Chapter 3: Expanding Influence
Discussion of India & Poland ongoing: Staff Sergeant Nantz and Sergeant Rogers watched as the discussion went on. The only three nations opposed to Poland's admittance was China, Russia and Germany. China's opposition was a surprise to most. "I can somewhat understand PM Gruber's and PM Pavlov's issue with Poland but President Wangs is a mystery to me." SSgt. Nantz whispered to Sgt. Rogers as they were listening to PM Ziva Diamond of Israeli make an impassioned response in favor of Poland's admittance. "Why do you know that I don't Lurch? Both the Russian and German leaders seem determined to block the motion." Asked his team mate Sophia. "Fox News reported a few days ago that Poland won a court case against both leaders." Lurch said getting a confused look from Sophia. "You watch too many Hallmark specials. " He replied shaking his head then continued. "Investigators found stolen Polish artwork form WW2 displayed in their personal collections. They refused to return it stating it was part of their family's heritage." Lurch explained getting a nod of understanding form her. "What's Chinas problem then?" Sophia asked noticing Hayes bringing the discussion to an end with a final vote shortly. "I believe they were just backing up Russia, you know politics." He said shrugging his shoulders.
-"Don't judge me because I'm Quiet. No one plans a murder out loud!" Unknown-
Henry Hayes pounded the gavel cutting through the lingering argument over the vote. "The vote is over people, Poland and India will be admitted into the CLB with 11 for and 3 against." He said looking around the room seeing disgruntled and pleased faces alike. "The next issue on the table is building a base on Mars and the transfer of this base to civilian control." He said knowing this would be a harder sale to the members. "President Hayes, the MLB put together bloody good proposal. I believe before we vote on the building of said base more discussion is needed." Councilman James Jones of Australia stated. "Does anyone 2nd his motion?" Henry Hayes asked. "I agree old boy. We need a bit more talking on this matter." Rufus said getting a few nods from around the room. "Very well then James, state your reasons James." Hayes replied scratching the back of his neck. How he hated meetings like this.
"Thank you Henry. Mars Base Littlefield has been operating for 5 months now and is monitoring our system adequately. We have 12 new ships, 16 in total, which will be ready to defend planet earth once their shakedown cruise is complete. I believe we should put the money towards researching and building our next generation ships. Once we disclose the program minus the Star Gate will be the opportune time to propose the Mars Base. My reasoning is simple, the more governments on board equals more funds." James said laying out his argument.
"Your argument has merit James but we can't depend on the Asgard to build our ships. The Mars Base will serve as a ship yard primarily. I believe the Mars base if in the process of being built would draw other nations to get onboard quicker." Prime Minister of Belgium Nathan Coppens commented. Hayes and Rufus sat back listening as the debate went on for and against building the base.
President of Switzerland Wilma Runquist sat back and listened as well deciding to add her voice to the discussion. "I have listened to everyone's opinions all making sense in some fashion. Greta (Italy), your idea of putting a listening post/military base makes the most sense. The men and women can scout out the area doing in-depth survey finding the best place to build. This will also aide in getting other governments on board egger to discover the secrets of the Red Planet. I would add one small detail though. Have a naming contest focused on the children. Each nation would narrow it down to one name then a final competition. We could narrow it down to...say 10 or 20, then draw a name. I believe this would bring everyone together even faster with children involved." Wilma proposed getting many world leaders to agree.
"If everyone is in agreement lets vote on which base proposal to proceed with." Hayes said looking around the table. Rufus stepped in being the vice chair of the group. "Raise your hands for James idea of waiting till after disclosure." Henry counted the hands totaling 5. The five voting in favor of James plan were Germany, France, China, Canada and Australia of course. "Those in favor of Wilma and Greta's plan raise your hands." Rufus said as both Henry and he joined the rest of board in voting for Greta and Wilma's plan. "Plan B passes with 9 votes for. The proposal will be sent back to the MLB so they can come up with a timetable and plan." Hayes informed the board members hearing a few voice quiet grumblings. "I do believe it's time for a break Henry. I missed tea time." Rufus said to his friend. "I do believe your right, I'm getting hungry myself. Let's adjourn for an hour then come back and discuss promotions, adjourned until 1945hrs." Hayes informed people standing up and heading for the mess hall.
