AN: To answer a few questions that cropped up in during the discussions going on the SB and AH forums for this story.

1. The perception and comparison of who Perun might be as a historical figure is going to vary from country to country in the mainstream, depending on cultural and historical legacies, while individuals would be making comparison to whatever they want once public disclosure happens. For Germany in particular, I don't believe it is a stretch that people fearing the worse, and working of incomplete information might make comparisons with Hitler's rise to power. To clarify on what the current German government in this story is worried about - it is that after disclousure, there would be enough supporting evidence that a lot of regular citizens would see Perun as space Hitler, or would have enough of a negative perception of him to vote in a government with mandate to burn down any ongoing deals in support of a conquering warlord.

2. About the briefly mentioned difference in French politics compared to IRL - I am not using IRL figures as country leaders, etc... to avoid discussion about IRL politics not relevant to the story, or what that particular person might do or not do under the circumstances they might face in the story. This means that various countries would have had butterflies after the end of the Cold War, leading to OC politicians running the places in question. Just like the next US president in this story is going to be OC, because we will actually seeing him in the story. In coparison, in OTL Stargate SG-1 we had Clinton have his OTL terms, and then when the US President became relevant enoguh for the story to be shown on screen, we had Henry Hayes be elected into office.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Star Wars, or Stargate movies, TV shows, games, books, or comics. This story features elements inspired by Warhammer 40K. They all belong to their respective copyright owners. This story is not for sale or rent.

Chapter 15: The path to war can be paved with the best of intentions

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Part 3

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16 November 1996

Ramstein air base, Rhineland-Palatinate

Germany

Earth

Milky Way Galaxy

Henry landed for a third quiet meeting in two days and had two more to look forward to tomorrow. Meeting for lunch with the President-elect a few days ago was a testament to the adage that the reward for a job well done is more work. The fruits of that discussion led Henry first to London, then Paris, before arriving in Germany.

The next President offered him a position in his administration as the Secretary of State, provided Hayes kept up the excellent work for the next few months. That meant he would be the point of contact between the US government and the nations now aware of the Stargate with all that entailed. Henry's current task was to provide further proof to select foreign officials and quietly arrange a summit where everyone in the know could send representatives to discuss what would happen next.

The British prime minister wasn't thrilled to see more evidence and confirmation that their ambassador to the US and the President were still very much sane. In the long term, it might help that they weren't precisely hiding that if Perun wasn't pressuring the US government, disclosure would have happened years in the future if possible. The awareness anyone else in America's shoes would have taken as much advantage of the situation as they could did little to soothe the British.

The French were, as expected, worse. Hayes could understand where they were coming from, besides being French politicians. On the one hand, a reunited Germany had economic and demographic potential, the likes of which it hadn't enjoyed since before the Second World War. In the long run, reunification meant that Germany would once again dominate a large part of Europe economically and politically, if not necessarily militarily. That would be the case when the Germans managed to sort everything out and pay to fix half of their new country. With the USSR gone, the obvious place to save money to keep a somewhat balanced budget was cuts to the military.

On the other hand, it was clear that many younger Germans felt deeply uncomfortable with many things their government had to do, or said it had to, during the Cold War. There were indications that elections in the coming years might reshape the political scene in the country.

The realignment within Germany gave France ample time to decide how to tackle the issues and opportunities their united neighbor would represent in the future. Hayes knew there were talks in Paris between different camps. Some wanted closer ties with the US, and others wanted even better relationships with the British to counter-balance Germany in the European Union. A third, somewhat controversial train of thought was to pursue the closest possible relationship with the Germans instead.

A couple of unexpected changes in government and a scandal that brought down the previous President of France meant that the French were still hedging their bets and trying to figure out which course would be best. Unfortunately, since the USSR fell, France did have more than a few conflicts of interests with the US, especially over the French presence and influence in Africa. In comparison, their relationship with the British and Germans was arguably better than ever, which was less than ideal.

In Henry's opinion, the State Department really dropped the ball there. Consequently, his time in Paris last night was less than pleasant. Now, he was about to meet his German counterpart, and there would also be issues, if radically different.

The State Department Protection Service agents guarding Henry and the secrets he was carrying checked the meeting place, then went outside to ensure no one would interrupt the meeting. They were in a pilot briefing room within one of the base's dug-in hangars, ensuring the location was remote and isolated. It was also one of the oddest places Henry ever held a diplomatic meeting.

Konrad Schneider was already waiting for Hayes when he entered the pilot's ready room carrying a briefcase with proof about the Stargate.

"Mr. Hayes," his German counterpart greeted him. "You arrive bringing most disturbing yet fascinating news."

Schneider was one of three Secretaries of State within the German Federal Foreign Office overseeing all diplomatic missions and the relationship concerning North America. That, of course, meant a focus on the US, with a secondary one on Canada and Mexico, respectively.

