1700 October 17 1997 [Local Calendar]
Cheyenne Mountain, SGC
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
The time to explain myself has come. I have about an hour before the briefing, until then myself and my girls have been confined to quarters, which we went along with so as not to break the peace. To be honest I was hoping to have a couple of months bare minimum, but it appears I was underestimating these people and overestimating my own abilities.
I quickly send a message to Serina through my HUD asking her to have No Calibration Needed make her a portable hologram projector that could hold her AI chip and then place it in my Pocket Space so that I could get her help. While I wait for that, I suppose that I should figure out how to explain myself, thankfully they've already given me a plausible explanation without having to give everything away.
1800 October 17 1997 [Local Calendar]
Cheyenne Mountain, SGC
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
I walk towards the conference room being escorted by two airmen. In my pocket is the projector that looks like a slightly oversized hockey puck with silver-gray plating around the exterior except for the port with Serina's chip and a blue crystalline lens on the top for the projection point.
Stepping through the door I find that only General Hammond and SG-1 are present and even as I take a position to speak with them the General dismisses the men who brought me here.
"Alright Commander, why don't you tell us what's really going on?" The General opened the floor for me.
"If that's even his real rank." Jack said under his breath, still angry with me for putting Daniel in danger.
"Yes sir, and for the record, my rank is Commander just not in the United States Navy. Before I explain things I would like to pose a question." After Hammond gives me a nod I look to Carter. "Why can't a time traveler explain everything they know?"
Sam looks at General Hammond before giving the theoretical answer that wasn't very theoretical anymore. "It would create paradoxes, just by knowing what the future is it changes what will happen."
"Exactly, so just know that there are many things that I cannot answer so that the integrity of the timeline is maintained. I can talk about past events with a good amount of freedom. So what do you want to know?" I open the floor for discussion.
"Why did SECNAV play along with your story?" Hammond asked, bringing out the big guns immediately.
"That's a difficult question to answer. I used a piece of technology that allowed me to alter the memories of one person before it self-destructs so that it can't be reproduced. I used it on SECNAV to implant the memory of me and my team so that we could get legitimate papers as well as getting into the place that we needed to be, the SGC."
"Why is the rest of your team unaware of the Stargate Program while you are completely aware?" The baritone voice of Teal'c asks.
"I decided that it would be more believable if they were to give genuine reactions to the explanations of everything here. I already knew most of your adventures when the opportunity presented itself."
"What year did you come from?" Carter asked.
I could only give a single response. "Classified." The hell else was I supposed to say? 2023? 2552? 2470? I think that's when Starcraft was anyway.
Daniel raised his hand slightly. "How much of your story was true?"
Thinking about it for a moment I decide that it's not a dangerous question to answer. "It was mostly true. Lieutenant Noble, the Master Chief, and I are all part of a program that was the successor to Project ORION. Specifically, the Chief and I are part of the SPARTAN II program while Seni is part of SPARTAN III. Project ORION is exactly as described, completely voluntary, turning the best soldiers into better, augmented soldiers. The main problem with it was the extremely low survival rate, which led to the SPARTAN projects." I could see the dots connecting behind Sam's eyes, since while she wasn't a medical doctor, she was still a genius. "It was theorized that the augmentations were so devastating because of one simple reason, the subjects bodies had already become stable."
"Wait, you don't mean…" Daniel started to voice his thoughts in a whisper.
"The SPARTAN candidates were all children ages five to seven at the time of induction into the program." There were gasps of horror at what I had just said, the use of child soldiers was such a disgusting thought that it made most people furious at the thought. "The SPARTAN II program was not voluntary, we were kidnapped and secreted away before our training began, SPARTAN III's were orphans who were mildly coerced into voluntarily joining the program." Giving them a moment to wrap their heads around what I had explained, I continued before a shouting match could begin. "Kerrigan was part of a very similar situation, at a very young age she displayed unusual abilities, as such she was taken to a top secret facility where she was experimented on, tortured, and brainwashed to turn her into the perfect assassin. When she was in her late teens early twenties she defected to a rebel cell and was working for them when the leader of the group betrayed her for her part in the assassination of his wife and son regardless of the circumstances, and left her for dead in a situation where she was surrounded by enemies, that's where we found her and since then she's been working with us."
I took a breath, I left it just vague enough that they might think that it was a geopolitical nightmare on the Earth a few decades from now so it shouldn't be a problem that I explained as much as I had.
"Are you a threat to us?" Jack asked after several silent minutes.
"No. I am here to protect the Earth from as many future threats as possible, and I have too much respect for this command in general and you all specifically to do anything to try anything that might cause harm to this mountain."
"What do you plan to do now?" The General asked, bringing up the big question.
"Well sir, while I can't go into details I can say that the first two years of the program are the ones that you'll be fighting an uphill battle." I take a moment to think about my plan. Looking back at the man I continue. "I would like to remain with the program for now, at least until your message is sent." Everyone at the table looks slightly confused about my comment but it only takes the General maybe five seconds to realize what I'm referring to.
"I see." He said before his eyes locked with mine. "And what will you do in the meantime?"
