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ALL HAIL FAUCI!
Balance to the Force, must be restored.
Chapter 20
Reborn Coordinators
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November 7, 84 CE
Avalon
An hour later
As Hayes and his entourage walk out of the Archangel and back to Avalon, where Daniel gave an offhand remark
"That went well"
"As much, as it should be Daniel" Hayes replied "Telling them about Epsilon One is one thing, seeing it will be another. We will just have to wait and see what happens next"
"Respectfully sir, this could cause a real problem for you and the country" Ron then said question "Is this really the right time?"
"It's the right time and did the right thing Ron!" said Daniel and Ron shot back
"He did what you wanted to Daniel, and it's all because you felt sorry for them, and don't act so self-righteous when you are not the one in the firing line!"
"I am not being," Hayes stop Daniel on his tracks as he suddenly spoke up
"ENOUGH!" Hayes yelled at them to stop arguing "My actions will not affect our country standing's very much as our position will remain solid and if they wish to make a big fuss about it, then we can always reevaluate our continuous support to the UN and why we should allow the rest of humanity gain access to the universe"
Both Ron and Daniel stop arguing when the president threw the words 'reevaluate' in the air.
In the UN charter, any nation can pull out of the UN if they wish to, along with it the global support, assistance and privileges along with it. But if the Atlantic Federation pull out of the UN, a major supporter of the UN? Then other member nation will have no choice but to put up the bill and add more support. It would also very much end up becoming a toothless organization like before, something that no one is keen of letting it happen again, especially in a time that they are threatened by alien invaders.
"Are you sure about that sir?" Ron was unsure
"Oh, I am very sure about that, Ron" he started walking again with Ron and Daniel following behind him "Neither Ezalia or Ms. Attha wants to cause too much an uproar because it will be counterproductive for them, for this time at least" he said
"They will reserve judgement until a full investigation is made, and I am optimistic that it won't be as bad for us when they start talking to their citizens, scratch that, to the people of the nations of Epsilon One"
What Hayes was referring to is the news that, Lenore Zala, wife to Patrick Zala and mother of Athrun Zala, is alive and the leader of a new nation called New Vinland, one of 4 new nations established by the refugees from four nations that were resettled in 4 of 8 separate continents on Epsilon One.
New Vinland
Neo Europa
Great Fuso Archipelago
The Neo Orb Union – named after the Orb Union on Earth
The President's Office
In the secured office of the president, a layer of forcefields and anti-surveillance systems, complement of the Ancients, protects the residence from prying eyes and ears as a measure of security.
"This will be the first test on how the UN will function out there, if they wish to mingle with the rest of galaxy as Earth representative. Heck! This is a walk in the park compared to the other worlds across this galaxy" Hayes said
"We should start informing our offworld allies about the changes" Daniel suggested "SGC have treaties and alliances with so many worlds and species and we are obligated to honor them, especially in regards to supporting them to defend their world from alien invasion"
"Should we continue supporting them under the UN banner?"
"Technically, those are under the banner of the Atlantic Federation before the UN. However, we will inform the UN council about it and help build them diplomatic relation with them first before we start sharing responsibilities with them as agreed upon. That is, if they succeed in dealing with their first interstellar mission" Hayes heaves a sigh of a thought of doubt
"Honestly, I am reluctant to expose our offworld allies to those bunch of retards in the UN"
"Can't be help sir, the nations of Earth are demanding equal representation Mr. President, it's one of the reasons why the UN is reestablished and its they all are all equally represented and not just the Atlantic Federation" said Daniel
"I know Daniel, I know. Despite us leading the way, I am just worried about problems they may cause to our offworld allies who have been good to us for so many years, 'sigh' we have nurtured a lot of goodwill, which help us rebuild our country and strengthen ourselves against our enemies, foreign, domestic and extraterrestrial" Hayes answered
"However, I will give them the benefit of the doubt, but if they screw up this mission, then we will need to reevaluate our relationship with them and establish some rules, otherwise we will continue our obligation under the Atlantic Federation and may even withdraw from the UN"
"That's not going to go well with them, Mr. President" Ron said to Hayes and thought about it for a moment before saying "Everyone is enthusiastic about the end of conflict between nations. The Atlantic Federation withdrawing from the UN could throw the world into chaos again,"
"Which I am betting on them being cautious in their words before they started screaming, bloody murder in our faces" Hayes finished
"In a way Ron, this is the UN, trial by fire, and see how they work things out" Hayes said and then said to Ron
"Ron, I am sending you to Epsilon One as a chaperone and to shadow the preliminary fact-finding group, most likely led by that group in the Archangel"
"Sir, you want me to babysit those guys?" Ron wanted to argue, however Hayes told him
"No but's about it Ron, this is an order"
"Yes, Sir" Ron groan as he slips down from the couch, he's sitting on
"Dr. Weir will go on ahead and inform President Zala of the situation and inform her about the UN mission"
"Begging your pardon Mr. President, but I am not exactly welcome over there" Ron tried to argue, remembering how he nearly beat the life out of several dozen Zaft soldiers (most of whom died by his hands are alive again) who are not Malcontents but still has issue with him (well, he did kill them the first time…painfully)
"I am, well aware of that Ron. However, you are the best person I know of capable of sensing out people's true intentions far better than anyone, except your sensei"
"If you say so Mr. President"
"Good. Now, Lenore Zala is not like her husband and unlike her husband, she's a much more a moderate individual with the backing of the people behind her" said Hayes
"Do you think she will help the Plants?" Daniel asks
"Probably, I know that former members of Zaft will no doubt wants go back to the Plants and reenlist back to the military. That will boost their strength but not enough to get to level they wanted. Question is, will they be cooperative with us or not?" Hayes question
Ten days later
Epsilon Eridani Starsystem
Planet Reach
Ron POV
Ron in combat suit, steps out of the event horizon first before a group of newbies who first things first is to throw up their morning breakfast.
