Worldwar: Establishing A Balance

by AlbertG

Summary-Book IV: Years ago, the Colonials of Cyrannus met the so-called 13th tribe. It didn't work out well. The Colonials met the Race. That didn't work out well either, but they were introduced to a much larger galaxy. Now their errors have come back and they know they are small fish in a large ocean trying to survive. Can they? Will the Race let them?

24. Chapter 23

Record Keeping time: First of all Happy New Years! A few things are going on that I will not bore you with. But being petty and vindictive and relatively evil. I must comment on a guest or two.

First, to Guest whose chooses not to identify himself or herself. I will tell you again, patience, or I urge you to write your own stories in your own timeframe. That way. You can satisfy yourself and others with your abilities, imagination and speed of delivery.

Ah, politics.

Haven't certain (guests) people realized that 90% of politics is a waste? So many things are repeated over and over, ad nauseum. But redundant or not, it is necessary. Even if it's explained to death. And guess what? I am about to beat a certain hores to death in this chapter. And do you know what I discovered? You can tell the truth until your eyeballs hurt and people will still believe what they want to. Also, if the truth is forces upon them, many are still not convinced. Just look around you. But if you feel uncomfortable reading for whatever reason, I urge you to stop reading and move on so that you won't waste your time being aggravated.

Meanwhile, thank you all for your patience. We're about to get away from politics after this chapter and back to intrigue and headaches for the Race and Colonials. But then, that's the way stories go.

Please enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-Three

'Why Them?'

Caprica city

CBN Control Booth

"… To those just tuning in we just want to thank you again for staying with us on this extraordinarily long and fascinating day which is now stretched into the evening. There are so many incredible events happening today that Petre has literally run out of his expanded two-hour slot. Good evening/. I'm Thran Isanu and this is the Isnanu Commentary with myself and Jenifer Sandiff.

The historic events of today have sent the government, the population of the Colonies and us into a kind of feeding frenzy. Any single event that has occurred in the last few days normally would have dominated the news cycles for a few weeks. But things are happening so quickly that we're struggling to keep things current. The introduction of the Race and the speech by Emperor Risson, a member of the species named the Race are just two of the events happening at this moment.

"We've been threatened by aliens called the Goa'uld. Who are they? What reasons do they have for threaten us? What is the magnitude of the threat they represent? How large is their empire and what is their relationship with Earth?

These are some of the questions we will ask our guest this evening. As we promised, we have a special guest, Colonel Samantha Carter, the commander of the UCW ship Mashantucket, an Earth ship some are classifying as a super battlestar class warship. How this vessel compares to our own ships is a matter of conjecture but many of the experts agree that the Earth ship is in some aspect more advanced than those of our own military. As important as the questions about Earth's military are, we'll focus on Earth's relation with us and the galaxy at large."

"We're very fortunate that Colonel Carter is fluent in several Colonial dialects. She is also fluent in several other languages including … Race standard? Welcome Colonel Samantha Carter. Thank you for doing this interview during such perilous times."

"You are welcomed. First, let me say that I've been given permission to do this interview by the UCW. Earth and the UCW hope that our two nations and the others beyond can come to a mutual peace and co-operation."

"I know that our two nations haven't had the best of relationships. We've fought against one another. Our governments have clashed ideologically. Having said that we have also improved our economic and military ties with one another. However before we get into politics, we would like to know how did you learn so many languages? How many languages do you speck?"

"Quite a few," she answered truthfully. "My old team and I specialized in languages as we traveled. My old commander, General O'Neill…"

"The head of the UCW's military?"

"Yes, he is the current head," she responded. It reminded her that the journalist here knew a lot more than they were saying. "He was very proficient. He used to say that everyone in the galaxy spoke English." She smiled blandly.

The stargate, created by the Ancients were a marvel. Somehow, they figured out how to insert a translation matrix directly into the brain. It was most likely designed by the Ancient and for the Ancients. Modern humanity didn't have the capacity to fully integrate the matrix instantly. SG-1's many missions did allow the matrix to slowly build up the changes. The SG teams were extremely proficient. So far, the specialists hadn't found the code at achieved this marvel when one went through the gate. At least that was the current theory. If this was fantasy, then people would believe it was some fantastically dubious and convenient plot device seen on 'Wormhole Extreme'. But she and the rest were living examples of reality. And really, everyone did speak English. At least that's how her brain translated and interpreted them.