-"Death Smiled at me so I kicked him in the face." Unknown
Planet Hanka: USS Milky Way, "Lt. Col. Carter, how did our power output hold up against Col. Gadots simulated wolf pack attack?" Gen. Pendergast asked watching the ships reform on the holographic table. "We lost 30% power output due the pinpoint strikes. The neutron power plant however compensates adequately under stress. The shields however need to be looked at. I noticed a discrepancy in the shield generation after their attack runs." She replied running a diagnostic as she spoke. "Go ahead and..." Pendergast was going to make it an order but noticed Sam was already doing it. "...Hills, use that console to check the shield output power against neutron engine connection. Look for a lag in power transfer." Sam told Virginia pointing to the console next to hers. "Yes ma'am, is there something specific I'm looking for?" She asked bringing up the appropriate screen. "You're looking for the before and after strikes. Find that and trace the strike to the power couplers." Sam explained going over the neutron engine diagnostic information. "I wonder if there's a possibility to get Lt. Col. Carter transferred to my command." Pendergast thought out loud. "I doubt it sir, I think both Gen. Hammond and Col. O'Neill might object to that greatly." Col. Dawson replied before going back to the command chair. "I believe Jack would Zat me just for asking." The general said with a laugh watching the next group of ships readying their attack run.
Dawson didn't much care for being shot at even if it was a computer simulated. He did however like the fact that their return weapons fire took out 2 of the 5 ships that attacked. The next test after this would be more to his liking though. The CAP was going to get tested as was the point defense system.
USS Tel Aviv: "Your tactics are most impressive Col. Gadot. I have never seen such maneuvers used in space combat. The Goa'uld does not have a defense against them." Teal'C said complimenting the Israeli women. "Thank you Col. Murray. The maneuver is from WW2; it's called a 'Wolf Pack'. I however adapted for space though." She replied going over simulated damage reports. "...Actually they started in the WW1 as a result of British convoys. The Germans success rate fell sharply so they put groups of submarines together for a mass attack. Later on the allies..." Daniel said going into lecture mode out of habit. "Dr. Jackson, thank you for the history lesson. Submarine warfare is an interest of mine. If I want more information on the subject of 'Wolf packs' I'll look it up later." Gadot replied shutting down his lecture. "Please excuse Dr. Jackson; he likes to share his knowledge whenever possible." Teal'C said defending his friend. "I would be glad to discuss the history of 'wolf packs' later Dr. Jackson, right now is not the time though." Gadot offered as an explanation. Her father said never to apologize; it's a sign of weakness. "I would like that Col. Gadot." Daniel replied but thought about how she reminded him of Jack.
Commissary: Jack finally slipped away from the office after Walter went home for the night. He didn't know which was worse, the debriefing about rocks or paperwork. He entered the commissary finding it almost empty much to his liking. There would be no one to bother him while eating his cake. "Colonel O'Neill, I saved you the last two pieces of chocolate cake." said Cookie the cook. "Thanks buddy, I had to fight off an army of paperwork and all I had for weapon was a pen." Jack replied taking the delicacy from his friend. "You might use a flame thrower next time, I hear paper fears fire not a pens." Cookie joked making Jack smile. "The general wouldn't approve of your idea despite being a good one. Thank you for saving me some cake, Cookie." He replied heading to SG1s normal table. "Nothing is going to get in my..." Jack said as he disappeared in a flash of light. "...way." Jack almost tripped catching himself in time although losing his precious cake in the process.
"Greetings O'Neill, did I beam up during your nourishment time?" Thor asked Jack noticing him looking at what earthlings called cake on the floor. "Thor, you could have called first. I gave you my number didn't I?" He asked throwing his arms up in frustration. "My apologies O'Neill, Loki took the talking device for study." Thor replied blinking a few times seeing Jack do something called a face palm. "Why does that not surprise me? What can I do for you at this time of night?" he asked putting his hands in the pockets then bounced on his heels looking around the ship. It was a new design that much he could tell.
"O'Neill, I require your assistance before joining the Civilian Leadership Board." Thor said moving to stand before his friend. "Sure old buddy, what can I help you with? If you want stupid smart ideas Carter is on the Milky Way." Jack replied looking at his alien friend. "I do not require Lt. Colonel Carters help. I do require your knowledge of earth military terminology and information on how your Joint Chiefs work." He asked blinking his eyes waiting for an answer. "Since I'm here on your snazzy new ship ask away but I should call the base so they don't panic...too much." Jack answered with a hint of sarcasm. "Thank you O'Neill. You can use that console to contact the SGC. If it makes you feel better this is the new Asgard Dreadnaught Battleship O'Neill 2." A thin smile formed on Jacks face at what Thor just said. The overnight gate technician answered the phone in a panic. It took Jack a few minutes to clear things up but all was well except for the loss of his cake.