Newbies to be noted are:
1. Captain Murrue Ramius
2. Major Mwu La flaga
3. Kira Yamato
4. Lacus Clyne
5. Athrun Zala
6. Yzak Joule
7. Dearka Elsman
8. Mirillia Haw
9. Sai Argyle
Along with a dozen security team, members of BEC and diplomats who came with them for this diplomatic excursion. The newbies are not exactly thrilled to have Ron as their chaperone as most of them (namely the boys) did not have a very positive attitude toward Ron recently.
"You'll get used to it in time" Ron told them
He showed them to the base main building where representatives of the New Vinland government led by a woman, is talking to Dr. Elizabeth Weir… and surprise, surprise.
Ron was smiling at the woman before her 'My God she's still as radiant as ever'
The New Vinland representative, glared icily toward Ron"I never thought I would ever see you again, Ron, you son of #$%&" she threw curses at him in multiple languages at Ron for over two minutes, to the surprise and shock of the others. Some even felt like their ears have started to bleed. Others are wondering if there is going to be blood afterwards.
Strangely enough, Ron was smiling at her and her face is all red
"For God sakes stops smiling and take me seriously!" She yelled in frustration
"And it's good to see you again Ms. Beautiful. I see that, you are a radiant as ever, my dear Talia" was Ron calm greeting to her and great relief of seeing her again.
Ron perverted mental picture
Then suddenly, he grabs her by the waist and pulled her to a hug and gave her a torrid wet kiss and she responded in kind as she enjoyed every moment.
"God, I miss you, babe"
"Ron My God Ron, I miss you too, but let not do this now and please, get your hands off my ass!" She yelled and then gave Ron a punch in the face
Ron, punched back to the real world
Captain Talia Glady, former captain of the Zaft flagship Minerva until she died, brought back to life became a member of a progressive group to make New Vinland their own, and became a member of the President Lenore Zala administration and now chief negotiator.
Moments ago, she punches Ron in the face with an annoyed look but she seems to be blushing at the same time which was pretty cute.
"Get out of your perverted thoughts you bastard!" Talia yelled as Ron staggered backwards from the punch and everyone was shock to see the Grimm Reaper taking in the punches. The guards were about restrain her but Ron wave them off, saying that she's an old friend.
"OW! Glad to see you too again Talia" he replied trying to get his jaw back in place despite the pain "I see you haven't lost your touch, a mean left hook"
"And I got more of it if you want some more" she growled and still blushing
Ron look around and everyone is waiting for an answer why she decks him
"A long story short, the gorgeous lady over there and I, well, we go way, way back" he answered still smiling at her and she turn her back as not to show her blushing to him
"You screw yourself, you! #$% bastard!" Talia cursed at him again and unfortunately, Ron response to that was…
"I do occasionally do that, but only if I used you for my sick, sick fantasies" then Ron heaves a deep sigh "Ah! Good times, good times" the result of that,
"SNAP!"
"What was that?" Lacus said as somehow, she and everyone heard the breaking of the last string of self-control from somewhere in Talia mind.
Talia pretty much tackled him to the floor and gave Ron a beat down, not noticing that she's on top of him in a position that is pretty erotic, and where Ron hands are underneath her skirt holding her hips which he seems to be enjoying himself for some strange reason while being pummeled.
It was a while when Ron woke up from the infirmary, which is not the first time a woman beat him half to death and senseless. Not satisfied, she kicked him multiple times between the legs for good measure. Remarkably though, all he has is a few bruises that a band aid will cure it.
"You really do need to have your head examined Ron" Major Louis Ferretti Commander of SG-2 remark "Do you always piss off every woman you meet?"
"Hi Louis," he greeted "I honestly couldn't help myself after not seeing her for so long, so I let her beat me to death. God! That felt do good"
'God! The guy is a masochist!' Louis thought
"All the while you have both your hands holding her hips, underneath her skirt. Very, very smooth Ron" Louis remarks sarcastically
"Wha?"
"Don't deny it Ron, I saw the security video footage and everyone in that room saw where your grabby hands are located! And in many planets, ours included, that's considered sexual harassment!"
"Y-yeah, good times, good times"
"Unbelievable" Louis did an eye roll in disbelief in Ron attitude sometimes "Forget it! I give up!" raising up his hands in defeat and muttered to himself 'why am I even friends with you?'
Later, at the conference room
After greeting and explanations, Talia (still mad at Ron) calmly explains what's had happen and currently happening and to Zaft.
Talia explains, the last count was 500 thousand members of Zaft military, which was five years ago. Then Five years on, an upheaval started to ravage their numbers, due to differing opinion in the aftermath on the attack on the SGC embassy and the murder of Joseph Faxon.
The differing opinion escalated into a civil war between high ranking officers turned warlords split them up, forcing population to follow them. This went on for three years costing the lives of over 250 thousand people.
Second chances, don't come easily and they are wasting their second chances.
Fed up of all the lives lost, the population put their support in one group against the warring factions to end it once and for all. Lenore Zala, and her group called the 'Reformists' stops the fighting when all 3 million people surrounded all the warring factions in a human wall, forcing them to lay down their arms or they can just kill everyone.