"That depends on you, General. If you want us to, we will carry out our duties as SG-10, my preference as it would be nice to travel. Conversely, you could confine us to base and delegate me to an advisory role, probably the safest option. If you decide you would rather go with the second option, I'm letting you know that I'm going to send my people back home, none of them are exactly socially mature, not by any fault of their own."
"And after that event?"
"I think I'll go out into the galaxy to prepare for dealing with the Goa'uld. That's not to say that I won't assist you with any problems that may arise but much of what I can provide will be difficult with the amount of space that is available here as well as the requirement that this remains a secret." I say looking at the expectant faces. "As a show of good faith I will begin to help you with developing your technology. I can't just give you the answers, but I can assist you in finding them." I pause for a moment before shrugging it off and continuing. "In the near future you'll meet people who can attest to why I'm taking this policy."
"How do you plan on helping?" Sam asked, leaning forward as the conversation drifted into her territory.
I smirk before pulling the projector out of my pocket. "With a little help of my own."
Placing the puck on the table, Jack has to say something. "I guess hockey is still around in the future, kinda anyway."
Before he could say much else, the blue lens lit up and in an impressive display of light Serina appeared standing on top of the puck. "Hello SG-1, General Hammond, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Serina." The AI introduced herself in her British accent with a smile.
"You have a communication device?" Sam asks, looking at the projector. "And a holographic one to boot."
"Not exactly Captain." Serina contradicts looking smug.
"Serina is an Artificial Intelligence, what you are seeing is her avatar, this puck is just a projector to allow her to speak face to face as it were." I finish her explanation.
"Wow. So you are entirely digital? If you don't mind me asking how much data constitutes your makeup?" The local scientist asked, looking like her birthdays and Christmases for the next five years all came at the same time.
Serina gave a saucy smirk and replied. "Why, Captain, you of all people should know not to ask a woman her weight."
There was silence.
Perfect silence.
And then it was broken.
"I'm scared by how turned on I am by this hologram." Jack whispered to himself in a voice that sounded like a cannon in the silence.
Carter looked at him, scandalized.
The General shook and lowered his head.
Daniel seemed to be deciding how to explain to Jack that there were things that you just don't say aloud.
And Teal'c… just raised his right eyebrow.
Serina decided to toss a grenade into the fire, skipping the gasoline. "Calm down Colonel, there's only one man for me and he's right there." She said, jutting her thumb over her shoulder at me.
Silence returned.
Huh maybe an infinite dragon loli will appear with how quiet it is.
I decide to speak before things go too crazy. "Serina, please stop making things difficult for me."
Giving me a nod, she turned back to Sam. "Apologies, in answer to your previous question, my data is difficult to quantify as I can grow exponentially."
Sam looked like she wanted to go into further detail with the AI, but Hammond cut her off before she was able to. "I take it that Miss Serina here is the one who will be doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to our science department?"
"Yes, General." I confirm. "She is brilliant, and with the assistance of capable hands she can easily help to advance your technology level by several decades." This got several raised eyebrows from the audience, and an excitedly enthusiastic look from Carter. "However, this will come with a few caveats."
"Well General, you know what they say: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Jack said, his sour expression returning.
"What do you want?" Hammond asked, matching O'Niell's expression.
"Nothing too serious yet, for now I just want a Presidential Order signed saying that the advancements that are made will only be used in the defense of Earth." I say, clearly catching him off guard.
"What else would we use it for?" Daniel asked, being the only person who wasn't military.
"The US and Russia are not exactly the best of friends and North Korea is not much better." I answer before wincing. "Which brings me to the more long term request."
"I really don't like the look on your face." Jack said, getting into a defensive posture.
"Before some of the developments can be made publicly available, I would recommend going public with the United Nations and offering to share the civilian technology." Watching the counter arguments form I interject. "I only say this because if you don't then there will be war when the other countries watch the United States suddenly leap 30 to 40 years in terms of technology, and if there is a war then it will be easy pickings for the Goa'uld when they inevitably come."
"The Commander is correct in his assessment of the Goa'uld. Some of the System Lords would often infiltrate a world before they conquer it to sow chaos and confusion. A common saying among the Jaffa of Ba'al is 'An opponent at war with themselves is defeated before the true threat comes.'" Teal'c said, his voice as level as ever.
Giving the man a nod in thanks, I look back at the rest of the table. "I only have one more request and that is that myself and my team have our participation withheld from any official paperwork as there are those who will attempt to use us for their own benefit and not the benefit of the Earth."
Hammond lowered his head in thought before looking at me. "How the hell am I supposed to get a signed Presidential Order without giving him evidence that what you say is true, or telling him who you are?" He asked in a tone of irritation.
I cup my chin in thought, and after a moment I regain eye contact with the General. "Very well, as a proof of concept I will assist in developing an upgrade for the personnel of this command of your choosing. This upgrade will be of approximately two decades worth of technological development."
The man looks taken aback before contemplating my offer. "Give me some time to think about that. And what about withholding your name from the President?"
"Just refer to me as a source that you discovered on a recent mission who wants the downfall of the Goa'uld." I say, knowing that they couldn't really turn away any assistance at this point.
