"This is CNN." A deep voice announcer says as the logo of a cable new channel appears on the screen.
A serious looking woman with short hair is sitting behind the desk.
"Hello, I'm Brenda Star, The Tau'ri Federation has just passed a new law that is set to be enacted tomorrow. Identification and Registration Act', requires all member nations and planets of Tau'ri Federation register, effectively creating a database of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. However, there are also concerns about potential abuse of the data and the potential for the information to be used for discriminatory purposes."
Vice President Baxter Freedman appears on screen, refuting the claims of what CNN is reporting. He says, "The Identification and Registration Act is not about creating a database of ethnic and cultural backgrounds."
He continues, "It's about ensuring that every member of the Tau'ri Federation has equal access to vital services, regardless of their background. The safety net number assigned during registration will allow citizens to access social services, healthcare, and other essential benefits."
The CNN anchor listens intently, her expression unreadable. "But isn't there a risk that this information could be used to discriminate against certain groups?" she asks, clearly skeptical.
"We are all human beings, and we must respect and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background. The Tau'ri Federation has put in place strict safeguards to prevent any abuse of this information. The law also includes provisions for individuals to dispute inaccurate information and seek redress through the legal system. We are confident that the Identification and Registration Act will help to create a more equal and just society for everyone," says Baxter Freedman.
The CNN anchor nods thoughtfully, but doesn't seem entirely convinced. "We'll be following the implementation of this new law closely to see how it plays out in practice," she says, "and we'll continue to monitor any potential issues or concerns."
"Why are you mincing my words?" Baxter ask.
"I'm not." The anchor says, her tone sharp. "I'm just presenting the facts and raising concerns that have been voiced by critics of the law. It's our job to provide a balanced perspective."
Baxter Freedman nods, understanding the anchor's position. "You have no say in that matter. There's no freedom of the press in our Constitution."
The CNN anchor raises an eyebrow at his comment but decides not to pursue it further. "Well, we'll be sure to continue to provide our viewers with the most up-to-date information on this issue and any other matters that affect them."
The camera cuts back to Brenda Star, the serious looking woman behind the desk. "In other news, the Tau'ri Federation has announced a new initiative to combat climate change by disintegrating emissions. How does that work?" she asks, clearly intrigued.
"Well, the Tau'ri Federation Special Operations Command has developed a new technology that can convert harmful greenhouse gases into harmless byproducts. This process, called emission disintegration, it breaks down the molecular bonds of pollutants transforming them into neutral substances like water vapor and nitrogen gas. The disintegration process is powered by a unique form of ion neutrinos, ensuring that it is both eco-friendly and sustainable," Baxter explained.
"What dioxide?" the anchor asks, clearly curious.
"You're not a scientist, aren't you?" Baxter snidely remarks. "Carbon Dioxide is not a pollutant, it's a natural compound that plants needs to survive."
"I didn't know that." The anchor says, taking a moment to process the information.
"You should paid a more attention to science class then. Plants are vital to life on Earth, and carbon dioxide is their food. It's a natural part of the carbon cycle." Baxter says.
"Mr. Vice President, why are you ridiculing me?"
"I didn't mean to imply that you're not intelligent, just that perhaps you haven't paid enough attention to your science classes," Baxter says, softening his tone.
The anchor looks a bit taken aback by the apology but accepts it graciously. "What do you have against the media?" she asks, still curious about the Vice President's relationship with the press.
"I don't have anything against the media per se," Baxter explains. "But when you assume that I was cheating on my wife, when the media knew that my wife died in the hands of the Wraith, no pun intended." Baxter paused, letting his words sink in. "I just wish the media would be more responsible with their reporting and not spread falsehoods that can damage people's lives."
The anchor looks concerned. "I apologize if the media has been irresponsible in reporting on your personal life. It's not our intention to cause you any harm. We're just trying to provide our viewers with accurate and up-to-date information."
"Did you know they kidnapped my kids." Baxter says, his voice barely above a whisper. The anchor's eyes widen in surprise.
"I... I didn't know that," she says, feeling a mix of shock and guilt. "I'm sorry." Then she brought up General John Sheppard. "What about General Sheppard? Was he responsible for kidnapping your kids?"