For the Zaft troops, they stand down despite the order from their superiors to shoot at the advancing crowd but instead, the troops redirected their weapon at their superiors instead.
The first Epsilon I civil war was over.
"We lost…250,000 people…who died by our own hands. Out of fear, out of distrust out of paranoia. Second chance in life was wasted in this stupid!" Talia resisted to curse "When Stargate Command withdraw its support from the planet, everyone was terrified of the retribution to come, but it never came. Still, we see their spaceships passing by in orbit once a week with the Astronomical Telescopes Ambassador Faxon donated to us to use. There, at least we knew that they are still around. Then last year, we saw a single ship dropping something in orbit, and it turns out to be hundreds of pods filled with care packages and messages of them leaving Epsilon Eridani to protect the Earth and told us to go…to immediately go dark"
"That's a military code word, meaning no broadcasting their presence otherwise, you'd attract unwanted attention" Weir clarified Talia nodded
"You leaving us means that Earth is in trouble and that your alien enemies are coming" Talia said
"We continued to rebuild, form a government and also, establish an organization like the UN in the hopes of Vice President Hayes keep his promise"
"He's the President now captain Gladys, he's in his second term already" Louis corrected
"I see"
"Captain Gladys" Lacus called her attention
"Yes, Miss Clyne?"
"We, are here to represent the UN council on Earth, and President Hayes has handed over responsibility of Epsilon I to a fact-finding committee representing the Plants and Orb Union. We are the initial team to see Epsilon I and establish sub space communication with Sol.
"Then-then, we-we can talk to the Plants" she sounded hopeful, almost in tears in disbelief
"Eventually yes, you can talk to your son again" Lacus confirm
"So, he really did keep his promise…Joseph was right. Oh God!" Talia was shaking in joy, sadness and guilt at the same time. She put her hand on her face and started crying
"Captain?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine" she wipes the tears away from her eyes "people are waiting for the good news for a long time. This is good news" Talia went down on her knew and cried and cried as she's comforted by Lacus. Of course, it's not just Talia that's crying but every member of Talia group is crying as well.
Lacus can't help but cry with them, once one of the fearless captains of Zaft flagship the Minerva, is unable to contain the overflowing emotions inside of her. How it must have felt for the people on Epsilon I, when they found themselves alive again, stranded in an alien world and the only hope to get back home is the promise of people, whom many considered as, the enemy.
A promise made, and they held on to that in the belief, in the hope, in faith that they will keep it.
A promise kept.
Sol Starsystem
Ring of Altera, Spaceyards
Jupiter Explorer class spaceship
UNSC Leif Erikson
The Leif Erikson, is the third of the first four Jupiter Explorer class built and one of the most advance vessels ever built with all of the advance technology from the decade of Research and Development part of Stargate Command A.K.A. Area 51, of the Mad Scientists Union, the Club House of nerds and eggheads with ego the size of planets. Not to mention an army of sci-fi buffs, robots and mecha fanatics and otakus, ranging from the classic Buck Rogers, Star Wars, Star Trek, Babylon 5, Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko, Uchuu No Senkan Yamato (Starblazers), Space 1999, Battletech, Transformers, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and all the best science fiction genre, some known, some unknown.
The third ship construction, is a fusion of both Tau'ri and alien technology incorporated in the ships. The designers took inspiration from the shows that they shamelessly plagiarized the styles and architecture that many wants it added and strangely workable and comforting.
As the advance group is meeting with Epsilon I, the Leif Erickson is loading cargo upon cargo of care packages namely food, materials, equipment's, medical supplies, personal hygiene and many others that the Star Force plans to bring to Epsilon I and under the UN Flag. They are also storing five brand new BC-303 Prometheus-class warships and one BC-304 Daedalus-class Battlecruisers in its own hanger bay.
Reason to send warships to Epsilon I is unknown, however, a week ago, Earth got a certain scare when thirty Ha'tak motherships came knocking on Earth doorsteps and that the Star Forces and SGC was on alert and were aware of their arrival.
Afterwards, an announcement about a journey to Epsilon I and back as the ship final break-in, before its maiden voyage to deep space. Also, they are delivering their cargo to a colony on Epsilon I. Many journalists, the media and others were invited for this mission and everyone assume it's an AF establish colony is on Epsilon Eridani System.
On one of the private conference rooms, Councilor Canaver and Lady Cagalli is having a long-range communication conference with Lacus and were stunned to what she's reporting to them.
"They are all crying, happy and laughing out of joy?" Cagalli said expected of it but still surprise of what they are hearing as Lacus acknowledge
"While they said that, they resolved themselves in…in never ever seeing home, their families and love ones again, in their heart I think… they were grasping straws, in the belief of the promise by then Vice President Hayes made years ago. Everyone, think it was, a false hope, a foolish thought and yet, they hold on to it by deceiving themselves in believing that he will keep his promise.
Then, the incident that happened to ambassador Faxon…it didn't help and made some resigned to their fate that they will never will return home. There has been a number of suicides after what happened. Yet, many still held on to that belief, which is why," she directed the cameramanto focus down below the balcony she was standing and show the celebrating crowd all around city hall.
In fact, the whole city is having a party.