"That's very impressive," responded a very impressed Jenifer Sandiff said.

'It's a gift' thought Carter.

Just then, Thran asked her a question in one of the lesser known Aquarian dialects. His home and family were there, and the language spoken was one of the more obscure dialect, not as obscure as some of the ones found on Canceron, but rare enough. *Could you tell me why the Goa'uld are so afraid of the Terrans and what did you do to frighten them so? *

Carter didn't miss a beat. Daniel understood languages because of hard work, being gifted and using the stargate. Her linguistic ability came from the stargate only. But it was enough. *We've had conflict with them for years now and they've tried to destroy our world several times and they have failed. They fear us and respect our abilities to defend ourselves and they hate what they can't control. *

Thran's face flushed a little in embarrassment but it didn't stop him from being suitably impressed as well. "Ah, yes. Thank you for answering. Your accent is a little different but perfectly understandable. I would like to talk to you more about Earth culture and how it is similar and different to ours but in light of the present threat, a viewing audience would like to know a lot more about the Goa'uld and the threat they represent to the Colonies."

Samantha Carter folded her arms and turned directly to the camera. "The information that I am about to give to you isn't a military secret," she said in perfect Caprican. "Most of the galaxy is aware of the Goa'uld and the threat that they represented before they were defeated. In the history of the galaxy, the last ten thousand years, they have ruled this galaxy with an iron fist. Because of a great war, they were nearly wiped out, but one of them, the Supreme System Lord Ra, who was dying discovered Earth and the humans there four thousand years ago. The Goa'uld came to Earth and kidnapped many thousands of humans and shipped them across many hundreds of worlds to be used as hosts and slaves. Any people that was strong enough to rise up against them, they destroyed or were enslaved. The Tollanians were a very advanced people. They were under constant threat by the Goa'uld because of the mere fact of their existence. Eventually, they did find a way to wipe out their civilization. A few escaped and they are now a vital part of the UCW.

"We, the people of Earth and our allies and friends fought against them and we were victorious." Continuing to look at the camera she said solemnly, "many millions of people died, and entire worlds were destroyed in this war. The far majority of the System Lords were killed, and the Empire was broken.

"Although the original System Lords were wiped out, a new group took their places. These are the Ashtorath System Lords. They are a family of four Lords who now control their new Empire. Unlike their predecessors, they work together as a group and it are slowly increasing the size of the Empire solely, by conquest but by diplomacy and negotiation. However. My government wants you to understand, these are Goa'uld and have the same characteristics as their progenitors. Although they are more willing to negotiate, they will not hesitate to conquer or destroy anyone or anything that they perceive to be a threat. Like their predecessors they do not take insults lightly, and this is why they threatened the Colonies with destruction.

"Also, like the System Lords of old, they don't like being told 'no'. Your people have something that they want badly. Your leadership rejected the proposed alliance with them, which in my opinion was the right thing to do. But it doesn't matter how politely it was stated to them. Astartea took it as a sign of rejection, from what they consider an inferior species, a lower form of animal suitable only as hosts or slaves. It was an insult they could not tolerate. As I just stated, for reasons unknown they came to you and asked you to join them instead of forcing you to as they have done to so many others. The fact that she asked politely is an indication of how desperate they are.

Still facing the camera, the colonel was stone-faced, knowing that every word she uttered was being studied and scrutinized by dozens of civilian and military officials. What she was telling them would be a determining factor on the future of the UCW's and Colonials relationship with each other. "I've been instructed to tell you that the people of Earth and our UCW allies have a vested interest in the Cyrannus colonies of Kobol. Despite our differences, we recognize you as a free nation, independent worlds that have a right to live in peace, not to be threatened by the Goa'uld. We look forward to welcoming you to the greater community…eventually. Our politicians will have to sit down and hash out our difficulties so that we can create a lasting peace between us. Be aware that we have no interest in forcing you to join the UCW. Any treaties or agreements must be determined by politicians and it is our hope that we develop a real trust between our nations. We do admit that we have a commonality between your people and ours and because of this we cannot allow the Goa'uld to dominate your world.

