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 21: The race towards Disclosure

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Part 3

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President Cole met with Democrat and Republican party leaders and select members of the Senate and Congress to answer questions about the ongoing crisis. So far, no one who participated in the meeting has been willing to comment. Notably, upon leaving the White House, all Congress and Senate members appeared to be gravely concerned.

CBS

"Between rumors about a wider war and even a possible asteroid heading towards Earth, people worldwide are stockpiling. This is leading to shortages due to the sudden increase in demand. As you can see behind me, the local Walmart and other nearby stores are being swarmed by customers stocking up on everything they could think of… Local and State Police had to deploy officers at large trade centers to keep things orderly…"

CNN

Russia's Defense Minister confirmed a link between the cultist leader Set, who threatened nuclear terrorism at Tacoma, and now deceased oligarch Yuri Gerasimov. While details remain classified, the Russian government claims they shared everything on the case with US authorities.

Ambassador Kelly confirmed that the US embassy in Moscow has been in constant contact with the Kremlin and has received helpful intelligence linking the cult leader Set and Gerasimov!

CNN

Two curators and a small group of support personnel working for the British Museum have been arrested for participating in an international smuggling operation. So far, we don't know if this is the same channel used to smuggle a nuclear weapon to US soil. However, a Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed that one of the curators in question has illegally sold and aided in the movement of antiques that ended up in the hands of the late Mr. Gerasimov.

BBC

After a Shadow Cabinet minister suffered a heart attack, soon after the death of the Russian President, many European governments introduced bills mandating health checks to their respective parliament members, ministers, and heads of state. No matter their post, a similar bill covering government officials is rumored to be in the making.

The United States President commented on this turn of events, calling it insightful. The White House is working on introducing a similar bill. In a brief statement, President-elect Richards pledged his support and that of his administration, promising to follow through on the efforts of President Cole in that regard after assuming office.

BBC World News


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7 January 1997
The White House, Washington DC
The United States, Earth
Milky Way Galaxy

An anti-acid pill went down his throat, washed with strong coffee. That wasn't the smartest thing to do. Michael knew that, yet he needed as much caffeine to keep him awake and alert. Yesterday, he had to suffer meetings with Senate and Congress leaders, who could barely corral all the influential members who demanded answers.

It was a pure miracle that the secret hadn't become public yet. Cole was sure it couldn't be kept for two more weeks. Too many people were already in the know, and many had to tell others to prepare their countries for the inevitable chaos. Hell, trouble was already here – you just had to switch the TV on and put on the news.

The horror show that was disclosure wasn't enough. Now Michael had to deal with Perun's temper tantrum, and that wasn't something he could dismiss or ignore. What was happening right now in Colorado went against decades of US policy, interests, and precedent. It was one thing to have allied forces for training purposes or serving jointly in places like NORAD. Such things were practically enshrined in law and custom by now.

Perun didn't ask. He didn't negotiate. He ordered and didn't even bother to consult Cole and the US government before sending his soldiers through the Stargate. When Michael heard of it last night, his first reaction was outrage. Then, General Hammond's tone registered. The man wasn't scared but sounded apprehensive about the situation. That got Cole thinking. His orders were simple – Hammond had to accommodate their unexpected and certainly uninvited guests, for now, buying time for everyone to consider.

A brainstorming session that meant Michael got only a few hours of uneasy sleep followed before he returned to the Oval Office, still pondering what he had to do about Perun's Jaffa.

The truth was that he could order Hammond to detain them. There were just eleven people. It didn't matter how good their weapons and armor were, considering all the forces stationed at SGC. Hell, people were demanding he did precisely that as a reminder that this was not only Earth, not one of Perun's worlds, but the United States.

Saner and calmer heads prevailed, and thankfully, the buck stopped with Cole. The Jaffa in Colorado was a tripwire force; that much was obvious after the outrage died down. For example, they weren't meant or expected to take the Stargate and facilitate an invasion. They were here as a statement and perhaps a test. Danvers' words kept echoing in Cole's head.

"This is a message, Mr. President. We might be the only superpower on Earth, and Perun might be a tiny fish compared to what is out there. However, compared to us, he might as well be a god, like the Goa'uld pretend to be. Say we take his people right now. What do you think will happen when he arrives in orbit? We won't be negotiating from a position of strength then. The only thing in our favor is that we can be useful to Perun. If we become more trouble than we are worth…" the National Security Adviser trailed off, leaving everyone's imagination to paint them a personal picture of the potential consequences.

The only silver lining was that the news from Colorado came after Cole's meeting with Congress and Senate members was over. When they learned of this latest development, they would not be shut up. Cole was surprised that no one had called a press conference yet to announce the truth!

The President finished his coffee and was about to ask for another cup when his secretary burst into the Oval Office, followed by a Secret Service agent.