"I watch Captain Gladys cry, one of the strongest women we know and she went down on her knees and crying for joy when I told her, that she can finally see her son again. That's how emotionally charged people here is right now and honestly, I don't know if telling them of what's been happening back home for the past ten years would be a good thing for them to hear right now. The government here is holding back details until the Leif Erikson arrives"
"I don't envy your position or theirs Lacus" said Canaver
"But they deserve to be told of the truth, no matter how bad it would be for them to know what happens" Cagalli added
"I agree" Canaver is in agreement with Cagalli "Don't sugar coat it, no matter how much it will hurt them. But try to be gentle as much as you could"
"I will try and tell them as honestly as I can, as gentle as I can my friends. This won't be good news for most, especially for the members of Zaft. They won't like what they are going to hear"
"Do the best you can Lacus, we will be there in two days' time"
"We shall be waiting" and with that, the line is cut
Canaver and Cagalli sat down to absorb what was told and a minute later, Cagalli broke the silence
"I am guessing that, returning members of Zaft will not be happy when they hear the news of what happened here"
Canaver shook her "No I don't think so either, especially when they will hear that Ba'al was the one responsible for Zaft near annihilation and worst, the Plants got saved by the Star Forces of the Atlantic Federation" she heaves a deep sigh
"Whatever feeling they have, it doesn't matter, we need them to fill up the ranks Zaft lost. Even just half strength will be enough to get Zaft back up to its feet and train the other half to fight and survive, especially now that we have aliens knocking on our front door!"
"You're referring to that visit we had with the major leaders of the System Lords a week ago?" Canaver nodded and remembering the panic it causes in the populace.
On a flag of truce, Thirty-two Ha'tak motherships approach Earth, each with different marking that represent a major system lord ruler and are facing an SF fleet in an area supposedly away from populated area. Unfortunately, a commercial inters solar-system vessel, an Eagle Transporter (several companies do custom built transporters, some looks like the Eagle spaceship from Space 1999 TV series) traveling from Earth to Mars spotted the alien fleet heading for Earth and raise the alarm and put every country into a panic.
"Despite of them coming here on a flag of truce, it didn't stop the public go into a panic" Canaver heaves a sigh "Worst thing of all, Zaft was only able to deploy a paltry twelve warships and thirty D.R.O.N.E. warships that are barely armed when we sent them out to support the Star Forces"
-o-
Directed Remotely Operated Non-Entity Ship aka D.R.O.N.E.S.
Basically, A spaceship version of a remote controlled, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) that are fully automated with a quantum super computer as a brain, possessing thousands of combat maneuvers and operations operated via quantum network. An oversized version of the DRAGOON (Disconnected Rapid Armament Group Overlook Operation Network) a control system developed by ZAFT to guide remote weapons pods that allows a single mobile weapon pilot to control several smaller weapon pods to attack enemies from different angles, using a quantum communication network
-o-
"The DRONE is nothing more than a supplement measure for the Zaft fleet and despite its success and its attractiveness, it still has some drawbacks"
"What drawbacks?"
"You can only program so much combat pattern into a computer without turning it into an Artificial Intelligence, because a battlefield is a changing field with so many possibilities of victory or defeat. Many commanders have some misgivings in relying on them, pointing at possible vulnerabilities like, killing the controller ship and jamming the remote signal and there is hacking… like how Ba'al was able to hack into the Zaft network and turned our fleet against itself" she sighs in dismay of their problem regarding Zaft current situation.
"Zaft commanders' complaints. They want a manned fleet and a more updated and protected systems, despite the fact that we have fix those problems, it shows that, there is no confidence in these machines" Canaver said
"I am however, most thankful that nothing happened this time. This, gives Zaft more time to train the new cadets and enlisted personnel to be fully qualified for deployment"
"Do you still have some problem in your enlistment programs?"
"It's not enlistment that's the problem lady Cagalli, but the quality of training of the enlistees that's Zaft is so lagging behind, that despite being coordinator, training them to use weapons is easy, instilling them with the discipline of a good soldiers still takes time" she answered
"The good news is, Colonel Waltfeld return to train the recruits are a godsend for Zaft and a morale boost for everyone in the Plants because he's considered a hero by everyone"
Epsilon One
New Vinland Capital
Presidential Palace
While people are partying the night away, the UN/Plants Ambassador Lacus Clyne is explaining to President Lenore Zala of New Vinland, who is beside Athrun holding her hand while sitting on a couch. Lenore, couldn't believe what she's hearing from Lacus and the others, which is a short summary of what happen back on Earth and confirms what Ambassador Weir told her first. She's shaking her head in disbelief in how the Plants and Zaft have fallen.
Then there is the Star Forces mission (under the UN banner) to Epsilon One is underway, carrying supplies and materials for everyone on the planet. However, the public still remains in the dark of their existence, and that they only know that there is a colony here because Hayes told them after the first meeting of the UN council.
Also, a UN investigation committee will also be arriving to assess the situation of the people living on the planet and report it to the second UN meeting that will be held a month from now and officially disclose Epsilon One to the public.
"Henry Hayes, so he did the disclosure on the Stargate, and now he's revealing our existence to the public, just as he has promised" Lenore said and look to Athrun and inquire to him
"I take it that, the Plants Supreme Council is supporting this and not making too much noise of our existence being kept a secret from the public?"
"Well, yes they are keeping it quiet for now and in a way, they got something out it… I mean…they got compensated for withholding your existence," he answered
'Compensated? Another word for bribed. Politics' Lenore sigh inside
"I am guessing, access to certain advance alien technology and receiving badly needed resources if what the Plants have gone thru recently is any indication?" Athrun calmly just nod to his mother assumption
"I see" she shook her head in disappointment at the Plants difficult situation.