"The UCW is a community of allied worlds working together for the mutual economic and military security. The Race is rapidly becoming a part of this alliance. The UCW wants to make it clear that an attack on the Race is an attack against us." She paused for a second to let that sink in. "It is not important to us that they are aliens. What is important is that they are becoming our allies. They gained our respect and our trust and continue to do so. We hope that the colonies of Kobol will be able to do the same."

Jenifer snatched a few breaths to give herself a moment. "I was under the impression that our tribes were beginning to come together," she said. "We've established several trade agreements. Our industry representatives are visiting Earth. I could name several other things that we as people are coming together on. But you've implied that this is not the case?"

"Our relations between us has improved dramatically when we compare it to as little as three years ago," Carter answered. "But for now, we are taking small steps. Trust on both sides has to be earned. This promise to keep the Goa'uld from attacking you which is in our best interests as well as yours."

"So, you're saying that what's in your best interests is more important than the fact that we are fellow humans and family."

"We all know that family relations can be…difficult," Carter responded. "It's not as hard as we sometimes believe it to be. However, this mere discussion has solidified our relationship in the eyes of the Goa'uld. But consider this," she said speaking to the camera.

In the Presidential suite, Goesel, Colonial Military command, and every government official present were glued to the television. The same thing was happening across the breath of the Colonies.

"Because of the Goa'uld dominance galaxy, many of the sapient species in the galaxy have been either subjugate or destroy. The original Empire could be described as a feudal state with a series of System Lords fighting over territory and dominance. The Supreme System Lord Ra understood his people very well and encouraged this particular societal culture to keep his own people from wiping themselves out completely. It also served to keep him in power as he was a brilliant scientist and held most of the advanced technology sufficient enough to keep them from trying to usurp his position, kidnapped humans from Earth were transplanted on many worlds. That fact is known to you. What you may not know is that during the thousands of years of Goa'uld dominance, several worlds with human populations were either forgotten, abandoned, or their goa'uld masters were defeated and the slave world forgotten. Without goa'uld oversight, these worlds developed advanced societies. The Tollanians are one such example. Other civilizations both human and alien discovered by the Goa'uld and either destroyed or enslaved were either exterminated, or the people enslaved unless they were strong enough to fight back. The System Lords feared any technological civilization that might rise up against them and eliminated the threat. As a result, there were few societies that reached any level high enough to resisted them. We estimate that no more than Twenty to twenty-five societies who have escaped. This includes those we may not have discovered yet.

Of those to date, only your civilization escaped untouched. As our ambassador discussed with you before, we don't know how your people arrived at the Kobollian star system and I am not qualified to discuss the various theories of your origins, but you've been free of Goa'uld influence. Your population is the largest we've ever come across and because of your industry, numbers, and the fact you are intact, you have attracted the Ashtorath. They see you as something they can use. Because they are involved in a war right now, they haven't come to harvest you and I believe that this is their ultimate goal."

Thran to this moment to jump in. "You've given us a lot of information on the thought processes of your people and the Goa'uld, but with all due respect, I can see the prejudice that you have against them. How do we know that it wasn't the actions of your people who precipitated the conflict against the goa'uld? From our reports and from what Astartea said, it appears that we were already in a fruitful dialogue with them. All of that fell apart when you, however indirectly, interfered and frightened them off. The Ashtorath may be what you claim. We have no concrete, verifiable proof of their intentions other than the fact that they intended to attack us because they feared that we would join you. That is not what President Goesel said. He asked for a dialogue and they refused because of Earth's connection with us. We don't know what kind of agreement the President could have come to with them if it weren't for their fear of Earth. I am not saying that you are exaggerating the situation, far from it." The reporter cupped his hands slowly. There was a look in his eyes of a hungry predator about to pounce. "What I am saying is that the people of the Colonies need independent confirmation from sources other than Earth and the UCW. Because of your interactions with the Ashtorath, you are not an objection source. In other words, why should we believe you when we haven't heard from the Ashtorath Empire's point of view?"