Baxter sighs. "No, he was President Hayes Special Operation Division hunting the Wraith." Baxter glances at the clock. "Look, I've got a speech to give in an hour. I appreciate your time."
"Can you tell me where General Sheppard is?" The anchor asks.
"What's your obsession with General Sheppard?" Baxter asks, irritation creeping into his voice. "He's not involved in any of this. As for his whereabouts, I'm sure Unified Command would know." The anchor nods, understanding that Baxter doesn't want to discuss Sheppard further.
"I am not obsessed..." Brenda Star stutters, taken aback by the accusation. "I just think it's important for our viewers to know the full story. After all, General Sheppard and his team was involved in a high-profile rescue mission a few months ago."
Baxte raises his finger as it shimmers. "Which it is sealed for a reason." he says. The anchor frowns, sensing that there is more to this story than meets the eye.
"According to the files we collected from a FIOA request..." Brenda Star begins, hesitating for a moment as she glances at her notes. "The rescue mission was a success, but there were some...unusual circumstances surrounding it. It seems that General Sheppard and his team encountered something they weren't expecting, something that they weren't trained to handle."
"Which is?" Baxter says, raising an eyebrow. "I've seen the mission reports, and they don't mention anything out of the ordinary. So what exactly are you insinuating?"
"Well, according to these files..." Brenda Star says, her voice trailing off as she rifles through her notes. "There's a classified section that mentions something about 'unusual energy readings' and 'creatures beyond human understanding.' It seems that the team encountered beings that defied our current understanding of the universe. It's all very cryptic, but it does suggest that there might be more to the story than what we've been told."
"He's referring to the Wraith, not some mythical beings beyond our understanding," Baxter says dismissively. "They're an ancient, advanced species that feed on human life force or soul. Nothing more. The fact that General Sheppard and his team encountered them shouldn't be cause for any undue concern."
Brenda Star frowns. "Well, the files don't specifically mention the Wraith. In fact, they don't mention any known alien species. They only talk about these mysterious creatures that defy explanation. It's all very strange." She pauses for a moment. "Tell me more who John Sheppard is?"
Baxter sighs. "John Sheppard is a highly decorated officer in the United States Air Force. He's been with SGC since the beginning of the Wraith war, leading several high-profile missions against the Wraith. He's a true hero." Baxter's voice softens as he speaks of Sheppard, revealing a grudging respect for the man. "I don't see the obsession with the man."
"Is he a white supremacist?" Brenda Star asks bluntly. She can tell that the question takes Baxter by surprise. "By fighting the Wraith, he's essentially protecting the world from an invasion by a non-human species. That kind of rhetoric has often been used by white supremacists to justify their own hate and violence against minorities."
Baxter's eyes widen, and he leans forward in his chair. "That's a despicable accusation! John Sheppard is one of the most honorable men I've ever known. He fights for the greater good, for the protection of all human life. He doesn't see color or creed; he sees only the threat to humanity. You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting such a thing."
"How so?" Brenda Star asks, refusing to back down. "I'm just raising questions that need to be asked. It's our job as journalists. If you have nothing to hide, then you shouldn't be afraid of asking them."
"Have you read the profile on the Wraith?" Baxter ask.
"Of course I have. They're an ancient, advanced species that feed on human life force or soul. They're brutal and ruthless, but they're also incredibly resourceful. They're not just mindless monsters. They have their own culture, their own civilization. You can't just reduce them to being nothing more than a convenient excuse for racism." Brenda Star says, her voice steady. "And as for General Sheppard, I'm not saying he's a white supremacist. I'm just asking questions. I want to know what kind of man he really is, what motivates him."
"Why do you find that so important?" Baxter asks, leaning back in his chair from his office in Geneva. "General Sheppard is a decorated military officer, not some politician running for office. His actions speak for themselves. He's done more to protect humanity than anyone else alive today. That's the story that matters."
Brenda Star considers this for a moment. "I understand that he's done a lot of good, but that doesn't mean we should ignore the potential for harm."
"What harm can he bring?" Baxter asks, raising an eyebrow. "He's done nothing but fight to protect humanity and other alien civilization. The Wraith is a real threat, and he's the best person for the job. Why do you keep questioning his motives?"