"I am guessing one of it is technology, like a resurrecting device to revive the recently deceased stored in cryo-stasis? I know for a fact that it's something SGC don't just give away to anyone so easily to anyone"
"No, they don't madam president" Murrue answered "They will have it on loan with certain do's and don'ts in its use"
"It's understandable" she said agreeing "I know for a fact, that SGC are weary on anyone using it without constant supervision since they know that prolong use and abuse could lead to ego maniacal madness of an individual"
"Still, it will be a great benefit for the Plants" Dearka remark "We can finally revive so many of our people still in cryo-stasis"
"Speaking of the said technology, if you notice around the city, there are so many families with children everywhere. Well, they are all born from the copulation of two coordinator parents or naturals without the assistance of geneticist. We have children being born every day than all of the Plants combined in ten years"
"How is that even possible?" Lacus asks with curiosity and a bit enthusiasm in such news
"Well. from what SGC and the Asgard discovered, the device was adjusted differently, which caused an overload of the system, resulting in the mass revival of the recently deceased. The benefit to Coordinator, is the regeneration of damaged human DNA to the point of refilling the numerous broken links in the chain that our own scientist failed of curing. Meaning that, Coordinators, especially women, are now capable of baring children of their own, just like Naturals"
This was news to Lacus and the others "Wonderful!"
"Of course, not everyone was blessed to have children unfortunately, as only 85% of the female population within child bearing age on New Vinland are capable of bearing a child"
"So, not everyone then?" Lenore just shook her head to Lacus
"Unfortunately, no Lacus my dear, not every woman is blessed to bear a child naturally. Still, this is a blessing they are taking every advantage of with a passion" she then stood up and went at the back her desk
"Within a year or two, New Vinland will be experiencing its first baby boom in history, as couples wants to have a bigger family and also, places to call their own and take root. Because of that, we are slowly expanding throughout the continent to make more living space"
"That is impressive" Kira remark in amazement and like everyone, a bit surprised to hear the words 'baby boom' in a population of Coordinators with no access to genetic laboratories.
"Many of us here, have resolved of building a life here and tend to make the best of it. Unfortunately, our industrial capacity is very limited and producing high end technology in the level of the mid twentieth century will be years away"
"Then its fortunate that, the Leif Erikson will be arriving in a few days from Earth" Lacus said cheerful
"Leif Erikson?"
Murrue classify "the Jupiter class starship, a long-range colony vessel It has its own fabrication system not just the supplies and provisions being brought in by the Star Forces under the UN council"
"That's good news" Lenore approved "I am grateful for the aid however; I would like to make something clear to you Captain Ramius, Lacus, Kira, Athrun and everyone"
"What is it madam president?"
"I want you to know, that Epsilon One, as of three days ago is now a sovereign planet under the United Federation of Nations of Epsilon One, and that New Vinland is not in any form, an extension of the Plants or any Earth nations. For that matter, we are not beholden to the whims and edict of or the dictates of foreign nations and worlds"
To everyone, they look a bit confused
"Madam President, I don't" Lacus starts to say when Lenore gesture her to hear her out before she explains further
"We, and I mean the people of Epsilon One, are SGC responsibility and now that has been pass on to Earth United Nation if I am guessing this right. This declaration of independence, made your responsibility to us no longer valid as we are a sovereign world and your UN has no authority over us"
"What?"
"Don't misunderstand me Lacus, I am grateful for the UN assistance packages they are bringing, however, we thought it best that the fate of Epsilon One should rest on the hands to those who lives in it and not Earth UN"
"Madam President, when did you?" Lenore quickly answered Murrue
"This was decided before your group arrived Captain Ramius, I had a long talk with the leaders of Epsilon One of the various countries, and we all agree. Our independence comes first and foremost, and anything that affect Epsilon One as a whole, will be decided by us and us alone. Meaning, we will decide for ourselves. In particular, those who will be allowed to come to our planet and do business with us or immigrate here to settle. We shall however, establish a criteria, of who we will allow entrance and how many will be allowed to settle here, whether they are from Earth or from the space colonies and other worlds."
What Lenore declared, is the act of a protecting their sovereignty rights, and that the UN has no choice but to recognize it, instead of being protectorate world.
Yzak Joule own thoughts are 'this could be a problem'
For Yzak, he has a different mission from the Plants Supreme Council when he joins this excursion, and that is to evaluate planet potential, for mass colonization and so far, the planet can only be describe as a garden planet. The environment, the ecology is so much like an unspoiled Earth with few exceptions as the planet is around ten percent bigger and little above half the planet is water and more land to grow and expand. Yzak also noticed, that there are several unclaimed continents which is perfect to settle millions of people uncontested.
The Plants council assumed that, since the majority of the population on the planet are mostly Coordinators, they would have more sway of convincing Lenore Zala to be sympathetic to the Plants, and allow the immediate immigration of coordinators from the Plants to Epsilon One. They can even claim one of the continents under the flag of the UN as a resettlement area and with the new technology, they can build migration ships with FTL capabilities, a ship can be there in a few days hard flight.
This, declaration of independence is unexpected.
"Yes of course madam president, we will make that clear with the UN council" Lacus said
"Excellent! Now as for the members of Zaft whom you wish for them to return to the Plants to supplement the devastated military ranks back home well, that will have to be voluntary because most of them have started making a life here for themselves. Few, may return to the Plants and may even come back here if they wish to bring their families here"
"I understand, madam president"
"And Lacus… I must inform you that…I told Ambassador Weir, that I am requesting SGC for military aid"
"Military aid?" Lacus was surprised at what she's asking, especially from Athrun mother
"The other nations like New Vinland, has a standing army but we possess inadequate equipment and weaponry, which we don't stand a chance in fighting back a modern military, especially against the armies of the System Lords if they ever decide to come here."