"More fascinating than disturbing, I hope," Henry offered. He noted someone had the foresight to prepare a comfortable table, chairs, and a pot of coffee to the side, complete with waiting cups, sugar, and cream. "First, more proof as requested," Hayes put his suitcase on the table, unlocked it, and popped its lid up before turning it around and offering it to the German diplomat. "Please, indulge your curiosity, Mr. Schneider."

While the German was busy browsing through more pictures and reports, Henry poured himself coffee and shoved inside enough sugar and cream that if his wife saw him, he wouldn't hear the end of it. Thankfully, the beverage was just cool enough to drink, so Hayes drained half the cup, eagerly anticipating the coming energy kick from the sugar and caffeine.

"Your presence here, with this, does indicate your government might not have lost their collective minds alongside our ambassador," Schneider looked up from a stack of photos he had spread on the table before him. "Unless there is something extraordinary in the water in Washington these days?" Konrad dryly added.

"Not that I am aware of. That would make things easier and simpler," Hayes was in the unfortunate position of being unsure if the other diplomat was pulling his leg. To be fair, if the roles were reversed, Henry might wonder the same and be deadly serious about it.

"In that case, those few aware of the situation in my government have certain grave concerns," Schneider said bluntly. Any hint of levity that his bearing held vanished, and the old man stared at him with piercing gray eyes.

"Perun?" Hayes ventured an educated guess.

"Yes. Your new dictator of a friend. Or is he a warlord? Perhaps an old-fashioned conqueror? The information we have so far on Perun and the relationship between him and your government is incomplete," Schneider's tone wasn't exactly biting. However, his displeasure with the situation was evident.

"We have various trade agreements with Lord Perun and an ongoing joint Research and Development program led by one of his agents. She is the person who will be meeting and negotiating with representatives from the governments in the know."

"I see," Schneider frowned. "Mr. Hayes, it should not be news for someone in your position in your State Department that Germany is changing. I am not just talking about our country being whole for the first time in decades. What a German government could justify as necessary is no longer acceptable to an increasing portion of our population, and that trend is accelerating. You just dropped an armed political nuclear bomb in our lap, Mr. Hayes. Your President made it clear that Canada will have been brought in on the secret by now. That makes seven governments. It is a question of when, not if, it becomes public knowledge. Once that happens, I am afraid that any deals we make with your friend might not last the first elections that follow," Konrad smiled bitterly. "And that is why we are here, are we not? Perun is about to make us an offer we can't refuse, just like you disclosed his existence because he gave you no other option?"

Hayes slowly finished his coffee to get a few more moments to think about his response. He thought about sugar-coating it. However, that was frankly pointless. Schneider wasn't a fool.

"That is the reality of the situation. Perun does offer us what is so far beyond bleeding-edge technology that it is not even funny, and in exchange, he wants Earth to be useful to him. We have little illusion that what he offers is valuable to his people. My government would prefer that any competition and deals Perun makes happen with allies and neutral countries. Considering the logistics limitations in place, we should be able to offer all he needs. A competitive market for trade deals would be to his benefit, true. That is still the better option than many alternatives and by a large margin at that," Hayes suggested.

"If he doesn't offer useless baubles, a trade deal could be greatly beneficial, I have no doubt about that," Schneider agreed on that point. "It is Perun's nature that will cause issues. A charismatic leader rising to rebuild their nation from the ashes? One who is already acquiring more territory to fuel his ambitions? I don't need to tell you what connection many people in Germany will make after the truth becomes public."

Hayes wanted to argue the situation with Perun could hardly be put in such a light as to make a parallel between him and the rise of Hitler and the Nazis in Weimar Germany.

"Mr. Hayes, we might not have a choice but to talk with Perun. Perhaps we must bow to his whims and damn the political consequences. However, if we are to do that, we need to know what exactly we are dealing with," Schneider pointed out.

"So far, everyone I've met has required more information about the galaxy at large and the Goa'uld in particular. Independently verified information at that," Hayes admitted. "We might have a way to get such information. However, discussing the particulars would require a meeting at the highest level by people who can make binding decisions for their nations. That will be, ideally, heads of state."

"Now, that is a summit my government will be very interested in participating."

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Part 4

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Dakara

Ra's Domain

Milky Way Galaxy

These days, it was rare that Ra got to pilot a ship himself. It was even rarer for it to be a cloaked Al'kesh. However, it simply wouldn't do for someone to discover one of his most vital contingencies. This one was a fall-back plan that might just ensure he would rise up back to power if overthrown by a particularly cunning and dangerous Goa'uld. That likely meant his brother Apophis, or perhaps Ba'al in this era. If Yu was a different kind of being, Ra would be most concerned about him. While the ancient Goa'uld in question was content to administer his realm and keep to himself, there were some indications that Yu's mind might be slowly slipping. That was the only reason Ra was worried about him, beyond what would be reasonable as far as any System Lord was concerned.

