Chapter 30
"Jack! This is one of Ba'al planets!" Jacob told him.
"I know!" Jack flew up to the mountain and finding a hole in the side of the mountain he parked them there. Using the computer scanners, he checked the area before he stood up. "I'll be right back."
"Do you know what's happening General Carter?"
"No, I don't. I'm sure Jack will tell us in his own time."
Outside, Jack walked towards a platform and pulling a paper he started to check the symbols on the table. Once he found the ones he needed, Jack pressed them in order. There was a small earthquake with every push Jack did, and a humming sound increased.
"What's that?" Jacob frowned just before they were both pushed back as a shock wave hit them.
"What the hell was that?" The humming sound stopped, and Jack rushed inside the ship. "Jack, what the hell just happened?"
"Ah, that was another ancient weapon. Supposedly we just disabled all the replicators." Jack said looking to Thor who blinked at him. He turned to Jacob who was squinting at him. "What?"
"How did you know it was an ancient weapon and how do you know it destroyed all the replicators?"
"We will know if it worked when we reach Chimera. And it was on the letter, dad." Jack said giving the letter to Jacob.
"Let's go; we need to let the Asgard council that Thor is safe and maybe, we get some good news too."
An hour later, Jack and Jacob were back at the SGC. They went through the regular post-mission process before they walked to Sam's lab.
"Knock, knock!" Jack said, and Sam turned around smiling. "Mission Accomplished."
"I knew you would make it," she grinned and kissed him. Before hugging her dad.
"So, how many system lords and Goa'uld do we have so far?"
"Eighteen."
"Well, what can I said, we've been busy," Jack smirked.
"Hopefully this war comes to an end soon," Jacob hoped.
"And Thor?" Sam asked.
"We went to Chimera, and the Asgard council was pretty happy knowing that Thor is okay. They confirmed that the replicators are gone."
"That's even better news, Jack!"
"Yeah, anyhow, they picked him up from there."
"And dad? Are you returning straight away?"
"I'm afraid so, Sammie. At least can't return with better news than all the ones I have, right?"
"Oh well, that would be too many happy situations in one day, right?"
"Don't worry, kiddo. I'll try my best to push them to give us time to be here before the twins are born."
"I would like that. Well, I need to get back to work."
"Sure, give the kids a hug and kiss from me?"
"I will," she hugged her father goodbye before Jack, and her father walked away. She frowned when she felt a kick on her stomach. "Not again."
A month happened before Jack plopped beside Sam with a new envelope in his hand. He read it and sighed before he passed it to Sam.
"Jack, the best thing you can do is stay on base for three days. If this happens, you will have an alibi." Sam said as she finished reading about what Senator Kinsey had planned.
"How you think we should play this?" She grinned.
"Stay on base, and leave this to me."
With a bit of effort, Sam hacked the NID database and sent a warning to Agent Barret and Major Paul Davis in the Pentagon. Once she finished, they had access to all the information about who was behind what was going to happen to Kinsey.
The next morning, the attempted murder of Senator Kinsey was all over the news. The NID plus cleared Air Force personnel managed to catch the gunman, and with a little investigation, they caught group behind the situation.
"Can you give Thor a call, Sam?" Jack asked six weeks after that when another letter was due.
The next day, Jack flew to the Pentagon. Dignitaries of China, Britain, Russia, and France were waiting for him to be introduced to the Stargate Program. Major Davis had the job of telling them all about the program since the beginning.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" The British ambassador interrupted him. And Kinsey smiled smugly at them from his position as US Representative.
"No, sir. It is all true. Stargates, other planets, spaceships."
"Senator, why are you men telling us such lies?"
"I don't know what it would take for you to believe them but from where I stand, the Stargate exists, and they go through the damned thing daily," Kinsey said
"Does everyone in your government know about this?" The British ambassador asked
"As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Kinsey was given a full briefing," Jack said while trying to keep his cool
"The truth is, I demanded to know where all the money was going and believe me, we're talking about a lot of money. What I'm sure you are having a tough time believing is the fact that we came forward. Granted the Chinese government has threatened to go public with information that contradicts one of our cover stories, but that isn't the only reason. The fact is, due in no small part to the actions of the Stargate program flagship team known as SG-1, our planet is facing imminent danger." Kinsey said as he looked at everyone in the room
"So, assuming this is not some sort of elaborate hoax and there are no television cameras ready to pop out at any moment, these aliens, who are threatening to destroy Earth even as we speak." The British ambassador trailed.
"The Goa'uld," Jack said
"They built the Stargate?" The British ambassador finished
"No, Sir. The Gate system was built by a much older race that has long since disappeared. Now, while the Goa'uld regularly use the Gate, they subjugate these transplanted human races with powerful ships that are capable of interstellar travel." Major Davis said
"
And the Goa'uld have dozens if not hundreds of these vessels," Jack said.
An hour later, they took a break. Jack walked towards Major Davis and patted his shoulder. "You did an excellent job."