"The UNSC could give you the aid, and Zaft has plenty of surplus weaponry and can," Dearka was suddenly cut of in mid-sentence by the president
"No Mr. Elsman"
"No?"
"According to Ambassador Weir, the UNSC, especially its command structure is still being formed and currently, Zaft military hardware are outdated and…I can't trust hardware that's been compromised by a certain Babylonian God that cause Zaft near demise" Yzak and Dearka gritted at the memory of what happen
"I am sorry, for I am need of reliable equipment and SGC has the hardware we need to defend ourselves, now that our presence is about to be known across the galaxy"
"You think that the SGC will give you the military hardware you want, madam president?" Yzak questioning
"We will establish an alliance with SGC, and they have friends and allies out here Mr. Joule, and they are more than willing to trade with us, for we have something that SGC will want and it will be in their best interest to have equitable relationship with us. For what we have, we can trade it with them, not just military aid but many things we need to develop the planet into a thriving interstellar planet"
"Trade?"
"Trinium and Naquadah, and this planet have vast deposit of these rare minerals all across the planet, especially here on New Vinland and we discovered high concentrations of Naquadah deposits in our northern most mountain range"
-o-
Trinium, is an element that is a hundred times lighter and stronger than steel when refined. It is also referred to as an alloy and it's the preferred material for starships construction.
Naquadah is a rare, super-dense mineral used by a wide number of different races. Its most basic use is as a weapon: Naquadah greatly amplifies energy, making it extremely potent if paired with explosives. Due to its unique properties, Naquadah forms the basis for many advanced technologies; the Stargates themselves are composed almost entirely of Naquadah.
-o-
"But why trade it to them?" Kira asks and Lenore thought a moment before she answers him back with a question
"Well, who do you want me to sell the naquadah to Mr. Yamato, is there anyone back on Earth who know how to use it properly? of course I am sure someone can make a super bomb out of it, which very easiest to make" she said
"Naquadah especially, is a resource that I doubt that SGC would let anyone on Earth gain access to, and forgive me for saying this but, I don't trust anyone on Earth or the Plants to let them have access to this volatile element, especially in bulk"
"I still don't believe that, allying with SGC is a good idea mother," Athrun relented "They kept the Stargate for themselves and started a war with alien race for over ten years and only told us recently because Earth was about to be invaded! They haven't change at all for ten years!"
"Maybe" Lenore replied "Or maybe they have changed…and that's what scares you Athrun"
"Mother?"
"You compared them today, of what they were ten years ago" Lenore said and question them "tell me, do you all still see them as the Earth Alliance, Blue Cosmos or Logos?"
"Are they so untrustworthy to you, have they not bled and died enough to protect the Earth and the Plants, to save Coordinator lives? Have SGC done anything to the world that is considered a hostile act, unless you committed a violent act against them? Have they taken control of the Earth, conquered nations, subdue the people and rule like tyrants? Do you see the restoration of the United Nations of Earth a façade and not the symbol of peace?" she looks at him sternly, daring them to answers but found nothing to answer back as he couldn't say the words and yet still
"Are you all really apprehensive of them, that they have become something you can't imagine that they actually did do, what you couldn't do, and that they have become more than what they are now?"
"Stargate Command, is a military organization, which is true. However, the people working in Stargate Command are more than just soldiers, but also explorers, doctors, nurses, engineers, scientist, archeologist, architects, teachers, farmers and so many more. They are certainly not, Blue Cosmos! And! If they were one, then none of us would still be alive talking to each other today, now would we?"
No one retort back, seeing that they have no words to counter
"The truth is, you are all too bothered by how very different they are, that they wield such enormous power and possessing enormous resources that they used it to change the world to something that you have been striving to do. A peaceful world, and that you are having a hard time believing it" she assumed and by their reaction, she hit the mark.
"Begging your pardon madam President," Ramius spoke up "it's just, all of us feels like…were …I don't know what this feeling is except...we feel out of place sometimes" Lenore nod in understanding
"It's understandable, you are in their world after all, one that you are not familiar and deep down, you are all scared of the things you see around you" Lenore told them
"Out here, beyond the Stargate, is not the Cosmic Era Ms. Ramius, and whether you like it or not, the narrative of the story does not always revolve around you"
"Sooo, what?" Yzak asks in irritancy "they are in control, are we just pawns in a game for them, are we being manipulated by them right now?" Lenore thought of Yzak question and deep inside her, there is some truth to it.
'Are…they playing a game?' she thought 'or maybe were in some sort of theatrical play and we are all actors in a story they've written for us to act on?'
From what she learns from Faxon many years ago, Hayes is a patriot whose first and foremost obligation is the people of the Atlantic Federation, who takes his duties seriously and not very forgiving to people who takes advantage on the little guys. After the last Valentine's War, he still takes his duties seriously and more than willing to let bygone be bygone if that is the price for peace so long as they are not being bothered.
Hayes, and those in Stargate Command are the ones with a major role to play in shaping the future of humanity out in deep space. She feels that, they don't seem to be too concerned of the outcome once Epsilon One becomes public. She would guess, that it will cause some problems for them but not enough to make them lose control of the Stargate, which is to them, their most valued asset above all else.
