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Chapter 24: The New World(Sith) Order
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Part 5
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Sergeant Nicholas Perez was an NYPD veteran killed on 19th January 1997 in the line of duty. He was shot by the mentally unstable Ron Watson, who opened fire on riot police for enforcing the New World Order and pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.
On the 20th of January 1997, Sergeant Perez was resurrected in the lobby of the United Nations building in New York by Lord Perun, demonstrating the capabilities of Goa'uld medical technology. This demonstration, combined with healing Maya Roberts, had far-reaching consequences across Earth.
The response from Earth's many religions would be varied and often contradictory. Lord Perun was canonized as a saint, added as a new member of the Pantheons on the one hand, and accused of being the Antichrist and even the Devil himself, here to drag the faithful into eternal damnation.
At the same time, the awareness that Earth could have received access months ago if certain governments weren't playing the usual political games was outright devastating. Gradually, a new wave of protests and riots hit most major cities worldwide, usually led by people who had lost family and friends to causes that could have been prevented through what Lord Perun offered the world.
Disclosure: How the Sarcophagus Changed the World, created and distributed by the Associated Press
What the sarcophagus does should be flat-out impossible, Medical Doctors claim. Brain death occurs after five to seven minutes without oxygen. Most cells in the human body die within hours, the skin lasting the longest – around a day or so. Whatever the sarcophagus does is not simply miraculous. It is so far beyond what should be possible; it might as well be literal magic.
Even if the device somehow restored Sergeant Perez's body, he should have remained dead for all intents and purposes. Even if the sarcophagus could restore the neurons in the brain, the information contained in them, neurons, memories, everything a person ever knew, all the skills he learned, everything that makes you who you are, should have been replaced by a blank slate. The body would be there, like a clone, yet the person would be gone.
That is explicitly not what we saw. Everyone who knew Sergeant Perez could swear they were talking to him, particularly his family. There were no changes in personality, no lost memories that couldn't be explained by the trauma of being shot and nearly dying.
For all intents and purposes, Sergeant Perez is the same man who died on the 19th. The implications of this for science and the nature of who we are are incredible, even before considering all the lives that could be saved.
The Scientific American
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21 January 1997
The White House, Washington DC
the United States, Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Sitting behind this desk, in this office, was a dream. It was the culmination of two decades spent in politics, first on the local level, then as a Senator representing Michigan, and eventually as Governor of his home state.
The dream turned into a nightmare, with the future of the whole nation and the world hanging in the balance.
George Richards, the 42nd President of the United States, silently prayed he wouldn't be the last to hold the office.
"Parts of the country are going nuts, George," Peter, his long-time friend and ally, and now his Chief of Staff, bemoaned. "Well, crazier than they were yesterday anyway."
"Much of the south is on fire, with no sight of abating. Hell, I'm only surprised Florida hasn't joined them yet," Roberts grumbled. "It could have been worse too…"
"It is worse. That alien expects us to get moving soon, and we really aren't able to do much while our house is burning down around our ears."
"I need a comprehensive plan of action. We will have to screen people to reasonably ensure they have the skills they claim to possess. I don't want that ship flying over here so Perun can carve his initials on the front lawn," Roberts noted. "More importantly, we don't want crazy bastards trying to go out there and cause trouble."
"That might be inevitable, George," Peter pointed out.
"Perun is unlikely to care; we both know who he will blame. Hell, we were supposed to have this mess under wraps!" Roberts hit his desk with an open palm.
The desk was all right, but now his arm ached, and he didn't feel better.
"We can still salvage some things. Joint R&D is happening in Colorado Springs. If we can keep the region secure, we should be able to reap the benefits of hitting the ground running. Ideally, we will want to keep as much of the research efforts happening on US soil, with as many of our people involved as possible. This will allow us to keep an edge and be among the first to take advantage of any new developments," Peter pointed out.
"That is why I like you! You don't just see the silver lining. You see how to make it useful!" Roberts frowned. "But first, we need to get all that insanity under control so we can get things done."
"We also need to get the rest of your Administration approved. The only reason Hayes' was a shoo-in was because no one else wants his job, and Perun likes him for some reason."
George scowled again, this time thinking about the House and Senate. What they were doing would be hilarious if it wasn't so tragic and, more importantly, dangerous. It didn't help that the Goa'uld operated was incompatible with how things legally happened here on Earth.
No formal treaties were announcing Earth's annexation. That was simply a fact because of that warship hanging above New York… Well, there was the moon, and no one could miss that.
Roberts couldn't even bring a surrender document to Congress to ratify. Such things apparently didn't matter, or they only counted between peers. That would be a 'gift' that would keep birthing trouble for a long time.
A Secret Service agent burst into the Oval Office.
"What is he doing now?" George asked in exasperation. Everyone knew who he was.
"Perun's ship is on the move. He is heading towards Africa, perhaps the Middle East."
"That is going to be another disaster, won't it?" the President bemoaned. Why did he want this job again?
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"Admiral Perry", Cheops class 'yacht'
Egypt, Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
This time, Jack wasn't alone on board Perun's trophy ship. Carter was nearby, geeking out, so at least someone was happy. The damn catzilas also liked her while looking at him as if he was lunch, walking around begging to be eaten.