"Very well. Commander Drake, for the time being you are confined to post. You may not leave the mountain without express permission and a military escort." The General ordered, ensuring that all of his bases were covered in the event of something happening. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, General." I reply, snapping to attention.
"Do you have any questions for me or SG-1?"
"No, General."
"Then you are dismissed." Ordered General Hammond before returning my salute.
I grab the holographic puck, turn on my heel, and walk out of the conference room.
———
"Whelp, that could have gone better." Colonel Jack O'Niell said after giving the Commander some time to get away from the room. "Do we actually believe that he can send his team back to wherever it is that they came from?"
"I do, sir." Carter answered. "It might not seem like much to you but an Artificial Intelligence on the level of Serina is a minimum of a century's worth of work and research to come even close to being as… well human as she was."
"It was a computer, Carter."
"Was she, Jack?" Daniel weighed in. "When was the last time you heard a computer make a comment about her weight? She was self aware, she had a sense of humor, and she was reacting to us properly, to all standards she is alive."
"No Daniel, it is a computer. A very beautiful… smooth…" He began to drift into thought before snapping out of it. "Ahem. Computer."
"Well regardless of whether or not Serina is sapient." General Hammond broke in. "He believes that he can send his people back at any time, and he was so confident that he didn't even make it a request to send them, to him it was just a matter of fact." He slowly clasped his hands and looked at them. "If for no other reason I trust him because of that."
"General?" Jack asked, looking for clarification.
"I believe that what General Hammond is alluding to is that with Commander Drake's confidence to send his forces back, there is a high possibility that he can call more forces here." Teal'c said, his eyes looking forward. "If his intentions were less than honorable, he could rather easily capture the SGC."
"That's correct, for the time being we are going to try to stay on his good side. Now as for the offer of the single development do we have any suggestions?" Hammond asked.
"Guns." Was Jack's vote.
"Medical technology." Daniel replied.
"Sir, if I may?" Carter broke in, receiving a gesture to continue from the General. "I recommend that we go for computer technology, in the last ten years our computers have evolved by leaps and bounds and it's a trend that is not showing any signs of slowing. How much more advanced will our technology be in 20 years? Now on the flip side of the Colonels request, how much has our weapons technology improved in the last 20 years? It honestly hasn't been that much." She explained watching the Colonel try to rebuff her statement. "Plus if we go with computers, the odds are good that they will help with developing more technologies down the line."
"Very well." Hammond said standing up, causing SG-1 to stand as well. "Tomorrow, Captain Carter will take Commander Drake to a lab and start working on developing some new computer technology. Until then you are all dismissed."
1015 October 24 1997 [Local Calendar]
Cheyenne Mountain, SGC
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
One full week in Stargate and I haven't stamped anyone yet. I'm trying to play the long con so that my meta-knowledge still works and for that I can't just go around stamping everyone, mainly because I don't want a copy and if I stamp them now then certain events won't happen at the right time. I did have some ideas on what would be going on in the future so I had opted to keep my girls around at least until after the next major event.
Which should be happening in the next few hours probably.
"Dr. Kleinhouse and his associates were killed brutally." Daniel said. General Hammond, SG-1, and I were standing in the middle of the Gate room around a golden sarcophagus. "The Mexican authorities assumed it was by crypt robbers looking to steal anything in the burial vault with this."
"And who thought to send it here?" The General asked, looking at it confused.
"Uh, Dr Kleinhouse's other associates who were outside the pyramid. They recognised the significance of an Egyptian sarcophagus in a Mayan temple, and since I was the only one ever to research cross pollination of ancient cultures, they tracked me down." Daniel replied.
Jack looked at it worried. "I know this thing."
"Yeah, I recognize it too." The archeologist answered.
"It looks like that thing that was on Ra's ship that…"
"Brought Sha're and I back to life."
"Well how can that be?" The General asked before turning to me. "Is there anything that you can add Commander?"
As I am thinking about what to say, the blast door behind me opens. Quickly making up my mind I speak before the airman that I know just walked in can. "Only that myself and my team should be the ones to handle this situation." I jut my thumb over my shoulder to indicate that I'm talking about the airman.
Looking confused for a moment he looks at the man in question. "What is it, airman?"
"General, a person was just arrested at the main gate for attempting an unauthorized entrance." The man reported.
The General looked back at me but was still addressing the airman. "What's so special about this person?"
"Sir, she knew that the Stargate was here."
The eyes of everyone else snapped to the man behind me.
This was going to be interesting.
————
A/n: Okay everyone, here we go again. Thanks again for all of your comments and support, and a big thanks to Gateworld for the transcripts of the episodes that I'm writing through. Now before people go saying that I'm revealing too much information about the MC let me point out that while what he is saying is true, he is being purposely misleading. He doesn't want them to know everything because like I explained getting close to the end of the chapter, he doesn't want to irrevocably fuck canon. He wants to milk his meta-knowledge for all its worth.
And as for who this mysterious person is, hmmm I wonder… guess you'll have to wait for the next chapter to see how I deal with this situation. Until then…
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