"Mr. President, you need to see the news right now!" Dana blurted out. She had a good head on her shoulders, so she lasted through his two terms, holding down the position without credible competition. Besides, his wife liked Dana, and that was always a plus.

There was, in fact, a TV in the Oval Office, even if it was usually concealed. One button on the remote made a panel slide away, and another switched on the TV. Michael put CNN on, barely paying any attention to the commotion he could hear from the open door.

"The Italian Minister of the Interior was just arrested for his own security…" the anchor was saying. "For those just coming in, Mr. Julliani had what we believe to be a public breakdown. He claimed that aliens are real during a press conference where he was supposed to answer questions about…" Cole muffed the sound at that point and groaned.

"So much for the plans of mice and men. I want Reese and Danvers here now! Schedule a press conference for noon today, and have Bob inform everyone we are going public ahead of schedule. I want everyone who intends to attend in New York tomorrow evening! And get me Joint Chiefs of Staff on the phone!" The President barked orders as fast as he could.

They were out of time, and the world was about to go to hell in a handbasket.


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Part 4

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"I simply can't believe this… It has to be a joke, right? I can't say this on camera!"

CNN anchor David Ray, upon having to report the truth about Disclosure

Italian Interior Minister Julliani has been arrested after his wild claims! Surprisingly, he wasn't taken into protective custody due to his apparent mental breakdown…

BBC World News

Senator Armstrong from Washington State claims aliens are real, too! According to him, that was the reason why President Cole met with Senate and Congress members yesterday. The same is true for the mobilization of the National Guard – it is meant to be deployed to keep order after the truth is announced for the whole world to see before the United Nations!

CNN

Italian Prime Minister and members of the Italian Parliament refused to distance themselves from the controversial statements by Minister Julliani! The Italian Parliament will be meeting later today to discuss the issue!

Could Minister Julliani be telling the truth?!

Associated Press

President Cole will address the nation at noon today, promising answers!

CBS

The Disclosure was inevitable. It was always a matter of time before the secret leaked and became public. The only real surprise was that the truth could be hidden for as long as it was. That fact alone gives credence to conspiracy theories to this day and likely will continue to do so for years to come.

After the disastrous expedition to Abydos, the only question was when public Disclosure would happen. Despite many governments' desperate attempts to buy time to prepare and deal with a multitude of unfolding crises, a leak was only a matter of time. As more and more governments learned the truth, time was rapidly running out…

from Disclosure: Truth and Myths, published and distributed by the Associated Press

"The Shadow Cabinet is holding a press conference right now, announcing the truth behind the heart attack of their fellow Minister David Sheffield. The Opposition's leader is about to speak..."

"We are here today to uphold our sworn duty to all British citizens. As duly elected Parliament Members, we all feel we owe you the truth, even if the Prime Minister and his Cabinet accuse us of treason. What you might be hearing coming from across the globe is true. Aliens are real. That news shocked Mr. Sheffield into a heart attack, and we believe the same happened with the Russian President…"

"My god, you heard that, right John? They are talking about aliens!"

From a live BBC News coverage of the UK Shadow Cabinet forcing disclosure

The National Guard in all US states just received orders to deploy in anticipation of President Cole's address to the nation at noon! Governor Gabriel of Texas commented that the truth is out there and everyone should address their questions to the President's office!

CNN

"My fellow Americans… No. My fellow people of Earth. Today is a day that will live in history for as long as there are people to remember it. Mankind has long asked itself, 'Are we alone among the stars?'. Today, I can give you a clear answer. No. We are not alone."

from President Michael Cole's historic speech


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8 January 1996
New York City, New York
The United States, Earth
Milky Way Galaxy

One day. That is how long it took the world to go to hell. Jack squirmed in the back seat of the SUV, carrying him to the United Nations building. Outside, the deserted streets looked like something out of the movie. Police and the National Guard were everywhere, locking down most of the city. Fighter squadrons and attack helicopters were in the air, ensuring no one without authorization could approach.

Despite everything happening worldwide, over twenty heads of state were now in the area, all heading for the same place. Every other country that mattered had sent a representative empowered to speak for them, even if their governments might not last long.

Riot Police and MPs were clashing with angry protesters and crazies determined to fight the New World Order. Jack wanted to scream at them. If there was a new order, it was Perun's, and he wouldn't bet on a bunch of rednecks against that man. By the time his snakeness arrived, the world might be ripe for the taking without him having to lift a finger!

In the US alone, riots, clashes, and the odd peaceful protest in every big city. The same was happening worldwide after the initial disbelief turned into fear and anger. Hell, on a TV at the airport, Jack saw a camera focused on old-style hippies waving placards that demanded Elvis back!