"Mrow," the larger Jaguar demanded more attention. It sat beside Carter, who wasn't exactly a short woman, showing exactly how big the damn thing was. The Captain absent-mindedly petted the wild cat while staring at the hologram hanging in the middle of the bridge, muttering scientific mumbo-jumbo to herself.
Honestly, it was amazing that they got from New York to Egypt in mere minutes. The luck everyone had was also impressive. Otherwise, someone might have panicked and sent fighters against the ship for all the good they would do.
This space 'yacht,' as Perun kept calling his new ride, might not be the Death Star. However, Earth didn't have X-Wings or Luke Skywalker. With Perun around, they needed Luke more than a bunch of space fighters.
"Are we going to be digging out another, 'Hathor,' was it?" Jack grumbled aloud.
"I have no idea," Perun shrugged on the throne. "There are a lot of bits and pieces the ship's sensors detect. We are here to account for the larger ones. When I leave, one of my Primes and their Jaffa will grab anything of interest. If I don't need it, your scientists might get to play with those items," Perun frowned. "That's a lot of sand…"
Before anyone could react, the hologram zoomed in, showing a bunch of dunes and the corner of a pyramid in the distance. A ball of fiery plasma flashed through, leaving a trail of superheated air. A large dune blew up, throwing chunks of melted glass all over the desert.
"Jesus Christ…" Jack mumbled and glared at Perun, who paid him no attention.
Carter's muttering ceased with a click when she sharply closed her mouth.
The wind blew away smoke and dust on the hologram, showing a crater full of molten glass. Perun kept staring intently at it and for a good reason. A bulbous shape rose from below the crater, bathing in rapidly cooling glass. It was an odd-shaped ship with a spike longer but thinner than it was sticking out from its belly.
The vessel hung in the air for a few more seconds before landing on nearby, somewhat intact dunes.
"I haven't seen one of those antiques for a very long time…" Perun muttered. "Congratulations, Jack, Earth gets to have its first proper spaceship," Perun announced and got up.
The Jaguar perked up and bounced towards him, looking for more attention like a domestic cat.
"You are going to give it to us?" Carter finally found her voice.
"After removing the hyperdrive and anything else you shouldn't be playing with. We don't want a repeat of Abydos," Perun spoke as if they were children caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
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Part 6
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Cats will be cats, whether you are an alien monarch or not! Lord Perun was seen earlier today 'beam' down to discuss matters with the UN, with a Jaguar tagging along. By the looks of things and his reactions, the visit of his companion wasn't planned.
New York Times
Lord Perun uncovers buried an alien ship in Giza, Egypt! Lady Lyda will take custody of the vessel. She will use it to train Earth personnel in space operations while facilitating the construction of space infrastructure and industry!
Associated Press
Lord Perun demonstrated the power at his disposal for the second time by leaving a glassed crater near the Pyramid in Giza, Egypt!
BBC World News
Lady Lyda announced that she welcomes scientists, engineers, and astronauts from Earth's space agencies in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she manages Storm Industries for Lord Perun. It appears that Colorado Springs is positioned to become Earth's technological capital.
CNN
Religious scholars worldwide discuss the nature of the Goa'uld, their claim to divinity and godhood, and how their apparent powers compare to those wielded by gods in myths and legends.
Lord Perun and the Goa'uld appear to exist in an odd middle ground. They are far from the all-powerful or knowing gods of the Abrahamic religions. Yet, they wield raw power and have feats that make them substantially more powerful than many gods in pagan pantheons.
National Geographic magazine
The Russian government reached an agreement with the United Nations Security Council for development aid and the means to recover after the ongoing civil war in exchange for alien artifacts retrieved from the Goa'uld infesting Yuri Gerasimov. Among the recovered artifacts is the original dialing device for the Stargate, which is currently in US custody.
The discovery of the DHD means that using the Stargate is significantly easier, cheaper, and safer, according to Lady Lyda. Lord Perun's representative on Earth explained that using a custom interface like the one currently set up at Stargate Command, dialing up an address bypasses various security protocols. It can potentially lead to disaster if the destination is hazardous.
USA Today
A Stargate Alliance Treaty is in the works in the United Nations, along with a revisited UN charter, which would consider Earth's new position in the galaxy. Insiders claim that the SAT will be the principal international organization facilitating operations pertaining to the Stargate, alien technologies, and the first point of contact between Earth as a whole and Lord Perun. The organization aims to pool resources, ensure fair sharing of reverse-engineered alien technologies, and ensure no disruption in the deliveries of taxes and goods that Lord Perun requires of Earth.
So far, representatives from over fifty countries have provisionally agreed with the SAT concept and are discussing the organization's details, scope, and responsibilities.
Associated Press
People and organizations who proclaimed their opposition to Lord Perun's annexation of Earth decried the ongoing discussions in the United Nations as treachery to humanity. They pledged to fight this attempt to consolidate the New World Order.