'No, I do believe that we are nothing more than doing a supporting role for the main actors in a play. They wouldn't bother involving us if we don't have anything to contribute'
"I doubt that Mr. Joule" Lenore answered Yzak
"Why do think that madam President?"
"Because in their view, we are not much of a threat to them, and I do believe that, they don't care much about what you do, so long as it's nothing criminal or illegal or anything that that's against the law" she answered "We are, by their point of view, benign"
"Benign?" to everyone, it felt like they were being look down on
"We are not a threat, lest you make yourself a threat, to them or to others like… endangering Earth and innocent people. If so, then you will find yourself apprehended and tide up and then dragged into cell block or dump into a deep dark hole where you will stay there for the rest of your life"
"That's a very…public service thinking of them" Mwu mutters as the thought of a cop would do to criminals. Lenore looks amused at Mwu description
"Stargate Command, is a multi-mission and multi-role organization Mr. La Flaga" Lenore said "You may not be wrong on that description"
"You seem to know alot about Stargate Command mother" Athrun said curious
"I have been…well informed about SGC day to day operation from my out-of-town friends Athrun" she answered which got them curious as she explains
"The Asgard were introduced to us by SGC a few years back. They are their strongest allies, and they were here to give us a medical check-up a while back because SGC were rather curious as to why our population are able to give birth like Naturals which is something unexpected for everyone"
"Wait, wait! My mother told me that, President Hayes was trading data for a cure, in exchange for Zaft cooperation to fight the incoming Goa'uld armada…it came from you!" Yzak said piecing together what Ezalia told his son about Hayes trump card in getting the Plants council to cooperate with him.
"So that's what he used it for. That sneaky bastard!" Lenore remark in amusement
Lenore asks for details, and Yzak told to Mrs. Zala of what his mother Ezalia Joule knew at that time, when an alien armada was coming to Earth and Henry Hayes pulled his ace in the hole in order to get Zaft cooperate with them. Unfortunately, members of Zaft thought of starting a coup was the best way to save the Plants, which ended badly for them.
"I see. So, did they give you another copy when the first one was destroyed?"
"Yes, in exchange of a peace treaty with the Plants. The data of the cure is closely being examined before they can use it"
"Then I guess, something good came out of our examination then" Lenore nods in approval
"Are the Asgard really that important of an ally?" Murrue inquires and Lenore told her
"Yes, yes they are, especially to members of SG-1 as they have a far longer and deeper friendship with the Asgard than anyone in Stargate Command"
Lenore explained that, several members of the Asgard and SG-1 have been side by side in the fight to protect the galaxy, keeping the terrors of space from threatening to engulf many worlds under the Asgard protection. In the years pass, the Asgard continued contact with SG-1 led to the cooperation with SGC and Asgard, teaching and sharing wisdom and upholding standards that should always be practiced when exploring the Stargate network.
"Standards?" Murrue mutters
"Values, morals, honor, ethics, Ideals, principles, courage, kindness, understanding… hope" Lenore enumerates
"Early on, SGC learned the hard way, that all of the best traits of humanity should always be practiced when you are out here exploring the stars and beyond. They learn that sometimes, the worst part of human vile and vices, can lead you to your ruin and worst, the demise of humanity. Believe me my friends, there are far worst things out here than one can imagine"
"What could be something worst out here?" Yzak questioned and Ron Sterling answered with a question in his own way
"Becoming a Goa'uld host are one of them, or get impregnated with a facehugger parasite…it can happen. Ever watched the movie 'Alien' Mr. Joule?" everyone was startled to hear and see Ron sitting on a couch nonchalant, where he wasn't there a while ago as Ron still continues talking despite being glared at by the others
"TV got it right you know, because out here, the three worst things that could happen to you are; you get killed, raped and eaten. And if you are lucky enough, they do that to you in that particular order" he said and giving them a serious look and enjoying saying a quote from short run classic TV series called 'Firefly'
"Ron!" Lenore said in exasperation that Ron snaps out from his serious look mode
"What? I am only telling them what they would expect out here, jeez!"
"Telling them about facehuggers and Reavers? Seriously Ron!"
"Hey! It could happen, life out here is not some kind of Star Trek journey… well, almost like Star Trek, or maybe a bit of DS9 or Enterprise. But still, it can happen" he said and then
"But, even in the T.O.S. era meaning The Original Series, it's still a dangerous galaxy out here to run around, much like Star Wars, and you guys better learn to live with it" he said as he stood up from the couch and face the president
"Shut up Ron, and why are you here and not terrorizing the locals?" Lenore asks exasperated as she stood up from her chair
"Calm down Madam L,"
"Don't call me that!" Lenore shouted at him angry "Coming from you, it sounded like I am someone woman running a night club in the red lights district!" Ron suppressed his laugh by biting his lip
"I-I'm sorry Madam President," Ron corrected "But I just drop by, to tell you that my boss, President Hayes has agreed to send you a modest military assistance package to bolster the planet's defenses. Provided of course, that we can make a treaty that will be mutually beneficial to both parties and once that is agreed upon, the House and Senate will pass a bill to allow the military assistance package thru with no hinderance"
"I see" Lenore nodded in agreement "I will talk to council next week and please convey my appreciation to your president support to Epsilon One independence"
"I shall" before he walks out, Ron turns back and spoke
"Oh yeah, some out of town friends are coming back" he said as he's smiling "Freya is fine and so as the rest of our little grey friends. Freya will be here in a week or so, said something about bringing an orchard of apples and peaches that's perfect for Epsilon One environment"
"Freya!" the name lighted up the president mood all of the sudden
"We've also informed the Asgard, and they also said that they support your goal of independence and look forward to working with you in the future"
"Thank you, Ron" this was good news for her, for gaining the Asgard support is a big thing out here.