The motorcade that Jack was part of finally reached their destination, passing by National Guard tanks and APCs surrounded by soldiers who didn't look particularly happy. Since the President's address yesterday, rumors and truths, mixed with all kinds of speculation, were rampant. The cold weather and nasty wind weren't helping make anyone tasked with keeping America from burning down feel any better. Unless you were in California, in which case, baking under all your gear might be the bigger issue.

Additional security flooded out of the parked vehicles, and Jack followed suit, stepping out in the cold. He saw Carter and Jackson leaving other cars. They were now VIPs at a time the security situation was "who the fuck knows," so they got to ride in separate cars just in case. Perish the thoughts that UN diplomats might be inconvenienced if they all died and no one was there to explain things.

Weir appeared next, wearing a sharp gray suit. She beckoned with a gesture and headed towards the entrance as if she belonged there. Jack recalled that she had been working with the UN before, so that may be true.

There were enough soldiers stationed around the building to fight a war. The same was true for the security inside. While there were presumably the usual uniformed guards, those were rare. SWAT types were openly stationed at the entrance, and he could see pairs at each stairway elevator…. Well, at every path leading deeper into the building. Then there was the Secret Service, State Department Personal Protection people, and the bodyguard of everyone desperate or dumb enough to attend this circus in person.

Daniel sneezed loudly and sniffed, derailing Jacks's train of thought. He saw Weir nearby, frowning at the heavy security.

"Is there a problem, Doctor?" Jack inquired. He certainly hoped for a negative answer unless the issue in question could get him as far away from this place as possible.

"This isn't the impression we want to give," Weir frowned. "There is already enough fuel for all the rumors, and when people see this on their TVs?" She shook her head.

"I don't think it can be helped. People watching a mob storming this building might be worse," Jack grimaced at what he said.

With all the VIPs present, the odds were good that any mob trying to seriously get inside might end up shot to pieces. If something like that happened, the consequences would be gruesome.

Hayes walked out of an elevator and waved him to join him. He was looking worse than ever, making Jack worried for the man.

"It's a whirlwind of demands and accusations in the General Assembly. People want answers. We didn't have the time to give the heads up to too many governments, making the situation much worse than it could have been," A tired sigh escaped Henry's lips. "That's where you come in. While the heads of state are trying to reach some kind of agreement about what happens in the future, you three will be answering questions."

"You are throwing us to the sharks," Jack accused.

"We are in this together!" Henry proclaimed. "Now, follow me. Dr. Weir, would you take point? You still have some friends left, and they might listen to you long enough to give these three a chance."

"And in the lion's mouth, we walk…" Jack muttered.

They could hear shouting before they laid eyes on the General Assembly chamber. Weir shook her head when she entered, then marched towards the podium, where a harried man tried to answer all the incoming accusations. She muttered something in his ear, which earned her a nod, and he stepped away.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. For those who do not know me, I am Dr. Elizabeth Weir, and I come bringing answers," She looked at Jack and waved him to join her at the podium. "With me are Colonel Jack O'Neil and Captain Samantha Carter of the United States Air Force. They have been off worlds and are intimately familiar with what we are facing. Colonel O'Neill can also answer questions about the alien ruler Lord Perun due to personal experience. With us is also Doctor Daniel Jackson, who was among the first to theorize the truth about many things that are on topic today, including the existence of aliens. Ask, and we will do our best to answer."

The chaos was subdued briefly, allowing the General Secretary to assess order.

"We still have rules and protocols, and as god is my witness, we will follow them!" the old man's voice thundered, earning him a point of respect from Jack.

"Brazil, you have the floor. Ask you questions," The General Secretary ordered.

"The alien who is coming here, this Perun. Tell us about him. What does he want?"

"Well, he is a Star Wars fan," Jack offered. Blessed silence met his answer, followed by snorts of amusement and derision. "I am not joking," O'Neill continued. "On our first meeting with Perun, after giving him a cultural exchange package containing Star Wars, he arrived cosplaying like Vader. He also built himself a functional lightsaber. Captain Carter here can confirm seeing Perun use that thing in combat to good effect on Abydos," Jack paused and waited a few seconds for his words to sink in. "I am telling this for a reason. Lord Perun is not a typical politician or diplomat like those you interact with daily. He is the absolute ruler of an interstellar empire. He is also a battlefield commander who leads from the front. Any preconceptions you have about how diplomacy should work due to your experience? Forget them. We are about to be visited by a monarch who doesn't share our principles and morals," Jack was surprised that everyone was listening to him with rapt attention.

More than a few of the diplomats were even taking notes!

"When Perun arrives in orbit, he will have absolute military superiority and won't be shy about using it in negotiations. Anyone who negotiates with him will be doing it from a position of weakness," Jack finished.