Sam glared at the reporter for a moment while silently thanking any powers that actually existed that Jack wasn't sitting here in her place right now. Shew knew exactly what he would say and shivered at the thought. But she wasn't Jack and so she did her best to retain her professionalism at being called a liar in front of an estimated forty billion people, not including everyone on Earth, the UCW, and probably the Ashtorath who were most certainly watching this interview. "For several years, we've given you factual information about Earth as in we are not your Thirteenth Tribe. We have not retaliated for your attempt to detonate nuclear weapons on Earth. We've informed you of the general history of the galaxy. We've given you data on the goa'uld their history as well as the worlds of the UCW. We've opened discussions with you and your people." She paused as she gathered herself to keep from saying something that would cause an international incident. "We have a saying on Earth, 'trust but verify', so I do understand your pessimism. Therefore, you can invite the goa'uld here and interview them, if you wish. But the UCW wants you to understand this. The people of the Cyrannus system are under the assumption that we, as in Earth, owe you explanations. The truth is, we don't owe you anything. We are not your children or some minor tribe you believe you can boss around. Well, the people of Terra ask that you grow up. We are under no obligation for follow your culture, your rules, or your religions. We are not impressed by your bravado. The UCW can and will simply remove ourselves from your presence and terminate all contact with you, leaving you to your own devices. Just because you know where our worlds are, doesn't mean that we will allow you to come near us.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this. In case you haven't noticed, there are dangers in the galaxy just waiting to swallow your people. They make your Cylons look minor in comparison."

Thran smiled viciously. "My intension is to find out the truth. You've given us information about Earth that has not been independently verified by us. There are many people here who believe you're not telling us everything…:

"Why should we?"

"Excuse me?"

"I said, why should we tell you anything more than we already have? If you don't believe us, fine. If you can't believe the truth, then that's not our problem."

"I didn't say that Earth wasn't telling the truth."

In response, Carter rolled her eyes. "I know exactly what you said."

Jenifer jumped in. "My colleague isn't trying to insult you or Earth," she added quickly as she tried to defuse the escalating situation. "What he is trying to say, I believe, is that you've hidden a lot of the truth from us. For example what do you personally believe about the Colonies and our mutual history? Do you honestly believe that you are not the Thirteenth Tribe?"

Colonel Samantha Carter went silent for a moment. "I will say this. We are not your Thirteenth tribe. If anything your people are sub-tribes of Earth. We have the proof, and we've given that data to your government who has told you. We have sent the same data to your news groups. Whether you choose to believe it is up to you. You can choose to keep your collective heads in the sand if your wish, but the universe is getting smaller every day. Ignoring evidence because it doesn't fit into your world view will come and bite you sooner than you'd like."

"We're simply trying to get at the truth," insisted Thran. "It's apparent that you are more advanced than we are, yet, by your own admissions, you've been in space for less than two decades. You have advanced technologies, medical techniques and propulsion systems that are superior to ours. My gods, it takes us at least a year to travel the same distance it takes a United Terran civilian cruiser in a day. Your ships are more advanced and powerful than anything we have but as I've just said, you've claimed to have been in space only a small fraction of the amount of time when compared to the Colonies. When I add these and other factors together, your story doesn't add up."

"What we've told you is true."

"Is it?" challenged Thran. "Because we here at CBN have a somewhat different theory based on our available information."

"Carter just looked at him. "Would you care to explain your theory?"