Ra slowly guided the Al'kesh through the atmosphere, ensuring his descent would create as little disturbance as possible. He had to update his most vital caches with data about all the changes that upstart Perun, or well, the Goa'uld who managed to successfully replace him, brought forth. If he had to develop some of them from the start if the worst happened, he would be in an even worse position than otherwise, and that simply wouldn't do.

Besides, it had been almost too long since he last checked on the mothership he buried so long ago under Dakara's rocky soil. Now and then, Ra ensured that the vessel was fully operational and had it upgraded with the best new restricted warship technology his scientists might develop. Then, he naturally ensured there was no one else alive aware of the secret. If anyone else knew about it, you couldn't keep anything of this magnitude secure!

The Al'kesh broke through a low cloud cover and headed for the single cloaked entrance leading towards Ra's destination. The Supreme System Lord found that the simple task of flying was proving surprisingly relaxing no matter how mundane it was. He decided it was another sign he needed to wrap up the current outstanding issues with ruling his Empire and head out for rest and relaxation.

It would have to be brief, too, because, with everything else happening right now, Ra was confident he would miss something of importance otherwise. Besides, he was genuinely interested in seeing what his newest vassal might come up with next. Ra decided it had been too long since he had a competent servant who could deliver as consistently as "Perun" did. Perhaps it was because he was undoubtedly a relatively young Goa'uld who wasn't set up in his ways yet, like most of those currently in power. That possibly included most scientists Ra had working for him as of this time. Too few continued to consistently and somewhat regularly offer anything new that was more than idle curiosity enough to spare them from his wrath over wasting time and resources with nothing to show for it.

Ra's ship reached the tunnel, and he focused on flying through. It simply wouldn't do to crash now. Dealing with the resulting damage would be a headache he could go without.

The Al'kesh reached the end of the tunnel and sharply decelerated, as guided by Ra's mind. Advanced sensors detected the ship and weapon emplacements came to life, targeting it. Ra sent the necessary codes, which meant the computer-guided weaponry wouldn't fire yet. Next, he switched off the cloaking device before carefully landing on one of the landing pads surrounding his pitch-black mothership. The vessel was coated in ablative armor, allowing it to survive a handful of hits if its powerful shields were ever brought down. Either that or if it was attacked while powering up.

Ra landed on the right landing pad and left the Al'kesh. The defenses would have obliterated him if he had headed for any other place in the hangar. Ra walked before a scanner which came to life, and emitted golden beams of energy that washed over his host's body. He could feel a tingle go up and down his body, making him instinctively curl around the spine of the human who had been carrying him for thousands of years.

The defenses disengaged and fell into their protective housings, which held repair mechanisms to ensure everything remained in working order for long periods without anyone living to provide maintenance.

There was only one more step before Ra could board his ship. He walked towards a nearby ring platform placed right below a part of the vessel's superstructure. A second, different sensor came out from what looked like a mundane support pillar. That part was identical to the control interface of a small ship, allowing a direct link between a computer and the pilot's mind. In this case, it was a link between Ra's mind and a machine that could recognize him for who he was. Any impostor who got this far and tried to board the ship would have to contend with all defenses in the hangar and onboard Ra's mothership. He would also receive an alert about this facility being breached, no matter where he was.

Ra felt the machine's touch a split second after interfacing adequately with it. Its cold touch was like submerging his very mind into freezing water. The dull presence of the machine mind judged that Ra was himself. He could hear the metal covering the nearby ring transporter slide aside. That was the sign he passed the final check successfully.

The final check is to enter the ship and either update the library within it or upgrade the vessel itself. Powering up the mothership would require a last neural scan after sitting on the Command Throne on the Pel'tac.

Once in place, Ra activated the rings with his hand device. They rose around him, and in a flash of light, he was within the ship. Secondary systems came online, providing light and cool, fresh air. As expected, Ra arrived right in front of a terminal of the internal transport system. This mothership was too large to simply walk through it all the time. Its design made the ring platform a secondary transport mechanism that was only feasible to use to leave it, or within the central hull the superstructure was built around.

On the way to the library, Ra wondered where he should go to rest at the first opportunity he got. The well-developed worlds within his domain were out of the question. It was too easy to find and bother him with the latest schemes of the System Lords there. The same was true about 'critical' issues concerning the administration of his own domain. He couldn't do much about the latter without ensuring no one would dare bring him bad news. Ra had been doing his best to avoid finding himself in such a situation for a very long time now.

Perhaps it would be best to take his leisure barge and go to one of the undeveloped worlds he hadn't visited recently? It was always good to remind his slaves he was very much real and paying attention. Some time away from court, politics, and other Goa'uld sounded like a plan. Besides, it was always amusing to see how the humans bent backward to offer him the best possible tribute to earn his blessing and avoid incurring his wrath.