"Sir, out of the record. I think something is going on with Senator Kinsey."
"I know, I can't believe he had the guts to bring the NID up."
"Should I make some calls?" Davis asked.
"Nah, don't worry Major, I have plenty of aces under my sleeve." He picked his phone and dialed a number. "Hey, make that call. Sure, if you are up to it?... See you soon then."
"Everything okay, General?" Davis asked once he saw Jack hanging the phone.
"Yup, a friend of mine will drop by very soon, and it might help us with our situation."
"General O'Neill," one of the ambassador called him, and Jack answered his questions until everyone returned to the room.
"Gentlemen," Kinsey said closing the door behind himself.
"I realize we're in no position to make demands here. We're trying to reach a consensus, but before you go back to your leaders and make your recommendations, I want you to consider something: Whoever is running the Stargate will be acting as representatives of this planet throughout the galaxy. They will be our ambassadors. They will be meeting other races and establishing ties with other worlds."
"Well, it is true that in the six years we've been running the Stargate we've made enemies, but we've also made friends. I believe we've acted with honor and on that score, I stand by the records." Jack said
"You make an interesting case General. However, I must take this matter back to my government and recommend full disclosure to our people." Chinese ambassador said
"I must do the same, though I admit Senator Kinsey's proposal is interesting." French ambassador said
"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador," Kinsey smirked.
At that moment, one a bright light shone on the room as Thor and Sam appeared inside.
"Sorry to interrupt." Sam smiled at the scared faces of the Ambassadors.
"Good Afternoon, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter, current SG-1 leader and head of the R&D scientist department."
"Greetings. I am Thor, supreme commander of the Asgard fleet."
"Thank you for coming, Thor, Sam," Jack said smiling
"It is my pleasure, O'Neill. The Asgard are in your debt."
"Your debt?" The British ambassador asked
"SG-1 under the command of General O'Neill has saved my people and yours on many occasions. We are not only allies against the Goa'uld; we are loyal friends."
"Commander Thor, I'm Senator Kinsey," he started coming to stand.
"Senator Kinsey," Thor blinked. "O'Neill suggested I should send you to a distant planet for your actions. I'm reasonably certain his statement was in jest."
"I'm sure it was, Commander." Kinsey raised his finger for some reason before he attempted to speak, blinking Thor followed his example.
"Supreme Commander. It is the opinion of the Asgard High Council that Stargate Command should be left in the very capable hands of General O'Neill and his team and while our continued friendship with Earth is not contingent on that, it is preferred." Kinsey sat down, obviously defeated and deflated.
"You came all this way, just to tell us that?" The Russian ambassador asked
"And to install Asgard designed shields and weapons on Prometheus. A small token of thanks for SG-1's recent efforts in securing our galaxy, and yours, from certain destruction." Jack raised his eyebrows at Thor and looked at Sam who was smiling brightly.
"I see."
"The Asgard council and the Nox have agreed that General O'Neill has been, is and will continue to be the rightful ambassador of the Ancients."
"What?" Jack said in shock
"How long since that happened Thor?" Sam asked.
"Six of your years." He blinked again. "Since you came to us for our help, O'Neill carries a gene that belongs to one of the four races: The ancients, with that and his efforts there was no doubts about such position was his."
"Thank you, Thor, I'm honored."
"You are welcomed, O'Neill." Thor looked around before returning to Jack.
"I hope I have been successful in convincing you. Good day, O'Neill."
"Always a pleasure, Thor. Please drop in at any time." Jack said before the alien beamed out.
"Well. That settles it, then. You have our support, General." The British ambassador said
"Ours as well," the French ambassador added.
"And our support," the Russian finished.
"It's much appreciated, sirs." Major Davis answered.
"While I still have my reservations, I believe my government will agree that, for the time being, the Stargate is in the right hands." The Chinese ambassador expressed.
"Senator?" Jack asked while looking at Kinsey
"I'll say this, General. Well played." He said before walking out of the room. Jack exchanged quick grins with Sam and Davis before they turned to the remaining representatives.
"Ambassadors, if there are any questions you want to ask about the Stargate, the ships, or anything else. Colonel Carter can answer any of your questions." Quickly they reorganized the room to give Sam a place to sit; questioning started soon after that.
"She's going to have them eating out of her hands," Jack told Davis proudly.
"Do you think Senator Kinsey will attempt something else?" Davis asked after a while
"I won't be surprised, Major."
"Sir, I think it will be nice if we can show them around?" Sam pointed, and Jack frowned. "In the ship?"
"Oh, yes. My wife has the most incredible ideas, doesn't she?"
"Your wife?"
"Yes, Colonel Carter is suggesting you take a trip on the ancient ship we were talking about for a while. So, if you all follow us this way."
"General, are you sure it's safe?" Davis asked.
"Don't worry, Major. I plan to bring them back sound and safe. Please." He grinned, leading the way.