"I would love to," Thran answered gleefully. "Our journalists have been studying, gathered every scrap of data on Earth since its discovery. It's been a process using a making because what the data indicated couldn't possibly be true. The people of the planet Earth have constantly stated, as you just said, that you've only been in space for a few years, approximately a little more than two decades to be exact. Our analysts have put together a theory that account for the data that you have and not have given us, and we from there we have extrapolated a plausible scenario that takes into account how Earth has advanced so quickly. Our analysis suggests that while it may be true that you been in space only for very short time, the real reason for your unbelievably quick development in technologies and engineering and in the sciences is not because you found some type of alien technology, but because you're rediscovering those sciences that you originally lost. We are aware that our government has kept closely guarded secrets concerning their own theories of you, as an Earth being part of a vast federation that spanned a significant part of this galaxy. That missing information was the vital piece that we were missing that could allow us to put together a plausible scenario which account for everything that we knew, as compared to everything that you've told us. Our sources in the military have denied that this is true. However, this is only theory at this time that links all of the pieces together… I fail to see the humor in this, Colonel. For some reason your planet insists that they developed things from scratch within a two-decade period, when we all know that this is impossible. Oh yes, you've given us all the hints. We've seen the different technologies that you possessed. And, we have seen the ease at how you responded to the Race, a non-human species as if it's the most natural thing in the world! This corresponds nicely with our theory about Earth being a part of something called the Federation of Planets. Now Colonel Carter, how close does this theory of ours match the truth? You can stop laughing now. No one believes this attempt at deflection you're attempting."

Samantha had to wipe her eyes to keep them from tearing up. "We have spent years trying to convince your government that the series called Star Trek is a figment of our collective imaginations. Now, the news people have jumped into it."

Thran jumped in. "Do you deny that the technologies seen in the show are directly comparable to the technologies that you currently use? I can give an example. Those small phone devices your people carry around our direct ancestors to those same devices that we've seen in the show. I can name a dozen other examples just like that to prove my theory. Do you deny that my theory has some merit?"

"To all of the people of the Colonies of Kobol. The television series Star Trek is not real. It never has been, although we have been inspired by the ideals and some of the imaginative technologies that the writers and producers created for the show. What we have given you in terms of information about Earth, is accurate. Furthermore, whether it is true or not, and is not, you have bigger problems to worry about a science fiction television series which has no basis in fact and is not in any way related to the actual history of my planet."'

The dark-haired man began to chuckle derisively. The aging reporter smelled blood. "Do you honestly believe that this halfhearted explanation you've just given us is to be taken by us as the truth? No, I don't think so. This is exactly the reason why it is very little trust between our two nations. Your people need to confess to truth and when you do, then we really get down to the business of creating a real and lasting trust between us."

"I have a question of my own," Samantha quickly said. "If I were to say that Star Trek is real and that everything you've said is accurate, would you believe me?"

"I'd believe everything you say only after your government all of the questions the Colonial people need answers to. The Colonial people demand those answers from the people of Earth. Without them, we cannot entertain even the concept of trust with people who are not completely open with us. So, my first question is, do you deny that theories aren't accurate?"

"What I am suggesting is this. Examining a data again and see if said data really does match up or, go back and find another theory."

"So you deny everything?"

"I deny your theory which is true."

Thran smirked and threw his hands in the air in a grand gesture. "And that is the reason why our trust factor is so tenuous. You won't admit the truth even when it's staring you in the face. The people of the Colonies expect and demand the truth from the people of Earth!" he practically yelled.

In the last few moments of the increasingly tense exchange Jenifer appeared distracted. Moments later, she jumped in into the conversation before either of the two people could say anything else. She was wide eyed and obviously frightened by what she'd heard. "Ladies and gentlemen, Colonel Carter, I've just received a report that an alien ship traveling at unbelievable speed has just blown past our perimeter defenses and is settling into orbit over the capital on Caprica." She paused for a moment to hear more incoming messages. Colonial ground defenses have activated. Requests for communications and challenges have been issued but the ship has not responded. There is no solid identification of the vessel, but initial reports believed that it may be Goa'uld in origin… The Third Fleet has just opened fire on the identify vessel. The ship is huge, larger than our biggest battlestar and possesses some type of energy field that is deflecting all of our weaponry. Everyone is asked to stay at home are going to the closest available shelter until the threat is over."

"Colonel, is this Earth's doing?" Thran accused.

Carter virtually ignored him as she opened communications with her ship. Everyone could see the concern in her eyes as she demanded an identification of the unknown that had just entered Caprica's atmosphere despite the combined forces of the Colonial surface and space might trying to stop it. Whatever the ship was it moved, unnaturally fast, so fast in fact that from the time it was first seen on DRADIS until it reached the atmosphere was a little over four minutes. The Third Fleet was already in position to barely intercept the alien vessel. Nothing they used slowed the ship down. The Aurora class vessel identified the threat shocking Carter. "I didn't believe…" she whispered.

