfov30&fovmul-1&bfov30&porbs1)"

"As you are aware, exiting hyperspace too close to a planet with large ships is unadvisable. The question is where the enemy will appear in the solar system. From your files we have determined the usual approach the Goa'uld tend to use. Previously, Anubis managed to arrive next to the planet. It is possible Ba'al has that ability as well. If he is planning a raid, then he will try to arrive as close as possible without reappearing inside the planet or so close he would be pulled in by Earth's gravity. Therefore the envelope around the Earth is more defined."

"In a stable solar system, all planets inhabit the same elliptical plain around the sun. Most planets are therefore not above or below the others, and are more or less level relative to each other. If you draw the sun as a sphere, then draw level egg shaped rings around the sun in successively larger rings, behold my point is illustrated:

http/photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html

Arriving between them is risky, but arriving above or below that elliptical plain is not. The other concern is not to reappear inside the sun. They seem to have that problem solved. So, our fleet will cover the outer edge of that envelope surrounding Earth from points above and below the ellipse. Outer system defenses will cover much of the approach from the points typically used in the past should they appear farther out. The bases in the asteroid belt will provide cover and support to the fleet closer to Earth." Anna paused to determine if they understood her. It was questionable.

"You sure don't leave anything to chance, ma'am." Hayes snarled.

"No. I don't." She looked over to see how Jack was taking it. She saw he understood her intent if not every detail of the plan. Then she focused her attention back to the President. "Sir, we offer to lay down our lives for your world. You cannot ask more."

"I prefer that the other side lay down their lives for their world," was Jack's sarcastic reply. "I'm just saying." He shrugged and looked toward Hayes who was furious.

"I can ask more when I know the Asgaard would prevent this from happening, Your Highness. And I can't see how we are allies if we have no say in how our world is defended." Hayes protested.

"Ah, and that is my next point. We shall give you the means to defend this world should the enemy come too close or get past us. Once this is done, you will never need the Asgaard again." Anna waited for the surprise to settle down. "General O'Neill, I want you to activate the Ancient Chair weapon when it is time." Anna heard the men suck in their breaths. They understood it would be fully operational courtesy of the Lady.

Jack looked from one to the other to the other. He gave her his most charming smile. And then he asked the one question pressing on his mind. Holding up two fingers, he asked, "does this mean we get the two ZPMs?"


Sources:

Budget of the US Government, http/www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2006/pdf/06msr.pdf, pages 12 & 23.

"The Prince" by Nicolo Machiavelli,


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