-"When you build in silence, people don't know what to attack" Unknown-
1945hrs Meeting Re-adjourned...President Hayes took his seat feeling refreshed after having a light dinner like everyone else. The room grew silent waiting for him to start the next discussion. "We were going to discuss officer promotions but that will have to wait for now." He said getting perplexed looks from around the table. Under normal circumstances there wouldn't be any changes in topic unless a member nation requested it along with a second. In this case Thor, the Asgard Ambassador, requested a change in topic so Hayes allowed it. "Thor will be joining us shorty..." An Asgard transporter lit up the room depositing Thor minus Jack. "...or right now." Hayes finished with a chuckle.
"Greetings Prime Ministers, Presidents and Councilmen; I apologize for my absence. Matters of importance on Orillia (Orthalla Galaxy) kept me occupied." Thor explained getting nods of understanding. "That's quite alright Supreme Commander Thor. Hayes was about to inform us on the change of subject." Rufus said book marking the promotions part of the meeting. Hans Gruber eyed the little grey alien not fully believing his eyes. This is his first time seeing the Asgardian in the flesh. "Thank you Prime Minister Churchill. I come with important intelligence on a rising threat." Thor said from his command chair. "What information might that be Thor? You really should..." Hans started to say coming across arrogant as usual. "That's Supreme Commander Thor Prime Minister Gruber! We Asgard are the reason you have a fleet of space craft. I believe it is you that should listen to what I have to say." Thor replied shutting down the German PM. Hans took the hint sitting back folding his arms across his chest. "Please continue Thor, what do you have for us?" Hayes asked ready to take notes. Whatever it was he'd not take it lightly.
"The Tok'ra requested an extraction of an, spy, 5hrs ago. One of our new O'Neill class dreadnaughts battleships arrived over a planet named, Cynopolis (Greek for 'City of Dogs). The Tok'ra discovered information about Anubis plans of domination." Thor said in a serious tone pushing a few buttons on his chair. "I've read what intelligence we have on this Anubis. How big a threat can 'protector of graves' be?" asked PM Ziva Diamond. The lights in the room dimmed as a holographic map of the galaxy appeared over the table. "PM Diamond, the Tok'ra agent discovered his true form. He is half ascended and thus powerful. Anubis is more intelligent than other system lords. He also has the knowledge of the ancients. This combination puts our galaxies and planets at risk." Thor said focusing in on a planet.
"By all means Supreme Commander Thor please continues. We will do our part in dealing with him properly." President Wangs (China) said focusing in on the planet highlighted. "The planet Cynopolis is located in what you call Canes 1 group, planet N4395. Anubis is building a fleet of ships 4 times bigger and more powerful than the standard Ha'tak. He is also amassing a large army while experimenting on a super soldier." Thor looked around the room seeing concerned faces. Anubis couldn't be allowed to re-emerge once again Thor thought to himself. "The Tok'ra barely escaped moments before being captured. Anubis is aware that we know about his operation. He will now move into, overdrive, yes I believe that is what O'Neill calls it." The little alien said blinking. Hayes thought for a minute then spoke. "You want a pre-emptive strike with the hopes of destroying or hampering this Anubis characters plans, am I correct?" he guessed given past military experience. "You are correct President Hayes. To stop Anubis rise to power we must, strike while the iron is hot." Thor replied using another Jack term. His attempt at relating to the leaders of earth seemed to be going well judging by their reactions.
"The ships you completed for us are on their shakedown cruise currently. The ships and crew won't be ready for action for another two months. If we send them in now it'll be like sending lambs to the slaughter house." Councilman James Jones (Australia) said looking straight at Thor with contempt. "If we do nothing Anubis will attack another populated planet or God forbid earth! Then it won't matter how green the crews are!" countered Pr. Wilma Runquist (Swiss). "The two of you are both correct. There is a way to speed up the training." Thor replied looking at both the Australian and Swiss representatives.