Jenifer continued her real-time reporting. "The ship has settled over Caprica City! Somehow, our defenses have been neutralized. Our station will stay on air as long as we can! But we're switching over to the CBN news anchor. President is about to speak in this state of emergency. He… wait a moment, we're receiving a transmission from the unknown ship!"

A voice, cold and devoid of emotion was heard over every television, every radio, and ever communication device across the Colonies at the same time despite the fact than the far majority of the Colonies had no FTL communications equipment.

"To the people of Cyrannus. I send you greetings. I am Thor, Supreme commander of the Asgard fleet, onboard the Asgard battleship Teal'c. President Goesel, order you ships not to waste their ordinance. They are incapable of harming this vessel and we not here to wage a conflict. It is in your best interests to cease your military activity immediately–now. The Asgard High Council has been monitoring your transmissions and are aware of your concerns and confusion…"

A short time later, the battlestars ceased their firing. The surface to air defensive batteries and the machine cannon of the vipers and raptors ceased. There was quiet across the planet as an alien ship hung over the heart of Caprica city and its terrified people waited for the next unknown to occur. Many people were already panicked. This latest happening made it worse.

"It has come to our attention that you are unaware of the Tau'ri, the First People, the children of Earth, the Terrans. This galaxy was under the rule of the System Lords for thousands of years. The Tau'ri, your ancestors, fought them, made allies and defeated a scourge of this galaxy. They did this without resources, ships, or technology. Still, they fought and prospered, and in the end, they succeeded. They have defeated the System Lords. The Ashtorath fear the Tau'ri. They have discovered the cities of the Ancients. They have defeated the Lucian Alliance. They have freed the Jaffa from the imprisonment of the Goa'uld. They have destroyed the replicators. They fought at our side against the Vorlons. They resisted your incursion into their territory and yet allowed you to keep your civilization intact by protecting you from the Ashtorath. They have allowed your peopled to visit their world in peace.

You should consider this carefully. The Asgard would not have been so merciful. They are young, but they are growing. You would do well to follow their example.

They have spoken the truth to you. We have witnessed it. Listen to the words of the Asgard.

There was once a great alliance of four races. The Asgard, the Nox, the Furlings, and the Ancients. The Furlings and the Ancients are no more. But, there is a new people on the horizon. The Tau'ri by their actions are well on their way to becoming the Fifth Race. Chose your words wisely. Open your minds and listen.

Across the Colonies, there was absolute silence. It wouldn't last long but for now, everyone listened to this alien voice being heard across the system.

I now speak to the cloaked goa'uld vessel. Return to your empire with this message. We, the Asgard are back. The Cyrannus system is under the protection of the Tau'ri and therefore they are under the protection of the Asgard. Your enemies are gathering to begin their attack within days. The Tau'ri will join as will we. Treachery will not be tolerated as we fight side by side with the Empire. You are warned.

Colonel Carter, the UCW will require your services. They will contact you shortly. It is earlier than we expected but sometimes, the necessity takes choice away. We will meet soon. We have much to talk about. Farewell.

The Asgard vessel began to rise above the city through the clouds and before reached orbit it simply disappeared to the shock confusion of the Colonials. It was a period of silence throughout the entire system as they tried to process what they had just experienced. Confusion, fear, and anxiety filled the capital not to mention the rest of the world.

Then… the yelling began/

On the news special which was still on the air, Thran was the first to speak. "Col. Carter, what is the meaning of all this?" he demanded. He was clearly shaken. "Who are the Asgard and why do they consider the Tau'ri…" He stopped, composed himself and smiled for the camera. "To our audience, that's another name for the Earthers. Colonel Carter, why are they calling you the Fifth Race?

And why would these, these aliens choose your world, a lone, single world? We have the history. We have the culture. We have the drive to expand and excel. What's so special about your world?" he asked, honestly curious and envious of the things he'd just heard. Why would these aliens choose you, a people that has difficulty telling the truth to their own Brethren?

Samantha looked at the camera once more and said with a straight face, "just lucky I guess…"

With that, she excused herself. Her ship needed her.

TBC