"My pleasure," he said back friendly and then turned to the rest "I'll be seeing you guys later, got some people to visit and villains to maim or throw them into a trash compactor" he said and after he walk out of the office, everyone turn to Lenore shooting questions
"Who is Freya?" Murrue asks
"My friend, she is an Asgard, and a regular visitor here until last year when they just, disappeared. I am relieved that my dear friend is fine" Lenore replied and the feeling of relief of knowing they are safe.
"No disrespect Ma'am but, why are you so friendly with that bastard, I mean… do you know who that is?" Dearka asks with anger and Lenore answered him calmly
"Of course, I know who he is, Mr. Elsman" Lenore replied "…Ron Sterling, also known to Zaft as, the Grimm Reaper. The bane of Zaft existence. Yes, I know him well and his reputation and his group Blue Earth Corps. I also know his family… in which every Coordinator owe their lives to, and should have been grateful for that"
"Grateful?" Dearka snap "that bastard killed thousands of Coordinators during the war, and his family is nothing but a bunch of," he would have continued to tirade but Lenore cut him off by slamming her palm on her desks hard that startled everyone
"Don't you dare speak any ill of the Sterling's on my presence young man, or you will answer to me!" she reprimands, which was surprising to everyone.
"S-Sorry, Madam President"
She heaves a sigh as she let go of her sudden anger and said everyone warningly "Please be mindful of how you speak of the Sterling's, Mr. Elsman. Not everyone believes in Zaft propaganda about the Sterling's and you do well to keep your tongue in check, lest you want to lose it while you are on the same planet where Ron is,"
Dearka gulp
Lenore calms down and seated back and heaves a sigh "Ron killed Coordinators, yes, that's true since it was war and he's a soldier. But how many are those killed that are civilians, men, women and children. Not soldiers?" she asks them and responded with silence.
None.
"What was written in the history books is nothing more than mere fiction, story books for children to put them to sleep, of telling who are the villain's, the hero's and the oppressed!" she said
"The story about the Sterling family, are no more than propaganda in order to give cause to fight for… to show that their actions are a just cause. The Sterling were never villain's but heroes because… if not for them taking Coordinators to the safety of the Plants, when they were driven out of Earth by Naturals, then there wouldn't be anywhere for us to call home!"
There was a long moment for everyone and then, Kira asks
"Mrs. Zala… do you know the Sterling?" then a moment later
"Yes, as do many who personally know who the Sterling's truly are Kira. Good people, ones who saw the travesty happening on Earth and did something about it, and that's to open up their homes to coordinators to keep them safe…they open the Plants to us and take on refugees to be safe and a place to call home" was her answer
"I know them, as did Patrick and Seigel your father Lacus, as do most who are seated in the council… Montgomery Sterling, the head of the Plants at that time was the one who sponsored their travels to the Plants many years ago, as do several hundred thousand others fleeing from Earth. Then afterwards…people conveniently forget about it, or just twist the truth to a lie to suit their own narrative" she heaves a sigh in disappointment.
"But I thought George Glenn," Dearka never had a chance to finish his sentence when Lenore interrupted her
"George Glenn may have been the one who scribbled the first blueprints on a pizza box, but it was the Sterling's who made it a reality thanks to their sponsoring, and without Montgomery Sterling's putting his name on the line, no one on Earth would have invested any money on George Glenn ideas, genius or not!" she said and sounded a bit offended
"Montgomery Sterling was a financial giant, and with his financial organization, he kept the world economy in check after a brutal war between the Atlantic Federation and the Eurasian Federation. Those rival nations nearly bankrupt themselves, until he convinces them to support Glenn P.L.A.N.T. construction project to help them rebuild their economy!" she said
"When George came back after his tour around the solar system, he was a major controversy despite his achievements and many who was once his supporters, were backing away because of the chaos happening on Earth, which is partly his responsibility!"
Lenore fumed saying that, George did nothing but asks for more money and support to build his space colonies, promising prospective financiers of profits and gains for Earth in building the Plants. Now, while Montgomery manages the project, Glenn buried his head on 'researching that damned space fossil' (which to Athrun only a few times he has heard his mother curse when she's pissed those were rare) and not once lifting a finger in trying to resolve the growing rift issue between Naturals and Coordinators.
That is, until he was forced to face the problem, but by that time, it was already too late.
"Few people know this but, before George Glenn death, once said that, "Coordinators have strayed from their intended purpose: to "coordinate" the next step of humanity's evolution, as the name indicates. I never intended for Coordinators to view themselves as a superior to those who are born Naturally. Because in my eyes, anyone who works for the betterment of mankind is a true Coordinator, regardless of whether their genes have been enhanced or not" she said and pause to let the word sink in before continuing
"George Glenn death was the start of everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong…for everyone"
In Lenore thoughts, what Patrick did to Montgomery Sterling family, Ron father, was the worst one went wrong. A vile act, that changes her relationship with her husband when she discovered what he did… and why she took an administrative position on Junius 7 and not by her husband side.
A vile act, where Ron is the product…the vengeful reaper.
'No one knows this dark secret except for Ron, herself and…does Lacus know?' she looks at Lacus and look away