Euronews
Federal Agents raided the home of Reverent Elijah Thompson, who has been charged with instigating armed insurrection and violence.
CNN
Dr. Svetlana Markova from Russia will represent Earth in Lord Perun's court. She will coordinate scientific development and joint projects between Earth and Lord Perun's scientists.
Pravda
Lord Perun will meet with the United Nations Security Council and world leaders one last time before leaving to administer the rest of his realm and prepare for war! Rumors persist that during said meeting, the United Nations will sign a document formally accepting Earth's annexation as a part of Lord Perun's domain.
CNN
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22 January 1997
The United Nations building, New York
The United States, Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Amid outrage and the whole world being on fire, Henry had less than two days to do something constructive about it. He had the President's blessing to do whatever he could to bring a semblance of international order. The United States needed it, and the same was true for the rest of the world.
The world itself was a different place now. You had to just glance at the news to confirm it. For once, Perun's bumbling around like an elephant in a glass store provided tangible benefits. It was finally dawning on people that the world, as they knew it, was an illusion. Perun's visit to Egypt, while barely avoiding disaster, paid off, giving Henry the lever he needed to move the world.
He sat at the head of the Security Council table, not only as America's representative, by Perun's order, but as the Secretary of State. Before him lay a thin, deceptively simple-looking folder. It was a tiny thing compared to what it contained. A week ago, its contents, plain language, and simplicity would have outraged any diplomat or lawyer worth their salt.
In reality, the documents were so much worse that before Perun's arrival, they would have ended careers and ensured people would be put on trial. At least one of those things was still likely to happen to everyone involved, alongside assassination attempts.
In that folder was the core of the Stargate Alliance Treaty. It was a pledge of cooperation and a legal document that bound Earth to Perun in a way countries could use. It was another question that it wouldn't be legal for many governments to sign the damn thing due to provisions clashing with their laws, even constitutions.
The United States wasn't an exception. Yet, what the document acknowledged and what it was meant to achieve made all the difference in the world. At last, Henry hoped that would be the case.
Ambassadors and heads of state entered one after another, each wearing a solemn expression on their faces. The mood resembled that of a funeral. After today, there would be no turning back. They would be bound together, not by a mere stroke of a pen, but by the power of Perun's weapons.
Today, the sword was mightier than the pen. That was Earth's reality now. And Henry? He made it all possible, though he could hardly believe people agreed to his desperate gamble.
The chamber filled. The only people inside were the ambassadors, heads of state, a handful of bodyguards, and a single unlucky aide, yet every seat around the table and the observers' gallery was taken. Aides flooded the chamber, bringing in folders clad in red leather and pens, before leaving hastily.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must ask one last time: are you ready to do this?" Hayes asked aloud. His voice easily carried through the quiet room. It felt unnatural, considering who was inside.
Quiet murmurs of agreement and terse nods were the only answers he received.
Perun marched in as if watching them, waiting for the best moment to enter, followed by four of his Jaffa, who were obviously ceremonial guards for the occasion.
Henry stood up and bowed stiffly. Everyone else did the same, no matter how much they hated it.
"Lord Perun, we have a formal agreement ready that should guarantee your purpose on Earth will be fulfilled. We have the agreement of the fifty-seven most powerful countries on Earth. Their leaders or ambassadors authorized to act on behalf of their governments and people are here, ready to sing the treaty."
"I hope, for your sake, that your governments and people will remember what this means," Perun declared while walking around the table to join Hayes. "It is not a piece of paper that binds us together. The one currency always matters: raw power and the will to use it."
One of Perun's Jaffa produced a leather-bound folder containing the Goa'uld's copy of the treaty and placed it on the table beside Henry's. Cameras flashed while others recorded how history happened.
Henry made the United States' unconditional surrender a legal fiction with a pen stroke. Technically, Congress had to vote it into law… and that would happen within the hour, under the guns of Perun's ship. For all the benefits their alien overlord offered, he made a point that no one would soon forget, earning himself even more enemies on Earth.
Hayes watched dully how Perun picked up his pen and signed the treaty. His fingers twitched, and the open folders moved around each other – yet another demonstration of power.
It was a long ceremony where everyone had to sing too damn many versions of the treaty. Henry knew why Perun agreed to his scheme. Everyone who put his name down was an accomplice to Earth's capitulation. They were bound, perhaps tainted by this simple act. They all admitted that submission was the lesser evil and pledged to ensure it stayed that way.
Henry knew that after today, his name would be forever tainted. He ensured his place in future history books as someone billions might hate. At the same time, all he had to do was close his eyes to see a world burn and hear the dying screams of its people. His tarnished reputation was a small price to pay when compared to the alternative.
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On 22 January 1997, fifty-seven nations signed the Stargate Alliance Treaty, establishing the SAT and formalizing Earth's annexation by Lord Perun. Through the SAT and its vital nature for Earth's security and scientific advancement, the United Nations would begin a long process of evolution, leading to its eventual transformation...
Disclosure: The End of an Era
Lord Perun? He took our freedom, yet he gave us the stars. It is for everyone to decide for themselves, if the bargain was worth it.
Dr. Samara Carter