"You're suggesting using a time dilatation device." President Bianchi guessed (Italy). Classified reports about science never held her interest until recently. "You are correct President Bianchi. If the CLB approves I can speed up training in order to counter Anubis in time." He replied confidently. "Before we commit to any space or land attack there needs to be additional intelligence gathering." Rufus added getting agreement from around the table.
"I suddenly get the feeling we are going to be voluntold." Said SSgt. Nantz whispered to Sophia. "The colonel won't like doing the dirty work of the Tok'ra." She replied while listening to the council discusses the issue. "For the record you two neither do I. We may protect and serve our fellow citizens but ultimately we follow whims of politicians." Gen. Hammond commented in a whisper as well.
"We need the best team possible to achieve success. I believe Colonel O'Neill's team has the best success rate, am I correct Henry?" stated President Buzz Murphy (Ireland). "You aren't wrong Buzz; SG1 is the best of the best. Give us all the intelligence you have and we'll have a mission planned out in the next few days." Hayes said motioning Gen. Hammond up. "I know you wanted to address the CLB but it'll have to wait. This matter obviously will take precedent for the remainder of the meeting." The general nodded his understanding then went back to his seat.
2340hrs: Henry Hayes yawned for the third time in 5 minutes. The simplest decisions took way too long to make sometimes. "So we are in agreement then. Thor will set up a time dilatation field speeding up our ships shakedown cruise. If I understand properly, two months will be crammed into one week." He said hearing the others confirm by nods or verbal ways. "During this time SG1 along with SG21 (European team) will do a recon of Anubis's base to gather further intelligence." He confirmed hoping this would end the meeting until next week. "That is correct Henry. The hour is late so I move to adjourn until next week's meeting." President Lucas Martian (French) said confirming everyone's thoughts. "I second the motion." ...replied Rufus yawning feeling tired.
"Then we'll push the discussion of promotions and disclosure to next week. General Hammond can wait till next week to address CLB." Hayes stated glad that the meeting was wrapping up. "Thor I thank you for your help with the completion of the Prometheus Fleet and the USS Milky Way. Do you have any last thoughts before we officially adjourn for the week?" he asked their little grey friend.
"The Asgard and I thank you for your continued assistance in policing our universe. I will contact President Hayes once I have located a section of space that suites our needs. When SG1 and SG21 are ready contact me. I'll transport and insert the teams onto the planet stealth fully then remain nearby until they need extraction." Thor said then promptly beamed back to his cloaked ship in orbit. "Well, Thor is one to make his point and not waste time going home." Felix Wilson (PM of Canada) commented getting chuckles from most everybody in the room. "Taking a page from Thor, this meeting is adjourned." Hayes replied relishing getting home quickly to see his wife and possible catching Jay Leno's show. The members of the CLB filtered out using the Asgard transporters until the only two left was Henry and Rufus. "I have to say chap, the meeting went better than I hoped. Do you think SG1 and SG21 can pull off the mission even with Anubis tipped off?" he asked his friend. Hayes scratched the back of his neck then replied. "They haven't failed us yet and don't want to see the day they do." Rufus understood Henrys statement all too much. Earth is just starting to build its defenses while exploring the greater galaxy. Failure meant leaving earth in a bad spot. "That leaves one last question Henry, transporter or Star Gate?" he asked. "...transporter, definitely transporter!" he said with a laugh.
A/N 1: Try as I might the story didn't turn out how I hoped. The story idea was to obviously give readers an idea of where my version of StarGate stood at. The next story in line will be better I promise so until next then have a good one.
A/N 2:Civilian Leadership Board Members:
Prime Minister of Canada, Felix Wilson (M)
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rufus Churchill (M)
Prime Minister of Japan, Akiara Wantanabe (F)
Prime Minister of Russia, Natalia Pavlov (F)
Prime Minister of Belgium, Nathan Coppens (M)
Prime Minister of Germany, Hans Gruber (M)
Prime Minister of Israeli, Ziva Diamond (F)
President of Italy, Greta Bianchi (F)
President of China, Cadmael Wangs (M)
President of France, Lucas Martin (M)
President of the United States, Henry Hayes (M)
President of Switzerland, Wilma Runquist (F)
President of Ireland, Buzz Murphy (M)
Councilman of Australia, James Jones (M)
Poland and India next...
LoneWolfO'Neill