"Fighting the Wraith is rooted in racism." Brenda Star responds firmly. "The Wraith are not human, so they're not deserving of the same rights and protections. It's a slippery slope from there. If we accept that it's okay to kill or enslave non-human beings, where does that leave us? How do we draw the line?"
"Would you be willing to serve the Wraith in exchange for a longer life span? If not, why?" Baxter asks, a challenge in his voice. "The Wraith are just as much a part of the galaxy as we are. They evolved from a bug that feed on people thousands of years, turning them to soul sucking creatures."
Brenda Star frowns. "That's not the point."
"It is the point." Baxter says. "If the Wraith weren't a threat, you wouldn't be here asking these questions. They are a threat, and General Sheppard is the best person to deal with that threat. He made friends with some Wraith commanders, learned their language, their customs, their tactics. He understands them better than anyone else. That's what makes him so successful in fighting them."
"I didn't know that." Brenda Star says softly. "It's easy to focus on the big picture and miss the details. It's clear that General Sheppard has done a great deal of research and understands the Wraith in a way that few people do." She pauses for a few seconds before continuing. "How about the murder charges that has been dropped a few times by executive by then United States President Henry Hayes?"
"What murder charges?" Baxter asks, clearly surprised. "I wasn't aware of any such allegations against General Sheppard?"
"It was brought up by a JAG officer whose client was Melissa Sumner." Brenda Star says. "She wants to press charges against then Colonel John Sheppard."
"Ah, yes." Baxter nods, seemingly unperturbed. "General Marshal Sumner daughter."
"You're aware of that?" Brenda asks, surprised.
"Yes, I'm aware of it." Baxter replies. "But I also know that there was never any solid evidence against Colonel Sheppard. It was all just hearsay and speculation. The charges were dropped for lack of proof. Marshal Sumner is alive and kicking."
Brenda Star raises an eyebrow. "Im lost for words." She pauses for a moment. "How do you know so much about the case and the people involved?"
"Look, Melissa Sumner wants to press charges against John Sheppard who shot her father while he is being fed upon." Baxter says. "Now, I'm not saying that it's right or wrong. But I'm telling you what happened."
"And how did she know that Colonel Sheppard killed him?" Brenda asks, still skeptical.
Baxter smiles as he shimmers away, a mere holographic projection developed by General Samantha Carter.
Meanwhile in the control room, a tall figure went into the dimly lit room. He walked into the lights of monitors; he massages his goatee as he watches his anchor failed attempt to make the Tau'ri Federation look bad.
He walks to the studio director and nods at her, expressing his displeasure with the anchor's performance. "She supposed to stick to the script and make them look bad, not make them sound good."
The studio director nods in agreement. "I understand, sir. We'll make sure that the next time, the anchor follows the script more closely. In the meantime, do you have any specific suggestions for how we can improve the narrative?"
Before he could responds, a team of armed soldiers burst into the door of the control room, weapons drawn. They immediately surround the tall figure and the studio director, pointing their weapons at them.
The lead soldier took off the helmet and mask, revealing the face of Melissa Sumner. A woman who is half Japanese and Caucasian who have a facial feature that of her mother; Reiko Sumner. "Ba'al."
"Yes, that's me." Ba'al said as he look at his nails. "What seems to be the problem?"
"You are under arrest." Melissa Sumner said as she took a step forward.
"On what charge?" Ba'al eyes glows for a few seconds and died back to normal as he glances at Melissa.
"Murder, crimes against humanity in the galaxy...You know the whole Goa'uld system Lords thing they do." Melissa Sumner said with a sneer. "You were hard to find, disguising as a News Director...But we finally got you."
Ba'al laughs. "There's more of me than you think."
"You think so?" Melissa sneered. "We'll you left alot of breadcrumbs in your wake. Records of your purchases, your travels, your aliases. Federation Security been tracking you for months." She gestured to the soldiers around them. "These fine men and women have spent their lives hunting people like you, and they're damn good at it."
Ba'al grinned. "So be it."
The soldiers tied Ba'al's hands behind his back, and Melissa placed a set of cuffs on him. As they escorted him out of the control room, she glanced at the studio director, who was still in shock. "You're coming with us too," she said. "You'll face charges for aiding and abetting a war criminal."